It’s a well known fact that the trainer/sneaker industry never sleeps. That’s why you see streetwear fans queuing before dawn for the most anticipated releases. It’s probably why we also get some designs that just look like ice-cream. Whatever, it’s because of this efficiency that the first half of 2017 has already been a banger-packed six months of drop after sell-out drop. You only need to take your eye off the prize for a weekend and you’ll not only miss a hot new release, but you might also just miss a new trend altogether. (Forgot to jump on Air Max 97? Sucks to be you.) It might be too late to cop certain shoes, but we’ve taken the opportunity to highlight 15 of the best trainer releases of the year so far. Keep your eyes and wallet on eBay…
Adidas Powerphase ‘Calabasas’
Released in extremely limited quantities (naturally) and to a mixed reception (obviously), Kanye West’s ‘Calabasas’ shoe for Adidas is a subtle update of all-white workout sneakers of the eighties. In addition to paying homage to mixed-discipline training, some reckon it was designed to poke fun at the dominant demographic of the Los Angelian city that bears its name.
Nike in body, but speaks to far higher price levels in spirit. Boasting a kind of earthy traditionalism – think woven sandals but with a padded sole, and without your toes on show – more often utilised by brands such as Visvim, the Mayfly Woven has become another favourite of the Dressed Down Style Guy On Instagram (DDSGOI) set.
