Let’s be honest: the sneaker is the highly-coveted glass slipper of today’s generation – whether that may be snaking queues outside of footwear retailers or waiting rooms in the online space, there’s definitely a global sneakerhead crowd out there willing to cash out for a shiny pair of new kicks.
And thanks to the pandemic, sneakers have become our answer to comfort footwear, making these easy kicks even more desirable today.
Pre-Corona days, a projection by investment bank Cowen & Co. predicted that the global sneaker market valued at US$2 billion (S$2.72 billion) in 2019 would triple by 2025. In a recent study by premium sneaker marketplace Ox Street, Southeast Asia is expected to account for 40 per cent of global growth in the athletic footwear market.
Understanding the huge demand for sneakers these days, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit with the new drops this season. Scroll on below for some of the potential investment sneakers that you can fashionably zoom about it in IRL.
When you combine the iconic ’70s-style Adidas Superstar sneakers with the fashion prowess of Queen B, what you get is a head-turning piece of footwear. The design keeps to the shoes’ distinctive materials and iconic rubber shell toe but juxtaposes that with platform soles and a pointed-toe silhouette.
A brand first, the sneaker giant’s latest collab features a tie-up with local and regional streetwear authorities. SBTG and Limited Edt for a shiny new Urban Islander Collection. Reimagined by Singapore’s OG sneaker artist, Mark Ong (otherwise known by moniker Mr Sabotage), the unisex sneakers take references from our tropical climate and grittiness of the city. The sneakers are also available at urbanislander.limitededt.com and sbtgsurplus.com from Oct 15.
Paying homage to Superga‘s heritage of its being the ultimate sustainable shoe for over a century, the classic 2490s and 2750s have gotten an eco-conscious facelift. Made with total longevity and recyclability in mind, the models are made up of unique blend of 60 per cent organic cotton and 40 per cent natural hemp, natural cork insoles, and soles that have been naturally extracted from the rubber tree forests of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Paying homage to Superga‘s heritage of its being the ultimate sustainable shoe for over a century, the classic 2490s and 2750s have gotten an eco-conscious facelift. Made with total longevity and recyclability in mind, the models are made up of unique blend of 60 per cent organic cotton and 40 per cent natural hemp, natural cork insoles, and soles that have been naturally extracted from the rubber tree forests of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Coming in three distinctive colourways, Nike and Converse has come up with a brand new design that marries eccentric style with sustainable practices. Did you know that these sneakers are made of up to 40 per cent of recycled materials? How cool. Available at the Converse Takashimaya S.C. store, Dover Street Market Singapore and Limited Edt. outlets.
Soccer kicks have officially become the new quirky footwear according to Balenciaga. Whether you prefer a version in black or white, these lightweight and flexible technical polyurethane sneakers will see you through your days on the field and the streets.
Asics Sportstyle has roped in designer, Kiko Kostadinov, yet again. This time on a multi-season partnership that will see the Kiko Kostadinov team working closely to advise Asics on the development for new seasons. For starters, they’re launching this new line of UB1-SGel-Kayano this Nov in two fashion-forward colourways of gold and Barbie pink and black and silver.
Mirroring Moschino’s playful streak, the new Teddy Bubble sneaker, available in four different colourways of black, pink, yellow, and blue, incorporates an oversized sole and a transparent ‘maxi bubble’ on the back.
Defying the conventions of the typical sport sneaker, Puma’s come up with the ideal silhouette that meets the demands for a women’s training sesh at the gym. The headturning style provides stability, comfort, and grip due to its unique features like the TPU midfoot piece and Profoam midsole.
Looking for something more kawaii? This mash-up between Sketchers and Hello Kitty is your answer. Reimagined in numerous colourways and decorated with a flurry of Hello Kitty motifs, we can guarantee you’ll be able to find the sneakers of your dream, whether they’re chunky Energy model or a classic lace-up version like the V’lites.
Looking for something more kawaii? This mash-up between Sketchers and Hello Kitty is your answer. Reimagined in numerous colourways and decorated with a flurry of Hello Kitty motifs, we can guarantee you’ll be able to find the sneakers of your dream, whether they’re chunky Energy model or a classic lace-up version like the V’lites.
The Italian maison’s latest Trigeca sneakers repurpose its signature Greca motif that was first used in the Fall/Winter 1988 Collection as a cool graphic element for the kicks which come in five colourways. P.S. The sneakers will also be available on ssense.com from Nov.
Bright and bold, this new sneaker design combines a raver aesthetic with form and function. You’ll be assured of lasting comfort and high performance due to its Asics performance technology and Gel technology cushioning system found in the sneaker. The sneakers are also available at Limited Edt stores and selected JD Sports stores.
The Bowalk leather sneakers makes a statement to any outfit with its exaggerated sole and the eye-popping ‘RED’ slogan emblazoned on its side.
For its second collaboration with cult fashion label Staud, New Balance shines the spotlight on its 327 model. Inspired by the New Balance’s New England and Staud’s Californian cool, the kicks have been refreshed in a simple neutral look that is versatile enough with any outfits.
Collaborating with streetwear platform Union LA, these new kicks by Converse meld influences from African-American cultures and modern-day Harlem. Drawing influences from the late 1700s French toile, the Chuck Taylors feature a new patterned fabric called Harlem Toile de Jouy which was designed by interior designer Sheila Bridges. The sneakers are stocked at Converse’s Takashimaya S.C. store, Dover Street Market Singapore and Limited Edt. stores.
The red bottoms on these sneakers are a big hint as to the famous designer behind them. Meet Loubishark, Christian Louboutin’s limited-edition sneaker which boasts a playful sole design that looks like the jaws of a shark when viewed from the side.
Inspired by vintage basketball trainers from the ’80s, these mid-top sneakers designed by none other than Stuart Vevers, and are are available in two colour combos of pink and green and pink and brown.
Inspired by the vintage charm of the ’70s, Tory Burch reinvents the old-school track shoe and ballet flat silhouette into a modern hybrid style that’s perfect for casual days ahead.