Time and again, a new it-sneaker hits the block, making seismic waves that tectonically shift the landscape of style. Yesterday, fluorescent footwear and holographic high-tops dominated the terrain; the sneaker du jour takes its cues from the skater. That arbiter of the California cool is no stranger to the sky-high echelons of luxury fashion, with cameos cropping up on runways season after season. This time, the skater heads straight to the gates of Valentino Garavani—at full speed.
A pro at elevating grit to glam, the Italian icon knows many tricks to dazzle sneakerheads with drippy grails. Recontextualizing the streets with the suave is the M.O.—and the house isn’t shy to leave its instantly recognizable stud motif as seal of proof. Observe its welts. Punctuated with prickly studs, these kicks are all about chasing the thrill.
The studs may speak for themselves, but when Maison Valentino takes to pioneering a new Valentino Garavani sneaker, it’s only fitting for it to tag its shoes for proper street cred. And so, its logo finds itself emblazoned on the Freedots’ tongues and heels. While studs and hints of logomania channel the daredevil of the ramp, there are minimal lines and contrasting color palettes that chime with the smooth skater speeding through the streets. Kindred to the thrashers breaking out Haslam flips along the West Coast, Valentino Garavani’s Freedots are understated and emblematic of the off-duty cool.
Marc Johnson once said, “All skateboarding is, is putting ideas into action.” It’s not likely the professional skateboarder’s thoughts were with fashion when he said it. But it’s also not, not relevant. Fashion and skateboarding are brazen; both require risks and when you land those risks just right, it’s sheer adrenaline.
Skaters, athletes, and style savants agree: the key to landing risk with grace is in the right footwear. High on comfort, low on pretense, Valentino Garavani’s latest pair of kicks feature a soft fabric cushion lining and a shell of Nappa leather, making them a must—whether you’re busting ollies in the skatepark or simply heading out to lunch. To nail that vestiary flip, simply don a pair and let your fit take you on one sweet ride of style.
