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By now, the sporty runner has gone from athletic shoe to sought-after sneaker style. In recent years, brands and designers from all corners of the fashion world have taken the silhouette from the running track to something now spotted in style-forward neighborhoods across the globe. And if you’re a fan of the look, it’s your lucky week, because there is a whole crop of new fashion-infused runners from Nike, Thom Browne, Off-White, and Rick Owens.
First up is the latest sneaker from Nike and Undercover, the Japanese label helmed by fashion designer Jun Takahashi. Dubbed the Daybreak, the new but vintage-inspired runner takes some design cues from the Swoosh’s 1980s-era Tailwind model. The silhouette features a speckled midsole and extended heel clip with an eye-pleasing mix of different materials on the upper.
Next is an extremely preppy version of the sneaker style, thanks to the master of skinny suiting, Thom Browne. The exacting New York designer injects a handful of luxurious details into a classic vintage trainer: gray suede overlays, iconic tricolor trim, and soft leather lining. It’s the type of sneaker that might look a little more at home when paired with some pleated trousers as opposed to nylon running shorts.
From the dark lord of menswear, Rick Owens, his “New Vintage” runner. Like much of Owens’s handiwork, it’s minimalist with just a pinch of the designer’s signature gothic-leaning flair. In this case, that means a monochromatic upper that’s chock-full of black and gray panels and details like silver-toned hardware.
Lastly, where there is smoke, there is fire—and where there are cool sneakers, there is Virgil Abloh. The Off-White designer gives the classic style an artful makeover thanks to a few of his signature twists, like the bright-red zip tie and graphic-print arrows—along with a very pleasing combination of leather, suede, and shell. It’s not every day that running shoes get transformed into fashion-forward footwear, and any of these four sneakers would make a worthy addition to any wardrobe.
