For this upcoming fortnight (April 21 – May 4), clear some space in your kicks closet for a used-looking old-school basketball shoe; a hippie’s wet dream that’s sustainably-made; a hipster’s next new fave; and a few other beauts that will make you lose the hype, but win the style game.
“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.
Rhecess distressed leather high-top sneakers, $716 (£387.88), Rhude
Instead of trying to score a Jordan basketball shoe (that’s well nigh impossible these days) or wear one (because you managed to pay through your nose for a resold pair), stay chill and old-school by buying this one instead. You may not be a real game player but will definitely ooze street-style cool with the L.A. brand’s vintage-looking pair. And yes, it is deliberately distressed; it has lightly scuffed and dirtied calf leather uppers and a discoloured, off-white midsole. There are a few colourways of this model (such as a classic white and red) but pick this black and teal one if you want to be appear even more individual – it’s exclusive to Mr Porter.
Available at Mr Porter
Crosshike mesh and ripstop trainers, $440 (USD $330), and wander X Salomon
Those who know, know Salomon. The outerwear specialist’s collabs have been kind of cult-faves, and this one – its fourth with Japanese brand and wander – is sure to be yet another. Salomon’s Crosshike trainers are now rendered in a tan and light sage colourway, constructed with ripstop and mesh materials and come with reflective accents, an elasticated Speed lace system and a grippy Contragrip™ sole. The only problem is, would you actually hazard wearing this gorge hiking shoes out to trek across our muddy hills?
Available at MatchesFashion
UNEEK Sneaker, $165, KEEN X Beams Plus
If you can’t get enough of KEEN’s comfy two-cord sandals, then you would surely dig its latest sneak that’s also made with the brand’s signature cord material. This collaboration with Japanese label Beams Plus ties its rainbow-striped cords to a breathable textile upper and is affixed with a rubber outsole. Plus, you can let the world sneak a peek at your fancy socks (see here for which ones to wear) through the “openings” at the sides of the shoe!
Available at END.
All Court Alpha-S, $233 (USD $176), ASICS X Chemist Creations
Three reasons why you should swipe right (and your card) for this. One: It’s a collaboration between OG Japanese sportswear brand ASICS and Yixi Chen’s L.A. brand C2H4’s diffusion label Chemist Creations. Two: It’s a headturner with the outsized, swappable ASICS’ spiral “a” brand symbol (each pair comes with two symbol sets, in black and in white) that acts as a lace shroud. Three: It’s a classic black and white low-top that you can wear everyday, without said shroud.
Available at HBX
Little Joe logo-detailed ripstop, leather and neoprene sneakers, $477 (£258.59), A.P.C.
Hipsters, here is your new fave shoe (of the month, at least) from your fave French brand: an A.P.C. multicoloured pair to go with your hardworking chinos. Specifically, it’s a pale-pink ripstop, navy and white leather, white neoprene, chartreuse and white jacquard pair (because details matter). But, what makes this cleverer than your average sneak is its elasticated bungee-cord system that takes the place of the usual laces. Plus, with its added logo-jacquard placement at the heel tab, wearing this pair will mean getting to leave all other faux-hipsters behind in your style wake as you walk by them in the plant-based protein meat section.
Available at Mr Porter
Orion faux-leather trainers, $345 (USD $259), Raf Simons
While the spotlight has been on the Belgian designer’s futuristic Cylon-21 and Antei sneaker models (don’t mistake – they are both worthy of the hype), the Orion model epitomises the best of Raf Simon’s design aesthetic. Named after the starry constellation located on the celestial equator, this is a classic low-top that’s made with white PVC and set with rubber grip soles. The only thing that hints at its designer status is the curved heel panel hallmarked with the brand’s name. How subtle, how elegant, how Raf.
Available at MatchesFashion
Palm ombre sneaker, $199, Good News
Everybody loves good news, so this pair from the British brand is more than welcome. Why we heart this: Its uppers are made with organic cotton, the sole’s recycled rubber, while the proprietary Airfoam ECO 20 footbed’s crafted from castor bean oil and recycled gym mats. Aside from being made with great eco-friendly stuff, its brighten-your-day tie-dye colouring makes it even easier to love.
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.
