Filling Pieces x Bodega
Any good sneakerhead will claim the trainer is an art form, but it’s not often that the kind found in galleries translates to what’s on your feet… until now. Amsterdam label Filling Pieces has joined forces with Boston independent retailer Bodega to drag the blue and white porcelain aesthetic into the world of sneakers. The pair have merged Asian and Dutch ceramic and pottery influences for the Mountain Cut Ceramic Blue. The shoe is based on the signature Filling Pieces Mountain Cut silhouette, with a highly detailed ceramic blue Chinese drawing, printed on premium white tanned Italian leather. Fortunately, they won’t shatter if you drop them. Available at Filling Pieces, priced £180.
Asics x Slam Jam GEL-Lyte III 6TH PRLLL
Stepping outside of the traditional rules of collaboration, Asics has teamed up with Slam Jam for a multimedia project that includes not just a new pair of Gel-Lyte IIIs, but also a 7″ vinyl record entitled ‘6THPRLLL’, produced by Khalab & DJ Hendrix, which serves as the soundtrack for a bonkers launch video. The shoe is a deliberately jarring mixture of colours and textures that should surprise Asics fans; with a degradé heel unit and sole, Slam Jam branding to the rear and contrasting laces, this shoe won’t appeal to minimalists. But it’s a head-turner for sure. Available from May 21st at Asics retailers, price TBC.
Nike SNKRS app, priced £130.
Puma Blaze Of Glory Sock Fresh
The Blaze of Glory has become a jewel in Puma’s crown. And it’s just dropped in a brand new silhouette: the ‘Sock Fresh’. Crafted from a combination of suede and leather with an elastic round the heel, the silhouette offers a more luxe take on the current sock lining trend. Coming in a glacier grey and white colourway, it features pops of flouro peach on the upper along with touches of asphalt to the midsole. Available at END, priced £75.
New Balance 998 Cool Grey
New Balance might not have the same cachet as it did a few years ago, but the 998 still retains a spot in the sneaker hall of fame. Bucking the tradition of boxfresh white kicks for summer, the US brand has opted for a muted grey and blue palette that will fit seamlessly into most men’s wardrobes. The two-tone suede upper features reflective accents set atop a white ‘Abzorb’ sole while the tongue features the classic 998 ‘Made in the USA’ branding. Available soon from Foot Patrol, priced £175.
