Considering the range of luxury sneakers that are available now, there really is a style for every occasion. From sporty styles with knitted uppers to premium leather iterations, brands like Rick Owens and Maison Margiela have helped to position luxury sneakers at the forefront of the new luxury lifestyle. What should you be looking for when it comes to buying luxury sneakers for summer, though?
With the help of Harvey Nichols, we’ve pieced together 10 pairs that cater to all sides of the summer rotation. A prime consideration is the color palette. Summer lends itself to lighter colorways, not only because of your lighter wardrobe, but also because you’re not in danger of treading in a muddy puddle all day.
Selections from Jil Sander and FEAR OF GOD typify the more minimal approach that we recommend taking when searching for luxury sneakers for summer. If you’d prefer to make more of an impact, though, detailing — when done well — is the way to go: look to Axel Arigato or Amiri for an example.
Let’s kick things off on the right foot, so to speak. The Replica sneaker from Maison Margiela is a perennial first-teamer thanks to its versatility and this Sand colorway helps.
Few designers in the luxury space have their finger on the pulse of contemporary style like Virgil. The Off-Court Sneakers are a mashup of everything popular right now and the final product is a go-to all year round.
Veja’s ethical approach to high-end sneakers has earned it a spot in contemporary sneaker culture. This minimal favorite from the label features a distinctive red heel tab.
Jerry Lorenzo’s ability to mold his FEAR OF GOD label into its many different guises is nothing short of incredible. Whether it’s the athletic ESSENTIALS line, tailoring with Zegna, or these uber-minimal luxury kicks, FEAR OF GOD is a certificate of quality.
We’re particularly taken by retro styling this summer, so this pair of Ace Sneakers from Axel Arigato, complete with faded green panels to the upper, is on our shopping list.
Balenciaga’s Track Sneakers have matched and arguably outdone the Triple-S Sneakers, something which felt impossible on release. It’s testament to the unorthodox and on-trend styling of this trail sneaker.
AMIRI’s skeletal style shines in the Bone Runner. Detailed with leather bone panels to give the chunky sole sneaker a signature finish, this pair proves the power of a neutral palette.
Known for its pre-loved finishes, this pair of Pure Start Sneakers from Golden Goose is a clean departure from the label’s signature.
How Jil Sander’s Flatform Sneakers can exist with such a bold sole unit, yet style perfectly with absolutely everything is a real mystery. It’s that intangible, understated confidence that defines Jil Sander collections.
Veja x Rick Owens is certainly an unlikely collaboration but the spoils have been very impressive. We’re loving this pair of lightweight luxury sneakers for summer thanks to the knitted upper and beautiful sage colorway.
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