me, the “Team Royal/Creamy Vanilla” colorway is the standout of the bunch. The light blue and cream hues are a refreshing take on the typically dark and muted color schemes of winter footwear. The sleek silhouette and bold color combination make these a must-have for any sneakerhead looking to add a touch of luxury to their collection. – Elaina Bernstein, Senior Editor
We’re Deep into Summer: The Hypebeast Team’s Top Picks for New Shoes
Summer is in full swing and the Hypebeast team is back to share our favorite new shoe releases of the year. From eight different brands, PUMA takes the lead with the most representation. But don’t count out fashion-forward options from Allen Edmonds and Rick Owens, alongside footwear giants like Nike and adidas. Check out our team’s passionate reviews and standout stories below, and let us know which pair you’d add to your collection.
ROMBAUT x PUMA Levitation “Medic Green”: A Love at First Sight Experience
Logan Fairbrother/Hypebeast
Discovery is a driving force in my life, whether it’s finding a new restaurant, an emerging brand, or a whimsical product that I just have to have. One of my favorite moments of discovery was over a year ago when I saw ROMBAUT’s PUMA Levitation sneakers on the runway at Paris Fashion Week. The “floating heel” and sleek design immediately caught my eye and I couldn’t wait for their release. This excitement led me to dive deep into ROMBAUT, which resulted in an interview with founder Mats Rombaut before the collaboration’s debut. When I finally got my hands on the ROMBAUT x PUMA Levitation in the “Medic Green” colorway, it lived up to the hype. The unique interior structure not only gave me a boost in height, but also boosted my confidence. It felt like I had just leveled up my character in a video game, enhancing my strength and agility. These sneakers have accompanied me on many adventures and have elevated not only my height, but also my outfits.
– Logan Fairbrother, Associate Editor
Rick Owens Beatle Bogun: My Most-Worn Pair
Paul Heavener/Hypebeast
In the past two years, my shoe rotation has become increasingly boot-heavy, with the Rick Owens Beatle Bogun taking the top spot as my most-worn pair. Aside from being a chunky, all-black boot that fits perfectly with my wardrobe, they are surprisingly versatile. With loose pants, they give off a lowkey vibe, but with shorts or cropped pants, they make a bold statement. And despite their weight, they are incredibly comfortable to stand around in. The added height also gives me a boost of confidence.
– Paul Heavener, Executive Creative Director
FENTY x PUMA Avanti “Team Royal/Creamy Vanilla”: A Refreshing Take on Winter Footwear
Elaina Bernstein/Hypebeast
Throughout the year, FENTY’s PUMA Avanti sneaker has released in various colorways and versions, solidifying its position as the pinnacle of Rihanna’s collaboration with the brand. In January, the duo reinvented the Avanti model, introducing the slimmer Avanti LS sneaker. Drawing inspiration from a classic PUMA silhouette, the Riri-designed version features a lighter-weight body. For me, the standout colorway is “Team Royal/Creamy Vanilla.” The light blue and cream tones are a refreshing departure from the usual dark and muted colors of winter footwear. The sleek silhouette and bold color combination make these a must-have for any sneakerhead looking to add a touch of luxury to their collection.
– Elaina Bernstein, Senior Editor
