As it happens, the allure of sneakers has captivated the high-fashion domain as well, with powerhouses such as Dior, Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton casting their lot with designer sneakers.

Designer sneaker collaborations offer a unique blend of high fashion and streetwear and have become some of the most sought-after sneakers on the market. Think the Dior x Nike Air Jordan 1 crossover, or Virgil Abloh’s longstanding partnership with Nike that culminated into the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1s.

If you’re on the hunt for the best designer sneaker collaborations available today, we’ve curated a list of six high-end sneaker partnerships you don’t want to miss. 

LOEWE x On: A Symphony of Function and Elegance

LOEWE’s collaboration with performance brand On brought an unexpected player into the luxury sneaker arena. One of the most hyped sneaker releases of 2022, a fusion of LOEWE’s artisanal mastery with On’s technical prowess, this partnership redefined what athleisure could be.

The latest sneaker release in the Loewe x On collaboration was the Cloudtilt sneaker, which was released on 12 October at Loewe, On, and select stockists across the globe for US$490. Buy it here.

Dior x Nike Air Jordan 1: Soaring Beyond Expectations 

The Air Jordan–Dior alliance wasn’t just a collaboration; it was a cultural reset. The Air Jordan 1’s iconic shape was reimagined with Dior’s luxurious touch, making it a mosaic of street legacy and craftsmanship. With a mere 8,500 pairs released globally in 2020, it reigned supreme in exclusivity making sneakerheads, celebrities, and high fashion connoisseurs go wild about it. 

Then priced at US$2,000 to US$2,200 for the high-top model, these Dior AJ1s  are now selling at almost 400% above retail. Good news for those who are chasing this fashion grail, you can still buy it but be prepared to part with a cool US$11,000 or more.

Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1: A Tribute to Virgil Abloh

This collection is a poignant homage to the late Virgil Abloh’s visionary mind. Combining the classic silhouette of Nike’s Air Force 1 with the audacity of Louis Vuitton, each piece stands as an artifact of Abloh’s legacy.

The Louis Vuitton Nike Air Force 1 sneakers first graced the runway in Summer 2021 and hit the market in June 2022. For US$2,750, one stood to own the first ever pairs of the Nike Air Force 1s not made by Nike but instead crafted by LV’s skilled artisans in Italy.

As of now, 47 models have been released in this sneaker collaboration. Louis Vuitton × Nike Air Force 1 Low by Virgil Abloh “Brown/White”, the popular model among the best designer sneakers of all time, is now reselling for around US$100,000, depending on the size and condition.

Miu Miu x New Balance 574: The Rebirth of a Classic Designer Sneaker

When Miu Miu, the Italian luxury label and a subsidiary of Prada, reimagined the iconic New Balance 574, it was a rebirth of the quintessential sneaker. The OG 3-piece sneaker collection, first seen in Paris during the Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2022 show, was launched on Miu Miu e-commerce sites and select stores on February 20, 2022, and retailed for US$950–US$1020. 

The sneaker collection made a return in 2023.  Miu Miu and New Balance released three new distressed 574s in denim, cognac, and white Nappa leather. The shoes feature raw frayed edges, washed-out brown denim, and a unique worn-in and vintage look. If you are looking for the best sneaker collaborations to buy, check them out here.

MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon: The Art of the Unconventional 

The MM6 Maison Margiela and Salomon collaboration stands as a testament to the designs that defy the status quo.

Their release in 2022 was a momentous occasion for those who seek the unorthodox in fashion. This was one of the best designer sneaker collaborations that first made waves with none other than Rihanna rocking their gear during the Super Bowl.

Fast forward to their 3rd and freshest release in October, introducing the ACS Pro sneaker, just as the leaves start to crunch underfoot. The design features tweaks to the graphic lines around the toe cap for a more relaxed and casual look, complemented by glossy trims and metallic eyelets.

It’s your new go-to for everything from daily commutes to wild, off-trail escapades, available in various colorways like “Ice Grey,” “Heather Blue,” and black that’ll have you blend in with the fall vibes or stand out in the urban jungle. Buy them here.

adidas x Gucci: A Tapestry of Legacy

In 2022, adidas and Gucci joined forces for their first-ever sneaker collaboration, which turned out to be a massive success in the world of sneaker culture, raking in an astounding $96.5 million in Media Impact Value. Gucci’s initial announcement post on Instagram alone generated $749,000 in Media Impact Value, while the sneakers themselves garnered thousands more.

Their collaboration was a harmonious fusion of Gucci’s distinctive prints, green-and-red stripes, and adidas’ iconic logos and sneaker designs. It was such a hit that they decided to team up again in 2023, releasing a stunning collection in late March.

This collection featured revamped versions of adidas classics like the Gazelle and ZX 8000, adorned with Gucci’s monogram pattern and priced at $850 and $980, respectively. The collection seamlessly combined two legacies, making it a standout in the world of best designer sneaker collaborations.

Each of these designer sneakers tells a story of not just fashion evolution but cultural revolutions redefining luxury, exclusivity, and style, for sneakerheads, celebrities, and high-fashion enthusiasts alike. They are reminders that in the right hands, sneakers can be much more than footwear—they can be wearable art!

Have fun shopping and flexing your new designer sneaker collaborations!

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