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In our hectic lives that require us to run around almost all day, the right shoes can make a world of difference. Shoes started out as functional designs to protect our feet, and yes we should choose the ones that do exactly that, BUT, they should also reflect our style statements and represent our personality and personal fashion sense. After all, don’t they say that you can tell a lot about a man by the condition of his shoes? Personally, I love a sturdy and stylish pair of sneakers that can get me through the day without shoe bites and also match my outfits. However, I know that this is not true for everyone. People have high demands and expectations when it comes to shoes, so designers put all their creative powers into making shoes that are unique, innovative and ergonomic. From Balenciaga’s high-heeled sneakers to “decaying” shoes made from organic materials, these shoe designs are as futuristic, creative and trendy as can be!
1. Balenciaga High-Heeled Sneakers
This Balenciaga high-heeled shoe concept was designed by OJB Studio with the potential of future technologies in mind. “In this Balenciaga concept, [current] Ollie of OJB Studio told Yanko Design, “This process enables a fast and efficient way of experimental aesthetic thinking, providing some pretty crazy yet desirable designs.” The crux of the specific concept was to create a Balenciaga high heel inspired by the elements of a sneaker for the near future. It is a purely visual exercise aimed at determining what the future of fashion in the shoe industry will look like.
2. Kajola Shoe Collection
The Kajola shoe collection is made to look like rotting shoes because the materials used are natural. Because of the way it’s designed, it’s more like a work of art than a functional shoe. They like to call it “living artifacts” made from a variety of biomaterials like volcanic dust, clay, and even cocoa powder, and so it will naturally curl into itself as the years go by, just as leaves and other organic matter do when they rot. They get their name from a region in Nigeria and a trip to the local forests. The idea is to force other things that plants can be used to create.
3. UV-Zhu’s Nike Conceptual Series
UV-Zhu’s Nike conceptual series are basically inflatable structures paired with everyday objects, resulting in kicks you’ll probably never see in the Nike showroom. Ankle straps are made of white suspenders, silicone and paper-based tapes. The outer soles are power-filled with springs so that the wearer can walk without any effort to walk! Sponges and countless types of soft padding are sandwiched between these layers, providing comfortable cushioning for the wearer. Some of the shoes were also fitted with a candy layer and eccentric bristles as the outsole.
4. Heaven’s Gate
Heaven’s Door has a unique design style that combines the close-toe design of a shoe with the open ankle aesthetic of a slip-on sandal. The shoe has a leather body punctuated by an elastic strap that runs along the side that connects the rear wing to the main shoe. The rubber outsole hints at comfortable outdoor use in an urban environment, while hiding the springs in a recessed channel that runs the length of the shoe. While the shoes are notable for their auto-on/off capabilities, they’re not trying to look futuristic because they aren’t.
5. AC1 Boot
Meet the AC1 boot, created by Brooklyn-based mischief-maker MSCHF to explore the lighter side of jumping with hiking boots for foot injury rehabilitation. As good as the sneaker design looks for Gen-Z, the inspiration story is just as interesting. In 2015, CEO Lukas Bentel saw a person waking up in medical boots on Prince Street in New York. He thought it was “the most interestingly designed object,” especially the character with function rather than fashion. Contemplating objects that are not intended to be aesthetic and that are least considered when it comes to design can result in “looking really interesting and there,” he says.
6. Averted Vision
Defined by its cushioned design and minimalist profile, Averted Vision is practical and trendy. Cushioned soles cover about half of the shoe’s side profiles, providing plenty of bounce for gravity-free play. Conceptualized without shoe laces, Averted Vision can utilize textile technology to fit snugly around the wearer’s feet for a tight and comfortable fit. The silhouette of the shoe seems to be inspired by today’s designs like Yeezy Foam Runners and Boosts. These days, it sometimes feels like we’re a stone’s throw away from life on Mars, so it’s no surprise that designers touching the future are fascinated by today’s trends.
7. Heinekicks
What is Heinekick? Simply put, these are beer-FILLED limited edition sneakers. There are only 32 pairs in the world and yes, you heard it right, they actually contain soles filled with the new Heineken Silver. Heineken promises that these fluid-filled kicks will “Make You Walk On Beer.” Shoe Surgeon continued the iconic red, green and silver colors of the brand in shoes. He upgraded his sneakers with a stylish green lenticular upper with silver and red accents. A removable metal bottle opener is integrated into the shoe tongue. This can come in pretty handy when it’s time to open a cold one!
8. adidas x Victorinox EQT 93 sneakers
This is the Adidas x Victorinox EQT 93 sneakers of the German activewear brand for people with a very active lifestyle. When needed most, the sneakers have the Swiss brand EDC for any fixing, cutting or other tasks. The shoe is based on the EQT 93 sneaker and has been modified for this special offer. According to Victorinox Chief Marketing Officer Veronika Elsener – “We are excited about the result of products that bring unique design and exciting details.”
9. Sim-Plis-Tech
The summary was to create a pair of shoes that could be used by the “urban nomad” who are basically people like me. Inspired by the mix of space, alien life, corals and skateparks, the designer was able to develop a concept called Sim-Plis-Tech for a pair of Vans-like shoes. We get something that looks like an astronaut would wear while navigating around Mars, and also that city folk can wear while navigating the urban jungle.
10. %38_2101 Running Shoes
When you set foot on Mars, it can be nice to wear something cool and durable like the 38%_2101 Running Shoes for MARS. The pair is based on the Y-3 running shoes and looks very futuristic. The designer decided to choose the Y-3 as it had a futuristic vision of the brand. 38%_2101 Running Shoes for Mars seem out of this world, but this pair is also something we can still wear on Earth. The designer’s process included a few other inspirations, such as aerospace equipment and a few items with minimal color units and sharp shapes.
