All eyes were on Paris last week as menswear’s most prominent labels hosted showrooms and presented runway performances for Spring/Summer 2025. In addition to serving up a taste of what to expect from the fashion space early next year, there was no shortage of footwear projects teased as well. Various high-powered collaborations have invited curiosity from sneakerheads, and we’ve assembled a recap of the ten most exciting moments from the past week’s festivities.
COMME des GARÇONS x Nike
The adventurous avant-garde arrangements that frequent COMME des GARÇONS HOMME PLUS’ runway shows are often joined by a reveal of the label’s upcoming work with Nike. This season was no different as CdGH+ unveiled its hybrid take on the Air Max 96 and ISPA Sense Flyknit. Placing the retro upper of the former atop the Zen garden-inspired sole unit of the latter, three colorways of magenta and off-white, all-black and all-white have been crafted. The upper and sole unit’s typical Swooshes appear throughout, while a CdGH+ branding hit arrives at the tongue. In addition to this reveal, a COMME des GARÇONS BLACK x Nike Air Force 1 Low was showcased in all-black. White abstract letters spell “BLACK” backwards at the lateral, while the medial heel features a “CDG” hit.
Junya Watanabe x Oakley Factory Team
Junya Watanabe joined forces with Oakley Factory Team to present their collaborative slip-on Flesh Sandal last year. Now, as the two look ahead to 2025, they’ve got a new sneaker on the way. Teased in all-black and all-white presentations, the chunky silhouette is served up with a technical material composition that hosts oval-shaped geometry at its overlays. A cord-based system runs alongside a standard lacing system while a rugged outsole ensures durability across vast landscapes and cityscapes alike.
NIGO x Nike Air Force 3 Low
Word of NIGO teaming up with Nike has piqued interest from sneakerheads for over a year now. A first look at a rumored NIGO x Nike Air Force 3 Low in white, brown and black appeared last November. Now, the beloved designer has been spotted wearing another new colorway of the retro sneaker, offering our best preview of the collaboration yet. This version of the shoe begins with a white leather base that is joined by gray at the suede mudguard and a combination of red, blue, yellow and green at the overlays, Swooshes and tongue branding.
Feng Chen Wang x UGG Tasman
Feng Chen Wang’s eponymous label has made waves in the footwear scene via its partnership with Converse. Though for Spring/Summer 2025, the brand has stepped in a new direction by teaming up with UGG — elevating the Tasman slipper, literally and figuratively. A sculpted pedestal, named the Feng Sole, encases the cracked leather-equipped colorways of the slip-on, taking the Tasman to new heights.
sacai x Nike Zegamadome
sacai’s ongoing partnership with Nike is responsible for introducing some of the Swoosh’s most unique footwear designs each year. Looking ahead to 2025, the two are set to continue with this momentum by introducing another hybrid silhouette: the Zegamadome. Combining elements from 1981’s Lava Dome with the Zegama trail shoe, the two have created a sleek runner that sports sacai’s signature stacked midsole and a Vibram-equipped outsole.
AWGE x PUMA
A$AP Rocky’s AWGE runway show was a major moment last week as the artist’s label not only made its Paris debut, but also included an announcement for Rocky’s next studio album. However, another key element, somewhat overshadowed by the chaos, was the inclusion of new footwear with PUMA. Various archival styles such as the Speedcat and Inhale were selected by Rocky to support the looks, while the Mostro 3.D turned heads with its uniquely-textured build.
Story mfg. Collaborations
The UK’s sustainability-oriented Story mfg. has developed a significant following thanks to its whimsical designs and commitment to anti-waste initiatives for over a decade. While no stranger to the footwear scene, it made its biggest move in the industry yet by revealing collaborations with ASICS, ROA and Suicoke. Tartan patterns have been applied throughout the various projects and serve as a common thread tying the designs back to the brand’s expansive range of Spring/Summer 2025 garments.
Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM 360 VIII
Cecilie Bahnsen’s playful interpretations of ASICS silhouettes have been a staple of Paris Fashion Week for the past two years. Taking on the GEL-QUANTUM 360 VIII this time, Bahnsen took what she describes as a “very masculine model” and put her own feminine spin on it. The resulting design is a lightweight sandal that has reduced the upper’s presence and features straps at the midfoot and heel that are equipped with Bahnsen’s flower motif.
Y-3
Y-3, the fusion of Yohji Yamamoto’s masterful craftsmanship and adidas’ legacy in sportswear, has pushed the boundaries of sportstyle for decades. Hitting the runway for the first time since Fall/Winter 2019, the brand made a triumphant appearance in Paris last week. While Y-3’s first kits for the Japan Football Association caught many eyes, a bevy of new footwear styles also conjured elation from its fans. Everything from spiked football cleats to sneaker boots and shell toe mules were prominently displayed as the label continues its return to form.
ROMBAUT x PUMA Levitation
Paris’ very own ROMBAUT held its debut show in its hometown, and in addition to its latest showcase of drapery, a collaboration with PUMA made noise. Presenting their futuristic renditions of PUMA footwear, the Levitation and Levitation Sock made runway appearances in multiple colors. Both feature a sock-like upper, with the latter taking a more literal approach to the sock inspiration via its texture and calf length. Each design sees PUMA’s Formstrip extend into a cradle that reaches beyond the upper’s rear to create negative space around the wearer’s heel.
