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With a knack for finding talent early, it’s no surprise that Reebok was quick to snag buzz-generating fashion label Pyer Moss for a partnership. Founder/head designer Kerby Jean-Raymond has created new-age takes on Reebok classics like the DMX Fusion, bringing some of the brand’s most iconic silhouettes into a bold, meaningful, new high-fashion era. Reebok’s reach extends further than collaborations though: the new DMX Series 1600 takes classic honeycomb cushioning tech from the ’90s and infuses it into a chunky shoe with a heavily paneled upper, perfectly in line with today’s biggest footwear trends. Reebok knows you can’t push forward to your future if you don’t have a thorough understanding of your past, so they brought the Christian Tresser-designed Aztrek out of the vault.
When the React Element 87 first came to — and quickly flew off of — shelves earlier this year, it sent the world of sneakers into a veritable frenzy. Garnering “sneaker of the year” talk almost instantly, the React Element 87s are the next generation of Nike: unapologetic, unafraid, and fiercely unique. There’s plenty of room for the classics too though; Nike Air Max 97 has become an integral part of the Beaverton behemoth’s offerings each and every season. The bullet-train inspired upper with sleek swooping stripes gives off an undeniable air of speed and captures the attention of the athleisure-loving masses drop after drop. It’s been two decades since they first released — but their momentum isn’t showing signs of slowing down any time soon. And if Nike classics are being discussed, it would be blatantly neglectful at best not to mention the Air Jordan 1. Peter Moore’s masterful 1985 creation has enjoyed a fruitful thirty-plus years on the market, being accepted by a cornucopia of subcultures from skate to punk to high-end fashion. It’s widely regarded as one of the best — and most influential — silhouettes of all time.
If you’re talking classic runners, a name that comes to mind almost immediately is the New Balance 990 v4. Typically made in the USA and known for its premium quality and timeless styling, the 990v4 is the latest torch-bearer in the 30-plus year legacy of the 990 series. With a perfect combo of cushioning, stability, and looks, it’s a shoe that’s as versatile as its wide-reaching army of loyal wearers. But the NB brand has done impressive work in modernizing their classics as well. The 247 silhouette has now reached its v2 chapter, releasing in a bevy of sporty and lifestyle-friendly colorways since its debut in 2017. The brand-new X-90s take old-school New Balance DNA and infuse it with a double shot of modern-day tech and styling. The heritage base is unmistakable, but new materials like mesh and synthetic suedes combine with a stripped-back look for a minimalist shoe that would look just as good with sweats as a suit.