The Best Sneaker Collabs First Spotted at London Fashion Week Men’s FW19
While designers and brands were showing their latest collections on the runway during London Fashion Week Men's last week, a lot of attention was also being paid to what models were wearing on their feet. Fashion weeks have long been a place where sneakers and footwear collaborations are teased, and the men's edition of London Fashion Week was no different, with the likes of Cottweiler, A-COLD-WALL*, and Pronounce debuting collaborations with some of sportswear’s biggest brands.
As Highsnobiety has done in the past for Paris Fashion Week, we’ve rounded up our favorite sneakers and collaborations seen on the London runway below. Scroll through to see what brands have planned for later in the year.
A-COLD-WALL* x Nike
A-COLD-WALL* and Nike are no strangers to collaboration, so it was no surprise to see new colorways of Samuel Ross’ Zoom Vomero +5 sneaker unveiled in London. A red pair, which was dyed, was shared via the brand’s Instagram, while two other colorways were previewed to Highsnobiety at the brand’s studio. They are set for release sometime soon, in very limited numbers, on ACW*’s website. Check them out above.
Kiko Kostadinov x ASICS
Anyone following ASICS will know about the Japanese brand’s ongoing partnership with Bulgarian designer Kiko Kostadinov. In London, Kostadinov and ASICS unveiled a high-top silhouette that sits atop ASICS’ GEL-Quantum Infinity sole. Check it out above.
Pronounce x Li-Ning
The collaboration between Pronounce and Li-Ning is an all-Chinese affair, with the sportswear brand looking to continue its move into fashion circles. At Pronounce’s London runway show, models were seen wearing two different models.
One looks to be an updated version of Li-Ning’s Furious Rider ACE silhouette, while the other is most likely a new silhouette. The Furious Rider ACE made its debut in Fall 2018 and quickly found its way into sneaker street style shots at various fashion weeks. Originally a running shoe, it was at home at fashion weeks due to its chunky shape.
Cottweiler x Reebok
Cottweiler and Reebok have worked together for a while time now and their latest showing in London gave us a first look at some upcoming footwear. Presumably an attempt to take advantage of the formal footwear trend, the collaboration looks to be a hybrid of a loafer and a chunky-soled sneaker. Another, more athletic sneaker was also spotted at the same show, although a closer look is needed to identify the model.
Xander Zhou
Xander Zhou didn't have an official collaboration on the runway, although some models were wearing Nike footwear to go with their Nike spandex leggings. One kick that stood out is the Air Max 720 picture above, which is set for release later this year. Xander Zhou also customized the Air VaporMax for the runway.
Feng Chen Wang x Converse
Chinese designer Feng Chen Wang and Converse have also worked together in the past. In October last year, Wang's label unveiled its deconstructed pastel Converse Chuck Taylors on the runway in Shanghai. While those sneakers have yet to be released, a new set of collaborative Converse kicks made their debut in London.
The Chuck 70 and the ERX were the models used in the show, with the Chucks getting a treaded, hiking-inspired outsole and the ERX dressed in white, pink, and gold.
In a caption on Instagram, Wang wrote, “Converse has continued their support for Feng Chen Wang by collaborating on both the Chuck 70 and ERX. The latest collaboration features design references that support Feng Chen Wang’s voice on sports culture and the girl power movement. Stay tuned for more to come.”
Liam Hodges x ellesse
Liam Hodges partnered with ellesse at London Fashion Week, debuting two styles of footwear. The first was a leather high-top boot that featured an extra-chunky rubber sole, exposed contrast stitching, and leather panels on the upper.
The second was a more sportswear-inspired design. Judging by the photos, the kick is either laceless or has a strap across the forefoot that hides any lacing system. Pops of color and a mixed-material construction on the upper rounded out a futuristic look.
Charles Jeffrey Loverboy x Roker
Charles Jeffrey partnered with British shoemaker Roker for his Loverboy runway show. While there were several surreal silhouettes, including square-toed boots with spikes on the end and high-heeled dress shoes, the standout was a platform loafer, which you can check out above. Several colorways were teased on the runway.
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