From the Nike React Element 55 release in January (yes that was a year ago) to the huge Footasylum Exclusive release of the Air Jordan 1 Mid ‘Newspaper Air Times’, 2019 was a mega year for sneaker lovers, so sit back and join us for a look back at some of our highlights.
January: Nike React Element 55
The Nike React Element 55 came exploding onto the Footasylum sneaker scene in January and took off through the year to become one of the most recognisable Nike sneaks out there. At the time the silhouette was Nike’s most reactive sneak and was aptly named after the most reactive element on the periodic table. The Nike React is one of the few soles to showcase the rubber outsole pod structure along the sidewalls and features an integrated lacing system for an almost custom fit.February: Vans ComfyCush
A classic in any wardrobe, a pair of Vans is all you need to look on-point without compromising your comfort. This was boosted even more by their ComfyCush technology release in February. The inconvenience of a tongue that just won’t stay in place was removed by including tongue tie-downs and a sole layered with ComfyCush foam paired with an added arch support takes your favourite Vans sneak to a new level of comfort.March: Nike Air Max 720
Obviously, Nike wasn’t just going to stop at the React Element 55, last March they went even bigger. With the biggest Air unit yet, Nike launched the Air Max 720, featuring an oversized Air unit under the heel, the 720 showcased new technology while also being functional. Aimed at the 24-hour athlete, the Air Max 720 boasts unrivalled comfort and cushioning making your 8am commute, long day on the job and supermarket sweep even easier.
April: PUMA RS-0 Tracks
In April PUMA dove into their archives from the 80s and released the PUMA RS-0 Tracks. The original RS series from the 80s featured the first running shoe models to focus on technical aspects as well as the look of the shoe. The 2019 release pays tribute to the original collection but with a lightweight midsole. With a retro vibe and colour-popping these PUMA sneaks were a huge drop for April.May: Nike Shox R4
The boing returned. A hero sneak from the early noughties returned in April and brought a sense of nostalgia with it. Nike Shox R4 bounced onto the scene in both a white and triple black colourway. Nike kept the silhouette of the sneaks pretty sleek while incorporating the famous bulky Shox pillars, exposing the classic shoe to a whole new generation of sneakerheads. Shox's most noticeable feature is the foam columns underneath the heel, which provide much-needed comfort and an added bounce and were the result of 10 years worth of research by Nike super designer Bruce Kilgore.June: Air Jordan 1 Mid University Gold
Despite being released at the end of May, the AJ1 Mid University Gold took off in June and it’s clear to see why. The ‘Yellow Taxi’ colourway was ideal for the summer months. A black tongue, Swoosh and sole broke up the yellow sneak giving it a bit more wearability for when the weather isn’t so bright. Designed using premium and soft leather, the upper combined all of the features you have come to expect from the Jumpman including a canvas Jumpman patch and legendary winged basketball motif.
July: Converse Renew
In the same week that Glastonbury revealed their plastic-free policy and Sir David Attenborough managed to make thousands of festival-goers silent while he talked about plastic usage on the Pyramid stage, Converse released their classic silhouettes made from recycled bottles. The Converse Renew Canvas features recycled Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) created from millions of plastic bottles that are put in the bin every day. The sneaks still have the same feel as the original chucks but have a 100% recycled plastic construction.August: Jordan Mars 270
One small step for man, one giant leap for Jumpman. In August we launched the Jordan Mars 270 in ‘Green Glow’ and ‘Fire Red’, these futuristic sneaks take inspiration from the Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan 4, Air Jordan 5, Air Jordan 6, and Nike’s Air Max 270. The Jordan Mars 270 was designed by Jackson Lewis Lee, Spike Lee’s son, and features a 270 air max unit in the heel and synthetic leather combined with a firmer Phylon midsole, to finish off the glimpse into the future of footwear.September: Nike Shox Enigma
Last September saw Nike launch their nostalgic Shox for women with the Nike Shox Enigma in an on-trend ‘Cargo Khaki’ colourway and ‘Phantom’ white. A more feminine version of the Nike Shox R4, the Enigma was the perfect launch for a powerful female. Various layers and overlays on the trainer add an extra depth alongside a four-spring Shox unit in the heel surrounded by Pebax and TPU plates for comfort and support.
October: New Balance Roav
Forever on the hunt for a comfy sneak? October has got you covered. The release of the New Balance Roav was the perfect example of how to combine aesthetics with comfort. New Balance Fresh Foam cushioning provides optimal comfort and the Ultra Heel technology gives the sneak a secure fit so no more sneaks slipping off your feet. Combined with a slick all-black colourway this release is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to sacrifice their comfort over style.November: PUMA SMU
November 2019 saw an exclusive release of the PUMA RS-0 drop at Footasylum. The Trace RS-0 was inspired by the PUMA running system from 1987 and launched in two dynamic colourways of black and grey stone, with hints of red adding an extra layer to the sneak. Our campaign for the launch featured NME- award-winning rapper Avelino and was inspired by innovation.December: adidas OZWEEGO
As we neared the end of the decade adidas Originals took us back to the 90s with their adidas OZWEEGO silhouette. Combining elements of the 1998 OZWEEGO 3 and adiPRENE technology brought us a lightweight and comfy sneak that allows you to rep the dad trainer trend of 2019 that’s not looking like slowing down.Want to keep up to date with all the fresh new drops in 2020, keep it locked into The Lowdown and check out our Just Landed page for all the freshest sneaks.
