Another fortnight, another period of staying safe and staying in with no dining in. No problem; you can still take a stroll in the park, head out to buy takeaway or pop over to your cuz’s (friend or family) house just to grab some fresh air, and oh, you know, show off some fresh new sneaks, like these ones here. Pick from an eye-popping multi-coloured luxury shoe, some old-school kicks or 3 beige-y ones, for your brief “runway showing” outside.
“The No-Hype Sneakers Selection” is our fortnightly curation of the not-so-hot but oh-so-cool shoes that you might have missed out on.
Tennis 1977 webbing-trimmed logo-jacquard canvas sneakers, $1 003 (£536.50), Gucci
If you a) really miss shopping and wanna splurge out; b) have lots of extra moolah to spare; and c) wish to step out in true stunner-style, then this is your It shoe. These reissued “Tennis 1977” sneaks look old-school, but is elevated by the bold green, red, yellow, pink, orange and blue monogrammed canvas panels, and the ever-essential Gucci striped webbing to become your bold statement shoe of the month. Dine and shine on the 21st of June (fingers crossed) in these.
Available at Mr Porter
Nizza Hi RF (in white & olive), $125, adidas
Take to the courts or the streets with these old-school basketball kicks – it’s an absolute headturner thanks to the intricately-detailed floral patterned canvas that calls to mind vintage upholstery and wallpaper fabrics. The olive green, blue and purple coloured shoes look gorge enough for your gf/wife to steal, so best make this your new couple going-out shoes to avoid any tiffs.
Available at END.
Air Huarache (in white/bright mango/black/purple), $199, Nike
Yet another retro-style pair in this list (yes, we admit, we do have a soft-spot for such shoes), this one’s a baby of the early 1990s. 1991 to be exact; it was made by Tinker Hatfield as a performance shoe to hug the foot. And, boy do we need some kind of hugging in these socially-distant times. Make do with these Air Huaraches that are made of synthetic breathable, neoprene-like fabric, with a bootie-like construction, comfy collars and signature heel clips to feel the love instead. The vibrant purple and orange give it an extra cheery 90s’ colour kick, or if you rather go down the classic route, there’s also a black and white version available, too.
Available at Nike stores and brand stockists, multiple locations, www.nike.com/sg
BONUS: SAFRA members can enjoy up to 15% off regular-priced footwear & apparels at Nike. Visit NIKE | SAFRA for more information.
X-Racer leather trainers (in taupe-brown), $200 (USD $151), New Balance
While all the hipsters and hypebeasts out there are going cray over the brand’s other spotlight-hogging models (such as the 327s and 990s), there’s this one that’s been overlooked, possibly because of its awkward blend of the progressive and trendy (think Travis Scott’s Nike Air Jordans) with a rugged design that’s more typical of hiker boots. So, while it has the chunky ABZORB midsole with a grippy outsole and thick laces, it also sports two cargo pockets, a side zip and grained leather panels for each shoe. It’s an outlier for sure, but then, why play safe when you’ve got choices? Wear this and it will be tomorrow when the others play catch-up to you.
Available at MatchesFashion
Knitted runner trainers (in lilac), $51.99, ASOS DESIGN
If you prefer something more affordable and not so “brand-focused”, then these low-key pretty ones from ASOS might fit the bill. While it may look like an “inspired by” hybrid of the big sneaker brands’ popular models, its frills- and label-free design done up in a singular lilac colour makes it look chic enough to stand on its own, with the by-now regular features of a knitted upper, sock-cuff and modular-looking midsole making it a perfectly functional piece of footwear, too.
Available at ASOS
Panelled trainers (in beige), $500 (USD $377), Acne Studios
A 1990s silhouette that’s fast-forwarded to the 2020s, that’s what this sleek winner is. The off-white faux suede and the semi-translucent ripstop are cool-as-f material upgrades, with the curvilinear design accents on the sides adding visual interest while refining its streamlined, sporty look.
Available at MatchesFashion
Type O-9 sneaker (in white tint), $415, adidas Originals x OAMC
While the sneaker world is being run over by more and more collaborations that succeed partly based on hype and starry-names, the one between adidas and fashion brand OAMC has been going on for a few years now, and growing from strength to strength while staying under the radar. This futuristic take on adidas’ early-’00s “Microbounce” technology (very on-point, with midsole and outsole design getting more and more out-there currently), is a handsome and modern looker (available in Asphalt-gray, Earth-brown and Natural-white as seen here) that’s made of hairy beige suede panels, TPU panelling that’s sculpted around the heels and across the sides, and of course, the cylindrical Microbounce pods fitted underneath.
Available at END.
All products are subject to availability and prices are subject to change. Prices stated are correct as of time of posting and are based on current exchange rates.
