[Update 9 Jun 2023] It looks like Nigo’s Kenzo runners are ready for release with new images depicting a whole lineup of them, both the blue and silver makeup. Shared by @le.syndrome, this new set offers a closer look at the titular pair, and surprisingly, a look at the Kenzo x Hunter boots. More details should emerge shortly so stay tuned!

[Update 16 May 2023] Months following Paris Fashion Week, it seems like Nigo is almost ready to drop the latest Kenzo Sneakers that he worked on. Besides revealing more colorways, the Japanese creative was also regularly spotted in the pair. Take a look at the latest images on the article slider above as we await official release details to be announced.

There’s no one word or adjective to describe Tomoaki Nago, more famously known as Nigo, for he embodies almost every one of them when it comes to streetwear. Often accredited with being one of the forerunners of Japanese streetwear alongside the likes of Hiroshi Fujiwara and Jun Takahashi, Nigo founded A BATHING APE in 1993, where he also created the now-infamous BAPE STA sneaker line in 2002, partnered with Pharrell Williams to launch Billionaire Boys Club in 2003, and later on created Human Made in 2010.

His list of accomplishments goes on and on, but perhaps the most prestigious one came in the form of his Kenzo appointment. In September 2021, the luxury powerhouse chose Nigo to be their new artistic director. True to his legacy, after a year of being Kenzo’s creative-in-chief and simultaneously working on his other labels, he became the first ‘streetwear’ designer to take home the grand prize at the Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix.

Coming into 2023, the recent Paris Fashion Week marked the Japanese designer’s third collection at the helm of Kenzo, centering around old-school American, Japanese and English themes for the brand’s Fall/Winter 2023 production.

Among the many new garments set to release, the one thing that caught our eye was the subtle debut of a new athletic running sneaker from the French label. Best of all, it screams Nigo from top to bottom.

While running shoes, also affectionally nicknamed “dad shoes” by today’s youth, are no strangers to the luxury brand circuit, Nigo’s iteration of the cultural phenomenon comes in a more subdued color blocking. Coming in a near-clad silver upper, the Kenzo running shoes are constructed with a mix of mesh and leather, while Kenzo’s branding appears in bright neon green on the tongue and a simple yet eye-catching “K” takes the lateral position most famously used by sneaker brands.

But perhaps the most scintillating feature of the shoe, as always when it comes to dad shoes, is its chunky sole. But in the case of Kenzo’s sneakers, it’s double chunky. A thick sole unit that rivals the likes of the Air Jordan 1 Elevate series adorns the bottom of the shoes, outfitted with a blue outsole that matches the “K” branding up top.

An all-white white pair was also spotted at the showcase, although no detailed imagery has emerged for those yet.

These Kenzo running shoes could be the talk of the town come fall this year and could mark the start of a new footwear line for the French luxury giants. Hang tight as we’ll bring you the latest information such as its release date and retail prices when we get them. For now, enjoy an early look at these running shoes via the top slider above courtesy of Kenzo.

In other runway-related news, check out sacai’s latest Nike collaboration—the Magmascape.