Over the last month, we’ve started SNX with a bit of a rant — it’s kind of like the thing now, and why shouldn’t it be? Who doesn’t love a guy on the corner bellowing, angrily, about shoes?
“Wait, why is he yelling so loudly,” you say. “Also, it’s 9 am, is he drunk?”
Don’t worry about it. So, this week, we’re pointing the rant wand (trying it out, also workshopping rant lasso) straight at Golden Goose, the maker of the boringly named “Running Sole” sneaker that has become the latest on-campus trend at USC. Hey, Golden Goose, if you want to sell a $600 sneaker by all means go ahead, this is America after all. But maybe justify your price with a sneaker that doesn’t look like the shoe-love-child of an Adidas Superstar crossed with a Converse Star Player.
The particular Running Sole sneaker that gets me most fired up is this pair that is covered in gaudy sequins, pre-made scuffs, and a “hand-painted” sole. It should be mentioned that while all the designs don’t use the sequins, they do all make use of scuffs and paint splotches along the sole.
Let’s talk about the sole. Hand-painted? Are you kidding me? These are scribbles, Golden Goose. I’m not coming from some I-don’t-get-art viewpoint here, you aren’t doing a Jackson Pollock-esque painting technique, you straight up scribbled on a shoe and said, “we’ll pretend it’s art,” thinking that no one would see through your transparent design ethos — or lack thereof, rather. And hey, rich kids, maybe if you stopped concentrating on buying such stupid shoes, you’d have the time to get your grades up, and your parents wouldn’t have to bribe you into college using more money than most people make in several years. Just an idea.
Anyway, rant aside, this week brings us the much-hyped release of last year’s Air Max contest winners (we’ve chosen the best two), and three other great sneakers that are out this week. Let’s get into it.
New Balance 997 English Lavender
If you’re hot on the search for a pastel Easter brunch look — or you just like dressing for the season — then you may want to cop these New Balance 997s in this, springtime appropriate, English Lavender colorway. Featuring a mixed suede and leather upper, subtle debased branding, and New Balance’s custom ENCAP midsole, the English Lavender 997s are our favorite spring sneaker to drop this season. This special colorway of the 997s is releasing in partnership with Lexington Kentucky sneaker boutique Oneness, who seem to have a preference for lighter colorways and bright accessories.
The New Balance 997 English Lavender are available now exclusively at Oneness where a pair retails for $225.
Adidas Yung-1 “Ice Mint”
It always surprises me how much the Adidas new Yung-1 silhouette looks like a 90s dad sneaker. I’m not sure if it’s the pattern layering, the mixed suede and mesh upper, or just the bulkiness, but you have to admit, of all the sneaker brands that try to hit that ever-trendy “dad-look” Adidas is absolutely dominating. With both the Yungs and YEEZYs, Adidas wants us all to look like a futuristic and fashionable Jerry Seinfeld.
The Adidas Yung-1 in Ice Mint are available now and retail for $120. Pick up a pair at the Adidas online store or select Adidas retailers like Feature.
Adidas Nite Jogger
I’ve mentioned in past SNX articles that 1980s sneaker designs are poised to take the spotlight from the current trend’s obsession with 90s silhouettes, and shoes like the Nite Jogger seem to be leading the way. These reflective and lightweight running shoes show that you don’t need chunky designs to complement a BOOST midsole. If you’ve been on the fence about Nite Joggers, I can confirm they’re some of Adidas’ most comfortable shoes whether you’re hitting the asphalt for an evening jog or just walking around town.
The Adidas Nite Jogger is set to drop on April 11th and will retail for $130. Pick up a pair on the Adidas online store, or in-store worldwide.
Nike Air Max 1 Tokyo Maze
The Air Max 1 Tokyo Maze was designed by Yuta Takuman of Tokyo, who was one of last year’s “On Air” workshop winners. The Tokyo Maze was inspired by the city’s labyrinthian streets and subway system, which had a big effect on Takuman when he first moved to the city from Kagoshima at just 18.
“There are so many people living in Tokyo,” Takuman explained at the sneakers’ Air Max Day unveiling. “I realized the labyrinth is Tokyo itself, not just its trains. I got to this city from my passion, and I want other people to know that they can achieve this too.”
The sneaker features an inverted colorway of white and black, a translucent sole with Tokyo Maze printed underneath and rainbow laces — a misstep in my opinion, but easily changeable.
The Nike Air Max 1 Tokyo Maze is set to drop on April 13th and will retail for $150. Pick up a pair exclusively at Nike’s online store.
Nike Air Max 97 Shanghai Kaleidoscope
The Air Max 97 Shanghai Kaleidoscope is hands down the best release to come out of last year’s Air Max Day, and they finally drop this weekend. Featuring a multi-layered design with a translucent blue upper and red accents, the Shanghai Kaleidoscope acts as a representation of what designer Cash Ru sees when looking at the shifting clouds that hang above Shanghai. Ru’s initial sketches for the design proved challenging, as he initially approached the concept as an art piece rather than a shoe, explaining “Turning concept into reality was a long, complicated journey… the birth of a sneaker requires a lot of collaboration and communication.” Complications aside, Ru nailed it.
The Nike Air Max 97 Shanghai Kaleidoscope is set to drop on April 13th and will retail for $200. Pick up a pair exclusively at Nike’s online store.
