A Spotlight on General-Release Footwear

With a never-ending schedule of collaborations lined up, sometimes we forget to appreciate the silhouette for what it is. Personally to me, what has recently grabbed my interest is when a general release sneaker gains the same, or at times even more, attention to detail than a collaborative effort. Here are some general release footwear choices to look out for that should not be too hard to get your hands on.

New Balance "Refined Future" aka "Protection Pack"

When New Balance released the first "Refined Future Pack" with the New Balance 2002R, it was instantly regarded as one of the best sneakers of 2021. The pack was footwear designer Yue Wu's first swing at a lifestyle model and was met with critical acclaim. Praised for looking like a collaboration shoe but flexing the brand's creativity to the max. The New Balance "Refined Future Pack" returns with the NB 1906R. The theme is carried on with rough edge paneling and tonal colors.

Asics Gel-NYC

Asics will launch a set of Gel-NYC in seasonal colors. This is a new silhouette from the brand and saw a collaboration debut with Awake NY this year. Although the collaboration was masterful, the general release models also pull their weight. Complex paneling with the signature tiger stripe, the unmatched comfort with the Gel midsole, and the array of colors that effortlessly highlight the silhouette makes for a new look to take forward in 2023.

Nike Zoom Vomero 5

While Nike Dunks still dominate most of the releases on the lifestyle side of Nike, the Vomero 5's have positioned themselves as a modern classic. Originally released in 2010, the runner silhouette has come through with colorways that make me reconsider putting on my New Balances. From the "Oatmeal" colorway to the "Wheatgrass" these shoes have taken on modern color schemes with ease. This is one silhouette I am very excited to see release with more colorways on the way.