Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God is not only mega-successful due to its celebrity co-signs and popularity with younger consumers, the label’s footwear offering ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to aesthetic, design, and price point, too, attracting a wide range of sneakerheads. Fear of God sneakers created in-house by the label tend to sway more towards high-end streetwear fashion, using premium leathers and suede, while Fear Of God collaborations with the likes of Nike and Vans, take popular models and redesign them through Lorenzo’s distinct lens.
Fear of God shoes are heavily influenced by Lorenzo’s own childhood and what the designer wore growing up, which is why you’ll see in-house designs such as the Skate Mid or Lace Up, which are more fashion-conscious versions of existing Vans models. The Nike x Fear of God collaborations also tap into the designer’s childhood, taking some of his favorite sneakers over the years and adding a Fear of God twist to them — most notably the Nike Air Max 180-style Air unit on the custom sole.
As with most brands that have both in-house footwear collections and collaborative projects, it can become hard to keep track of Fear of God sneakers when different collections and special projects are constantly being released all year. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most important Fear of God sneaker releases of the past few years, ranging from in-house designs to Lorenzo’s popular Nike, Vans, and Converse collaborations.
Nike Air x Fear of God 1 String "Off-Noir"
The holy alliance between Fear of God and Nike has given us some of the most hyped sneakers in recent years. Though there are a handful of kicks worthy of the list, the Nike Air Fear of God 1 sits in a class of its own. Nike allowed Lorenzo to design a brand-new silhouette — something the sportswear company has been notoriously stingy about throughout its collaborative ventures.
Here we have a performance sneaker upgraded with luxury materials. The Fear of God 1 comes with a ballistic, breathable premium mesh on its upper. Hints of plush suede populate the toe of the shoe, while a midfoot cage — potentially inspired by the Nike Air Huarache Light — runs up to the ankle of the shoe. The sneaker-boot hybrid also wears a beautifully sculpted semi-translucent midsole and a transparent sole with Nike Air tech. These are worth a cop if you appreciate Fear of God's luxurious design ethos, but also need something functional.
Fear of God Vintage Tennis Leather Sneakers
You know what we love about white sneakers? You can dress them up or down. Basketball shorts and a tee for a casual day out? No problem. An olive double-breasted suit for Sunday Service? They've got your back. Here, Fear of God takes some of its greatest hits and refines them, creating a minimalistic sneaker worthy of your growing white sneaker collection. The white "Vintage" features a distinct perforated leather detailing, a slightly exaggerated bumper and is topped off with a silver lace lock with Fear of God branding. Amen.
Converse x Fear of God Chuck Taylor All-Star 70s Hi "Natural"
True to his West Coast roots, Lorenzo has taken the robust Chuck 70 and injected it with Fear of God's elevated approach to essentials. The Cali-staple is made with double-ply nylon, something more durable than what you may find on your standard pair of Chucks. The vintage cream upper contrasts nicely with the black grainy premium leather tongue and leather toe. Additional stitching across the body of the shoe and foam in the insole helps the shoe feel more comfortable on the move. Refrain from filing these under "just another Chuck Taylor."
Fear of God Leather, Nubuck and Mesh Sneakers
Fear of God has combined black-on-black suede, mesh, and leather to construct a skate-friendly shoe. The mix of high-quality materials paired with its functional gum sole helps the sneaker stand out from other skate sneakers you may be eyeing this year.
Fear of God Suede, Leather, and Canvas High-Top Sneakers
Jerry Lorenzo has taken inspiration from culturally impactful high-tops donned by ’90s basketball legends and has recontextualized them in this Fear of God Canvas High-Top sneaker. Like most shoes in our line-up, the sneaker is handcrafted in Italy and dressed in a selected mix of palatial materials. Two tones of black suede and canvas dominate the shoe, while a hint of white calf leather sits at the center of the upper. Blessed are those of you who style these with Fear of God's Essentials SS21.
Fear of God Canvas 101 Backless Slip-on Sneakers
A slight remix to the 101s below, these sneakers are respectfully reminiscent of the Vans Authentic. The sneaker is cloaked in a breathable off-white canvas. The heel of the sneaker is kept low, allowing you to easily slip the shoes on and off as you transition from beach to boardwalk this season.
Nike Air X Fear of God 1 "Amarillo"
This Lorenzo-designed sneaker takes what we love about the Nike Air Fear Of God 1 and blasts us with a radiant colorway. The striking iteration proudly boasts a can't-miss yellow upper, potentially making it the stronger of the two sneakers, especially if you are planning a God-inspired fashion statement.
When designing these sneakers, Jerry Lorenzo wanted to create a shoe the echoed the visceral emotional experience a young kid may have when they see a dope sneaker on their favorite athlete. Though this is ambitious, to say the least, Lorenzo managed to create a sneaker that both athletes and sneakerheads revere. No easy feat. Can't wait to see what he cooks up with adidas.
Fear of God 101 Suede and Nubuck Sneakers
Deceptively simple, Fear of God's 101 is an ode to the sneakers of California's historic skateboard culture. Yet, true to Fear of God style, the sneaker is meticulously crafted and blessed with both suede and nubuck across its upper. Also borrowing from historic military silhouettes, the 101 sits on top of a branded thick midsole. All in all, the sneakers will comfortably tie together any of your earthy, understated casual fits.
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