We're calling it - skate shoes are the next big trainer trend. Here's the evidence...
I don't know about you, but I can hardly remember a time when chunky shoes weren't in.
But although their popularity seems unstoppable, like all trends, their reign can't last forever - so what'll be next? Where will footwear go from here?
One possibility is that shoes will become thinner than ever before to the point they're almost impossible to see from the front. But I'm putting my money on 90’s skate shoes overtaking the dad shoe has the king of the bulky trainer.
In fact, I believe skater shoes have already started making their move on the footwear throne. Here are four signs skater shoes are the next step in the chunky trainer trend….
1: The demand is already there
In 2005, New York based designer Jeff Staple teamed up with Nike SB (SB stands for skateboarding, btw) to release a special edition of the SB Dunk that celebrated the city of New York. Jeff and his team did this by drawing inspiration from something they felt summed up NYC perfectly; the pigeon. To say the NYC Pigeon was a success is an understatement - the hype surrounding them very nearly caused a full on riot when they dropped.
Why is this relevant? Because last year Staple re-released the Pigeon (this time in black), and the hype was just as real. There were no riots, thankfully, but they sold out instantly and remain a head-turner among sneakerheads.
2: A$AP Rocky's on board
If Pigeon Dunks marked the first rumblings of a skater shoe takeover, then A$AP Rocky’s upcoming collaboration with Under Armour will be the catalyst for a full on revolution.
Rocky and UA have been teasing a collaboration since 2017, but it wasn’t until Flacko’s Lab Rat performance a few months ago that we got a clear look at what this collaboration will be; a mad thicc sneaker.
Aside from the, "What are thooosee!" comments, one of the main criticisms was that Rocky had basically ripped off the Osiris D3 - a skate shoe that looks like it’s just set fire to the bin in your form room and wears a CKY shirt to every non-uniform day.
Whether or not this is actually true, it still looks like a big 90’s skate shoe, and criticisms aside, people will still want these, because, A$AP Rocky.
As we all know, where Rocky goes, fashion follows (just look at his previous collab with Guess), so the fact he's on board with the skater shoe revival basically means it's happening.
3: They kind of bang, tbh
Dad shoes are high fashion, Skechers are cool, the rules have been rewritten. What would have once been considered a no-go is now the height of fashion, so let’s just say it - DC E. Tribeka's are sick. And so are Etnies Lo-Cut II LS. And so are Osiris D3's.. kind of.
Skate brands like DC, Etnies and Osiris can feel a change coming and are slowly starting to up the prices, experimenting with the designs, and making things a little bit more appealing to a wider audience (e.g. the E.Tribeka by DC).
If we can get our heads around Balenciaga Triple S’s and Louis Vuitton Archlight’s, then let’s give these a go too shall we?
4: It makes sense
A lot of the looks, trends and brands that are popular among streetwear fans are directly linked to 90’s skate culture. Dickies and baggy trousers? Yep. Chain wallets and checkerboard vans? Check. Supreme and Stussy? Obviously.
Embracing the chunky 90’s inspired skate shoe is the next logical step. After all, everyone’s outfit’s are nearly there already.
