Paris Fashion Week once again cemented its status as the pinnacle of global fashion. And while we didn’t have a front-row seat to every runway moment, we’d be slacking if we didn’t recap the wild week of sneakers that unfolded in the French capital. From luxury to streetwear, performance innovation to nostalgic storytelling, SS25 delivered a dynamic blend of style and substance. Here’s our breakdown of the key players, surprise moments, and everything that made this season one to remember.
adidas The Big Winner?
If there was one name that consistently echoed across Paris this season, it was Adidas. With fresh silhouettes, bold collaborations, unexpected leaks, and immersive activations, the Three Stripes made sure everyone knew they showed up with a point to prove, and we left more than pleasantly surprised.
Willy Chavarria’s “HURON” for SS26 was a clear standout. Staged at the stately Salle Pleyel, the show was a moving tribute to his upbringing in Huron, California, marrying expressive tailoring with street-informed silhouettes. It marked the third chapter in his evolving partnership with Adidas Originals, and the synergy felt sharper than ever. New uniform-inspired pieces in cotton-rich textures carried themes of cultural pride and resilience, while on-foot moments introduced us to the Megaride AG and AG XL, bold new running silhouettes that fused archival attitude with modern performance tech. The Chavarria Superstar, a refined rework of the classic, added polish to the lineup. Injecting further energy were appearances by athletes and creatives like James Harden, Jenn Soto, and Gui Silva, lending the show a grounded cultural weight that blurred the lines between sport, fashion, and identity.
Then there was Pharrell, arguably the busiest man in Paris. Alongside teasing new Louis Vuitton looks with NIGO, he dropped his latest Adidas project: the Adistar Cushion 3 “Jellyfish.” Built on the DNA of early-2000s runners like the Response CL and OG Adistar Cushion, this experimental silhouette comes wrapped in translucent overlays reminiscent of jellyfish movement. Earthy, aquatic tones and sculptural detailing reinforce Pharrell’s growing legacy as a boundary-pusher in sneaker design. Former Adidas Design Director Zac Andrews noted that Pharrell challenged the team to “go way bigger” and it shows.
Not to be overlooked, Adidas Consortium celebrated 20 years of innovation with a pop-up at Dover Street Market Paris (June 27–29). The curated space honoured the platform’s legacy with a mix of boundary-pushing voices, including Levi Pitters, best known for his ‘Boot-Legs’ guerrilla installations, and Sarah Andelman, the visionary behind the legendary Parisian concept store colette.
Another major cultural touchpoint came in the form of the Hardies x Adidas 10-Year Anniversary photo show. The exhibit paid homage to a decade of friendship, skateboarding, and creativity, with intimate images capturing the crew’s journey and evolution. Held in a raw, low-lit space with nostalgic energy, it was a celebration of authenticity that drew key figures like Tyshawn Jones and Na-Kel Smith reminding us how deep Adidas’ roots run in community and subculture.
Nike Leading From The Front
Nike took a more curated approach to Paris Fashion Week, which, arguably, was the wrong idea. The brand attempted to leverage the moment to spotlight innovation, exclusivity, and heritage all at once, but the execution left something to be desired. For a brand of Nike’s size and storytelling power, it was a surprising misstep. The intention was there, but the rollout lacked the emotional connection that turns innovation into impact. In a week where storytelling ruled, Nike felt oddly distant and slightly behind and in truth, it seemed like a lot of the good energy stayed back in Portland.
First up: the Air Max 1000 “Paris Exclusive”, a fully 3D-printed silhouette designed in collaboration with Zellerfeld and produced in Germany. Bathed in light blue with subtle nods to the Air Max 1, the sneaker blends Nike’s archival language with cutting-edge production methods. Released exclusively at NikeLab Paris on June 27–28, the drop continued Nike’s push toward futuristic, sustainable footwear, albeit with ultra-limited access.
On Thursday in Paris, Faith Kipyegon attempted to do what no woman in history has done: run a mile in under four minutes. And while she didn’t break the barrier this time, what unfolded was far from a disappointment, it was a powerful celebration of possibility, ambition, and the future of women’s sport. Backed by Nike, the attempt blended sport, science, and storytelling. Inspired by a study that hypothesised a 3:59.37 mile could be possible under ideal conditions and with flawless pacing, Kipyegon’s effort represented more than just numbers, it was a symbolic push against the limits that history has drawn around women in athletics. She may not have crossed the four-minute mark, but she put it within reach, showing that the conversation is no longer if, but when.
What made the moment even more impactful was how it shifted the narrative. Rather than focusing on what wasn’t achieved, the world watched a generational talent push the boundaries in real time. Her presence, her grace, her determination, all stood as a testament to how far the sport has come, and how much further it’s going. Yes, the media and marketing around the event may have gotten ahead of the science. But Faith Kipyegon reminded us that progress isn’t linear, it’s built on attempts like this, ones that light the way for the next wave of women who dare to dream bigger.
Innovation wasn’t the only focus. In a tucked-away IYKYK Jordan Brand showroom, Nike put sneaker history on full display with an actual pair of Air Jordan 1s worn by Michael Jordan during his iconic backboard-shattering game in Italy in 1985. The shoes, scuffed, aged, and story-rich, set the stage for what many are calling the most faithful reissue yet of the “Shattered Backboard” AJ1. Spotted during a personal pilgrimage to the space, the re-release retains the familiar house orange, black, and white colourway, but introduces an embossed Wings logo and refined height, details true sneakerheads will clock instantly even if the quality isn’t quite on par.
Speaking of legends: a Mars Yard 3.0 sighting sent ripples through the space. A spiritual successor to Tom Sachs’ original 2012 pair, which still resells for £42,000, the 3.0 iteration stays true to the art-meets-function DNA with its Natural white mesh base, Maple suede overlays, and that bold Sport Red Swoosh. Subtle updates include a black toe cap and a carbon fiber-enhanced rubber midsole for improved bounce and comfort. With accessibility reportedly on the horizon, this drop could reignite the narrative-driven sneaker space once again. We shall see!
Elsewhere in the city, the upcoming Levi’s® x Nike Air Max 95 drop generated serious buzz. Following their legendary 2018 AJ4 pack, Levi’s returns with three denim-draped Air Max 95s in White Ecru, Black, and classic Blue Denim. Displayed at the Levi’s Haus of Strauss Paris, the pairs speak to a rich American heritage with luxe fabrication and fine-tuned detailing. The black pair in particular has a raw, almost Berghain energy, with pronounced fraying and the unmistakable Levi’s red tab sitting next to the Swoosh, a detail reinforced with optional red laces.
That wasn’t all of the many standout sneaker debuts at Paris Fashion Week, one particularly heartfelt collaboration fused two American institutions: Nike and Premium Goods, the bicoastal retailer with locations in Brooklyn and Houston. The spotlight was on the Brooklyn store this time, which left its unique mark on one of Nike’s most iconic silhouettes, the Air Max 1. First previewed via Corteiz founder Clint Ogbenna’s Instagram, the Premium Goods x Nike Air Max 1 arrives in a White/Metallic Silver/Forest Green colorway, though that description doesn’t quite do the shoe justice. The actual design boasts a kaleidoscope of hues, green, blue, red, yellow, white, and silver, strategically spread across premium perforated and smooth leather panels. A metallic silver tongue and honeycomb-textured Swoosh add texture and pop, while a gum sole anchors the look in classic streetwear sensibility.
True to its name, Premium Goods delivered on the details. The left and right tongue tags pay homage to the founding years of each location, 2002 for Brooklyn and 2004 for Houston, while embroidered logos on the heel and custom shoeboxes reading “Brooklyn to Houston” round out the storytelling. Even more powerful was the tribute to the late, great DJ Clark Kent, a cultural icon in both music and sneakers who passed away in October 2024. Known for stashing rare sneakers in cities he visited for lucky fans to discover, his legacy lived on through this release.
Finally, an exciting teaser from one of the most authentic labels in the game: Kids of Immigrants. After making waves last year with their Nike Air Max Sunder pack, the independent LA-based brand appears poised to drop a third colourway: “Concrete Sky.” Teased by Awake NY’s Hugo Mendoza and later shown in an interview on our Instagram they released in very limited to numbers!
New Balance Owns the Quiet Flex
New Balance didn’t need a blockbuster runway show or theatrical PR stunt to make waves in Paris. Instead, the Boston-based brand delivered a series of tightly executed moments, each rooted in craft, culture, and the kind of detail that rewards those paying close attention.
Basketcase Gallery x New Balance returned for round three with the NB 204L, a Friends & Family exclusive that quietly stole the spotlight. Leaning into the slim, indoor soccer-inspired aesthetic that’s become a go-to for the fashion set, this edition delivers rich texture and tonal execution. Pony hair underlays, light grey nubuck, and leather lining create depth without flash, while an EVA foam midsole and low-profile outsole lock in the minimalist, street-luxury vibe. Clean, elevated, and hard to get, exactly how NB heads like it.
Meanwhile, Joe Freshgoods continues to evolve as New Balance’s most emotionally resonant collaborator. In Paris, he teased the first-ever collab on the new Abzorb 2000 silhouette. Peeking out of a Louis Vuitton monogram bag, the pink-drenched pair exudes themes of femininity, origin, and love. The insole reads “Everything Comes From Pink” in cursive, backed by an olive liner, a colour story and message rich with symbolism, yet open to interpretation. Joe’s storytelling remains unmatched, using colour and context to build bridges between fashion, identity, and emotion. Incredibly limited we only saw 1 pair all week!
Junya Watanabe also kept his creative rhythm flowing with the debut of a new silhouette for Spring/Summer 2026 as part of his Junya Watanabe MAN show. The sneaker channels the design language of the WRPD Runner, with seamless mesh and leather construction that flows from toe to heel. The most eye-catching feature? A sculptural double sole, lifting the profile and blurring the line between performance and art. Teased in crisp all-white and stealthy all-black, this pair feels simultaneously futuristic and grounded in Japanese precision.
Elsewhere, New Balance snuck in a first look at the NB1890, thanks to senior marketing manager Lee Stuart. Echoing the moc-toe charm of the Clarks Wallabee, the 1890 introduces a “U”-shaped vamp in buttery yellow leather, paired with snakeskin overlays and a black ABZORB-cushioned sole. Branding is subtle but thoughtful: a mini “N” under the laces, “ABZORB” on the heel, and the “1890” name hidden inside the sockliner. No release date yet, but it’s one to watch as NB continues to expand its lifestyle catalogue with archival nods and fresh executions.
ASICS Consistently Showing Up!
Away from the runway chaos, ASICS SportStyle executed a perfectly tuned takeover of Paris Fashion Week, one that blended calm, concept, and community with pinpoint precision.
First up, INVINCIBLE® x ASICS dropped one of the most thought-provoking collabs of the week: the GEL-NIMBUS 10.1 “HTTP 404.” Debuted during a pre-launch event at Solebox Paris on Sunday, June 29, the sneaker explored the beauty of digital failure, drawing inspiration from broken links, design glitches, and techwear minimalism. Executed with clean lines and heritage GEL-NIMBUS DNA, the sneaker’s tonal grey palette and futuristic overlays struck a perfect balance between concept and craft. The activation, held at 31 Place du Marché Saint-Honoré, included curated food and drinks from @paperboyparis, limited-edition merch, and one of the most intimate, well-executed sneaker drops of the week. A global release is set for July, but Paris got the first chance.
ASICS also hosted a Japanese-inspired SportStyle pop-up, offering a moment of zen amid the noise. Minimalist in design but rich in detail, the space showcased the GEL-QUANTUM 360™ AMP and GEL-KINETIC™ FLUENT, alongside two standout collabs:
- JJJJound x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM 360 AMP
Celebrating 10 years of the GEL-QUANTUM 360, JJJJound delivered a stripped-back vision of the silhouette in white and off-white. Reflective accents, visible GEL™ and TRUSSTIC™ support, and subtle branding kept things understated and timeless, hallmarks of the Montreal-based studio. - SHUSHU/TONG x ASICS GEL-KINETIC™ FLUENT
Romantic rebellion met performance design in this avant-garde interpretation of the GEL-KINETIC. With hand-sewn lace, layered mesh, and a sculpted midsole featuring FF BLAST™ PLUS, GEL™, and Scutoid GEL™, the collab brought early-2010s design cues into 2025 with flair.
Capping off the week with pure energy, Pawa Speed Sounds x ASICS SportStyle delivered one of the most electric afterparties of the calendar. Rooted in the UK’s love for sound system culture, the event merged fashion, music, and movement into a powerful cultural moment. Special edition drinks by Peak, surprise sets, and a stacked lineup made this the party to attend!
Saucony Builds Community
Saucony feels more like a family than a brand. From thoughtful panel talks to quiet moments of collaboration and creativity, the Boston-based label created a space that felt welcoming and open. The conversations flowed, the energy was real, and the whole team showed why Saucony’s growing influence in lifestyle sneakers is more than just a trend, it’s a new culture.
One of the major highlights was the official reveal of the Jae Tips x Saucony ProGrid Triumph 4 “Flowers Grow Uptown” collection. Set to drop in Fall/Winter 2025, the capsule includes four vibrant colorways, Red, Pink, Purple, and Green, each inspired by Jae Tips’ Bronx roots and his personal storytelling. The sneakers feature breathable mesh uppers, glossy leather overlays, and floral detailing, with “UPTOWN” replacing the usual “ProGrid” branding on the heel. Inside, liners are stamped with “Made by Jae Tips,” solidifying his fingerprint on every pair. The collection exclusively showcased in Paris, giving fans and media a close-up look at the bold, expressive colourways that blend nostalgia, community pride, and style-forward flair.
Adding to the momentum, Westside Gunn teased his own upcoming Saucony collaboration, his first-ever sneaker release. The New York rapper shared behind-the-scenes footage of the design process, offering raw, unfiltered glimpses into his creative journey with the brand. The collab includes two silhouettes: the ProGrid Triumph 4 and ProGrid Omni 9, both drenched in Gunn’s signature eye for color and detail. One features an all-red upper; another is a multicolored standout that previews the personality and depth fans expect from the Griselda founder.
Gunn also revealed a new logo combining the Saucony wavelength with his Griselda label’s font, underscoring the collab’s authenticity and intention. Between Jae Tips’ visual storytelling and Westside Gunn’s raw artistic process, Saucony’s presence in Paris was more than a showcase, it was a celebration of culture, community, and creative power.
Converse Brings the Heat
Sneakerheads finally got hands-on with the Shai 001, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s highly anticipated signature sneaker with Converse, just as the Canadian star capped off one of the greatest personal NBA seasons in history. Shai became only the fourth player ever to win the scoring title, regular season MVP, and Finals MVP all in the same year, joining legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Michael Jordan.
In a fitting celebration of his greatness and first NBA ring, Shai wore “Trophy Gold” around his neck while hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy, symbolising the culmination of a stellar journey. The Paris pop-up showcased five fresh colorways of the Shai 001 but we couldn’t help but notice a standout two-tone sample hidden away that teased even more releases on the horizon. With this silhouette, Converse is clearly positioning itself for a major moment, blending basketball royalty with innovative sneaker design.
The space also prominently showcased the work of Navinder Nangla, a British multidisciplinary artist and designer whose graffiti-inspired style adds a vibrant cultural layer. Known for his bold use of black, white, and red, and signature phrases like “Fassion is my Pashion” and “Fassion Weak,” Nangla’s red squiggle motif was everywhere, from apparel to immersive art installations, cementing his growing influence in the sneaker and fashion scene. Adding to the energy, there was a strong presence of Tyler, The Creator’s GOLF le FLEUR and GOLF WANG sneakers, rounding out a compelling Converse showcase that blended sport, art, and streetwear culture effortlessly.
PUMA Nature Meets Tech
Following their eye-catching Mostro House takeover earlier this year, PUMA returned to Paris with an ambitious new collaboration alongside designer Salehe Bembury. The star of the show was the Velum, Bembury’s first-ever lifestyle silhouette with PUMA, powered by cutting-edge NITROFOAM™ cushioning technology and launched within an immersive, biomorphic environment.
The experience opened June 25 with an exclusive invite-only event, then shifted into a public pop-up where the first 100 pairs dropped, each personally signed by Bembury himself. The installation felt like stepping inside a futuristic lab where organic forms and technology intertwined: rippling walls, textured flooring, and overhead “growth” wrapped guests in the creative universe Salehe envisioned, a seamless blend of nature and machine.
In addition, PUMA teased elements of its H-Street concept from Seoul, offering visitors a first look at the next evolution of the brand’s lifestyle range, a blend of innovation with simple urban functionality. PUMA dives deep into its performance archive with the debut of the H-Street, a sleek silhouette inspired by its early 2000s track-and-field legacy. Revived and reimagined from the late-’90s Harambee runner, the H-Street nods to a golden era of athletic innovation, its name taken from the Swahili word for “pull together,” symbolising unity, drive, and collective energy.
The Puma Talon also made a strong comeback, we saw pairs seeded by Inside Tag and spotted a collaborations with Sansan Gear. Originally launched in 2004 and designed by the talented Jeff Mokos, the Talon gained cult status thanks to its injection-molded sole and bold stripes, typically presented in vibrant colors. This time around, we’re personally drawn to the low-contrast black and white reinterpretation, a sharp look that nods to the original’s ingenuity while fitting effortlessly into today’s trends.
A rising name on the scene, Sansan Gear is a South Korean technical apparel brand dedicated to fusing mountain-inspired performance with sleek citywear aesthetics. Having spoken with their team their designs emphasise clean lines, high-tech fabrics, and practical details that resonate perfectly with PUMA’s urban-outdoor ethos. The brand’s Korean name literally means “mountain,” signaling a deep connection to nature infused with forward-thinking design.
PUMA operate in a difficult space currently but their commitment to innovation and tactful references to heritage, technical performance, and cultural storytelling is a balance that feels just right for the global stage.
Brooks Expands Its Lifestyle Line
Brooks has been steadily carving out a niche in the lifestyle arena, building on a rich performance heritage while experimenting with unexpected collaborations and fresh design language. Recent partnerships with Jeff Staple and Extra Butter set the stage, but the latest move sees the brand linking up with Chicago’s RSVP Gallery, a cultural powerhouse co-founded by Don C and the late Virgil Abloh. Known for its unique position at the crossroads of fashion, streetwear, and cultural commentary, RSVP Gallery is a natural ally as Brooks broadens its lifestyle footprint.
The collaboration with RSVP Gallery centers around the Caldera 8, a model that leans more technical than casual. Early teasers, posted by Don C himself on Instagram, revealed thoughtful hardware tweaks: a lightweight fabric overlay replaced the traditional heel counter, paired with a sharp black TPU accent, and the RSVP Gallery logo subtly positioned on the lateral side. Underfoot, the geometric ultra-cushioned midsole remains unchanged, delivering the signature Brooks comfort and performance. A real
At Paris Fashion Week, Brooks showcased a huge selection of lifestyle runners, a clear signal of their intent to expand beyond performance into everyday style without losing its technical edge. Adding fuel to the hype, Jeff Staple has leaked two follow-up pairs to his initial collab, suggesting Brooks’ lifestyle momentum is just getting started with the famous collaborator.
Mizuno 40 Years of Morelia
Mizuno elevated their Paris Fashion Week presence with a landmark launch that seamlessly fuses two of their signature silhouettes: the Wave Prophecy Morelia Neo. What better way to mark the 40-year anniversary of the legendary Morelia than by taking its heritage straight from the pitch to the streets? Few names in sport carry as much heritage as Mizuno, a brand that has long balanced performance and culture with quiet brilliance. Within football’s rich tapestry, the Morelia silo holds a special place. Introduced in 1985, the Morelia quickly became a symbol of craftsmanship and understated excellence, worn by some of the game’s greatest and woven into the very fabric of football history.
Fast forward to Paris Fashion Week 2025, and Mizuno is rewriting the script. The new Wave Prophecy Morelia Neocelebrates four decades of Morelia heritage by merging timeless football DNA with cutting-edge streetwear design. The result is a sneaker that sits perfectly at the intersection of sport and style, pairing the Morelia’s signature K-leather-inspired aesthetic with Mizuno’s futuristic Infinity Wave technology. Two worlds united: the elegance of ’85 meets the innovation of today. This launch is tailor-made for those who live and breathe both football and fashion, an icon reborn for a new generation.
K-Swiss Enters a New Era
K-Swiss made headlines by appointing Anwar Carrots as Creative Director of its newly formed premium division, the K-Swiss Racquet Club (KSRC). Launching July 10, the line promises a refined take on classic K-Swiss icons alongside new silhouettes, each filtered through Carrots’ sharp, streetwear-informed lens. We have an interview ready so watch this space! It’s a significant cultural pivot for the heritage tennis brand, and a clear move to reposition itself within today’s fashion landscape.
Two early standouts already gaining buzz are the Jack Antonoff x K-Swiss SL-16, designed for the upcoming 2025 US Open, and the Rakeem Miles x K-Swiss Miles RMX, which sold out quickly and is already slated for a follow-up in beige. Both pairs signal K-Swiss’ intent to bridge performance heritage with contemporary relevance, bring in key collaborative voices, and double down on its space within the tennis niche. It’s a confident move that repositions the brand not just as a throwback, but as a meaningful player in the modern sneaker landscape.
Final Word
Sneakers are undeniably collaboratively driven, but in a week overflowing with noise, a few brands cut through with real clarity. From powerhouse partnerships and art-led activations to first-ever signature moments and deeply personal storytelling, Paris Fashion Week SS26 perfectly captured the push and pull between heritage and experimentation. Brands (both legacy names and emerging) showed up with purpose. Some leaned into nostalgia, while others sketched bold new futures. Whether it was on the runway, in immersive pop-ups, or quietly circulating on the feet of insiders, one message rang out loud and clear: Sneakers are a language. And right now, everyone’s speaking it.
