Tired of queuing, balloting, staying up and paying through your nose for all those must-cop sneaks that you can never seem to buy (still, till today) but everyone else has gotten (or rather, “bot-tened”), flexed and flipped, yesterday? But, you still want to look steezy without looking hypebeasty? We hear you. Here’s our roundup of some of the lesser-hyped but no less interesting and trendy kicks that are still available on the market for those who like their footwear game well-played and just that little bit different.
“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.
Race 17 Suede Low-Top Sneakers (in Quarzo), $547 (£294.25), Officine Creative
This is a minimalist’s wet dream. It’s mono-coloured, has almost zero-details (save for the brand signature stamped in gold on the stitched heel tab, a rear pull tab and a black rubber outer sole), is constructed almost entirely out of plush light-brown calf suede, and has a streamlined design that references classic old-school runners. Sigh. And did we mention, it’s made in the brand’s Le Marche workshop in Italy and also available in brown and black? Double sigh…
Available at Mr Porter
Wing Logo-Print Full-Grain Leather Sneakers, $1,031 (£557.29), Givenchy
Consider this your luxury alternative to all the Reebok Continentals and Nike Dunks that everyone else’s rocking. It’s a mega-flex for your feet: full-grain calf uppers, lightweight EVA (or ethylene-vinyl acetate) soles, and but of course, the brand name-printed grosgrain piping along the seam and heel tabs (restrained, but it’s also just-so-you-know). Comfy and classy, chic and crispy.
Available at Mr Porter
Gel-Lyte III OG Leather Trainers, $210 (USD $155), Asics
TBH, it’s really the cute Japanese Daruma doll charm that sold us on this. As well as its premium leather uppers, signature split tongue, 1990s’ silhouette, and bright, teal-blue colour that will make your feet pop.
Available at MatchesFashion
adidas Superstar “Mt. Fuji”, $180, adidas x atmos x Three Tides Tattoo
This is not only fire, but it is also about fireworks. This three-way collab between adidas, Japanese retailer atmos and Ukiyoemon Mitomoya of Three Tides Tattoo is a beaut, what with the illustration of the icy alps of Mt. Fuji pictured against a light-blue (on the medial or inside facing side) and a starry nighttime sky (on the lateral or outside facing side), with images of red-orangey bursts of chrysanthemum, peony and waterfall fireworks scattered all across the shoes. The primary blue laces and red talisman hangtag at the heel add extra “fwah” to this fireworks-adorned show-stealer.
Available at Limited Edt stores, multiple locations, limitededt.com
Low-Top Intrecciato Slip-On Sneakers (in black), $1,285 (USD $955), Bottega Veneta
Meet your new luxury cozy shoe. Those who love high fashion, should know all about Bottega Veneta’s return to fashion coolness; this is the gateway for how sneakerheads can get into the brand’s desired and desirable Intrecciato (the House’s signature leather weaving technique) world. It’s not made of leather – it just comes with a leather inner sole – but elasticated polyester textile, and fitted with a rubber outer sole. Slip these on, step out, and keep the hypebeasts guessing.
Available at HBX
Bandana-Print Canvas Moccasin Trainers (in orange), $585 (USD$435), Mihara Yasuhiro
Get wavy and paisley with this pair from Japanese designer Mihara Yasuhiro. Bandana and paisley prints are still having a moment in street style fashion, so best get with the flow with this hybrid that crosses a canvas moccasin design with a low-cut sneaker rubber sole. The kumquat colour elevates this to pro-summer-sneaker status.
Available at MatchesFashion
G.O.P. Lows, $497 (USD $370), Gundam x xVESSEL
Anime geeks will freak over these. Part of the Gundam x Kosuke Kawamura capsule collection – that also includes collabs with Japanese cult brands READYMADE (tees), Poggy The Man (jackets) and FORSOMEONE (tees and hoodies) – singer-actor VanNess Wu’s xVessel label’s signature G.O.P. shoes now get mecha-ed up in the anime Mobile Suit Gundam series’ trademark colours. Two colourways are available: one in vermillion, blue and translucent grey-white, the other in deep red with white and black accents, both coming with Gundam emblem patches affixed to their sides, so you can wear ’em out and proud and declare… “I am Gundam”.
Available xvessel.co
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.
