To create a selection of the best alternative luxury sneaker brands in the world you need to know, I have looked far and wide – from handmade in Northampton to fashion week staples. Some of these brands are luxury sneaker specialists, others focus on luxury footwear with the best craftsmanship in their field using premium leathers and fabrics. There are obviously a few different styles/categories of luxury sneakers that people associate with. In recent years, fugly shoes have been a thing that Balenciaga manage to convince droves of the fashion crowd to adopt. That style filtered down and shoes with larger soles have been de riguer ever since.
Some of the running brands have done collaborations with fashion brands, giving their running shoes a tasteful colourway and something than can be worn with more outfits, rather than looking like you're actually going to the gym. However, the rise of gorpcore and people wearing vintage running shoes such as the New Balance 990 or Salomon
The below brands fit more conventional styles of tennis sneakers, runners and basketball silhouettes.
CQP
Now making a wider selection of footwear, C:QP are sneaker specialists. I had a pair of their Racquet sneakers when then first came out and they were the best luxury sneakers I had ever tried at the time.
www.c-qp.com
FIET
All FEIT shoes are made from start to finish by one master craftsman. The one-piece upper is sewn by hand directly to the midsole. A cork footbed is added before cementing the rubber outsole to the midsole using a natural, water-based glue. We refer to this process as a modified hand sewn Goodyear construction—this method ensures all FEIT shoes can be resoled.
www.feitdirect.com
Crown Northampton
Crown Northampton specialise in hand-stitched sneakers that are made-to-order. Taking their Northampton shoe making skills up elevate sneaker manufacturing. They offer a handful of styles including high-top and low versions, in an array of suedes and leathers. Sneakers are made-to-order so be prepared for a wait for them to be hand-made for you in their Northampton factory.
www.crownnorthampton.com
Harrys of London
Luxury sneakers that feature an ergonomic 3D insole exclusively developed for Harrys London, constructed from gel-filled capsules that ensure all-round weight distribution, giving their shoes a unique, one-of-a-kind fit. The Sneakers are made from the highest quality calf leather and deer skin with premium soles made to last longer.
www.harrysoflondon.com
Oliver Cabell
Oliver Cabell make elevated footwear using modern techniques coupled with old-school materials. The brand has a passion for seeing things differently and challenging the status quo. The result is a range of sneakers that have character and ready for an understated luxury experience every time you wear them.
www.olivercabell.com
CLAE
CLAE modernise classic, casual shoes and blend them with the comfort of athletic footwear. Their range have elegant silhouettes that look familiar and yet feel new and updated.
www.clae-uk.eu
JAK
Portuguese luxury sneaker brand Jak focus on premium materials and work closely with their factories to make the highest quality sneakers. Over time they tweak and improve their styles with feedback from customers, aiming to make "simple" the most beautiful.
If a something you like isn't available, you can pre-order and they'll be made for you within 4-6 weeks.
