trainers

On artisan sneakers and the repair and re-wear movement



Drake's Doek sneaker

While I was picking up Mr DRG’s birthday present from Drake’s last month (excellent service if I may say so), I was instantly attracted to these Doek canvas sneakers (above). In an array of primary colours, these Japanese beauties (particularly the blue) have the elegant almond toe and easy demeanour of a 60s Vans, but with a slightly chunkier sole and a cork footbed. (more…)



Twenty years later: the Hermes tan trainer



Hermes aw98 trainers Vogue Runway

Ten years ago I would have been all over the Sacai x Nike trainer collab (a kind of double-everything monster trainer with a retro vibe). Today? Not so much. I’m well over super-statement trainers and prefer a Nike Air Max shape or a utilitarian gym shoe like a Converse Jack Purcell. (Currently seeking a JP in white – why so elusive, Converse?)

However, I’m feeling the return of the luxe tan trainer, an understated gender-neutral number that kicks the post-ironic, hypebeast trainer roundly in the butt. Do you remember when Hermès did its first trainer? It was in 1998 and part of Martin Margiela’s first collection for the house. A rich conker brown affair, Hermès was the first luxury brand to design a trainer made entirely of leather and thus the ‘Quick’ caused quite the stir. (more…)



Nike – just did it



Mr DRG is quite the trainer connoisseur, having spent far too much time and money on them during the first wave of sneaker-freakery back in the day. Here’s his guest post on his latest Nike fixation…

Processed with VSCOcam with hb2 preset

I love the way that Nike has been updating classics from its archives over the last few years. Not such a stange statement you might think, but this comes from someone whose mantra is a fixed, ‘don’t mess with a classic, it’s classic for a reason’. Yet Nike is pulling it off, time and time again. (more…)



Perfect pairing: everyday Nikes



Nike tech hyperfuse breathable windrunner Air Max Lunar1 JD Sport

Nike is on a big drive to make things weightless and streamlined, all the better to help you zip through your workout working week. As such, its Tech Hyperfuse windrunner and new Air Max Lunar1s are a winning combination. I’m not a fitness fan (have I mentioned that?) but I love Nike. (more…)