The sneaker industry loves a collab. Sometimes it seems like attaching a rapper or high profile designer to any silhouette can turn it from a shelf-sitter to a must-have sneaker, complete with high resale prices. And while there are plenty of examples of high hype collabs, there are a few great sneakers flying under the radar that you can cop for much less than you’d expect. Let’s check out a few underrated sneaker collabs.
Nike Air Max 1 Travis Scott Cactus Jack Saturn Gold
These should have been a home run. They were first teased months and months prior to release and had the Internet going bananas. They also released this year, the 35th anniversary of the Air Max 1. But for whatever reason, La Flame’s 1’s just didn’t seem to hit with sneakerheads – which is crazy because this is a very wearable pair of sneakers, they’re unique, and they have the Cactus Jack vibes. What more could you want?
Anyway, the Nike Air Max 1 Travis Scott Cactus Jack Saturn Gold pays homage to outdoor exploration and the Nike ACG Pocket Knife hiking shoe. It boasts a light yellow layered mesh upper with matching Durabuck overlays and reversed Swoosh logos. A drawstring lacing system nods to common features on trail runners. At the base, a yellowed sole with a cloudy Air unit adds the finishing touch.
Crocs Pollex Clog by Salehe Bembury Tide
The Crocs Pollex Clog Salehe Bembury Tide arrives in a beautiful blue-green, exo-skeletal look with dramatic, fingerprint-like concave ridges throughout its foam construction. While there aren’t as many ventilation holes in this design compared to traditional Crocs Clogs, the remaining holes are located on high-heat areas of the foot for increased breathability. A removable canvas strap at the ankle provides wearers with an option for a more-secure fit.
This is a great example of Salehe being prepared to push boundaries – which is exactly what we need from designers. That’s how we evolve and come up with new things. Tip of the cap to Salehe for these.
Nike Dunk Low Union Passport Pack Argon
In an age of Dunks being absolutely everywhere, it’s refreshing to see a brand do something different on the silhouette – like adding different materials and textures, and having a clear story to the concept.
Commemorating Chris Gibbs’ rarest Dunk pick-ups from his travels to Japan in the early 2000s, the Nike Dunk Low Union LA Passport Pack Argon takes cues from the 2001 Nike Dunk Low CO.JP Argon. It arrives with a tonal blue smooth leather construction that is wrapped in a tear-away, semi-translucent ripstop nylon covering. From there, a Union LA Frontman logo on the heel and “UN|LA” quarter panel tabs add the finishing touch.
Nike Air Force 1 Mid Off-White White
These remain one of the most accessible Nike x Off-White collabs, with prices hovering not far above their retail price. The shoe honours the 40th Anniversary of the Nike Air Force 1 by refreshing the classic design with Abloh’s signature avante-garde style. It features a white wood grain-textured, lightweight mesh construction with ripstop collar straps, and clear TPU Swooshes. At the base, a warped midsole with multi-coloured sections of a track-inspired spiked outsole reference past Nike Off-White designs like the Nike Waffle Racer and Air Zoom Tempo Next%.
Jordan 2 Retro SP Maison Chateau Rouge
People went nuts for the Jordan 2 A Ma Manieré but in my mind these are just as good. The Air Jordan 2 Maison Château Rouge celebrates global youth culture with its playful palette and unique detailing. It features an off-white leather upper with textural overlays, light grey suede mud guards, and orange suede toe and heel wraps. From there, brogue-style perforations and zig-zagged eyestays add a luxurious feel, while hand-stitched detailing channels a DIY element.
It’s the stitching and the lightly speckled midsole that make this one pop, in my opinion. Plus if people ask about your sneakers and you can say they’re the Maison Château Rouge 2’s, you’ll feel all French and sophisticated. Nice.
Nike Air Max 1 SP Concepts Mellow
I don’t actually know how underrated these are – I rate them sufficiently high enough to have a pair in my closet, so….anyway, the Nike Air Max 1 SP Concepts Mellow pays homage to ’60s and ’70s youth culture with its fabrication and palette. It is constructed with a medley of bleached denim, ripstop canvas, red velour, and bandana materials, each contrasting one another. The embroidered “flower power” Swoosh nods to common clothing design themes of the 1970s. At the base, a speckled Air Max sole completes the design.
Yes, red velour. Red is the only acceptable colour when it comes to velour. Did you know too much velour is actually illegal? It would create a level of luxury that no one could handle, so here you’ll find it limited to the tongue. Phew, that was a close one.
