THE JOURNAL
Illustrations by Mr Ben Lamb
In the performance field, upstart technical brands such as ON and Hoka One One are coming into their own – and you can find them elsewhere on site. And, as is the way of things, that hyper-utilitarian hardware is increasingly finding its way into the leisure market. We might not be running an ultramarathon anytime soon, but we want to look like we could, right? Then again, stalwarts such as Nike, ASICS and New Balance have seen it all before. They’ve traversed the apex, then scrambled their way down. And each has built itself a war chest of an archive along the way. This month’s selection of sneakers balances the functional with the fashionable, the cutting edge with what once was – and, in certain circles, still is. But balance is only part of the package. These are the shoes with forward momentum.
01.
Skyhand OG by ASICS
There is evidence to suggest that a game similar to the modern handball was played in ancient Greece. But when we refer to ASICS’ Skyhand model as old school, we don’t mean that far back. Pulled out of the archives earlier this year as part of a collaboration with the Danish design collective Hay, the classic style was then reimagined in soft pastel colourways. Not so much this straight reissue, however, which seemingly borrows the vivid palette of Mr Stan Goldberg-era Marvel Comics, as well as paying tribute to the legendary Onitsuka Tiger. And we are here for it.
02.
Made in Asia M1000TE “Lights Out” by New Balance
The original 1000 line dates back to 1999, but you probably could’ve placed it around then. It’s also no surprise that, amid the current interest for all things Y2K when it comes to running shoes, this model has resurfaced. But what is perhaps unexpected with this particular edition is what happens when it goes dark. Ping a direct light on it and watch it beam back. Perfect for getting noticed in low-light conditions, which, on reflection, works for us.
03.
03. Field General 82 “Light Volt” by Nike
There’s a real buzz around Nike’s roster of old-school football shoes. And, what with the ongoing search for an It-sneaker to supplant the Samba, the likes of the Field General tick a lot of boxes. As in, it’s easy to wear and available in simple colourways. On the latter front, though, Nike is beginning to broaden out its offering, and this variant in Light Volt/Dusty Cactus seems purpose built with the dog days of summer in mind.
04.
Gel-Terrain by ASICS x Up There
First and foremost, ASICS’ new Gel-Terrain model is built with functionality at its core. It comes absolutely stuffed with tech – GT-2000 tooling, FLYTEFOAM cushioning and front and rear GEL, plus, a snazzy speed-lacing system – sure to see you hotfoot it up a scree slope. But the reworking by Aussie sneaker boutique Up There doesn’t hurt. The palette of mauve, lavender and grey is apparently drawn from the autumnal tones of the Australian bush, with contrasting pops of acid yellow, hot red, reflective underlays and native leaf prints. It’s a lot to take in, wherever you take them.
05.
Cortez “Oregon” by Nike
The Cortez was one of the first Nike shoes, before Nike was even Nike. And in the livery of the Oregon Ducks, it pays homage to the shoe’s designer, the Nike cofounder and track and field coach Mr Bill Bowerman. The school colours themselves date back to the 1890s as a pairing, when the University of Oregon adopted the yellow of the wild grape flower to team with a vibrant green, also pulled from the lush foliage of the Pacific Northwest. Go team, we say.