There’s that saying that all work and no play makes people dull, but work environments rarely encourage the two to mix in the same space. Unless, of course, you’re actually working in an industry that makes games, toys, and sports equipment. Even then, however, those would probably still be considered “work, and the line that divides work and play still exists.

But what if the very same office space could become your playground during lunch break? And what if you didn’t have to move the furniture out of the way to do that? That’s sort of the magic offered by this unique office furniture collection design by skaters for skaters, transforming an already dynamic open floor plan office into a field for exercise and play when you need to get the creative juices flowing again.

Designer: Zenga Bros

Traditional wisdom dictates that work life and personal life should be kept separate but balanced, but younger generations have found ways to blend the two together and still be productive. That’s easier when your passion and hobby are actually part of your work, like when you’re a couple of designers who happen to love skateboarding as well. Skate Break is the result of that convergence, transforming one space into another without breaking too much of a sweat.

Just like a hi-tech showroom or a sci-fi transforming room, Skate Break’s furniture stands as honest-to-goodness functional office equipment one moment and skate ramps the next. As long as you have ample room between these pieces of furniture, you don’t even have to move them out of the way and bring them back in after you’re done. It’s not instantaneous, of course, but it sure beats having to constantly move things around whenever you want to switch from one mode to another.

There’s definitely some ingenious design involved, like a boardroom table that can be taken apart to become a pyramid ramp and a grind ledge. The standing desk uses a lever system to reveal a hidden ramp on which to skate. Don’t worry, the large computer screen is protected by transparent plexiglass, so you can confidently skate up and down over it.

The oversized Lamp Ramp is probably one of the more striking pieces, composed of what looks like a gigantic flower-shaped fanning shade and an arched stand. When a pin and the counterweight dumbbell are removed, the shade moves down until it touches the floor, creating a small volcano ramp and rainbow rail.

Skating inside the office might not be the smartest decision, especially if you don’t have protective gear available. It’s still a fun idea to turn an office into a playground and back again, seamlessly shifting gears as the need or desire arises. And as many companies with high creative output have proven, such a lifestyle can actually be beneficial to both employees and employers, as long as they don’t get into accidents.

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I don’t watch any American football but I’ve seen some actual footage (and movie scenes as well). I can only imagine how noisy it gets within the stadium, whether it’s college football or professional football. It will probably be hard to listen to anything else except the crowd’s cheers (and jeers). So what if you needed to hear what your teammates or coaches are saying?

Designer: Tamara Reid Bush and Rylie DuBois

A mechanical engineering professor and a biosystems engineering major at Michigan State have been able to produce something that can help athletes with that problem. Some teams previously just put duct tape inside the earhole of their helmets but they were able to make something better with the power of design thinking and 3D printing” earhole inserts.

These inserts were made from a bio-based plastic called polylactic acid and produced through a 3D printer. They were put into the helmet earholes and the challenge was actually to produce different sizes since different helmets of course had varying sizes. The main purpose is of course to drown out the crowd noise so they can hear play calls and the recently approved coach-to-player helmet communications in the NCAA.

While the around 180 sets they have produced are used by the Spartans, some of the Bowl Subdivision programs are also creating similar tools. For example, the Houston Texans have approached XO Armor Technologies, which can 3D print athletic wearables. After that, around 60 teams have already contacted them to produce sound-deadening earhole covers for their respective teams.

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Your feelings about this latest collaboration with Adidas depends on how you feel about four-fingered shoes. If you think that those viral footwear that showed people walking around like ducks or scuba divers on land were cute, then you’ll like this. If you think that it’s weird and maybe on the level of that other much-maligned footwear brand, then you’ll probably wonder what a leading brand like Adidas is doing having such an “unathletic” collaboration.

Designer: Adidas and AVAVAV

AVAVAV and its creative director Beate Karlsson were invited to do a pretty unserious collaboration with Adidas. The Superfinger Superstar is a pair of the latter’s famous sneakers but it with comes with a detachable four-toed rubber gloves which is the signature of the former. Basically it’s a “gloves for shoes” accessory that can also be used as a purse for small things that can fit in its tiny appendage like lipbalms, small perfume, and even a small phone.

The detachable four-finger footwear uses full-grain leather and is equipped with a rubber midsole, outsole, and shell toes. It also has an industrial strap so you can remove it and use the sneakers as it is. You can also the “superfinger” accessory with other shoes, not just the Adidas shoes that come with it and you can use the adjustable straps to fit it with the shoes you want to use it with. You can choose between the Core Black or Better Scarlet colors.

The Superfinger Superstar is obviously not meant to be used when you’re running or doing any athletic thing. It’s for just having fun with your footwear without really minding what other people think. And if you don’t like it, just go and get your Adidas footwear of choice.

The post Adidas and AVAVAV brings four-fingered gloves for your sneakers first appeared on Yanko Design.

There are two interesting facts about the tennis GOAT: Novak Djokovic. He is one of the only five players in the history of the game to win all four grand slams and the Olympic gold medal in singles event. And that he is the brand ambassador of the watchmaking legacy at Hublot. The horologist has been on the wrist with the achievements of the 24-time grand slam winner Djokovic since they served the partnership ace in 2021.

Hublot is now substantiating its commitment toward the Serbian legend and honoring his achievements – including the Golden slam and Olympic medal at the gaming extravaganza in Paris – with the launch of Big Bang Unico Noval Djokovic. The watch inspired by Djokovic’s record-breaking achievements is Hublot’s attribute to the tennis great’s agility on the court and its inclination toward sustainable innovations in watchmaking.

Designer: Hublot

To that accord, the Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic has been made from parts of his actual rackets and on-court kits. The 42mm case Hublot with Djokovic’s name, measures 14.5mm at the thickest point, and features an epoxy resin base with quartz powder reinforcement. It has been fused with the recycled fragments of 25 HEAD racquets and 32 Lacoste polos (17 dark blue and 15 light blue) that Djokovic used in the 2023 season to complete the matte blue recycled composite case and bezel of the watch.

The skeletonized dial of the watch, with yellow seconds pusher and bezel screws curved to mimic a ball, makes clever references to tennis. It rests under a tempered Gorilla glass that replaces the sapphire glass from the previous Big Bang’s. The Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic has been created lighter than a tennis ball at just 49.5g and is powered by a PVD-finished in-house self-winding Unico manufacture chronograph movement offering up to 72 hours of power reserve.

While Djokovic fans would do anything to get this piece of historic relevance on their wrist, not all would have the pleasure of it. Hublot strictly limits production of the Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic to 100 examples at AUD78,700 (approximately $51,000) each. If you happen to chance upon one, you will have the option to take it home on one of the four straps: elastic sweatband, Velcro strap, white rubber strap, and a Lacoste strap.

The post Hublot celebrates tennis legend Novak Djokovic with Big Bang Unico made from his racquets and polos first appeared on Yanko Design.

In an age where sustainability meets everything, why not fitness? Nike has taken a bold step with the introduction of their Nike Grind Dumbbells, a product that marries functionality with an eco-conscious mindset. These dumbbells are not just a tool for training but a statement in Nike’s ongoing commitment to reduce waste and create a better future for both athletes and the planet.

Designer: Nike

At the heart of this innovation is Nike Grind Rubber, a material made from the waste generated during the footwear manufacturing process. Each Nike Grind Dumbbell contains at least 20% of this recycled rubber by volume, making it a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining a rigorous fitness routine. The incorporation of Nike Grind Rubber gives these dumbbells a unique texture—durable and rubbery, built to withstand the toughest of workouts while maintaining comfort and grip. It’s sort of like the KitKat business model. Just like how damaged KitKats get reused as the wafer inner filling for KitKats, the waste from Nike’s footwear business gets used as raw material for its dumbbells.

Nike has paid special attention to the design of the dumbbells, ensuring they are not only functional but also comfortable to use. The handles are ergonomically shaped, with their diameter increasing as the weight goes up, providing a secure and tailored grip no matter the load. For lighter weights, starting at 2.5 lbs and going up to 25 lbs in 2.5-lb increments, the thinner handles offer precision and control. As the weights increase to 50 lbs in 5-lb increments, the handles thicken to match the increased demand for strength and stability, ensuring a comfortable grip for every user.

The medium-knurled handle provides just the right balance of friction and control, making these dumbbells ideal for a wide variety of exercises. Whether you’re pushing through an intense HIIT workout or performing slow, controlled movements, the grip offers confidence and security, allowing you to focus fully on your training.

One of the standout features of the Nike Grind Dumbbells is their versatility. Dumbbells are arguably one of the most essential pieces of equipment in any gym, and Nike’s offering is no exception. These weights support countless workout movements, from compound lifts like squats and lunges to isolation exercises like bicep curls and tricep extensions. The hexagonal rubber construction prevents rolling, making them stable and safe to use on various surfaces, while also protecting floors from damage.

In true Nike fashion, the Nike Grind Dumbbells come with a design flair that sets them apart from other gym equipment. Due to the nature of the recycled material, each set features a unique color blend depending on the footwear colorways Nike produces during any given season. While the base color remains a stylish grey, the Nike Grind particles within the dumbbell vary, making each pair truly one-of-a-kind. This limited-edition aspect of the dumbbells adds a sense of exclusivity for those looking to own a unique piece of Nike’s sustainable innovation.

The Nike Grind Dumbbells are sold in pairs, with pricing ranging from $30 for the 2.5-lb set to $210 for the 50-lb set. Given the combination of quality, durability, and sustainable design, these dumbbells offer excellent value for those serious about their fitness and environmental impact.

Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” slogan has always been about pushing boundaries, whether in sports or in life. With the Nike Grind Dumbbells, that ethos extends to sustainability, offering a product that not only supports your physical training but also contributes to reducing waste. This dumbbell is a perfect fit for athletes who want to make a difference both in their workouts and in the world.

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Welcome to Sneakers Sunday, readers! Today, let’s explore a remarkable sneaker partnership combining sustainability and innovation. The ASICS GEL-SONOMA 15-50 emerges as a product of a unique alliance between ASICS and automotive parts manufacturer Toyoda Gosei, merging the worlds of sportswear and automotive expertise. This sneaker artfully weaves elements from the automotive airbag industry with cutting-edge design, showcasing repurposed materials known for their strength and resilience—originally crafted to save lives. By focusing on upcycling, the GEL-SONOMA 15-50 highlights resource efficiency and sets a new standard in cross-industry creativity and design.

Designer: ASICS + Toyoda Gosei

Design Elements That Matter

The sneaker distinguishes itself through its innovative use of airbag materials. This approach is far from a gimmick; it utilizes airbags’ durability, lending a rugged yet refined feel to the upper. Originating from components designed to handle intense pressure, these materials provide the sneaker with exceptional resilience, breathing new life into otherwise discarded items.

The distinctive airbag-specific stitching, featured in a striking two-tone pattern, honors the airbag’s industrial heritage. These stitches transcend decoration, symbolizing protection and sturdiness. The sneaker’s tongue draws a playful parallel to an airbag’s inflation mechanism, offering comfort while evoking its original function. Together, these design choices narrate a layered story of transformation and comfort.

Including airbag numbering and vent holes enhances its utilitarian look, embracing its roots. This raw, industrial design appeals to those who value function tied directly to form.

A Closer Look at the Material

The upper combines synthetic fiber, natural leather, and synthetic resin, offering a blend of flexibility, durability, and comfort for trail and casual wear. The rubber outer sole ensures reliable traction across varied terrains, making the ASICS GEL-SONOMA 15-50 as versatile off-road as it is in urban settings.

Sustainability: From Automotive Waste to Wearable Design

A major highlight of the GEL-SONOMA 15-50 is its sustainability focus. ASICS and Toyoda Gosei transform robust rejected materials into valuable products by utilizing airbag materials that are unfit for automotive use. This initiative speaks to a larger movement, aligning with ASICS’ sustainability efforts to reduce waste and efficiently use resources. It demonstrates the possibilities when industries collaborate to tackle shared challenges.

What the Jury Said

The 2024 Good Design Award jury praised the sneaker’s innovation and execution. They highlighted the sneaker’s clever upcycling of discarded airbag materials and recognized its contribution to industrial waste management awareness. This collaboration between ASICS and Toyoda Gosei shows how industries can join forces to create products that meet market needs and benefit the environment.

The jury was particularly impressed with the creative handling of challenging materials. The GEL-SONOMA 15-50 bypasses convenience, illustrating that sustainability can coexist with style and performance.

Three Things We Love About This Sneaker

• Upcycled Airbag Materials: These sneakers use creatively repurposed industrial waste, combining style and practicality.
• Design that Tells a Story: Featuring elements like airbag numbering, the design ties back to its automotive origins. Every detail narrates a journey of transformation.
• Versatility in Use: Beyond sustainability, the durable sole and comfortable upper make it perfect for various activities—from trail running to casual wear.

Final Thoughts

The ASICS GEL-SONOMA 15-50 reshapes the concept of a sneaker through its innovative focus on sustainability. Partnering with Toyoda Gosei, ASICS has developed a shoe that performs impressively and advances the dialogue about eco-friendly practices. Each stitch and material choice highlights how imaginative thinking can lead to sustainable solutions.

By drawing on the history and purpose of airbags, these sneakers create an inspiring story of transformation and creativity, turning automotive components into daily essentials.

Are you ready to step into a narrative of innovation and sustainability? The ASICS GEL-SONOMA 15-50 encourages you to explore where design meets function, heralding the future of footwear.

The post ASICS’ Award-Winning Sneaker Made from Airbags Wins 2024 Good Design Award first appeared on Yanko Design.

It’s too easy to underestimate golf as a sport, but the ability to hit a small ball with an equally small stick and have it roll into a hole miles away is no easy feat. It requires no small amount of skill, focus, and concentration, all of which could be undone by the stress of having to mind things not directly related to playing the game, such as carrying all those golf clubs. You can always hire people to carry those for you, a.k.a. caddies, but that might not always be a feasible option. We’re at an age where not just vacuum cleaners but also cars can already drive themselves, so why not have a trolley do that as well? And with some AI magic, it can even be your golf coach, too!

Designer: Futurewave, Botronics

That is the kind of liberating experience that the iXi robot golf trolley is promising. It is an extremely minimalist four-wheeled robot designed to carry your bag of golf clubs and follow you wherever you go. Although it could raise concerns about the potential loss of human employment, the self-driving robot offers players more freedom of movement and convenience without having to worry about needing someone to do that work. It allows them to simply focus on the task at hand: playing golf. It’s like having your own personal caddy, without the potential source of distraction.

Although iXi does have sensors and intelligence to follow its human owner, its AI also serves a second purpose. It can analyze the player’s swing and offer insights that could help improve their gameplay. It’s pretty much like what those golf smartwatches try to offer, but with a better view of the player’s posture and swing thanks to cameras and sensors. Maybe someday, iXi will even be able to offer the right club to use and have it ready even before the player reaches for it.

iXi’s intelligence is perhaps hidden by its extremely simple design, a platform with four wheels, a post to support a golf bag, and a handle that holds the screen controller. This design was made by choice, of course, as it makes it easy for the trolley to fold down into a compact form for easier transport. It could save you not only space but also money in the long run, without losing the peace of mind that comes with not having to carry a heavy bag of clubs on your shoulder every time you have to move to the next spot.

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Of the many pieces of clothing we buy and use, shoes are probably the ones designed to last the longest. Because of that, footwear is usually made using materials that are durable and long-lasting but are also unfortunately often not environment-friendly. Rubber, particularly synthetic rubber, is one of the biggest culprits, not just in terms of post-consumer waste but even material waste during the manufacturing process. As one of the biggest footwear makers, Nike is thankfully taking a responsible stance, giving those rubber byproducts and excess materials a new purpose.

Designer: Nike

Although natural rubber is sourced from plants, it’s not that easy to replenish to meet the high demand for the material. Just like plastic, synthetic rubber is easy to manufacture but also harmful the environment due to their chemical content. Rubber from discarded shoes is one thing, but even the bits and pieces of cutoffs and scraps produced when making them also pose a threat to the environment.

Considering its lion’s share of the sports shoes market, Nike developed the Grind material that recycles manufacturing byproducts like rubber, foam, and even textiles to create a material that can be applied to products other than shoes. In this case, the Nike Grind Dumbbells are made with at least 20% Nike Grind material to offer an alternative fitness tool for environment-conscious consumers.

In addition to its sustainable value, the recycled material also gives the dumbbells a unique aesthetic. The hexagonal weights themselves have a light gray hue sprinkled with colorful specs that create a terrazzo-like appearance. Each dumbbell is, thus, totally unique, and the mixture of colors will vary from season to season, depending on the styles of footwear that Nike launches.

The gray motif of the weights perfectly complements the chrome-plated knurled handles. The handle diameter varies depending on the weight, increasing as the load gets heavier to provide a more ergonomic grip. Available in weights ranging from 2.5 lbs to 50 lbs, the Nike Grind Dumbbell offers people a fitness tool that not only takes care of their health but also the environment.

The post Nike Grind Dumbbells use recycled rubber from footwear byproduct first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tennis fans, lace up and listen in. There’s a rare piece of history up for grabs, and it comes attached to the soles of an exclusive new release. Swiss sportswear innovator On has teamed up with tennis icon Roger Federer to launch the ultimate collector’s item—a pair of tennis shoes infused with a string from Federer’s very own 2005 Wimbledon-winning racket.

Designer: On x Roger Federer

Dubbed “THE ROGER Pro: Strings Attached,” these sneakers represent the pinnacle of Federer’s storied career, and the collaboration reflects On’s drive to make exceptional gear for performance and style. And if you’re wondering just how rare these are, well—only three pairs exist. That’s right, just three. Each comes accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Federer himself, making it one of the most unique collectibles to surface from the world of tennis.

A Unique Opportunity for Tennis Fans Worldwide

For those who have dreamed of stepping into Roger Federer’s shoes, this is the closest you’ll get—quite literally. To celebrate Federer’s incredible achievements, On is giving fans the opportunity to win one of these extremely limited edition pairs. But you’ll have to move fast: there’s a strict deadline of 3.59 pm CET on October 9th to enter the raffle. The winners will be announced during the week of October 14th. And yes, it’s a raffle, which means anyone can have a chance to win—if luck is on their side.

To enter, head to On’s official website and submit your details before the countdown expires. It’s a straightforward way for a chance to own a piece of Federer’s history, and it’s sure to generate a buzz in the tennis community. Federer’s career has always been about grace and precision, and the fact that he’s shared a piece of that history within these shoes makes them nothing short of iconic.

Craftsmanship Meets Legacy

So, what makes these shoes unique? On and Roger Federer has pulled out all the stops to ensure THE ROGER Pro: Strings Attached is an exceptional offering. Let’s take a closer look at the shoe’s features:

• Real String from the 2005 Winning Racket: What truly sets these sneakers apart is the inclusion of a genuine string taken from Federer’s 2005 Wimbledon-winning racket. It’s an intimate touch that turns each shoe into a narrative of victory.
• Lightweight Design: At just 407 grams, these shoes are designed to glide across the court, making them ideal for serious tennis players who want speed without sacrificing comfort.
• Carbon Fiber Speedboard: The 100% carbon fiber Speedboard delivers a boost of energy return with every step, propelling players forward and offering unmatched responsiveness.
• Specially Designed Tread: The outsole tread has been designed to provide impeccable grip while maintaining enough glide for smooth, efficient footwork on the court.
• Midfoot Cage for Stability: A midfoot cage gives players extra security, ensuring a snug fit that keeps you locked in even during aggressive side-to-side movements.

And if all that isn’t enough, each pair comes with a certificate signed by Roger himself, giving an additional layer of authenticity and making these shoes even more desirable for collectors.

The Look—A Nod to Federer’s Style

The sneaker itself is an ode to Federer’s classic, understated style. Featuring a predominantly white design with subtle black and red accents, the shoe’s clean lines are reminiscent of Federer’s own approach on the court—elegant, precise, and flawless. The stitching and the lacing system seem to mimic the strings of a racket, creating a visual connection between the sport and the shoe.

The material choice, including a breathable mesh upper and a cushioned heel, strikes a balance between performance and comfort. The red detailing, reminiscent of Federer’s iconic headbands and wristbands, adds just the right amount of flair to an otherwise minimalist aesthetic.

Oh, and if you look closely at Federer’s wrist during the promotional shoot, you’ll spot a familiar glimmer: a Rolex GMT-Master II, affectionately known as the ‘Batman’ due to its striking blue and black bezel. Personally, I would have worn the ‘Pepsi‘ instead—the red on the bezel is more fitting than the blue. It’s a subtle reminder that Federer’s style goes beyond tennis and reaches into timeless luxury.

The Countdown is On

With just 48 hours left to enter, tennis enthusiasts must grab their chance. This is about owning a piece of the Federer legacy, a moment from one of the sport’s most celebrated champions. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for an edge or simply an admirer of Federer’s incredible journey, this shoe symbolizes an irreplaceable part of tennis history.

If you’re ready to enter the raffle, head to On’s website and put your name in the hat. Who knows, you might just be one of the lucky few to lace up in Federer’s greatness. But hurry—you only have until October 9th to make it happen.

The post Win Roger Federer’s Rare Wimbledon Shoes—Only 3 Pairs Available for a Limited Time first appeared on Yanko Design.

August 2024 has brought a fresh wave of sneaker releases and collaborations that captivated athletes and collectors alike. From limited-edition retros to performance-driven designs, brands like Nike, Jordan, and New Balance pushed athletic style boundaries. Collaborations with boutique labels like A Ma Maniere highlighted the deepening connection between luxury fashion and sneaker culture, making August a pivotal month for sneaker enthusiasts. Whether it was a nod to classic colorways or innovative new materials, these releases captured the spirit of modern sneaker culture, blending heritage with contemporary flair.

1. Puma Porsche Design 50th Anniversary Edition

Celebrating half a century of luxury and style—Puma and Porsche Design come together for a sleek tribute.

Puma teamed up with Porsche Design to release a special edition sneaker celebrating the 50th anniversary of Porsche Design. Reflecting the luxurious and sporty aesthetics both brands are known for, this sneaker is crafted with high-quality materials and a minimalist design. Ideal for both Porsche enthusiasts and those looking for a sophisticated everyday shoe, this pair has earned my top spot.

I previously covered the Porsche 911 Turbo 50th anniversary and the Puma collaboration, noting how both products capture the spirit of Porsche’s rich design history while pushing the envelope forward. Much like the car, this sneaker bridges a storied past with modern luxury.

Design & Colors That Pop: The 50th Anniversary Edition features a minimalist black and silver colorway crafted with premium leather and subtle Porsche branding. The design emphasizes comfort, elegance, and hints of sporty details.

Why is it noteworthy?

This collaboration combines Puma’s athletic expertise with Porsche’s luxury craftsmanship to mark 50 years of Porsche Design. Understated yet elegant, it’s a versatile sneaker perfect for collectors.

Price & Availability: The retail price is $300. Limited quantities are available through Puma’s website and select luxury boutiques.

What We Love:

• Sleek, minimalist design.
• Premium materials.
• Commemorative collaboration celebrating Porsche Design’s legacy.

Not So Great:

• High price point.
• Limited availability.

2. Air Jordan 6 “Olympic”

Get ready to relive the magic of Sydney 2000—Nike is back with the Air Jordan 6 ‘Olympic,’ a true blend of nostalgia and performance.

The Air Jordan 6 “Olympic” returns to honor its connection with the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Featuring a colorway of White, Varsity Red, and Midnight Navy, this sneaker is perfect for those looking for a mix of history and functionality. Its timeless design makes it a favorite among retro Jordan fans and new sneaker enthusiasts.

Design & Colors That Pop: The “Olympic” Air Jordan 6 features a classic colorway of White, Varsity Red, and Midnight Navy, reminiscent of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Why is it noteworthy?

The return of the “Olympic” Jordan 6 is significant for fans of retro releases. Its association with the Sydney Games gives it a nostalgic appeal while maintaining the performance aspects Jordan Brand is known for.

Price & Availability: The retail price is $200. It was released on August 3, 2024, through Nike and major retailers.

What We Love:

• Iconic colorway with Olympic heritage.
• It’s a nostalgic value for Jordan fans.
• Solid performance features for basketball use.

Not So Great:

• The limited release makes it hard to acquire.
• The price may be higher due to its retro status.

3. Nike x Nina Chanel Abney Air Jordan 3

Get ready for an art gallery at your feet!

Nina Chanel Abney’s reimagining of the Air Jordan 3 turns the iconic sneaker into a vibrant canvas. This pair draws attention like no other, featuring a mix of textured suede, canvas, and bright splashes of orange. Abney’s contemporary artistic flair brings culture into sneaker fashion, merging streetwear with a bold art statement.

Design & Colors That Pop: A mixed-material upper with textured suede and canvas creates depth, while fuzzy branding and bright orange accents keep things fresh. A vivid green base adds even more visual punch.

Why is it noteworthy?

Nina Chanel Abney transforms the Air Jordan 3 into artwork that merges modern art and sneaker culture. This collaboration celebrates creativity and self-expression.

Price & Availability: Retail price: $225. Limited release available through Nike SNKRS and select boutiques.

What We Love:

• Inventive mix of materials.
• Bold artistic expression.
• Unique branding that draws attention.

Not So Great:

• It’s tough to get your hands on due to limited availability.
• It’s more suited for style than for basketball action.

4. Adidas Originals x Bad Bunny Gazelle San Juan

Bad Bunny takes the iconic Gazelle on a ride through Puerto Rico—expect a sneaker that tells a story.

Bad Bunny and Adidas teamed up again to deliver an experimental take on the iconic Gazelle. This iteration celebrates Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican heritage with elements that pay homage to San Juan. Twisted front panels, a stitched size tag on the exterior, and a unique colorway create a fresh take on a classic design, breaking away from conventional molds.

Design & Colors That Pop: Twisted front panels, stitched size tags, string laces, and a padded tongue. The colorway pays homage to San Juan with tasteful accents.

Why is it noteworthy?

Bad Bunny’s collaboration with Adidas redefines the Gazelle with fresh, unconventional elements. The combination of experimental details and cultural nods makes it a standout in sneaker fashion.

Price & Availability: The retail price is $150. It is available through Adidas and select retailers, with limited drops in some regions.

What We Love:

• Unique twisted panel design.
• Comfortable padded tongue.
• Strong cultural reference to San Juan.

Not So Great:

• Twisted design might not appeal to everyone.
• Limited production run.

5. New Balance 1906L

When classic meets comfort, you get a sneaker ready for boardrooms and brunch.

The New Balance 1906L takes inspiration from classic loafer designs and merges them with a sneaker’s comfort and versatility. This hybrid model gained popularity on social media for casual outings or more dressed-up occasions due to its unique twist on sneaker and loafer styles.

Design & Colors That Pop: The New Balance 1906L combines a loafer aesthetic with a sneaker, featuring a classic yet formal design that suits casual and dressier occasions.

Why is it noteworthy?

The 1906L blends elements of traditional loafers with sneaker comfort, effortlessly bridging formal and casual wear. Its viral social media debut quickly made it a talking point.

Price & Availability: The retail price is $170. It was released globally through New Balance’s website and select fashion boutiques.

What We Love:

• Hybrid design for versatility.
• Viral popularity and social appeal.
• Comfortable fit for extended wear.

Not So Great:

• The loafer-sneaker hybrid might be too niche.
• It is expensive compared to other New Balance models.

6. Air Jordan 4 RM “Driveway Grey” by Nigel Sylvester

Nigel Sylvester blends BMX style with Jordan Brand heritage in this eye-catching edition.

Nigel Sylvester brings his BMX-inspired vision to the Air Jordan 4 in the “Driveway Grey” colorway. Tonal anthracite with subtle University Red accents gives this pair a versatile yet bold look. Sylvester’s personal style and influence shine through, making it a must-have for fans of street culture and high-performance design.

Design & Colors That Pop: Tonal anthracite colorway with subtle University Red accents, combining the iconic Jordan 4 silhouette with BMX-inspired details.

Why is it noteworthy?

This sneaker is truly unique because of its connection to BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester, who brings personal style and influence. Its limited-edition nature and aesthetic make it a must-have for collectors.

Price & Availability: Retail price: $160. Available through Nike SNKRS and select retailers.

What We Love:

• Nigel Sylvester’s personal touch.
• Unique tonal colorway with bright accents.
• Versatile for both casual wear and street style.

Not So Great:

• Limited release, making it hard to acquire.
• The price point may be higher due to exclusivity.

7. A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 3 “While You Were Sleeping”

Luxury meets streetwear in this premium collaboration celebrating A Ma Maniere’s 10th anniversary.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary, A Ma Maniere and Jordan Brand collaborated to create the “While You Were Sleeping” Air Jordan 3. With a luxurious quilted lining and muted tones of Black, Flat Pewter, and Violet Ore, this sneaker is as sophisticated as it gets—a refined take on a classic silhouette.

Design & Colors That Pop: The mixed-material upper is in Black, Flat Pewter, and Violet Ore, with a quilted lining and embossed branding that adds a touch of luxury.

Why is it noteworthy?

A Ma Maniere’s signature style elevates the Jordan 3 to a new level, with luxury materials and muted colors that appeal to collectors and trendsetters alike.

Price & Availability: The retail price is $225. It is available through A Ma Maniere’s website and select Nike retailers.

What We Love:

• Premium materials and luxurious design.
• Quilted lining for added comfort.
• It’s a subtle but stylish colorway.

Not So Great:

• High retail price.
• The limited release makes it challenging to find.

8. New Balance x Miu Miu 530 SL

New Balance and Miu Miu show us what happens when high fashion meets classic comfort.

The collaboration between New Balance and Miu Miu brings high fashion to a classic sneaker silhouette. The 530 SL gets upgraded with minimalist aesthetics and luxury materials, embodying Miu Miu’s signature style while keeping New Balance’s comfort in place.

Design & Colors That Pop: This collaboration elevates the classic New Balance 530 with a minimalist color palette and luxury materials reflecting Miu Miu’s touch.

Why is it noteworthy?

Miu Miu’s high-fashion take gives New Balance’s functional design a runway-worthy upgrade, blending style with everyday wearability.

Price & Availability: The retail price is $1,120. Limited quantities are available through the Miu Miu and New Balance websites.

What We Love:

• High-fashion collaboration.
• Elevated materials and craftsmanship.
• Versatile minimalist design.

Not So Great:

• Very high price point.
• Limited availability.

9. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 SD “Flame” Pack

Heritage meets heat in this flaming new edition from Onitsuka Tiger.

The Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 SD “Flame” Pack reimagines the iconic Mexico 66 silhouette with a contemporary twist. Released in August 2024, this updated version features premium leather and a striking flame motif, giving the iconic design a bold yet classic feel. With distinct colors and high-quality craftsmanship, it’s a nostalgic nod to Onitsuka’s heritage and a modern sneaker with eye-catching flair.

Design & Colors That Pop: The Mexico 66 SD “Flame” Pack has three distinct colorways: White, Black, and Yellow. Each showcases a flame motif for a dynamic element. Premium leather gives it a luxurious finish.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Mexico 66 SD “Flame” Pack’s heritage-inspired design and modern flair stand apart. Onitsuka Tiger’s emphasis on craftsmanship and bold motifs adds character to this release.

Price & Availability: The retail price is 27,500 JPY (~$189 USD). It is available through Onitsuka Tiger’s website and select retailers, and the “Yellow” colorway is set for a September release.

What We Love:

• Premium leather construction.
• The striking flame motif adds a unique touch.
• Heritage design with modern updates.

Not So Great:

• Limited availability.
• The price may be high for casual buyers.

10. ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 Anniversary Edition

Celebrating three decades of innovation in running technology, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 Anniversary Edition delivers comfort and stability.

ASICS celebrates the 30-year legacy of the Gel-Kayano series with this special anniversary edition. The Gel-Kayano 30 incorporates FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco technology, offering enhanced cushioning, stability, and a smoother stride for runners. This model continues the heritage of delivering top-notch running performance while maintaining a stylish, modern design.

Design & Colors That Pop: The Gel-Kayano 30 Anniversary Edition features a breathable mesh upper with reinforced overlays for stability. The colorway includes a mix of soft grays with vibrant blue accents, providing a sleek yet dynamic appearance.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Gel-Kayano series has been a cornerstone of stability running shoes for decades, and this anniversary edition brings the latest technology into the mix. FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco provides a lightweight feel with eco-friendly materials, blending performance with sustainability.

Price & Availability: The retail price is $180. It is available globally through ASICS’ website and select sporting goods retailers.

What We Love:

• Enhanced stability and cushioning.
• Eco-friendly FlyteFoam technology.
• Stylish anniversary design.

Not So Great:

• High price point for casual runners.
• Limited colorway options.

The post The 10 Best Sneakers from August first appeared on Yanko Design.