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From the football pitch to the street: studded shoes are shaking up fashion
by Stephanie Vinzens
The era of the chunky sneaker is over
10/9/2024
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
For a long time, chunky sneakers were the status quo in fashion. Over the last few seasons, however, they’ve increasingly given way to slimmer models with thin soles. Are dad sneakers really passé?
For over half a decade, kicks with chunky, eye-catching soles have dominated the world of sneakers. However, a clear change of direction is in the works – thin-soled retro sneakers such as the Adidas Gazelle or Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 are suddenly in the spotlight.
New Balance and Adidas focus on super-light sneakers
In collaboration with the Japanese label Issey Miyake, New Balance also launched the MT100, a new interpretation of the MT10, in spring. The MT10 is a trail running shoe from 2011, characterised by a barely-there sole with minimal cushioning, allowing the foot to feel the ground. A fitting model for creative director Satoshi Kondo, who was inspired by the mobility of barefoot shoes for the collaboration.
Chunky, sure – but please don’t overdo it
Thin-soled, minimalist silhouettes aren’t just a big topic in the world of sneakers; the trend is also evident in the revival of ballerina shoes and the popularity of pointed pumps. It’s clear that thick-soled shoes have lost their reign and are increasingly having to make way for nimble models. Mind you, this is by no means to say they’re no longer fashionable.
In the future, chunky sneakers may become a little more minimalist or functional. Trekking sneakers from outdoor brands such as Salomon and Merrell are also very popular at the moment. In general, we can observe the peaceful coexistence of contradictory trends more and more frequently in fashion. What a nice development!
Header image: Launchmetrics/Spotlight/Issey Miyake
Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.
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