As India embraces a burgeoning sneaker culture, the global phenomenon of sneaker mania is reaching new heights, marked by the exponential growth of sneaker drops each season. The sneaker community worldwide has witnessed an abundance of high and low-end collaborations, ranging from the glam Fenty x Puma featuring Rihanna as the face to the highly anticipated Tiffany & Co x Nike collaboration. Amidst the excitement, timeless classics such as the Adidas Samba and Nike Panda Dunks have also returned triumphantly to our shoe racks. All in all, it has undeniably been an outstanding year for sneaker enthusiasts, and here’s a quick recap of some of the standout releases.
Asics Gel Kayano 14 ‘Cream Black Metallic Plum’
The Asics Gel Kayano epitomises the fusion of Eastern and Western influences. In collaboration with a US-based design studio, this sneaker boasts impeccable detailing. The upper showcases clean silver lines and mesh detailing for a sleek appearance. Beneath, a cream and white sole unit houses ASICS’ comfortable GEL tech, underscoring both functionality and aesthetic finesse.
FENTY x PUMA AVANTI L Unisex Sneakers
Rihanna and PUMA’s latest collaboration, the FENTY x PUMA Avanti, married PUMA’s football boot and running shoe, resulting in a unique style. Rihanna, in her role as Creative Director, combined a vintage leather silhouette with a soft sole and the distinctive Fenty and Puma logos, giving the football-inspired sneaker a sporty yet classy look.
Nike Jordan 4 Retro SB
The Jordan 4 Retro SB Pine Green is a collaborative effort between Nike SB and Jordan, engineered for versatility on both the skatepark and basketball court. Enhancing the AJ4 design for skateability, it features a white leather and neutral grey suede upper, a red air unit contrasting with the white and pine green midsole, and a gum outsole for enhanced skateboarding traction.
Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba Leo Pony
The Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba Leo Pony stands out as one of the most attention-grabbing pair on the list, offering a fresh take on the classic. With a luxe leather upper adorned with leopard print, a rubber sole, and the iconic 3 stripes, all elements converge to create a beautiful kick.
Astroloubi
From the French mastermind known for dressing famous women’s feet with adorned heels, the Astroloubi is a beautiful sneaker inspired by 90s basketball culture. Available in five colourways, it features signature spikes, detailed trimmings, strong graphic lines, and the unmistakable ‘CL’ varsity logo.
adidas Stan Smith Homer Simpson
While Adidas featuring famous animated characters is not new, the new Stan Smiths featuring Homer Simpson stands out as one of the best. This playful iteration adds a touch of humour to the classic design.
Tiffany and Co. x Nike Air Force 1 Low “1837”
Anticipated as one of the most hyped collaborations in the sneaker world, the Tiffany & Co. x Nike Air Force 1 Low “1837” brings together two NYC classics. Crafted with premium leather and adorned with luxury detailing like a sterling silver piece on the heel, this collaboration exudes instantly recognizable elegance and sophistication.
Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 “Black/White”
Making a grand comeback, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 Black White resurrects the ’85 vibe in 2023. Nike’s time-travelling design revives the classic 1985 Air Jordan 1, featuring leather uppers, a marshmallow white tongue, while proudly displaying the black Nike Air emblem on top.
