What if Other Sneakers Got the sacai Treatment?
The collaborative relationship between Japanese label sacai and Nike hasn’t just added some heat to the sneakersphere – it’s completely set the scene alight! Designer Chitose Abe has fashioned the LDV Waffle, and reinterpreted the Blazer, coming through with two unmistakable crep creations which continue to be at the top of sneakerheads’ must-have lists.
Blessed with mind-bending double Swooshes, double tongues, double laces, and distinctive sole detailing, the sacai x Nike releases keep on coming… but what if Chitose decided to take her talents to other silhouettes?
Look, we know some of these probably won’t happen anytime soon. Nevertheless, the idea certainly got us thinking: what if other sneakers got the sacai treatment?
sacai x atmos x Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Elephant’
Two giants from Japan collide with this wild ‘Elephant’ mishmash. Fan-favourite retailer atmos have an extensive collaborative history, and we imagine a Nike SB Dunk Low link-up with sacai would look something like this, arriving with cracked skin and some added midsole for good measure.
sacai x Nike Air Max Plus
The classic TN gets double-teamed with extra Swooshes, veins, and tongues in this simple yet effective remix. The maximalist vibes of the Air Max Plus are elevated with the levelled-up details, while the classic sole unit seems somewhat muted down below. We’re sure plenty wouldn’t mind adding these to their rotation.
sacai x Jean Paul Gaultier x Nike Air Max 90
One of the most divisive collaborations of 2021, sacai’s unexpected link-up with Jean Paul Gaultier was created with very select sneaker palates in mind. However, apply the theme to the Air Max 90, and you’ve got something that’ll satisfy even the most picky sneaker connoisseurs. Arriving with the obligatory double-branding, this sneaker is highlighted with the corset-like thread details.
sacai x Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
We’re not ones to mess with the classics, but we think a sacai remix of the iconic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star would breath some new life into a fan favourite. To keep things familiar, we’d opt for the traditional black and white combination. Don’t let the scheme fool you though – they’d draw plenty of double-takes from the crowd.
sacai x Reebok Instapump Fury
The sacai treatment doesn’t have to produce overly wacky results, as witnessed by this Reebok Instapump Fury. The Pump-blessed 90s runner is already one of the more statement-making creps going around, so we’d expect Chitose to take a less-is-more approach on this occasion.
The Instapump Fury has had its share of collaborations over the journey, and we wouldn’t be too surprised to see it get some love from sacai in the future.
sacai x Off-White x Air Jordan 1
Virgil Abloh and Off-White haven’t shied away from collaborations with leading Japanese streetwear labels in the past, and a link-up with sacai would make perfect sense.
Deconstructed styling and distinctive layering are hallmarks of both labels. So just imagine what Virgil and Chitose would be able to cook up with the Air Jordan 1 as their canvas? One thing’s for sure – it’d be "HYPE" as f***.
sacai x adidas UltraBOOST
Safe to say, adidas need a bit of a boost, and what better way to do it than collaborating with sacai.
The UltraBOOST phenomenon that swept the sneakersphere may be a not-too-distant memory, but we think Chitose’s clout and creativity could remind everyone why the sneaker is still one of the best going around (and possibly ever). How about that double cage?
sacai x Yeezy BOOST 750
We’re pretty sure a Chitose x Kanye collaboration would break the sneakersphere. So, which of Yeezy’s creations did we want to see sacai’d?
It was a tough choice, but we think the Yeezy BOOST 750 would look insane with some triple-strap action. No need to go too crazy on these ones – the silhouette speaks for itself.
*This article was originally published in June 2019, and updated in August 2021.
