When it comes to fashion and entertainment, no country does it better than Japan. From lush scenery to culturally-impactful anime series, the Land of the Rising Sun is always ahead of the curve. Which is why it’s only right that the country takes a leap forward in the world of footwear.
From Japanese-inspired, sleek sneakers to a special collaboration that sneakerheads will die for, here are awesome kicks you need to grab a hold of right now!
New Balance 574 Legacy “Tokyo Prep” Pack
New Balance and Todd Snyder have a long history of working together. The pair has created joint 997 “Triborough,” 992 “From Away,” and NB 57/40 “Stony Beach” models over the past few years, in addition to a number of others from previous seasons.
The two have now reteamed to present the 574 “Tokyo Prep” Pack, a subdued collection of Japanese-inspired variations on the footwear brand’s iconic model.
Inspired by the “elegance of Tokyo,” the shoe has been redesigned in two new colourways, “Shiro” and “Gure,” as part of the new pack.
According to the brands, the palette “reflects harmony between tradition and modernity” by drawing inspiration from the city’s natural beige and concrete grey hues.
From a design standpoint, the shoe features a furry version of New Balance’s “N” emblem on the side of the, as well as an upper construction that combines textural suede with clean leather.
EVA foam and ENCAP cushioning abound in the midsole, while a sturdy polyurethane rim provides extra support.
The New Balance 574 Legacy “Tokyo Prep” Pack can be purchased online and at Todd Snyder outlets for US$120 (~RM528).
Naruto Shippuden x Converse Chuck Taylor Pack
The Naruto x Converse Chuck Taylor Pack is a unique sneaker collection that honours three adored characters: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Gaara.
Every Chuck Taylor is made differently to capture the spirit of its persona. The iconic Eight Sign Seal from Naruto’s abdomen and his signature orange colour with black laces are features of his pair.
Inspired by his Orochimaru arc attire, Sasuke’s version features a clean white upper with purple rope-style laces. For extra detail, a blue heel stripe and the Cursed Seal of Heaven are used as accents.
With the kanji for “love” stitched on the collar and a cracked sole texture signifying his sand-based abilities, Gaara’s design stands out in deep red.
Each shoe has a 3D metallic shuriken badge in place of the traditional Converse patch.
Additionally, each character’s forehead protector – Naruto’s Hidden Leaf, Sasuke’s scratched-out Leaf, and Gaara’s Hidden Sand symbol – is replicated in the heel plates through special customisation.
The Naruto Shippuden x Converse Chuck Taylor Collection is available for purchase at US$80 (~RM387) and is set to drop on 22nd May at the Converse website.
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