New sneakers alert: Take your favourite pick from Nike, Dior & Versace

Pratishtha Rana

The sneaker culture, as they call it, has seen a rise in popularity in the last few years. From being a sportswear essential to becoming a significant part of high-end street-style; sneakers are no more an option; they are an investment.

Thanks to the new, imaginative and over-the-top design twists that designers Virgil Abloh, Versace, Giuseppe Zanotti and Balenciaga have been lending to the shoes. We can’t help, but take a double look at it!

Here are a few sneaker debuts that you must consider adding in to your cart.

Versace, Chain Reaction sneakers
Available: versace.com

The iconic Versace chain jewellery takes the centre spot on this new line of platform sneakers by the Italian luxury brand. The bulky-looking rubber soles are in fact lightweight and show off the original chain-linked pattern in semi-matte golden colour. On the exterior, there is also a ‘Chain Reaction’ patch and Braille love lettering, done to signify the concept of love is blind.

The Simpsons x Vans
Available: vans.com

The popular American sitcom The Simpsons have once again made its way to the world of Vans (first appearance being in 2007). This time it is a limited-edition range of clothing, accessories and yes, new shoes featuring quirky prints from the show! Besides the off-the-rack collection of sneakers to choose from, one can also get their pair customised – just pick your shoes, colours, patterns and the show’s characters; and get it all designed on your sneakers.

The Nike ISPA Overreact Sandal “Wheat”
Available: nike.com

Nike takes a leap from the typical sporty sneakers to a more edgy and unconventional design – introducing Overreact Sandal in Wheat colourway. This model comes under the larger line-up of Nike ISPA, which translates to Improvise, Scavenge, Protect and Adapt, meant to improve an athlete’s experience on different, changing terrains. Overreact sandals feature doubled up foam and cushioning on the midsoles for adequate comfort to strained feet.

Dior, Tie & Dior print neoprene sneakers
Available: dior.com

Dior’s latest sneakers join the tie & dye party! Aptly titled Tie & Dior, the French fashion house’s Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri attempted to design modern and functional sneakers out of printed neoprene. Colour coded in denim blue and milky white, this pair of D-Connect also features Dior’s signature on the laces.

Concepts x New Balance ‘Cape’
Available: cncpts.com on August 13, 2020

A collaboration between Concepts and New Balance has resulted in an attractive pair of sneakers that take inspiration from Cranberry Vodka from Cape Cod, a region in Massachusetts, famous for its cranberries. There is a cranberry coloured suede and nylon upper, a gradient back printed TPU N logo, an ice-blue rubber outsole and a green EVA midsole (used for its cushiony flexibility) that resembles the lime in the vodka.

Adidas Originals ZX 8000 Superstar
Available: In store and online on shop.adidas.co.in 

Adidas’ A-ZX sneaker program (first launched in 2008-09) is back with newer, edgier sneakers. ZX 8000 Superstar is the latest in the collection and will launch on August 14. It is a stylish twist to the iconic ZX 8000 that was released in the 80s. The shoes are dressed up in a leather upper with an overlay of digitally printed image of the original shell toe.

Nike, Glow-In-The-Dark Blazer Mid ’77s
Available: Yet to be launched 

“Have a good game,” says the heel of Nike’s soon-to-launch Blazer Mid ’77, suggesting its sporty and playful make. What’s more to like about this new release is that it glows in the dark. On the white leather canvas of the sneakers, colours like black, bright crimson, orange and blue take the spotlight; with tiny logos of Nike printed all over the upper part radiate in the dark.