The Drop List: September
Keeping you at the front of the hype queue, let us introduce you to a new sneaker series that will ensure you stay one step ahead of the game. Exclusive launches, the latest designs and the hottest collaborations are all right here on Browns’ sneaker drop list.
From luxury to high performance, we’ve got the perfect balance between fashion and function to ensure your sneaker game always remains on point.
This month we’ve got some colourful classics from the likes of Mizuno and Valentino, a pair of courtside low tops from Gucci and some serious sole courtesy of Versace.
Balenciaga Track.2 Sneakers ‘Multi’
Following in the footsteps of the highly sought-after Triple S, Balenciaga’s Track.2 sneaker provides the need for a chunky silhouette with a side of functionality. Stripping back the upper to showcase an exoskeletal construction, the sneaker is made up of 176 separate pieces and the latest drop features an orange, yellow and grey colourway. A web of mesh and leather panels, the Track.2 sits on a performance style sole, stepping away from the platform style to become a more utilitarian retro runner.
adidas X Bed J.W. Ford Crazy BYW ‘Triple Black’
Launched on the 21st September as part of a three-piece pack from the adidas Originals and Bed J.W. Ford collaboration, the Crazy BYW is the first triple black iteration of this chunky silhouette. An acronym for ‘Boost Your Wear’, the Crazy BYW are inspired by the iconic ‘90s FYW ‘Feet You Wear’ technology that provided wider, rounded soles for athletes. This all-black mid sneaker marks the first partnership between adidas Originals and Japan-based Bed J.W. Ford. Designer Shinpei Yamagishi has kept a monochrome base to ensure the distinctive construction takes centre stage.
Asics GEL-Kayano 5 OG Sneakers ‘Black Multi’
Bringing back a ‘90s icon, Asics’ GEL-Kayano 5 sneaker is a reissue of their 1999 running shoe. Originally built for long distance running, this style plays to the sneaker trends of late that prefer more aggressive tooling and a technical functionality. We prefer to wear this black, white and red pair with our Issey Miyake trousers, but with it being a trusted running trainer for 20 years we are tempted to take up our daily 5Ks again (weather permitting).
Palm Angels Flame Low Top Sneakers
Thanks to Prada, Guy Fieri’s favourite Noughties flame shirts have surprisingly made a comeback and the heat has continued to rise with Converse and now Palm Angels adding some fire to their sneakers this season. These low top canvas sneakers from Palm Angels reference downtown LA’s skate culture with an added rock ‘n’ roll edge and their graffiti style logo at the heel.
Versace Chain Reaction 2 Sneakers ‘Blue Baroque’
Slightly upstaging its fellow chunky sneakers, the Versace Chain Reaction takes it to new heights with its thick, platform sole unit that forms the shape of a chain at the base. Available in a variety of colourways, this season we can’t get enough of the heritage baroque print that was introduced by the late, great Gianni. Presented in a blue and yellow fabric upper, it is encased with translucent panelling and the new addition of the word ‘Love’ in Braille the toe.
Valentino Garavani Rockrunner ‘Camo’
Introduced in 2010 by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, the Valentino Rockstud range has firmly established itself as a timeless classic. Adding the signature studded panel to the heel unit, the latest Rockrunner features a bold camouflage style with some added block colours. This sporty sneaker takes elements from vintage runner styles and ups the ante with its luxurious detailing.
Prada Crossection Hiker Sneakers ‘Black’
Minimal, sporty and streamlined, the Prada Crossection Hiker sneakers are giving us a new contemporary style that satisfies our need for a simple black trainer. Using a knitted, sock-like upper, a slim but heavy tred sole unit and hiker style laces, they feature an essential all-black colourway. An update on Prada’s American Cup sneaker, this hybrid takes on a runner shape and adds a contrasting walking boot style sole.
Mizuno Sky Medal “Fresh 90s” Sneakers
Following on from the relaunch of their classic Wave Rider, Mizuno has dipped into its ‘90s runner archives again with the release of the retro Sky Medal sneaker. Not shying away from a bold colourway, the “Fresh 90s” style uses bright purple, pink and yellow panels on a white base. Reminiscent of the opening title graphics from Saved by the Bell, the Mizuno Sky Medal “Fresh 90s” has allowed us to finally channel our teenage hero Zack Morris in RL.
Gucci Ace Double G Sneakers
The tennis style silhouette of the Gucci Ace sneaker makes it an easy-to-wear classic and with Gucci bringing new prints and colour combinations to the mix every season we are spoilt for choice. This month we are loving the new Double G style, featuring the enlarged logo in the signature Gucci green and red hues along with the extra luxe addition of a metallic heel panel.
Burberry RS5 ‘Beige’
Looking like a hybrid between a sneaker and a hiking boot, the Burberry RS5 is the brand’s first foray into a chunky trainer, finally succumbing to the ‘dad’ sneaker trend. Taking a slightly cleaner approach to form than its luxury designer counterparts, Burberry’s sneaker features smooth leather panels contrasted with technical mesh in beige with the addition of red, black and white stripes. Representing the brand’s past, present and future Riccardo Tisci’s new Thomas Burberry initial logo, designed in collaboration with Peter Saville, has prime place at the heel.
Words by Alexandra Oliver