by Mark Haddon

Fashion Friday: The Best Sneakers Available Right Now

Cover your cheesy chaps in these bad boys
Fashion Friday: The Best Sneakers Available Right Now

Sony Music master turned style PR Mark Haddon has joined Loaded to bring you fashion Friday. Stay tuned as he showcases the very finest in style and trends, kicking off with those cheesy feet of yours.  with a weekly fashion column, kicking off with my first piece on the best sneakers available right now. 

Puma Palermo available at www.footasylum.com £75.00

Puma is bringing back a classic with the re-release of the Palermo trainers in a sleek Puma Black, Feather Grey, and Gum colourway. Originally debuting in the early 1980s, the Palermo quickly became a terrace staple in British football culture. Now, this iconic silhouette returns, featuring its signature tag on the upper, T-toe construction, and that timeless gum sole that fans know and love.

Crafted from buttery soft suede, the upper is complemented by foil-printed Puma branding and a leather Formstrip. As part of Puma’s commitment to sustainability, the leather used in these trainers is sourced responsibly, supporting the Leather Working Group’s ethical manufacturing standards.

For those who appreciate a blend of heritage and style, the Puma Palermo is a must-have addition to any sneaker rotation.

Nike Air Tech Challenge IIHot Lava (2024) https://stockx.com/en-gb/ £299.00

Nike brings back Andre Agassi's iconoclastic signature shoe, the Air Tech Challenge 2 QS 'Hot Lava'. This 2024 edition ups the ante with premium off-white leather on most of the upper, with perforations on the toe and bright red Swooshes on the sides. 

The shoe's iconic Hot Lava splatter prints appear on the forefoot and heel, connecting to the technical eyestay supports. The vintage cream midsole features a visible Air unit in the heel, with some solid herringbone traction on the rubber outsole.

Salomon XT-6 Shoes Olive Night Black Sulphur www.workingclassheroes.co.uk £165.00

The Gorpcore pioneer Salomon XT-6 presents an autumn-ready makeover in this versatile “Olive Night Black”. This streamlined trail running shoe banners the Annecy-based outdoor brand’s Sportstyle catalogue, revered by fans and off-road travellers for its innovative yet fashionable design. Olive green mesh fabrics and TPU film overlays construct the upper, reinforced with an abrasion-resistant rubberised toe cap to withstand damage. 

Bright yellow accents add a pop of colour, whilst dark brown shades align with the colourway’s earthy palette. The Quicklace technology and Agile Chassis System offer reliability on the trails, propped up by a lightweight EVA foam and Contagrip outsole for all-day comfort.

Merrell Agility Peak 5 GTX In Black And Multi www.progressrunningclub.com £140.00

Building on the success of one of Merrell's most popular trail running shoes, the Agility Peak 5 provides updates to this already successful trail runner. In this latest version, the rocker is increased, weight is reduced to less than 10.6 ounces, and the heel cup is sculpted for better on foot comfort and less slip. 

Whether you are running an ultra, competing in cross country, or training for your next trail 5K, the Agility Peak 5 GTX is your go-to trail shoe for any condition with maximum cushion and comfort, with GORE-TEX® waterproof protection for ultimate waterproof functionality.

No Two Ways M1 HKE ULTIMATE JME www.notwoways.com £130.00

After creating buzz at a London pop-up, British sneaker brand notwoways—co-founded by YouTube personality Callum McGinley, better known as Callux—and grime legend JME have officially dropped their first joint sneaker.

Dubbed the HKE JME Ultimate, this chunky, blacked-out silhouette is built for London's unpredictable weather. It features a rain-resistant mesh upper, durable rubber soles with excellent grip, and a padded collar for maximum comfort. This collab perfectly blends style and practicality, making it an essential addition to any sneaker rotation.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS SAMBA OG X SNS www.sneakersnstuff.com £110.00

After marking 25 years since opening their doors in the backstreets of Södermalm in 1999, SNS are keeping the celebrations going with a special collaboration with adidas Originals. Introducing the "25 Years on Södermalm" capsule collection, this release brings the colours of their hometown to life on a range of adidas classics, including the iconic Samba OG.

SNS take on the Samba OG features a premium leather upper, blending rich dark green and crisp white tones. With signature logos and a reinforced T-toe overlay, this version pays tribute to Södermalm’s unique vibe. 

ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 www.jdsports.co.uk £155.00

If you’re looking to elevate your sneaker game, the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 14 is a must-have. These kicks aren't just designed for peak performance—they're perfect for everyday wear too. In a sleek Silver and Beige colorway, they feature a breathable mesh upper with durable synthetic overlays, ensuring they can keep up with your daily grind. 

The lace-up design and padded collar offer a snug fit, while the TRUSSTIC support system provides stability whether you’re hitting the pavement or just strolling through town. With a spongy midsole and GEL tech cushioning, you’ll experience a smooth ride, while the grippy rubber outsole keeps you steady. Topped off with classic ASICS branding, these sneakers blend style and function effortlessly.

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Mark Haddon is a seasoned fashion journalist with a flair for capturing the pulse of contemporary style. Known for his insightful commentary and trend-spotting acumen, Mark brings a unique perspective to fashion journalism, blending a sharp editorial eye with a deep understanding of the industry's evolution.