Counter Culture

The Best Sneakers of Summer

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There have been countless contenders for the best sneaker of the year so far in our opinion. From re-issues of cult classics from Adidas to hype sneakers on our Goodhood Launches raffle system to special new silhouettes from New Balance, there's been no shortage of sneaker options for your footwear rotation. Modern day runners travel far beyond the realms of just looking good, the materials, craftsmanship and functionality of the beater are just as, if not more important. We take a dive into the best, most technical, culturally relevant, comfortable, and all-round best sneakers in the market today, and why we back them. Check it out below...

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Adidas Samba OG

Kicking off with an essential sneaker from Adidas, the reissue a fan-favourite and total archival icon, the Samba OG. Adidas have always been a cultural icon and a Goodhood favourite, but they're having a moment more than ever. Buttery soft black leather adorns the uppers, offset by tonal suede overlays, and stamped with gold SAMBA detailing. The tongue features a bluebird branded patch, and the shoes are finished with those world famous 3-stripes. It's all in the subtle details.

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The Adidas Japan W sneaker in Crystal Linen/Ivory/Origin Tint features a brown and white giraffe print, light blue laces, white stripes, a white heel, and beige sole in a neutral colourway and low-profile silhouette.
The Adidas Japan W in Crystal Linen/Ivory/Origin Tint features a giraffe print, light blue laces, beige and white side stripes, and a beige sole. Its low-profile silhouette is displayed against a plain white background.

Adidas

Adidas Japan W - Crystal Linen/Ivory/Origin Tint

Regular price £100.00 Sale price £50.00 50% Off

 

Salomon XT-4 OG

This Salomon XT-4 OG is an adventure-ready shoe, fully equipped for all terrains. Featuring a lightweight, foot-hugging upper with a unique lacing system, this sneaker has a dual-density midsole with EVA cushioning and a moulded footbed for supreme support underfoot, while the brand’s lugged Contagrip™ outsole provides high traction for full support all day long.

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The Salomon XT-EVO in Black/Fiery Red, shown in a side view, features a rugged synthetic upper with breathable mesh panels, a cushioned black sole for comfort, and signature SALOMON branding on the heel, embodying a trail-inspired aesthetic.
A pair of Salomon XT-EVO sneakers by Salomon in Black/Fiery Red, showcasing a sporty, trail-inspired design with a durable synthetic upper, black soles, and mesh accents, displayed on a white background.

Salomon

Salomon XT-EVO - Black/Fiery Red

£180.00

 

New Balance 990BK6

The designers of the first New Balance 990 were tasked with creating the single best running shoe on the market. The MADE in USA 990v6 embraces this original mandate, with a series of performance-inspired updates. The upper dispenses with the standard midfoot saddle, allowing the pigskin and synthetic overlays to flow from heel to toe across the mesh underlay, for a speedy, streamlined look. While the evolved design marks one of the most dramatic changes from one generation model to the next that the 990 has ever seen, the greatest leap forward occurs on the inside. The addition of FuelCell midsole cushioning means that the evolution of the 990 can be felt as much as it can be seen.

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The New Balance MT2 Tokyo Design Studio - Cortado with pumpernickel is a black mesh slip-on shoe featuring a synthetic upper, Velcro strap, rubber sole, and a yellow Vibram logo on the side. Designed with a low profile and minimalist aesthetic inspired by Tokyo Design Studio, this New Balance shoe is perfect for casual or athletic wear.
The New Balance MT2 Tokyo Design Studio - Cortado with pumpernickel features mesh and synthetic uppers, Velcro straps, rugged rubber soles with a yellow Vibram logo on the side, and visible stitching. Inspired by the Tokyo Design Studio aesthetic, these slip-on shoes from New Balance come in shades of brown and black.

New Balance

New Balance MT2 Tokyo Design Studio - Cortado with pumpernickel

£120.00

 

Asics Gel-NYC

Asics introduces the GEL-NYC, a fusion of vintage sports designs and contemporary functionality, adding to their cutting-edge sneaker collection. Featuring nods to the sought-after models of the early 2000s, these kicks showcase futuristic contrasting uppers and incorporate lightweight foams and GEL technology inserts for a retro feel.

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The Asics Hypersync in Piedmont Grey/Pink Cloud is an athletic sneaker with a lightweight design, featuring a durable synthetic upper in metallic silver and light pink tones. It includes white laces, a gum rubber sole, and signature ASICS branding on the side, all displayed against a plain white background.
A pair of ASICS Hypersync sneakers in Piedmont Grey/Pink Cloud, featuring a synthetic upper, gum soles, and the iconic Asics branding, displayed at a slight angle on a white background. These lightweight athletic shoes offer comfort and style with every step.

Asics

Asics Hypersync - Piedmont Grey/Pink Cloud

£115.00

 

Nike Air Max 1

Tinker Hatfield’s world-famous Nike Air Max 1 '87 gets a seasonal autumn treatment. A shoe instantly recognisable by its midsole thanks to the inside-out air bubble design, providing maximum comfort wrapped up in an iconic design (that almost cost Hatfield his job many moons ago). This shoes mudguards, Swoosh and top eyelets are dressed in a “Light Orewood Brown” colourway, and premium leather and mesh across the uppers. Must-have sneaker in your rotation.

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Nike Air Max 90 QS low-top sneaker in Lt Base Grey, Sport Royal, Coconut Milk, White, and Platinum Tint with a Siren Red midsole.
Air Max 90 QS - Lt Base Grey/Sport Royal-Coconut Milk-White-Platinum Tint-Siren Red low-top sneaker in white, grey, and cream with an ultramarine swoosh and bright red accents on the heel, tongue, and sole.

Nike

Air Max 90 QS - Lt Base Grey/Sport Royal-Coconut Milk-White-Platinum Tint-Siren Red

£134.99

 

S.W.C Stepney Workers Club Amiel S-Strike Suede Mix

A brand new style for AW23, the S.W.C Stepney Workers Club Amiel S-Strike Suede Mix is a fresh new style modelled on a classic vintage running shoe. Featuring a premium suede canvas with leather and mesh panelling, the shoe is finished with an elevated rubber sole and arrives in a monochrome colour palette. 

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Asics Gel-Nimbus 9

Initially launched in 2007 as a long-distance running shoe, Asics has modernised its archived GEL-NIMBUS™ 9 trainer using contemporary innovations to enhance both cushioning and stability. The Japanese manufacturer has maintained its Y2K visual appeal in the layered mesh and leather upper materials. Don these shoes on your outdoor excursions or urban walks for enduring comfort throughout the day.

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The Asics Hypersync in Piedmont Grey/Pink Cloud is an athletic sneaker with a lightweight design, featuring a durable synthetic upper in metallic silver and light pink tones. It includes white laces, a gum rubber sole, and signature ASICS branding on the side, all displayed against a plain white background.
A pair of ASICS Hypersync sneakers in Piedmont Grey/Pink Cloud, featuring a synthetic upper, gum soles, and the iconic Asics branding, displayed at a slight angle on a white background. These lightweight athletic shoes offer comfort and style with every step.

Asics

Asics Hypersync - Piedmont Grey/Pink Cloud

£115.00

 

New Balance ML860KS2

Alongside the 2002 and 1906, New Balance's 860 silhouette is a firm favourite at the Goodhood camp. Designed with breathable mesh uppers and N-Ergy outsoles that absorb impact when moving, this tasteful runner is a no brainer.

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A side view of the New Balance 1890A - Morel with Black by New Balance, featuring a light green synthetic upper with a snake-skin pattern and a black chunky sole, inspired by technical design elements, shown against a plain white background.
Side view of the New Balance 1890A - Morel with Black sneaker by New Balance, featuring a green synthetic upper with snakeskin-patterned accents and a chunky black sole, highlighting its technical design against a plain white background.

New Balance

New Balance 1890A - Morel with Black

£160.00

 

Nike Terminator Low

Directly from the vault, Nike brings you with the latest low-profile version of the Terminator Low. The '85 design comes with a leather foundation, enhanced by croc-textured suede layers, providing a touch of luxury. Perforations maintain their standard placement, accompanied by Swooshes that reinforce the heritage. Underneath, a cushioned midsole ensures comfort, while the rubber delivers traction.

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Nike Air Max 90 QS low-top sneaker in Lt Base Grey, Sport Royal, Coconut Milk, White, and Platinum Tint with a Siren Red midsole.
Air Max 90 QS - Lt Base Grey/Sport Royal-Coconut Milk-White-Platinum Tint-Siren Red low-top sneaker in white, grey, and cream with an ultramarine swoosh and bright red accents on the heel, tongue, and sole.

Nike

Air Max 90 QS - Lt Base Grey/Sport Royal-Coconut Milk-White-Platinum Tint-Siren Red

£134.99