Summer is just around the corner and we all know what that means: it’s sneaker season. The Adidas samba has been extremely popular recently, but along with popularity has come a surplus of people wearing them. Do you want to get in on the trend, but are tired of seeing the same shoe over and over again? Well, I have some alternatives for you, all the way from reasonably priced to ridiculously expensive.
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico $66.00 ~ $100.00 Onitsuka Tiger
The Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s were originally designed as running shoes for the 1968 Olympic trials and were officially used by the Japanese team. In the 2020´s they gained popularity in the sneaker community, but in November 2023, they stopped selling shoes in the US. Luckily, they can still be found overseas or on used sites like eBay. I own these shoes and they are extremely comfortable with very thin soles (better for your feet but it takes some getting used to). They come in lots of different colors and variations, the most popular being the yellow and black and the cream and navy blue.
2. Gola Elan $110.00 Gola
These sneakers, designed as a multi-sport trainer, come in many funky colorways. With a more vintage feel, they come in many colorful yet muted themes, reminiscent of days past. These have a much thicker sole than the Mexico 66s, providing cushion and comfort. Many users say they are great for walking and don’t give you blisters, even when they are brand new, holding up extremely well even when walking miles every day.
3. Alohas tb. 490 $144.50 ALOHAS
Alohas started by making espadrilles, a classic summer shoe, so they know what they are doing when it comes to summer fashions. Designed in Barcelona and hand-crafted in Spain and Portugal, these shoes are made from high-quality materials and sustainably sourced leather. They come in many different colors as well as fun patterns and finishes. These shoes are well made and designed to last a lifetime, a good investment as well as comfortable.
4. Collegium Pillar Court II $225.00 Collegium
Getting into the more expensive shoes we have the Pillar Court II. Designed recently to emulate the historic style of this type of shoe, the Pillar Court II was designed with timelessness in mind. This can be seen in their colorways, with many muted and neutral-toned combinations.
5. Maison Margiela Replica $670.00 Maison Margiela
Called the replica because they are based on German army trainers (hence the nickname GAT), these shoes are made of calf nappa leather, making them exceptionally comfortable. They are made in many different colors, seventeen to be exact, so you have a great variety of choices, allowing them to fit in any wardrobe and become your daily wear.
So, what shoes will you be wearing this summer?