It’s becoming a tradition that I once a year highlight the news that has emerged in the market of quality sneakers. This isn’t  Shoegazing’s focus area, but the interest is great, and as the quality of many of the sneakers has increased and now as more and more cobblers are offering resoling of the so-called Margom sole types, they have parts in common with classic quality shoes.

 

Read previous reflection on quality sneakers here, where I write a bit more about the background to today’s wave of mostly minimalistix sneakers of better quality, and read last year’s tips on news here. Below is a walkthrough of a number of new interesting releases in the area.

A retro inspired sneaker from the Italian brand Velasca, available in several different leather options, apart from the dark brown above. Price is €185. Picture: Velasca

At Skolyx we just launched a new range of the own minimalistic sneaker, offered at the competitive price of €119. A further developed version with padding along the opening and tongue, a properly built up comfortable insole, and fully lined in calf leather. Available in six different versions, all seen above. Picture: Skolyx

A really interesting new player is Vekla, which is so new that it’s only offered pre-orders so far, with delivery after the summer. The shoes are made in Italy with vegetable tanned leather and really neatly made, above a version in off-white. Behind the brand is Belgian Tom Brone, known from Sons of Henrey (which I interviewed in this podcast episode). The price €185. Picture: Vekla

A lovely wholecut sneaker is the latest drop from C.QP, the model Genoa in the suede shade Sand. Price about €300. Picture: C.QP

John Lobb Paris has launched a bunch of sneakers the past years. Newest addition is named Foundry, and is inspired of classic sport derbys from the 20’s. Made with sacchetto construction (where lining is made like a sock and then stitched together with the upper). Price bity €700. Picture: John Lobb Paris

Sportif. It’s what Skoaktiebolaget calls its own brand Löf & Tung’s range of sneakers, where they have several different variants, both with lacing and without. These slip-on sneakers named Barbaro Sportif are made in the grain leather Utah calf, costing €180. Picture: Skoaktiebolaget

More brown grain leather, the model Oaxen from Swedish brand Myrqvist. The shoes are made in Portugal, and cost about €190. Picture: Myrqvist