For this fortnight (April 7-21), we cast the spotlight on a couple of “toughies”; one all-over floral print and one black and white illustrated pair; and two that the ladies can wear – one for the youthful, size-wise, and the other, made-for-men but Granny-approved, looks-wise.
“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.
Dellow canvas trainers, $235 (USD $176), Stepney Workers Club X Endless Joy
We are always in for all things black, printed and collaborative. All boxes ticked with this tie-up between the East London footwear brand (that’s all about the “inclusive culture of traditional Workers Sports Clubs”) and the Bali-inspired “art project” Endless Joy. Featuring white illustrations by the latter’s founders Stevie and Alexandra Anderson printed on black canvas, and affixed with a cream Vulcanised-rubber sole, it’s an artsy headturner worn on foot.
Available at MatchesFashion
Andreas kudu-leather hiking boots, $380 (USD $281), ROA
Isn’t this a hiking boot, not a sneaker? Yes, but hey, nobody said you can’t wear ’em like your everyday footwear as part of your gorpcore (see here for what this term means) to stomp all around the urban jungle that is Singapore. The reasons why we dig this number: It’s got a chunky cream Vibram Megagrip rubber sole to handle all terrain, an abstract earth/ground print ripstop upper, and – this is the best bit – green bouclé panels and chenille strands that stick out, simulating grass. How odd and funky is that?
Available at MatchesFashion
W CL Leather sneakers, $139, Reebok X Collina Strada
The good news: This part-recycled synthetic leather collab between NYC-based womenswear label Collina Strada and Reebok comes in two colours (yellow on the left; digital blue on the right) with quirky wordings on the heel tabs (“Call” on the left; “Mom” on the right) is a worthy vibrant addition to your summer sneaks. The bad news: Since it’s made for the ladies, the sizing runs small – but, it could be good news for guys with petite feet, or if you’re looking to buy a prezzie for your snazzy sneaker gal pal.
Available at END.
Elliot Floral-print canvas sneakers, $968 (£520), Celine Homme
Consider these as your luxury alternatives to your skateboard shoes. Seeing how pretty this rubber-soled canvas pair is (it also costs an equally pretty penny), it’s probably better to wear them out for casual-yet-special days (like first dates) instead of “wearing them out” trashing about with your mates in the skate park.
Available at Mr Porter
Bosey Mc Hi sneakers, $190 (€120), Converse X Slam Jam
Here’s another outdoorsy collabo for you to hit the urban streets in. The rubber overlays and toe cap, thermal lining and lugged traction outsole makes this all weather-ready, while the shiny Lurex ripstop upper gives it a street-style vibe, courtesy of streetwear retailer Slam Jam and Converse.
Available at Slam Jam
Fugu sneakers (in Olio), $416 (USD $310), eytys
Still can’t get enough of the whole “ugly” sneaker trend (that has lasted half a decade)? Here’s a new silhouette to add to your collection. It’s actually a merging of ’70s-style running spikes (the rubber sole’s exaggerated to look like the fugu or puffer fish) with millennial car-racing shoes, constructed out of suede, nylon and leather (seen here in an Olio color scheme; also available in White, Neptune, Azure and Black).
Available at eytys
Macramé knitted sneakers, $1,165, Valentino Garavani
Grandma didn’t crochet this; Italian luxury brand Valentino Garavani did. But, it’s not the only reason why this costs over 1K. Its handmade upper is woven with tubular fabric ribbons that supposedly takes 10 hours, 100 metres of wire and 88 needles to craft, with the brand’s logo details found on the tongue and heel (so no one mistakes this for a cottage industry product). Choose from Yellow, Black, Grey or Orange Zest (seen here) – just don’t tell Grandma the price or that we told you about this, k?
Available at Mytheresa
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.
