New Balance x Mita x Whiz Limited MRL996
New Balance has tapped up its Japanese brothers from another mother, Mita Sneakers and Whiz Limited, for a third collaborative trainer design to kick off the new year. The result? A sleek yet eye-catching design, crafted from a clash of brown leather and tomato red suede, peppered with signatures of each brand – including New Balance’s ‘N’ emblem and Whiz’s three-star branding on the side. Under the hood, New Balance’s cushioned REVlite midsole ensures your feet stay swaddled, even when you’re trekking around Tokyo’s gargantuan shopping districts. Available at select New Balance retailers now.
Filling Pieces Mountain Cut 3D Cubiq Sneaker
Amsterdam’s Filling Pieces was one of the biggest noises in high-end kicks last year, and the brand’s not letting up for 2016. Its latest release takes that distinct silhouette – not quite a low-top, not quite a mid – and fashions it in a 3D cube design, debossed into silicon-filled Italian leather (just don’t stare for too long, it’ll make your eyes go funny). It’s two fingers to those who’ve sounded minimalism’s death knell, proof that if the groundwork is strong then subtle tweaks can produce a sizeable impact. Although a touch of bling in the gleaming gold eyelets does help. Available at END Clothing, priced £229.
Saucony Shadow 5000 Elite – Bodega Reissue
Saucony’s Elite brand was birthed back in 2010, the fruit of a collaboration with Boston’s famous sneaker boutique Bodega. Originally restricted to Japan, the shoe’s popularity meant a US release soon followed. Fast-forward six years and the sneaker returns, in a pair of bold colourways for fans to choose from. Though the shades might be statement, the design is restrained, with an all-over tonal suede upper complemented by a clean white and tan rubber sole. If the choice is too hard, we’d advise picking up both colourways. Available from January 9 at Hanon, priced £99.
Eytys Mother Suede Sneakers
Stockholm’s Eytys launched in 2013 with the hope of reworking classic footwear silhouettes for the modern generation. That mission’s latest iteration is its Mother model – a fresh take on the age-old deck shoe that strips it of its all-aboard overtones and turns a dad favourite into something more suited to cuffed joggers than cargo shorts. Here they’re updated in black suede with a chunky elevated gum sole that’s ideal for keeping you clear of puddles on deck, should you decide to wear them sailing. Or to navigate winter-battered cities if your tastes are less nautical. Available at Footpatrol, priced £135.
Nike’s Air Max model only gets better with age. The now 25-year-old Air Max BW is named for the ‘Big Window’ in the heel, here accentuated with a slick of black to the midsole. Decked out in smooth Vachetta Tan leather, the upper looks almost golden, with simple black and white accents rounding off the premium feel. Not ones for tackling that new year fitness drive, but the almost formal colourway is ideal for proving to your mum that yes, trainers can be smart. Just couple them with a tailored trouser, not a tracksuit. Available at Size?, priced £105.
