Pick up the chalk, gorp isn’t going anywhere.
After a few questionable years of impractical collabs (the abominable “snoafer” springs to mind), it seems that brands have self-corrected back to the sneaker’s original DNA: a workhorse shoe for the streets.
With storied sneaker brands like Adidas, New Balance, and Salomons teaming up with similarly established work and streetwear mavens, we’re in the clear of sneaker tabis… for now.
Salomons x Carhartt WIP
Coming back for the second collab in as many years, the Salomons x Carhartt WIP combine the best of both brands. The reworked X-ALP shoe features a stylised camo heel, rubberised Contagrip® toe cap, and a hefty visual weight overall. It’s stylish versatility that doesn’t come at a premium.
New Balance x Basketcase Gallery
LA-based cult brand Basketcase Gallery’s commercial model is a unique one – a password-locked store that opens selectively after sporadic drops.
They obviously caught the eye of New Balance to team up with the latest brown suede 204L “Pine Valley.” A sturdier “his” version of the NB x Miu Miu sneakers we’ve seen floating around for a few years now, these feature a suede upper, loop-style lacing system, and frayed yarn laces, for an eclectic statement sneaker. These will sell out before you can say “iced macadamia hojicha latte.”
Adidas x Song For The Mute
The Adidas Taekwondos have slowly been climbing to the next “It” shoe, battling it out with Onitsukas, and the best execution by far has been Sydney-based Song For The Mute’s. Influenced by real Taekwondo shoes, they’re agile, unique, and are made to last – available in black, brown, and beige (see: above). Each pair is individually distressed – probably by threatening to turn the suede into a pair of snoafers – and features stitching details and an exposed sole.
Also read:
- The Best New Balance Sneakers You Can Buy Right Now
- LOEWE & On’s Cloudsolo Sneaker Is The Coolest Dad Shoe
- The Best Summer Slides For Your Boat-To-Bar Needs
