aime leon dore Archives

First of all, this is our stylish affordable kicks list, not yours. So, don’t get your feelings hurt if your favorite pair of kicks didn’t make the cut.

Second, a handful of sneakers made the Honorable Mention section because of the fact that they have yet to release, are no longer available at selected retailers, or some other reason.

With the new year fast approaching, we at Kulture Hub took the time to carefully curate a list of new feets to add to our rotation. We factored in affordability (less than or equal to $250msrp), wearability/comfort, and style- how utilitous the shoe is in relation to your wardrobe (does it go with the fits or nah?!)

Let’s dig in.

Tretorn Nylite Plus ($75)

To some Tretorn (pronounced Tree Torn) may sound and look like some obscure hipster sneaker but don’t get it twisted. Tretorn shoes date back to the 19th century, originating in Sweden.

One of Tretorn’s most popular, affordable, and stylish shoes is the Tretorn Nylite Plus. The Nylite Plus was put under the spotlight by Swedish tennis legend Bjorn Borg who used to play in the iconic sneaker.

Today, the sneaker has a similar silhouette to its predecessor with an upgraded and flexible upper, along with an eco-friendly high-performance sock liner that guarantees its wearer nothing but stylish and affordable comfort.

Veja Roraima ($185)

When it came to the Veja Roraima, we at Kulture Hub automatically said, “those are fire!” The French brand Veja prides itself on its eco-friendly craftsmanship and style and this is easily apparent in the Roraima.

Priced at $183, the Roraimas boast water-repellent suede, a flannel inner lining made of 70 percent recycled cotton and 30 percent recycled polyester blend, and don the brand’s iconic ‘V’ logo along with the outside panel of the shoe.

You can’t go wrong with a nice pair of casual sneakers at an affordable price all while taking the environment into account.

Hunter Refined Slim Fit Chelsea Boots ($155)

Men’s Refined Slim Fit Chelsea Boots: Black

Hunter’s Refined Slim Fit Chelsea Boot speaks for itself. Stylish, sleek, comfortable, and affordable, the Refined Chelsea is one of the best boots on the market. Its tailored shape functions perfectly with a “molded footbed for everyday wear.”

Hunter takes pride in the seasonal reliability of the boot. In terms of design features, the Refined Chelsea is finely “handcrafted from natural rubber which has been vulcanized for superior protection.”

But before you cop a pair, Hunter strongly advises that wearers of the Refined Chelsea wear socks to protect their skin from the rubber. So go sockless in these at your own risk!

Nike KD 12 “Aunt Pearl” ($150)

Easymoneysniper’s legendary “Aunt Pearl” colorway makes its return with the Nike KD 12. The original “Aunt Pearl colorway released with the Nike KD 4 model and has been one of Kevin Durant’s biggest hits in the sneaker game.

This time around, the Nike KD 12 draws inspiration from the KD “Aunt Pearl” 4s, 5s, 6s, 9s, 10s, and 11s. The sneaker continues to show off Nike’s coveted Zoom Air technology making it one of the most comfortable kicks on the market.

The Nike KD 12 “Aunt Pearl” is scheduled to release on December 27, 2019. Keep a lookout for these gems, or should we say pearls!

New Balance x Aimé Leon Dore 990v2 & 990v5 ($200)

All hype aside, the Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 990v2 and the 990v5 (two separate silhouettes) is by far one the hardest sneakers to release in 2019.

With ALD priding itself in its casual yet sophisticated sense of sartorialism and New Balance being a heritage American brand, this collab was a match made in streetwear heaven.

While we can get into the design details of the sneaker, we at Kulture Hub want to take the time out to both praise and appreciate Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance on one of the best ad campaigns ever done for a sneaker.

One word to describe this collab — “timeless.”

Suicoke x ALD Hobbs Boots ($230)

Japanese label Suicoke teamed up with none other than Aimé Leon Dore on the Suicoke x ALD Hobbs Boot. Designed to brace harsh winter weather in style, the Hobbs Boot comes in three colorways: black; yellow and grey with blue accents; and blue and green with yellow accents.

The boot boasts features like Cordura nylon upper, a sleek suede toe cap, a dense and ergonomic E.V.A footbed, and outsole, Sherpa inner lining, and handcrafted labels from both brands tastefully sewn onto the lower region of the boot’s upper.

If you’re looking for a fun, unconventional, and comfortable winter boot then the Suicoke x Aimé Leon Dore Hobbs Boot is a must.

Nike x Olivia Kim Collection ($120 – $190)

You know something creative and dope is destined to happen when Nordstrom’s VP of Creative Projects Olivia Kim gets her hands on five of her favorite Nike silhouettes: Air Jordan 4 Retro; Nike Air Footscape; the Air Max 9; the Air Force 1 Low; the Air Mowabb.

The collection, rightfully named “No Cover,” draws on Kim’s creative prowess and is an homage to “clubs that unpretentiously charged no admission fee while also ensuring that her designs are meant for all.”

Each sneaker is designed in its own quirky and unabashed way that is sure to draw attention no matter where you go.

Asics x Kiko Kostandinov Gel-Korika ($225)

London-based Bulgarian designer continues to make waves with the Asics x Kiko Kostandinov Gel-Korika. With the creative license to put his own take on one of the best running shoes, Kostandinov crafted a new silhouette that blends Asics’ FLYTEFOAM™ technology, GEL-NIMBUS 21™ technology, and GELBURST™ technology.

Released in two men’s colorways: tonal black and tonal silver; and two women’s colorways designed by Laura and Deanna Fanning: a vibrant blend of red, pink, purple and a vibrant blend of blue, green and red accents.

The Asics x Kiko Kostandinov Gel-Korika is our staff pick of a sporty and comfortable cop for the new year.

**Converse x GOLF le FLEUR* Gianno** ($130)

Tyler the Creator and Converse are back at it again; this time with the Converse x Golf le Fleur Gianno.

This chunky sneaker, bearing semblance to OG skate shoes (think Etnies, eS, or DC Shoes) and hiking boots, is the perfect seasonal sneaker to rock with a pair of sweats, cargo pants, or cropped ankle pants.

In terms of design details, the Gianno’s boast some of the following features: “high traction rubber outsole; EVA midsole for comfy cushioning; reflective details on the front and back; wider fit for comfort.”

Noah Solovair 3 Eye Gibson Shoe ($200)

When it comes to crafting garments and shoes of superior quality, local NYC brand Noah is a top contender.

This time around, Noah has collaborated with legendary English shoemaking company Solovair to present the Noah x Solovair 3 Eye Gibson Shoe.

The Noah x Solovair 3 Eye Gibson Shoe is made in England with a 100% leather upper, along with Goodyear welt that incorporates the famed and patented Solovair sole technology that was frequently outfitted for the British Army and became synonymous with “counterculture England through the 1990s.”

The shoe comes three colorways: green hi-shine; black; dark plume hi-shine.