Instagram has been particularly committed lately to pushing new sneaker releases right up against life updates you didn’t ask for. I might’ve missed my highschool best friend’s wedding post, but not a single shoe drop escaped me. Some of them were good, occasionally a little strange, all blissfully dunk-free. If you’re looking for something beefy, colorful, or technical, which, if I’m being honest, I happen to be wearing as I type (full disclosure: my yellow laces could blind you), I completely get it, just not today.
SNS x Gab Bois – Paperbag Boots
Before we get to the sneakers, it’s only fair to give the boots their due, launched, of course, on April Fool’s. But the tale begins February 2025, with Esenes stopping mid-scroll at Bois’ surreal Instagram feed. She had shared bag-boot ideas, zip-locks, garbage bags, but it was the humble brown paper bag that held the feed hostage. Fast-forward a year, and leather now looks like paper, boots sport toothed edges, carrying handles, even receipts. I wasn’t planning on it, but I’m already thinking in outfits.
Adidas x Pharrell Williams – Virginia Vario Flat Earther
Last year, Pharrell and adidas went big with the Adistar Jellyfish. This year, they went small, with a look back at 2004. The low-profile Virginia Vario Flat Earther draws from the Yoga Vario, rooted in yoga and mindful movement, reinterpreted by Pharrell into a lifestyle pair. The name hints at balance, grounding, and playing with perspective. “Stay close to the earth. Move with intention.” Pharrell said, just after slapping three green/black stripes on there, which oddly make the shoe feel like it’s giving itself a hug.
SKYLRK x Zellerfeld – Earthbender
And suddenly everyone wants to hug a tree. Or at least a 3D printer. Justin Bieber’s SKYLRK tapped Zellerfeld, (who, conveniently, have very good ones) late last year. Earthbender was introduced to the world in ‘lilac,’ which was even more pink-ish than the name suggested, and very interesting for an alarmingly soft cleat-leaning silhouette. Now comes “cave,” deeper in tone, and just as easy to like.
Versace x Onitsuka Tiger – TAI-CHI Sakura
Did you know Dario Vitale was Miu Miu’s design director before he joined Versace for a quick, and very 80s, 8 months? Long enough, apparently, to invite a guest onto the runway. Onitsuka Tiger’s TAI-CHI, slightly grown up, slightly more diva. The low-top now comes dressed in suede and leather, finished with gold Medusa emblems, straight out of the Sanin factory in Tottori. Not my pair, but it won’t sit on shelves. Its people are already lining up.
