Trends are such strange things, aren't they? One minute, something can be weird as hell, and just a few minutes later, they're the biggest fashion statement of the year. Whether you like it or not, the sock-like sneaker trend is here to stay, and it's being headed by these five stretchy creps.
There has never been a better time time to rummage through your old sock drawer and rock them like it's nobody's business. Showcasing kicks from the likes of adidas and Balenciaga, here are the top five high fashion sock-like sneakers on the market right now.
Balenciaga Speed Trainer
Low key one of the hottest sneakers of this year, the Balenciaga Speed Trainer has been a powerful driving force behind the sock like sneaker revolution. Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few months you, you've probably seen these being flexed on your Instagram feed. Available in a slew of different shades and styles, the Speed Trainer features an ultra stretchy upper with minimal branding along the lateral side. Sitting on top of a thick white sole infused with what Balenciaga call 'Memory Sole Technology', each Speed Trainer is carefully crafted in Italy.
Dior Homme B21
As the newest addition to the high fashion sock sneaker family, the Dior Homme B21 is crafted from a functional woven material and is available in both a black and white iteration and a bold red variation. Whilst it's unlikely that the shoe is intended for performance, the design certainly incorporates specific sportswear inspired elements that we've been seeing from many brands over the past few years. Designed by Dior Homme Artistic Director Kris Van Assche, the B21 no doubt takes inspiration from the aforementioned 'Speed Trainer'.
Alexander Wang x adidas Run Clean
Released earlier this year as part of Alexander Wang's fourteen piece adidas drop, the Alexander Wang x adidas Run Clean acts as a deconstructed take on the modern running shoe. Although many sneakerheads have called its design lazy, we'd like to think of it as minimalist. Featuring a clean aesthetic that plays off modern athletic style, with a sleek, sock like upper, the Run Clean sits on top of a bed of adidas' iconic Boost technology, providing wearers with comfort with every stride. Although this is undoubtedly the cheapest to cop out of these five sneakers, resell prices have almost tripled over the past few months.
Fendi 'Think Fendi' Sneaker
Announced back in October, Fendi's 'Think Fendi' sneaker is like marmite - you either love it to bits or hate it with a burning passion. Largely comprised of a stretchy material that kind of resembles adidas' Primeknit, the 'Think Fendi' comes in a bunch of extremely distinct colourways. Around the upper, the text “THINK” and “FENDI” run along opposite sides of the collar, and a ribbed collar at the top of the shoe provides wearers with a better fit. Complementary Fendi branding is also embossed around the heel of the shoe just in case you forgot what you were wearing.
Rick Owens DRKSHDW Scuba Sock
Rick Owens is without a doubt one of the most respected fashion designers of the 21st century, and for his sock like sneaker, he takes the genre and turns it on its head. Presented as part of his Spring/Summer 2017 collection, the DRKSHDW Scuba Sock displays a contemporary aerodynamic style, featuring a slip-on design, rounded toe, and a thick white rubber sole. Unlike the other five kicks feature on this list, this number makes use of a stretchy scuba material for an understated yet unique aesthetic.
What do you think of our list of the top five high fashion sock like sneakers on the market right now? Are you a fan of the trend? Do you think there should be a few more worthy additions? Let us know in the comments section below, and if you're a fan of the 'dad shoe' trend, make sure to check out the top five high fashion dad shoes releasing this year!
