Dawning a new year, the sneaker Gods have risen once again blessing us with a fresh stock of luxe kicks. These are the top new sneaker launches of January ’21.
We’re nearly coming to a close on the first month of 2021 and the sneaker-sphere has been quite busy. On the radar this month, sustainability and reinnervation of classics are strong themes. While some brands have been making a conscious turn towards eco-friendly fashion, others have been redesigning their icons in new and exciting ways. If you’re looking to cop a great pair and start your year on the right foot, we’ve listed down the top new sneaker drops of January, cop smart.
Best new sneaker launches of January 2021
ASICS SportStyle GEL-QUANTUM 180 6
While it retains its traditional performance tooling, the GEL-QUANTUM 180 6 dawns a new era of technical geometry and styling cues. On top, we see mesh and synthetic leather paneling that creates a contemporary aesthetic for the pair. The ‘180’ tag actually comes from the 180-degrees of GEL™ technology cushioning in the midsole for improved comfort. We’ve always trusted ASICS with runners, this pair simply proves why.
Available at ASICS’ online store.
Price: Rs 9999.
adidas Stan Smith
The Stan Smith, a 56-year-old tennis icon that’s been a pillar for the brand right since its inception, reinvents itself today for a better tomorrow. Taking a noble step towards sustainability, the three stripes seem to be slowly making an across-the-floor move towards eco-conscious craftsmanship. The new Stan Smith Vegan is 100% made out of recycled materials. With the new mix being called PRIMEGREEN, the uppers are said to be crafted out of ‘high performance recycled materials’ to help End Plastic Waste. When worn, it still matches the caliber of the classic with an unnoticeable difference in quality.
Available at adidas’ online store.
Price: Rs 7,999.
PUMA Cruise Rider Women’s Shoes
The pop of retro was noticed at first glance itself. Interestingly, the new Cruise Rider line is actually inspired by vintage cars, who would’ve thought? Just like the old times, the colours here are just as playful and take after the pastel shades of those cars. We see a mesh and nylon upper with suede overlays while there sits an IMEVA midsole inside. It’s a great blend of vintage aesthetics and shades for women while being backed with a comfortable fit.
Available at PUMA’s online store.
Price: Rs 6,999.
Nike Air Force 1 ’07 LV8
If there’s an award for consistently reinventing a classic, it goes to Nike. The AF 1s have been around for a while and we’ve seen countless avatars of the outfit, be it colour, shape or fabric. As one of their earliest drops of the year, it comes forth in an black leather form but puts a cool spin on the logo design. It’s quite radiant actually, the pixelated Swoosh aesthetic adds a fresh expression. Behind, the holographic design and TPU tongue label eliminate any glitches to your game. Slick.
Available at Nike’s online store.
Price: Rs 8295.
Onitsuka Holiday Quilting Series Mexico 66
Shoes effortlessly keep one’s feet warm but how about a pair that was deliberately crafted with that intent? The new Holiday Quilting Series lives up to its name, in terms of style, innovation and well, coziness. The upper is made of lustrous quilted velvet, for a sophisticated take on to the classic Mexico 66. We also see a OrthoLite inner sole that provides cushioning as well. Certainly sounds comfy and warm.
Available at Onitsuka’s online store.
Price: Rs 7,999.
adidas UltraBOOST 21
The apex fit for runners worldwide makes its grand, annual return. The UltraBOOST 21 or UB21 has always showcased great running tech and effortless suave in design being the brand’s flagship line. This time, the core reinvention is the runner’s torsion system and the magic is actually in the numbers. The three stripes have also introduced something called LEP (‘Linear Energy Push’) which provides a 15% boost in forefoot bending stiffness hence supplying better responsiveness. This also compliments adidas’ UB midsole tech by making it 6% more efficient. Can’t wait to try this one on this fall.
Available at adidas’ online store.
Price: Rs 18,999
Reebok X Kung Fu Panda INSTAPUMP FURY OG
I think it’s the inner 6-year-old that’s drawing us to this pair. As one of the coolest collabs of the season, Reebok united with DreamWorks to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a super-special capsule inspired by Po, the Kung Fu Panda. The come in both, Club C and the Zig Kinetica with a heavy dose of Kung Fu aesthetics. With layers upon layers of mesh, synthetic suede and tonal prints make that upper extra fierce, the sneaker has a rather abstract aesthetic that comes together quite well.
Available at VegNonVeg.
Price: Rs 15,999.