While most luxury Houses battle to outdo each other in a kind of space race for the most space-age sneaker, Gucci refuses to partake, opting for a characteristically retro look instead. Other labels shout for attention, but Gucci sneakers continue to shine in a market that’s increasingly looking to technological builds and trend-driven styles to hit the mark.
Take the recent popularity of trail runners, for example. It’s harder to name a House that didn’t try its hand at a GORE-TEX (or similar) upper sitting atop a rugged Vibram (or similar) sole unit. Here’s one that didn’t: Gucci. An ardent focus on retro silhouettes and classic materials like canvas and leather means that Gucci sneakers are some of the most versatile, timeless designs available.
And isn’t that exactly what you want when you’re investing in luxury sneakers? Sure, those other kicks might look ready for 2052, but are they ready for 2023? Each of Gucci’s silhouettes will be in style for the foreseeable. Take the Ace Sneakers, for example: these understated leather tennis shoes are supremely easy to style with anything in the modern wardrobe. Or the Gucci Screener which turns the clock back to retro basketball styles — still in style and going nowhere.
Below, we’ve etched a roadmap to all of the best Gucci sneakers available right now. There are a lot, but it’s worth remembering that they largely obey the same set of rules: classic styling made exceptional by high-end materials and elegant detailing.
The Gucci Screener sneaker first landed in the brand’s Cruise 2019 collection. It’s a mix-and-match of various sportswear references originating in the ’70s.
Named after the basketball tactic, the Screener sneaker’s design is most obviously lifted from styles prevalent on the hardwood. Fuel is added to the retro fire by the distressed finish commonly applied to this silhouette.
Gucci’s Rhyton is arguably the label’s most trend-driven design. Appearing as a reaction to the chunky sneaker trend several seasons ago, the Rhyton has proven its mettle by remaining in style while other sneakers of its time faded into obscurity.
The uppers of the Rhyton sneakers are usually crafted primarily from Demetra, an eco-friendly leather substitute that combines animal-free raw materials primarily from sustainable, renewable, and bio-based sources.
Hitting shelves for the label’s SS22 collection, the Gucci Run is the most recent silhouette in this roundup. It exhibits Gucci’s ability to reinterpret modern trends through the signature Gucci lens.
Run carries all the hallmarks of a technical modern-day runner but iconic Gucci detailing as well as minimal colorways demarcate it as a luxury take.
The most popular Gucci sneakers are undoubtedly the Gucci Ace. It’s no real surprise, either. Ace epitomizes Gucci’s concept of luxury. The retro style looks to classic detailing that catches eyes but doesn’t scream for attention. Lightweight and never too bold, the Gucci Ace is versatile and completely timeless.
Continuing the tennis shoe direction, the Gucci Tennis 1977 is the brand’s latest go at the style. The Tennis 1977 is an ode to Gucci’s history within the sports and leisure category.
The House Web decorates the side, proudly tracing the history of the House to the very beginning. With the Guccio Gucci monogram to boot, this sneaker embodies the House’s proud history.
Moving closer to the present day, but still retro, the Gucci Basket High-Top takes inspiration from basketball styles from the ’90s.
Regarded as the golden era of basketball shoe design, it’s an age rich with bold silhouettes to learn from. Multicolored colorways give this design ’90s punch while the intricate, layered upper rounds out the style as a certified showstopper.
This silhouette revolves around a platform rubber sole unit. The chunky sole plays with proportions, emphasizing the simplicity of the upper. And, under Alessandro’s instruction, this silhouette is home to some unmissable colorways.
Monogram foundations set the tone for neutral leather trims while even the White and Triple Black palettes have big impact thanks to the overall silhouette.
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