Sneaker Freaker

BEN CAMPBELL / HIGHS AND LOWS / PERTH / ADIDAS GAZELLE SKATE

I love the adidas Gazelle, for so many reasons. It has been around for nearly 40 years, and will always be a classic in my book. I just enjoy its simplicity, there is no patent leather, no snake skin, and no messed up fluro colours. Don’t get me wrong, I’m down for colour, but this year we saw a lot of shoes get some ridiculous fabrications thrown at them. The first pair I bought was in February 2006, and since then I have bought nearly every Gazelle that was released, but my favourite is the new updated version, from the adi-skate line. It is made of suede in the original adidas blue, with white leather stripes, and it has a sky blue sole colour. The stripes are on a slightly faster angle, they have introduced torsion to the sole, and a Geo-fit lining, that makes it way more comfortable. These unique touches helps to make a great shoe even better.

MATT THOMAS / HIGHS AND LOWS / PERTH / W-TAPS x VANS CHUKKA

The Vans Chukka is a classic silhouette and is often chosen for collabs, due to its simplicity and clean walls. This release was produced by W-Taps, a fantastic Japanese designer with a clear vision of classic design in his apparel range and in his shoe choice and detailing. This year has been the year of the throwback styles all the majors doing the retro thing. But I could not pass by the steez of this kick as it goes well dressed up or with shorts. Being slightly more limited in Australia, it stands out from the run of the mill and grabs Vans fans and sneaker head’s attention alike. Vans have reclaimed their throne of being the timeless sneaker for all occasions. This shoe combines suede and canvas, giving it a great contrast, add the white bones embroidery and a leather lace provides the jump off!