Not for nothing, there was a time in the not so distant past when designer sneakers were the worst thing an alleged \u201csneakerhead\u201d could seek out and acquire. It was almost as if you were cheating on the traditional athletic sneaker mold that had birthed and nurtured your love for kicks. Thus, your betrayal was unconscionable, and often led to exile \u2013 meaning that your taste was, and forever remained, in purgatory – and that’s putting it mildly.<\/p>\n
There was also the fact that so-called luxury sneakers just weren’t that good yet. Most were clunky, over-designed, and uncomfortable, therefore rendering them functionally obsolete. What’s more, often times they weren’t nearly as accessible as say, Nike, adidas, Reebok, PUMA, New Balance or ASICS. Getting your hands on a pair was almost as difficult as saving the money to secure your overpriced find.<\/p>\n
Alas, with the growth of consumer participation \u2013 and budding new brands \u2013 designer sneakers are no longer taboo. The options are plentiful, prices are reasonable, and for all intents, competitive aesthetically with their aforementioned foundational counterparts. 2015 is poised to be a breakthrough year for many independent designer sneaker companies. Here are a few we think you should keep a pulse on as the year progresses.<\/p>\n
Website:<\/strong> Filling Pieces<\/a> Amsterdam – seemingly out of nowhere \u2013 has become a melting pot for innovative and progressive new sneaker brands. Filling Pieces is among the leaders in this new school of thriving footwear brand’s since their inception in 2009 by designer Guillaume Philibert. Crafted with the highest quality and strong, contemporary design cues, Filling Pieces will be a force in the new year and beyond.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Website:<\/strong> Buscemi<\/a> Labeled as a consumer first and designer second, most of those who follow sneaker culture closely know a thing or two about Jon Buscemi. Of his many ventures, both past and present, his luxury line, Buscemi, may be his most daring expedition yet. Detailed as a high-end fantasy concept, Buscemi utilizes bold silhouettes and the finest materials to curate a luxury line in the likes of which we’ve never seen. Looking at his first collaborative release this year with Ronnie Fieg, it’s evident that 2015 will be a hallmark year for Buscemi.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Website:<\/strong> Greats<\/a> Two for two in the field of luxury footwear design, Jon Buscemi joins forces with Ryan Babenzien to create Greats \u2013 an emerging outfit that highlights luxury options with not so luxury prices. Growing a foundation that has already been heralded by much of the sneaker landscape, Greats may be best inexpensive sneaker company we’ll see over the next decade. And even though Jon and Ryan are just beginning, it’s clear to see that what they are doing is special.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Website:<\/strong> Article Number<\/a> Blending high-fashion design inspiration and streetwear sensibilities, Article Number is poised for a breakout 2015. Working with undeniably sartorial materials like nappa leather, neoprene sockliners, embossed python and waxed laces, the looks screams luxury but\u00a0quietly boast sport – a fusion that’s fared well for brands like Common Projects and Balenciaga. Don’t be surprised if by the end of the year Article Number is among the best sneaker stories of 2015.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Website:<\/strong> Hender Scheme<\/a> When Hender Scheme released its Air Jordan 4 last year as a part of its \u201cHomage\u201d series, the Japanese-based company began to raise eyebrows everywhere. Blending modern contemporary with what many deem to be wearable art, owner and designer Ryo Kashiwazaki looks to expand upon its foundational palette in the months to come.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Website:<\/strong> Svensson<\/a> Established in Malmo, Sweden back in 2006, Svensson is inspired by urban life and contemporary culture, which means sneakers play a large role in what they do. But its only a recent turn of events that\u00a0they’ve landed on our radar among the best new independent sneaker designers. Handcrafted in Italy, this premium leather collection illuminates grace through minimalism, craftsmanship and quality. A little pricey, sure, but certainly worth the investment. A pair (or two) in your collection is definitely a strong stance in terms of diversity.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Website:<\/strong> ETQ Amsterdam<\/a> Another in a list of Amsterdam-based brands with a pulse of current climate, ETQ Amsterdam does subtle timelessness in a very quiet yet successful manner. Their method is simple \u2013 create stylish, quality footwear that will withstand time. So far, they’ve done so exceptional well. And from what we can tell, 2015 will be the year when everyone finds out what we already know.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Website:<\/strong> Sawa<\/a> Accepting the challenge to fabric shoes in Africa, Sawa footwear travels a sustainable path paved with two things in mind \u2013 Africa and sneakers. Crafted with a clean and vintage aesthetic, Sawa aims to add value to the continent while also positioning itself as a force within the sneaker industry. With six years now under their belt, that once lofty goal is now coming into fruition.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Website:<\/strong> Want Les Essentiels de la Vie Owned and operated by twin brothers Byron and Dexter Peart, Want Les Essentiels de le Vie has been a staple in luxury bags and accessories for years now. However, it wasn’t until last year that the Montreal natives introduced their first signature sneaker, the Lennon. An oxford style shoe with premium materials throughout, the Lennon is a great first jump into sneakers for de la Vie. If their follow-up is anything like this inaugural triumph, 2015 is very promising indeed.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nPrice Range:<\/strong> $250-$350
\nFavorite Silos:<\/strong> Low Top Transformed, Mountain Cut<\/p>\nBuscemi<\/h2>\n
\nPrice Range:<\/strong> $850-$1,250
\nFavorite Silos:<\/strong> 100MM<\/p>\nGreats<\/h2>\n
\nPrice Range:<\/strong> $50-$200
\nFavorite Silos:<\/strong> Wilson Suede, Rosen<\/p>\nArticle Number<\/h2>\n
\nPrice Range:<\/strong> $250-$325
\nFavorite Silos:<\/strong> 1115, 0621<\/p>\nHender Scheme<\/h2>\n
\nPrice Range:<\/strong> $800-$1,100
\nFavorite Silos:<\/strong> Manual Industrial Products 01 & 04<\/p>\nSvensson<\/h2>\n
\nPrice Range:<\/strong> $200-$400
\nFavorite Silos:<\/strong> Classic Low, Classic High<\/p>\nETQ Amsterdam<\/h2>\n
\nPrice Range:<\/strong> $200-$325
\nFavorite Silos:<\/strong> Mid 2, Low 1, Low 2<\/p>\nSawa<\/h2>\n
\nPrice Range:<\/strong> $100-$150
\nFavorite Silos:<\/strong> LAfrica, Tsague Suede<\/p>\nWant Les Essentiels de la Vie<\/h2>\n
\nPrice Range:<\/strong> $350
\nFavorite Silos:<\/strong> Lennon<\/p>\nPublic School<\/h2>\n