Awesome Shoes

You’ve got two feet — put ‘em to work multitasking as footwear and a handy bottle opener. Yep, beach-inspired sandal-maker Reef paired up with surf brand Faherty fwww.faherty.com for limited-edition flip-flops with a bottle opener ingeniously positioned on the bottom of the right sole.

What d’ya mean, your shoes don’t match your ride? Can-Am debuted three new badass Ryker 3-wheelers, each with coordinated over-the-ankle riding shoes — all custom designed by LA-based Shoe Surgeon. Purpose-built for riding, the collaboration literally takes streetwear to the streets on vehicles that have never looked more stylish.

The Air Max 95 is still one of Nike’s finest designs if you ask us. This monochrome color scheme pairs with any outfit with a swoopy greyscale gradient reminiscent of billowing smoke. Expect the comfort and support these sneaks have been known for since the ’90s. Launching soon on the Nike website.

Nike offers a fresh take on its classic 1990s b-ball shoe, with a graphical treatment that looks like a rippling pool of monochrome liquid. Made from molded polyurethane for structure with an Air Zoom unit for responsive cushioning on the court. Drops 3.31.23 at 9am ET.

Socks are optional in Deckers X Lab’s Ko-Z Chukka SDE 2, a softly-cushioned desert boot-sneaker hybrid. The comfy, water-repellant suede mid-rise is padded at the heel and midsole, and the perforated leather lining lets your tootsies breathe. Removable insoles provide extra ahh, while the rocker sole boosts every step.

Moon Shoes are toys that put a little extra spring in kids’ steps using elastic bands. Since they don’t really make kids jump much higher, maker Allen Pan decided it was time to create a more powerful version. After experimenting with springs and explosives, he settled on compressed air to propel them.

Process X takes us inside the Ishii Sports shoe factory to see how artisans create boots by hand. Each shoe starts by cutting shapes out of leather, refining its edges, then gluing and stitching the pieces together, adding lace rivets, and nailing it around a wooden form before sewing on its insole and attaching the layers of its sole.

Naglev’s hiking shoes are built for extreme adventuring. They’re made with a one-piece Kevlar upper for durability. A wool liner wicks away moisture, while its midsole and footbed mold to your feet over time for comfort. Last but not least, a rubber lug outsole offers impressive grip on varied terrain.

Physical comedy is Daniel LaBelle’s specialty, and in this short video, he shows us how a simple change to an everyday activity can result in hilarity. Watch and enjoy as Daniel attempts to sprint in all the wrong footwear. It’s hard enough to walk in swimfins.

Process X takes us inside a Japanese factory that’s been making rubber boots for almost 90 years. They start with lumpy, raw rubber, then roll, stamp, form, and assemble pieces to create the body and soles. Then vulcanization applies heat and pressure to make the boots flexible and durable before finishing.

Hi-Tec kicked off the lightweight hiking boot trend with the flexible Sierra Sneaker. The updated Ravus offers waterproof traction and all-day comfort on and off the trail. For extreme weather, the Altitude keeps feet cozy with waterproof leather uppers, micro-fleece moisture-wicking lining, and Michelin rubber outsoles.

Basketball shoes are meant for playing basketball. But Marko took the concept literally and crafted custom sneakers out of a Wilson basketball. The leather and rubber from the ball look like they were difficult to work with, but the finished shoes look like they were worth the effort. That flame paint job is sweet!

adidas is readying playful sneakers inspired by Marge and Homer Simpson. Marge’s blue adidas Superstars turn her iconic beehive hairdo into the backdrop for the entire sneaker, while Homer’s green Stan Smiths feature the “sneaking back into the bushes” meme on their backs. Expect them to drop by the end of the year.

There are many faster ways to get around than walking, but Shift Robotics wants to improve that too. Their Moonwalkers shoes let you walk naturally while increasing your speed up to 250%. They’re far beyond ordinary roller skates, with the smarts to move with your gait and to stop naturally. You can even climb stairs in them.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Crocs are hot again, at least in the limited-edition game. Their latest drop is an over-the-top collection by LA-based artist Steve Harrington. Colorful and cartoony, each clog and slide in the collection includes Jibbitz charms of Harrington’s whimsical psych-pop characters. A Footlocker exclusive.

Teva’s comfy yet capable shoes go from lounging to trekking thanks to their cozy quilted uppers and grippy rubber outsoles. They’re lined with 50% recycled polyester with a thick dual-layer foam footbed. They come in six outdoorsy colors in all-gender sizes and have a built-in loop for hanging from your backpack.

These Nike sneakers are covered with a topographical print that conjures images of standing upon a mountaintop among the clouds. A webbed support system and air cushioning provide stability and comfort for performance sports and everyday activities. They drop 9.20.22.

LG is known for its TVs and appliances. Now, they’re getting into the storage game – with a modern spin. Its modular Styler ShoeCase displays protect sneakers from humidity and UV wear, and have a turntable to show off your kicks. The matching ShoeCare system uses steam to refresh shoes, and filters to remove odors.

Happiness is a warm puppy… with a surfboard ready to shred waves. Eco-friendly Brazilian shoemaker Cariuma salutes everyone’s favorite beagle on their cotton canvas OCA low-top sneakers with a cork insert and slip-resistant rubber. Charles M. Schulz would be stoked that two trees are planted for every pair sold.

A fresh take on the Nike Air Max 97 celebrating 25 years of the bullet train-inspired shoe. The sneaker is at its best in this new colorway. The mudguard is done up in shiny metallic silver, while the upper is encircled in rings of dark blue, complemented by a watery Chlorine Blue air cushion and matching swooshes.

Shed water and shred trail with Deckers X Lab’s X-Scape 100F sneaker sandal. Made for mountain adventures, class 10 rapids, and running errands, this performance hybrid has your summer sorted. The Nubuck leather upper is lined with mesh and foam for comfort. Top laces and an adjustable heel strap finesse the fit.

Nike’s innovative sneakers are designed to be taken apart. Their interlocking, modular design means their materials can be easily separated for recycling when they reach the end of their useful life. The ISPA Link features earthy tones and bumpy sole pads, while the ISPA Link Axis is bold and colorful with a translucent white outsole.

If you’ve spent any time in Chicago, you might be familiar with the sculptures at the Merchandise Mart known as the PEZ Heads. Paul Jackman built a similarly gargantuan PEZ dispenser, but this one actually works. Though it spits out shoeboxes and has a giant boot on top instead of a character head.