No one thought we would be celebrating Christmas in the midst of a pandemic, yet here we are. This year, things are a little different: We’re pulling our lens back to examine our year and shine the spotlight on little things over the next 12 days – both material and immaterial that one can either gift or savour now or in the next year. Here’s Day 7, for those looking for a gift that few others will have.
Come 25th of December, there’s nothing a sneakerhead wants to find wrapped up under their Christmas tree more than a pair of sneakers.
It doesn’t matter that they already have over 30 pairs from Nike, Adidas, Puma or whatever, most of which you’ve hardly seen them wear. That is not the point; sneakers are today’s currency of cool, and their collections are their pride and glory.
And while getting them a pair yourself certainly robs them of the thrill of waiting for a sneaker drop in a long queue outside a Foot Locker outlet, and eventually being made to go home by local authorities for not observing social distancing rules, they will still be grateful for your gift. If they love it, they’ll keep it. If they hate it, they’ll simply sell it to someone else. It’s a win-win situation.
So, if you’re looking for some ideas on what sneakers to cheer them up with after that they have missed out on getting the recent Yeezy Boost 350 reissue, look no further. We’ve rounded up all the other new, limited-edition releases to keep an eye on this December. Just make sure to act quick; if you fail to, you can always find a back-up gift here.
Header photo credit: Prada
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After a couple of reworked Superstars, the Prada and Adidas collaboration has finally given us a whole new sneaker: the A+P Luna Rossa 21. The shoes are designed for sailing, a sport that Prada has competed in at the America’s Cup for the last two decades with its Luna Rossa team. Aptly, they take style cues from the team’s boat, which features Prada’s signature sporty red stripe (or the Linea Rossa). You’ll find the same line running along the heels of the white sneakers, which will drop in Prada and Adidas boutiques from 9 December.
(Photo credit: Prada)
Wales Bonner, the intellectual London label that has won over fashion insiders with its crisp tailoring, has brought its air of sophistication to its collaboration with Adidas. Inspired by the Black youth and subcultures of ’70s London, the brand dreamed up a new, unisex pair of SL72 sneakers — complete with satin and velvet brocade uppers and antique leather overlays. This is as luxe as sneakers can get.
(Photo credit: Net-a-Porter)
“I love the 327 sneaker as it was already intended to be asymmetric, allowing me to express my concept very well,” shared Mark Ong, aka SBTG, the internationally-renowned sneaker artist behind the new “Urban Islander” collection for New Balance. Indeed, you will get a sense of both the tropical influences and the gritty, city-inspired touches on the sneaker he designed for the collection. We consider it a must-have for sneakerheads who appreciate a local touch.
(Photo credit: New Balance)
For that friend who loves a little colour in their life, these rainbow Air Jordan 1s will definitely do the trick. They’re designed by J Balvin, making him the first Latino artist to collaborate with the Jordan brand. You’ll find the Colombian musician’s signature smiley face on the shoe’s tongue and insoles, injecting a dose of positivity into what is already a very vibrant pair of shoes. They’ll definitely make someone happy — just be sure to get your hands on a pair when it drops on 8 December.
(Photo credit: Nike)
Rei Kawakubo has designed a capsule collection celebrating the people that she finds inspiring. Amongst them is Naomi Osaka, who made history in 2019 as the first Asian athlete to be named the world’s best tennis player. The Japanese sportswoman has lent her creative input into the design of these Nike Blazer Mid ’77 Vintage sneakers, leaving her signature and a special monogram all across the uppers. If you know a fan of Osaka, or anyone who appreciates good sportsmanship, this is the pair for them.
(Photo credit: Dover Street Market Singapore)
AMBUSH founder Yoon Ahn has become the first female designer to team up with Nike, and the results are these Dunk High sneakers. The Tokyo It-girl took inspiration from Japanese motor culture, which is why the Swoosh logo extends past the shoe like it’s racing past. The sneakers certainly will once 11 December comes around, so make sure to have your Nike SNKRS app ready to grab a pair.
(Photo credit: Nike)
Los Angeles streetwear label Pleasures is the latest to work with ASICS on one of their signature sneakers. This time, it’s the GEL-NANDI shoes from the ’90s, which Pleasures has made into the perfect trail sneakers with a durable upper that combines nylon ripstop and suede. The down-to-earth vibe is also seen in the rugged, elastic rope laces and chunky soles (featuring ASICS’ GEL cushioning, of course). Get the sneakers for someone who’ll actually wear them into the great outdoors.
(Photo credit: ASICS)
Pameyla Cambe
Senior Writer
Pameyla Cambe is a fashion and jewellery writer who believes that style and substance shouldn't be mutually exclusive. She makes sense of the world through Gothic novels, horror films and music. Lots of music.
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