Tag Archives: Sneaker design

Adidas Allows Homer Simpson To Take Center Stage on Stan Smith Sneakers

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In today’s interconnected digital age, memes have become a language of their own, transcending traditional forms of communication and bridging gaps between introverts and extroverts alike. These quirky, often relatable snippets of humor have the power to create communities founded on shared interests and a collective sense of amusement. Riding this wave of contemporary culture, numerous clothing brands have tapped into the world of memes, leveraging their relevance to create products that resonate with meme-loving audiences. Notably, even iconic brands like Adidas have embraced this trend, blending the worlds of memes and fashion in unexpected and delightful ways.

Designer: Adidas

As the world navigated through the challenges of the COVID-19 era, The Simpsons emerged as a symbol of intrigue and even anticipation due to some strikingly coincidental plotlines. The show’s memes, characterized by their widespread relevance and global reach, have cemented The Simpsons’ place in the modern cultural landscape. Leveraging this phenomenon, Adidas has made a shrewd move by selecting a character that seamlessly integrates with its signature color palette and appeals to the meme-loving crowd.

Adidas has seamlessly woven the iconic world of The Simpsons into its renowned Stan Smith sneakers, creating a symbiotic fusion that transcends fashion trends. Following in the footsteps of Marge Simpson, who previously adorned the tennis shoe with her distinctive blue hair, the spotlight is now on her lovable yet hapless husband, Homer. This evolution feels like a natural progression that elicits enthusiastic shouts of “D’oh!” from fans and enthusiasts alike.

Homer Simpson, renowned for his eccentric escapades and endearing quirks, Homer’s iconic presence has been imprinted onto the timeless silhouette of Adidas’ Stan Smith sneakers. With a keen sense of aesthetics, Adidas has masterfully incorporated one of Homer Simpson’s most famous scenes into its design, a scene where Homer backs into a bush, instantly recognizable to meme enthusiasts worldwide.

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The classic vegan leather silhouette of the Stan Smith sneaker retains its minimalist charm, but now, the heel tab is transformed into a canvas for creative expression. An embroidered artwork of Homer Simpson’s unmistakable silhouette, retreating into a lush backdrop of green fleece, adds a playful twist to the classic design. This ingenious integration of a meme-worthy moment transforms the sneaker into a conversation starter, a piece of wearable art that encapsulates humor and style.

Homer’s humor-laden face peeks out from underneath the laces of the shoe’s tongue, a cheeky update that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who notices. Even the sides of the shoe don’t escape the Simpson treatment; the Stan Smith logo is playfully replaced with Homer’s name, further solidifying the marriage between sneaker and meme.

The attention to detail is paramount, extending beyond the shoes themselves. Custom sock liners adorned with memorable Simpsons characters and a specially designed box that pays homage to the iconic meme complete the package. Even Adidas’ trademark triple stripes are ingeniously incorporated into the design, now an integral part of the foliage that surrounds Homer’s animated escapade.

With a price tag of $120, these Simpson-themed Stan Smith sneakers offer more than just footwear; they embody a cultural shift where fashion, humor, and shared experiences intertwine. Available for purchase through Adidas retailers and online platforms, these sneakers serve as a testament to Adidas’ ability to capture the zeitgeist while maintaining its classic appeal.

In a world where memes have become a modern form of communication, Adidas has not only recognized their significance but has artfully transformed this digital language into tangible fashion. By embracing the universality of memes and harnessing the enduring appeal of The Simpsons, Adidas has once again solidified its place as a trailblazer in merging contemporary culture with timeless style. So, for all the meme lovers out there, it’s time to lace up in a pair of Homer Simpson Stan Smiths and stride confidently into a world where fashion, humor, and iconic moments collide.

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Nike’s salmon sushi-inspired sneakers come with in-built chopsticks for when the hunger-pangs strike

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Have you ever felt the urge to eat your shoes while looking at them? Well, that’s probably not a normal reaction, more like you want to stare at a pair or your shoe collection for a long time or there may be times that you’d want to hug a pair to yourself or put it in your bed with you (hopefully, it’s still an unused pair). But if you have a food-inspired pair of sneakers and that food is your favorite, you might get the urge to go to the nearest place that serves your cravings, in this case, sushi.

Designer: Damian Sim (Bespoke IND)

Menulog, a food delivery service in Australia and New Zealand, asked Melbourne-based shoe customizer Bespoke IND to create limited-edition sneakers inspired by Katy Perry’s sushi dress in her campaign with the former. What you get is the handcrafted Sushi Sneakers, designed on top of the classic Nike Air Force 1, which Katy occasionally wears. What you get is a pair of sneakers reminiscent of a salmon maki roll to make you hungry for sushi.

The design is entirely created from scratch, except for the midsole which is from the Nike sneakers. You get a leather that looks like seaweed and even has a texture that is seaweed-y. In the center, you have laser-engraved marbled salmon and a “shari” sushi rice panel. You also have built-in chopsticks that are secured by fishtail loops and you even get an “emergency pouch” to put your soy sauce since you “need” it for your sushi.

There are only three limited-edition Sushi Sneakers available and you can get them by playing the Menulog Run game. This is a special lens on TikTok which was created to help people wait for their food order and not get so impatient. And if you win one of the three coveted pairs, you also get free sushi for an entire year. At least you can just order the sushi whenever you feel the urge to eat your sneakers.

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A-COLD-WALL x Converse Sponge CX Crater pushes the limits of wearability and style

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Just like its parent company Nike, Converse has been teaming up with different brands, celebrities, and artists to introduce new sneaker creations that will please the sneakerheads. In recent months, the label has inked a deal with Samuel Ross’ brand A-COLD-WALL, and the partnership is a significant one because the British designer is currently famous in the menswear fashion scene. The collaboration has already delivered the recently-released Converse Aeon Active CX with a future-ready silhouette. And this time around, the duo is set to show off the Converse Sponge Crater CX as a new model. At first glance, you will recognize that it’s a follow-up to the Aeon Active CX because of the similarities in shape and texture. It boasts the same sculptural form and bold silhouette that you can’t imagine would be comfortable, but it actually is.

Designer: A-Cold-Wall x Converse

Converse x A-COLD-WALL Sponge Crater

Converse x A-COLD-WALL Sponge Crater

Few will agree this pair is minimalist, but that is how the designers describe its form compared to the previous model. The Sponge Crater’s design is more straightforward with the minimized components but still looks attractive with the choice of colors. You will see the orange flat-knit upper with a printed A-COLD-WALL logo, small details like the gray pull tabs and the spandex collar, and the shell made of Crater and CX foam. What is most notable about the shoe is the unique texture—like the moon’s surface with all the craters and holes.

Converse x A-COLD-WALL Sponge Crater

A-Cold-Wall and Converse intended for the shoes to have such an interesting crater foam body and an overstated heel kick that allows ease of entry. It appears complicated, but it is comfortable, stable, and able to provide all-day support. Converse’s very own CX technology combined with a PU foam CX liner allows comfort and warmth with every stride. The brands that worked on the pair also intended for the Converse x A-COLD-WALL Sponge Crater to be used across all types of terrains, so you know the pair isn’t just for showing off.

Converse x A-COLD-WALL Sponge Crater

The A-Cold-Wall x Converse Sponge Crater proves the “less is more” principle which both brands follow. The pair offers style and wearability that are not often balanced if we’re talking about hyped sneakers. Samuel Ross’ flair for craftsmanship and atypical contemporary aesthetic is evident in the pair. But what is likable about this is the next-level comfort and support, thanks to the Crater foam body, CX foam underfoot, and the egg-crate style traction pod outsole.

Converse x A-COLD-WALL Sponge Crater

Converse x A-COLD-WALL Sponge Crater

The avante-garde design of the A-Cold-Wall x Converse Sponge Crater is yet another fruit of the collaborative efforts between the two labels, delivering a futuristic feel that pushes the boundaries of style and footwear technology. Converse is known for shoes with all-day comfort, and the Sponge Crater offers just that—comfort and support to the feet throughout the day.

Converse x A-COLD-WALL Sponge Crater

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Converse x A-COLD-WALL Sponge Crater

 

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Watercolor Sneakers perfect for the minimalist sneakerheads

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Watercolor Sneakers Trainers

Designing a sneaker appears to be easy, but it’s not. It involves several processes and numerous people, especially if the new pair is from a top fashion or sports brand. In addition, design can take a lot of time as many things must be considered in the creative process.

Thomas Le has designed these Watercolor Sneakers. The industrial designer was the same guy who worked on the wireless earbuds with a spinning dial. He also presented the Di-Fuse Smartwatch—a minimalist watch that uses light and sound to convey information. For the sneakerheads, the designer also introduced the Adidas Air Jordans.

Designer: Thomas Le

Watercolor Sneaker Design

Watercolor Sneakers Thomas Le

Controlled organic forms and patterns inspired the Watercolor Sneakers. The designer mentioned this pair was an exercise on surface modeling, visualization, and CMF exploration. It’s only a concept, but we want the design to go into production and the sneaker market.

The pair is no Nike or Adidas, but the brand can consider the design. It doesn’t feature any shoelace as it’s a slip-on. The upper appears to be something similar to the Charles Birshaw Modular Mule. There is a separate tongue, but the shoe collars are like Nike’s Flyknit.

The shoe features a pull tab for easy removal. The tab’s design features several X’s sewn onto the rear. The midsole and the outsole appear to be integrated as one unit. We can expect it to be comfortable and soft as trainers should be.

The Watercolor Sneakers’ design is very contemporary with a bit of a futuristic aesthetic. Interestingly, the pair can still be minimalistic even with the colors because of the simple design. The watercolor design offers that cool and refreshing appeal ideal for summer. In some ways, the structural design of the shoe reminds us of the Feebes Sock Sneakers.

Watercolor Sneakers Designer

Thomas Le rendered the Watercolor Sneakers in different colors: Peach, Blue, Neon Green, and White. The white version is the simplest of all. Of course, it could also be just the prototype, but the white pair can be a bestseller since many sneakerheads are always looking for the next best white sneakers.

Watercolor Sneakers Availability

Watercolor Sneakers Shoes

Watercolor Sneakers Design

Thomas Le’s shoe designs show us that he is a great industrial designer. If only this design and his other works would go into production, we’ll have another famous designer to talk about. In particular, his Adidas Air Jordans were presented as a natural collaboration between Michael Jordan and Adidas. Of course, that’s never happening, maybe not in this lifetime, but no one’s stopping you from dreaming.

Watercolor Sneakers Production

Concept Watercolor Sneakers

Thomas Le Watercolor Sneakers

Watercolor Sneakers Concept

The post Watercolor Sneakers perfect for the minimalist sneakerheads first appeared on Yanko Design.

SCRY Stela Basic and Erosion Sneakers inspired by the Black Monolith

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Perhaps it is time to accept we are now living in the future. Not many may agree, but that is what we think when we hear about space explorations and see footwear like the Stela Basic and the Stela Erosion Sneakers.

No, this isn’t from Stella McCartney, but the Stela Basic is a pair of 3D-printed shoes from SCRY. Each shoe is an art piece with its square tup, bumps on the soles, and holes in some parts. In addition, the unique sole and heel arches make it appear the wearer is elevated.

Designer: Zixiong Wei

SCRY Stela Basic Shadow Sneaker Design

The pair is set in black but looks more like charcoal. There’s a bit of matte finish for a bit of elegance. However, the entire design of the pair makes the shoes more decorative. It’s more for making a statement than for comfort.

The Black Monolith in space inspired SCRY founder Zixiong Wei. You can’t miss the futuristic vibe as it’s something you can imagine floating in space. Someday, when the earthlings can visit Mars or whatever planet, the Stela Basic can be the pair you bring. You may not need comfortable shoes there because you may be floating, but at least you can be stylish for it.

SCRY Stela Basic Shadow Sneakers

SCRY Stela Basic Shadow 3D Print

Designer Zixiong Wei firmly believes in “destroying the boundaries of vision and throwing off the shackles of the concrete.” Definitely, the pair does more than just make you in awe. It will make you think of what more 3D printing can do.

Stela Basic is a pair of 3D-printed sneakers. It’s not exactly the first 3D-printed product we could wear, but it’s making an impression with its uniqueness. Wei said, “The design breakthrough of the shoe body and bottom pattern gives a whole new texture, creating the perfect integration of toughness and softness, as well as the coexistence of functionality and aesthetics.”

3D Printed SCRY Stela Basic Shadow Sneakers

SCRY Stela Basic Shadow Sneaker Design

The Stela Basic can be likened to the Cryptide Sneaker, but that one is made for comfort. The Stela Basic is purely aesthetic, and others may say it’s alien-like, but the pair is a creative expression. The series comes in two designs: Stela Erosion Shadow and Stela Basic. The difference lies in the finishes: Basic has a smooth matte finish while the Erosion shows a distorted finish.

SCRY Stela Erosion Shadow

The Stela Basic is priced at $535, while the Erosion sneakers are $655. They are made to order and may take anything from one month to 60 days to be finished. You can order from HERE.

3D Printed SCRY Stela Basic Shadow

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These sustainable sneakers are made from fruit waste!

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Sneaker culture is technically a part of fast fashion which contributes largely to the mounting waste problem. But if you can find a cool pair that is sustainably designed right down to its packaging, like the Hana sneakers then we’re all here for it! Designed by Italian sneaker brand ID.EIGHT, not only is this paid unisex and cruelty-free but it is made from materials that are by-products of the food industry and are counted as waste – apple skin and hearts, grape skin, seeds, and pineapple leaves!

Since the textile industry is the second most polluting in the world and intensive farming is a plague for the planet, the brand chose to produce the sneakers in Italy using only ecological and cruelty-free materials. Inspired by the 90s with references to the navy look, the sustainable shoes express the ironic and dynamic style of ID.EIGHT. The contrast between the upper in white recycled polyester and the AppleSkin details in shades of red and blue create a mix of contemporary and light colors.

They use four materials derived from apples, grapes, seeds, and pineapples. Piñatex , made with the waste leaves of pineapple grown in the Philippines; Vegea , obtained from the bio-polymerization of marc in Italy; AppleSkin , obtained from the bio-polymerization of apple peels and cores always in Italy. It features lycra and recycled mesh for inserts on the upper, sole, laces, and the label is also made of recycled materials.

The pineapple industry produces around 40,000 tons of leaves every year and is considered a waste material they are usually left to rot or burn. Today it is possible to recover them to create a biodegradable and cruelty-free material. With 480 leaves (16 pineapple plants) it is possible to obtain 1 square meter of material.

Over 7 million tons of marc are discarded every year by the wine sector, an unacceptable waste

Stalks, skins, and grape seeds are part of the “marc”, the residue of the grape juice extraction process. Today it is a strong, sustainable and flexible material. 310 million new plastics are produced and placed on the market every year, and only 9% of this is recycled which is why they chose to use recycled plastic for some components of the sneakers, such as the laces, the label, and the ribbon. The sole is also made up of 30% recycled rubber!

“In recent years, the amount of agri-food waste used to make sustainable products has gone from 0 to over 30 tons per month. A great resource is used to produce, for example, the ‘paper’ used for handkerchiefs and kitchen rolls, and the material we use for our sneakers,” adds the team. Even the packaging is sustainable, it is made with recycled cardboard and the shipping bags are made from at least 80% recycled polyethylene and are 100% recyclable. You will also find a ball of earth and seeds covered with clay – plant in a pot or throw in a gray area of ​​your city to spread some flower power!

Designer: ID.EIGHT

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This modular basketball shoe 3D printed in parts for comfort, cushion and traction has a green heart

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Basketball shoes need a perfect blend of breathability, cushion, support and traction. Owing to the performance load, they tend to wear out quickly only to end up in landfills. As an ingenious alternative with the same prowess, an industrial designer with a love for basketball and shoes has conceived a 3D printed modular sneaker system that is built to match the standards of a Dunk High yet thrives on its concept of reparability.

The idea of sustainability is penetrating the footwear industry in a major way to say. While startups and indigenous manufacturers have made the first long stride, it’s the market leaders like Nike and adidas that are now catching up with their performance footwear donning a green conscience. Basketball shoes have not yet been touched by this wind of change; evidently, that’s really not how it will be in the years to come and already a unique concept proves that obvious.

This sustainable basketball sneaker is conceptualized by Dennis Johann Mueller. It has been through a lot of back and forthright from the drawing table to the prototype but the final outcome in images is by and large a concept that deserves to see the light of day with subtle commercial tweaks of course.

The silhouette for me is primarily a rage for its reparability quotient, much like the good conscience Fairphone. The shoe is designed in detachable parts; for instance, the upper, shankplate, midsole and outsole are all separately created to finally form a cohesive unit that can be worn to the hardwood court. This design basically offers users the freedom to adjust different shoe parts to their varying comfort and playing needs, and when they begin to wear out, only have the affected part recreated and replaced so the shoe can be worn as new.

In order to match the requirements of a great basketball shoe, this modular sneaker features a lightweight and perforated upper for good breathability. For comfort, the tongue and ankle areas have inflatable padding, which can be adjusted to need. The removable midsole, forefoot and heel regions come with detailed cushioning, while the translucent outsole wraps around the entire sneaker to act as its skin.

The full package is held together by a cord locking system that fastens the upper, midsole and outsole together without glue. This keeps each part of the shoe practical for recycling at the end of life. So, imagine a scenario where you can replace the shoe parts for the best fit and your style of play on the fly. When some section of the shoe wears out, you can have a new one tailored to perfection and assembled with the existing parts to use again while the waste goes into recycling. This is exactly what the future of the footwear industry we’d want to be realized, and Dennis’ effort is a commendable step in that direction!

Designer: Dennis Johann Mueller