Best luxury sneaker collaborations

If there’s one thing we can thank the athleisure trend for ruling our wardrobes it’s making sneakers stylish. What used to be scruffy shoes for everyday comfort now have prime positions on a holy shelf - unscathed and decidedly Scotchguarded. 

For that collaborations are largely responsible. The fashion industry has capitalised on the collab for the past decade, as luxury brands and streetwear labels partner to profit on devoted customer bases. Sneakers have consequently evolved from celebrity-approved basketball shoes to luxury status items with cult followings.

Streetwear has restyled the fashion industry to fit a mould built on hype. Sneaker collaborations fit seamlessly with an industry obsessed by the ‘limited edition’ offering and the street-queuing phenomenon of ‘the drop’ with release dates tattooed in social calendars.

And what a rich history the shoes have. A fun fact: sneakers got their name from their silent rubber soles - a footwear game-changer for the 19th century that fittingly allowed the wearer to ‘sneak around’.  

Today, sneakers are no shrinking violet but the main event of an outfit with stylish designer authority. Whether you’re an avid Converse wearer or look to Nike’s tick of approval, in 2018 your favourite kicks are sure to have a luxury line.

Our top 10 picks for fancy footwear collabs prove that two heads are often better than one.

Nike x Off-White The 10 : Air Vapormax Flyknit 

Anything Virgil Abloh  touches gives the price point a few extra decimals. The Off-White founder's 2017 'The Ten' collection  with Nike was no exception. This 2018 version of the Vapormax features a white Flyknit upper and suede eyelet trim with a clear Air sole and the signature red zip tie. Executed in the most cutting-edge technology with a sense of satire Abloh has spelt out these 'Air' Flyknits for you, in case you hadn't noticed. Characteristic of the designer, the shoes are produced in limited numbers and have hence become coveted items. 

£1,288 | Farfetch | Buy it now

Nike SB x Supreme Gato Red

If there's any brand particularly known for collaborations, Supreme take the cake for hot-ticket drops. This footwear chapter with Nike drops Friday September 7th, and will no doubt be re-sold at a hefty price by opportunistic collectors. We suggest you get your hot little hands on these babies while their sum remains in double digits. Available in a variety of colours, in true homage to the brand we like their classic red. 

£89.95 | Nike | Buy it now

Mastermind x Reebok Instapump Fury Affiliates 

If sneakers had a Batmobile equivalent, the Reebok  Instapump would be it. Japanese design house Mastermind teams up with the streetwear label with this slick design in a jet-black colourway. With a pull tab at the tongue and heel, they are designed to pull-on with ease. An intentionally futuristic aesthetic, these shoes are revered for their sculptural design and unisex appeal that avoids being chunky. Minimalism at it's absolute coolest. 

£564 | Farfetch | Buy it now

Raf Simons x Adidas Detroit Runner low top

Fashion's king-of-cool Raf Simons is no stranger to the sneaker collaboration since his debut line with Adidas in 2013. The Belgian fashion designer has released a fresh new unisex range true to his minimal ethos in various colourways. A geometric tread is showcased by a reflective silver panel around the outside, with the designer's initials printed to one side. Available in monochrome variations, take your black or white preference or get both and wear as opposites in tune with the asymmetric trend of the moment. 

£349 | Matchesfashion | Buy it now

Levis x Nike Air Jordan 4 Navy

If you take delight in denim, these kicks have your name on them. Released earlier this year as a sequel to the brands' Air Jordan 1 23/501 Denim Pack collab in 2008, they have already become a collector's item in sneaker wardrobes. The entire upper fashions a blue-washed denim with contrast stitching throughout and a signature Levi's red tab. White and black denim colourways have since followed suit from the shoe's success. Relocate your favourite pair of jeans to your footwear for a change. 

£649.99 | Kick Game | Buy it now

Or try your luck on Ebay.

Commes Des Garçons Play x Converse Chuck Taylor All Star '70 high top

Appropriately positioned, Converse kick-started the celebrity-endorsed collaboration by signing American basket baller Chuck Taylor in 1934. These are a favourite Converse collaboration with iconic value. Commes Des Garçons' 'Play' motif is appropriately named for it's cartoonish cuteness. To keep the shoe sophisticated rather than kitsch the rest of the design is very slick, with a black stripe running vertically up the back and an ultra-glossy rubber sole. Available in black or cream as high-tops or low-cuts depending on your Chuck Taylor preference.

£110 | Selfridges | Buy it now

Commes Des Garçons x Nike Air Max 180 faux-leather and mesh

These shoes may look like they belong in a candy-store but that's part of their charm. On-board with the colourful sneaker trend that's dominating a lot of styles, we like this tonal version in lolly-pink that ironically feels rather minimal. For shoes that look good enough to eat, these will inspire an appetite. 

£195 | Selfridges | Buy it now

Adidas x Yeezy Desert Rat 500 

Desert Rat is appropriately named for a shoe that's somewhat ugly but undeniably cool. Kanye West has characteristically created controversy with this Yeezy line , from a chunky silhouette that has been compared to the notorious "Dad Shoe" or Reebok silhouette. If anything this has simply amplified the hype, pioneering a cushiony style that's bound to influence future footwear fashions. Sporting a premium upper of suede and mesh, these sneakers are not only contentious but comfortable. 

£564 | Farfetch | Buy it now

Adidas Originals x Pharrell Williams Tennis Hu 

Pharrell Williams ' effortless flair is recognisable even without a logo. This colourful range from his latest collaboration with Adidas is inspired by the Holi festival - a tradition known as the festival of colours in India and Nepal. The tonal knitted upper makes these shoes super lightweight, designed for both casual comfort and intense activity. These are happy shoes, which is not surprising coming from the brain behind the famous song. 

£353 | Farfetch | Buy it now

Nike x Kim Jones Air Max 360

The new director for Dior Homme, Kim Jones is an authoritative figure when it comes to menswear. His collab with Nike sees the classic Air Max 360 High get a beautifully refined revamp. Made in black leather, the sneakers feature a hook and loop strap fastening, ankle padding and a signature Nike Air clear sole. Also available in white, we wish they came in women's sizes for his & her cool. 

£193 | Farfetch | Buy it now