"Sneaker head" is no longer a term relegated to streetwear-wise kids, as seen by the natty, retro-leaning sneaker that trotted down the Fall/Winter 2017 runways of Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and more. Menswear designers are playing with sumptuous materials like calfskin and suede, techniques like ombré patent leather, raw-edged leather laces, and more often than not, looking through the archives for inspiration.
Case in point: Tomas Maier has partnered with Puma to create an updated pair of their iconic Roma 1968 white calfskin sneakers, embossed with a miniature palm tree print (the fashion house's signature.) Puma and Tomas Maier will only release 200 pairs of the coveted trainers, which retail for $150 through Maier's e-commerce and boutiques worldwide.
Maier, who has championed a sportive, relaxed look since he founded the brand in 1997, tells us that the collaboration was a no-brainer. “Puma appreciated the casualness of our company and what we stand for,” Maier said. “Plus, the shoe reflects a modern, minimalistic approach that I always try to bring to the brand.”
The dressed-up lace-up isn’t the only shoe getting its moment to shine through: even the most athletic and futuristic designs from sportswear gurus like Nike and fashion houses like Dior and Ermenegildo Zegna are finding their way into the workday wardrobes of creatives and suit-clad types alike. Below, 15 pairs to shop now—and wear on Monday morning.
