These 9 Sneakers and 1 Hyped-Up Clog are Defining Fashion Now

Louis Vuitton Men’s x Nike Force 1 by Virgil Abloh

You might be curious about the significance of this Virgil Abloh-engineered partnership between Nike and Louis Vuitton Men’s. Sotheby’s New York has the answer. In January, 200 limited edition pairs of LV-embossed Air Force 1s were sold for $25.3 million. This is a record-breaking sale for fashion and sneaker auctions. The latest colorways–an icy white and a chromed-out black-blue-and-yellow concoction–are perhaps even more desirable than the now historic O.G.s, so expect to move some serious mountains to get your mitts on a pair (prices upon request).

Adidas x Gucci Gazelle

Gucci’s much-anticipated partnership with Adidas was unveiled on February runway. There were many Alessandro Michele flourishes. Mohair sweatsuits and hats that match. Tracksuit gowns in flowing silk. High-heel three-striped boots. The biggest show-stopper of all was Adidas’s Gazelle sneaker ($850), which is completely covered–from its canvas uppers to the gum soles–in Gucci’s righteous Monogram print.

Balenciaga Defender

You need kicks that are bold and crazy enough to keep up with you when you’re on a streak like Demna Gvasalia’s. Balenciaga Defender ($1,090), a techy, early-aughts-ish running shoe with monster-truck-ready rubber treads bolted at the base. Although the results are a bit overwhelming, the monochrome tones and calmness keep them in the realms of wearability.

Comme des Garcons Shirt x Asics Gel-Lyte V

Comme des Garcons teamed up with Asics for its fourth collaboration. The Gel-Lyte V ($420), a legendary streetwear item among street runners and performance runners, was the focus of Comme des Garcons’ fourth collaboration. It’s been given a fresh new look by Rei Kawakubo, who has mastered the design. The Gel-Lyte V is adorned with bold leopard spots that match the black-and white motif that dominated CdG Shirt’s spring-summer ’22 collection.

Bottega Veneta Ripple

You can walk barefoot on freshly cut grass or wear your shoes. Bottega Veneta’s most recent viral footwear creations, which date back to Daniel Lee’s last year at the house before his departure last November, are skate-inflected slip ons made from velvety chenille corduroy and space-age ridged soles ($850).

Nike Air Jordan 4 Military Black

The Jordan 4, originally released in 1989 by Tinker Hatfield, is a favorite among classic Air Jordan models. It’s been available in many colorways over the years and in collaborative editions. But until now, it was only available in a steely black-and-white design ($200).

Givenchy TK 360

Matthew M. Williams, Givenchy’s creative director, calls the new TK360 sneaker ($895) “his dream shoe.” Williams is a well-known designer for incorporating cutting-edge technology into his clothes. Everything about this soccer-boot-inspired sneaker flows together, right down to the integrated sole. What will the future look like for sneakers? It will look a lot like these.

Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature

Nike was established in Oregon 50 years ago as a running brand. The latest Pegasus trainer ($150) represents the culmination of decades of aesthetic innovation and material innovation. It’s made with more than 50 percent recycled materials and is one of the most sustainable Swoosh runners. It is also lightweight at 272g and features a Zoom X foam midsole that’s the most responsive to energy.

Dior x Birkenstock Tokio Mule

Clogs and mules are the most popular men’s wear, and they can get as much attention as sneakers. The Dior x Birkenstock Tokio Mule ($2,000), is one of fashion’s most anticipated clogs. Kim Jones gave the fall-winter 2022 Men’s collection to Christian Dior, who was an avid gardener. This Birkenstock–embroidered with a bouquet of the flowers that inspired Dior throughout his life–is Jones’s version of the French couturier’s gardening shoe.