As sneaker culture continues to grow in popularity, new and upcoming sneaker brands are enjoying their time in the spotlight. From “bubblegum pop” designs to more traditional silhouettes, there are tons of shoe labels on the rise. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the trends and up your streetwear game, check out these emerging sneaker brands that are certainly making waves.
1. Shaping the Future of Footwear: Meet the Game-Changers Redefining Sneaker Culture
It was once a niche market pursued by sneaker fanatics. Now, sneaker culture is a multibillion industry in need of disruptive innovators. Meet the game-changers – visionary entrepreneurs and stylish mavericks – shaking up the way how the world wears shoes.
Dwight Clark, co-founder of niche footwear brand KNX Alter Ego, is challenging the status quo of the sneaker market. After growing up surrounded by art, Clark brings the creative approach of making shoes. His knowledge of niche materials, such as nylon and neoprene, lend KNX Alter Ego sneakers its distinct edgy, modern designs. “Our sneakers are designed to stand the test of time,” says Clark.
Carmen Smith is the driving force behind the ethical, sustainable shoe company, Sherwood Design Co. She does not just create beautiful sneakers and boots; she takes the values of fairness and transparency to scale and pushes for a more ethical, sustainable industry. Smith ensures that her leather and suede shoes are made with couriers paid a fair, living wage, while still making luxurious and lasting shoes.
Lola Torres, founder and creative director of La Finesse, is an influencer-turned-designer. Her collections of gender-non-conforming low-tops, sliders and slip-ons offers a closely curated selection of stylish shoe designs. Torres merges modern trends with timeless shapes to create fashion-forward minimalist sneakers that stands out.
No matter their approach or their passion, these game-changers have been shaking up the traditional dynamics of sneaker culture. They are setting the tone for a future of footwear that is no longer bound to trends, rules or style. And in the process, they are re-shaping the future of sneaker culture.
2. Stepping into the Limelight: Breaking Down the Hottest Emerging Sneaker Brands
Whether it’s a sculpted wedge, a lightweight canvas, or a classic sneaker, the unstoppable emerging sneaker brands are gaining a foothold in the footwear industry. From crowd-funded startups to tech-savvy disruptors, there’s no denying the innovation and creativity behind these labels.
First and foremost, Greats have become a fan favourite with their sustainable materials, bold designs, and affordable prices. Their lineup of men’s and women’s sneakers is perfect for the city streets and powerful enough for outdoor activities. Greats is a great way to flaunt a subtle but trendy look.
Then there’s the Sweaty Betty, a leather sneaker backed by EPA-certified organic leather and staffed in a fully-vetted Los Angeles-based factory. The Sweaty Betty does a great job of delivering luxury, while keeping their ethics close at heart. They’ve gone to great lengths to ensure all their materials are handmade in ethical workshops.
Next, let’s talk about Compl kits. Climbing and skateboarding enthusiasts frayed to the edge of the mainstream scene love Compl Kits for its functional focus. With bold designs, supportive soles, and the highest quality materials, Compl Kits earns its reputation for crafting long-lasting, rugged sneakers.
Finally, we have Ace Marks, a premium Italian leather outfit that produces a stunning lineup of men’s dress shoes. From their expertly crafted Oxfords to their lux full-grain calfskin loafers, Ace Marks elevates digital sales sheets with their sophisticated designs. It’s no wonder that Ace Marks shoes boast the same quality as high-end department stores, but are sold at much more reasonable prices.
Whether you’re a streetwear enthusiast, a plane-hopper, or a boardroom leader, these emerging sneaker brands cater to your wardrobe needs. Here are some of the best features of each label:
- Greats: Sustainable materials, bold designs, and affordable prices.
- Sweaty Betty: Luxury with ethical production.
- Compl Kits: Functional focus, bold designs, and superior materials.
- Ace Marks: High-end quality with reasonable prices.
3. A Fresh Take on Classic Kicks: Unveiling the Innovation of Rising Footwear Labels
Aiming for Comfortable and Sustainable Design
As the streetwear revolution continues to grow, many emerging footwear labels have created their own signature spin on iconic silhouettes. When it comes to classic shoes, a number of up-and-coming footwear brands are introducing some unique and sustainable features, taking their collections to a whole different level of comfort.
Clean, Cut and Colorful
Clean lines and crisp colors are the top priority when rethinking traditional footwear. There’s a movement among young shoemakers to give classic shoe designds a modern, colorful approach. New forms of lacing, materials and details were all incorporated into the sneaker, creating a unique but sophisticated look.
High-Tech Features and Durability
Footwear technology continues to increase, and the market is set to expand even further. Many of the newer brands on the scene are introducing their own technical implementations with sneaker designs, from anatomical detailing to memory foam insoles. Various brands are also leading by example in the world of sustainability, choosing materials and production processes that ensure the long-lasting quality of their products.
Unconventional Style with Boundless Creativity
When it comes to style, traditional footwear has been reimagined with innovative creativity. Numerous up and coming labels have pushed the boundaries of traditional shoe design to explore new trends and silhouettes, such as knitted uppers, elevated heels, and exaggerated laces. The artistry and craftsmanship of these brands continues to be inspiring and serves as a reminder that there are still a lot of shoes to be explored.
- Clean and crisp silhouettes
- Technological features for comfort and durability
- Unconventional style with boundless creativity
4. Making Waves in the Industry: Sneaker Brands Destined to Dominate the Market
In a world that is increasingly aware of its environmental impact, sustainability has quickly become one of the most important considerations when purchasing any type of goods. Sneakers aren’t spared from this wave of ethical and eco-conscious fashion, either.
Given the sheer number of amazing sneaker manufacturers who utilize eco-friendly materials in their designs, it’s difficult to make the decision on which brands to support. To help streamline the process, here’s a list of four eco-responsible sneaker brands that all sneaker-lovers should definitely be aware of:
- Native Shoes: This Canadian-based company creates stylish, comfortable, and lightweight shoes made from recycled PVC and recycled water bottles. Native Shoes also promises to never use animal products, and all of their footwear is created to have as little impact on the environment as possible.
- Allbirds: This San Fransisco-based startup is on a mission to make shoe shopping sustainable. Allbirds is the world’s first carbon-neutral sneaker brand, and they use ethically sourced premium materials free from toxic glues, dyes, and synthetic fabrics.
- Reebok: This iconic brand has been a leader in the sustainable shoe game for the past decade. Reebok manufactures sneakers from responsibly sourced, ethically processed materials. In 2020, they launched Reebok Renew, an initiative to produce sustainable shoes with deadstock materials.
- Adidas: Adidas is making steps towards a more sustainable production process. The brand’s focus is to reduce their waste and energy consumption, and they’re doing this through recycling and using more environmentally friendly materials. In 2020, Adidas’s was the first to launch an entirely vegan shoe.
These unique and innovative brands are giving sneaker-lovers the opportunity to make conscious purchases while still remaining fashionable. Most of them have global footprints, so anyone can get their hands on a pair of pioneering sustainable sneakers.
These brands showcase the immense potential of the fashion industry to adopt environmentally sustainable measures and actively contribute to a greener future. Not only are they paving the way for more eco-friendly shoes, but they’re also helping to shift consumer behaviour for the better.
No matter if you’re a sneakerhead or just want to stay ahead of the game, be sure to keep an eye out for the newest and upcoming sneaker brands on the scene. Innovation and diversity are on the rise for the global footwear industry, and the possibilities are truly endless.