If you’ve already copped the latest creps, how can you possibly take your sneaker style up a level? Step into the future!
Trainers with futuristic tech switch up the norm and give sneakerheads something so fresh it’s gotta be from the future!
Wanna know more about gettin’ futuristic style and performance? You’ve come to the right place.
Future Fanatics
Sneakers have always been testing the limits of technology to push performance to the next level. In ’70, Nike founder, Bill Bowerman famously used his wife’s waffle iron to create the iconic sole of the Cortez – all for the sake of steppin’ up performance.
Most of the iconic sneakers that you’ll regularly see on the streets started out life as performance trainers, meaning there’s always been a link between future tech and future style.
The fascination with trainer tech started out (as a lot of things do) with the Swoosh! Air tech aimed to give athletes a futuristic take on cushioning. Whether on the track or the court, Air technology could add responsiveness and energy return to every action.
Through the use of Air, one of Nike’s best-selling sneakers of all time was created – the Air Force 1. Built for the court, the addition of encapsulated Air shaped how the sneaker would eventually look. So, as far back as ’82 when the Air Force 1 first dropped, ground-breaking tech has influenced the look of sneakers that eventually became street essentials.
Okay, so future tech forces trainers to look a certain way? Not quite. The boom in trainer tech didn’t begin to peak until performance was seen as well as felt – enter Max Air!
By the time the late ‘80s hit, Back to The Future and the self-lacing Nike trainers worn by Marty McFly had created a buzz around seeing sneaker tech in action. It would only be a few years after the film’s release that Nike would drop the Air Max 1 in ’87. With a small panel to the heel, everyone could see the Max Air unit working with every step.
From here Max Air blew up! The ‘90s were dominated by the ever-developing Air tech and the sneakers they were attached to, with dual Air units on the Air Max 95 and a full-length Air unit on the Air Max 97. Even today, Max Air continues to evolve and dominate the streets with the latest Air Max 270 and Air Max 720 sneakers.
With Nike’s success at converting tech into style, the futuristic tech trainer trend began! The trend is arguably hittin’ its peak today with a wide range of brands rolling out their own tech – ready to be repped on the streets!
Reppin’ the Future
But which futuristic creps are the ones to cop? We’ve put together the essential tech sneaks for 2019 that look 3019; along with a style guide to make sure you’re reppin’ them the right way!
Air Max 720
The latest sneaker to join the Air Max lineage, the Air Max 720 brings futuristic style that doesn’t hold back. Rockin’ a refreshed full-length Air unit, they pump up your style to the max with Nike’s tallest Air unit to date – a massive 38mm! Coming with a textile upper to keep your feelin’ fresh when you step into the future, the Air Max 720s are essentials.
The Air Max 720 comes in a range of standout colourways, so you can either compliment or contrast their look with your ‘fits. For guys, keep things tonal with matching track pants or joggers to make a sleek statement. For gals, go bold and contrast your creps with a tank top and track pants.
@_honeyshay
adidas Alphaedge 4D
While Air Max tech has been evolving since the ‘80s, 4D tech is fresh out the lab and ready to make an impact. Packed with adidas’ latest tech, check out the Alphaedge 4D – sitting atop a unique, 4D midsole, that’s been 3D-printed to create a seamless structure for maximum stability and cushioning, along with a textured and tuned up look. With a Primeknit upper for breathable support, the Alphaedge 4D trainers bring futuristic style from ankle to underfoot.
Bringin’ you the freshest lookin’ tech for years, the Alphaedge 4D guarantee to stand out on their own, so you don’t need to stress too much about the ‘fit – cop a tracksuit or track pants that keep things simple and let your sneaks do the talkin’.
@peter_coyne @thomasbsonne
PUMA RS-X
If the latest tech is lookin’ a little too much for you, then perhaps you need to look to the past to experience the future…?PUMA’s RS-X trainers are equipped with retro Running System technology in their midsoles in order to bring back old school cushioning. With a leather and textile upper, the sneakers are given a futuristic look with bold overlays and contrasting colour.
With so much colour block detailin’, these creps will stand out no matter what, so try and work ‘em with cuts that suit the situation. Chillin’ out on your off-duty days? Then gals, it’s essential to cop an oversized hoodie. Want a laid-back look that’s still street ready? Then guys, you’ve gotta grab a tee and track pants – you could even switch things up with jeans!
@toranorth @javier_tudela14
Nike Air VaporMax Plus
Merging the past and the future to create a crep that’s unlike any other, Nike’s Air VaporMax Plus sneakers have a textile upper with TPU caging for a locked-in fit and breathable feel. Sat on unique, full-length VaporMax Air unit, they combine rubber pods with Air tech for tuned-up cushioning and contrast style. Taking the iconic look of the ’98 Air Max Plus sneakers, the Air VaporMax Plus take heritage design into the future.
With graphic detailing to the sides and the TPU cage addin’ some contrast, you’ll wanna cop a graphic look! Gals can rep some track pants with a bold tee, while guys can style matching hoodies and joggers to create an unmissable ‘fit.
Wanna get the latest on other sneaker trends that are takin’ over? Check out all of the 2019 Trainer Trends To Look Out on the JD Blog.
