Here's How High Fashion Sneakers Infiltrated the Streetwear World

From the Ground Up, our brand new sneaker show is back with another episode diving into all things footwear. Last week, we explored the evolution of custom sneakers, but this week, we’re looking into high-end kicks and how they’ve crossed over into to the streetwear world.
For our latest in-depth discussion, host Pete Forester sits down with Jackie Kim, associate fashion director of Barneys New York and Highsnobiety’s assistant editor Noah Thomas to share their thoughts on whether high-end sneakers like the Balenciaga Triple S should be grouped in with Air Jordans and other sportswear brands. They also examine what advantages designer sneakers have over more mainstream products.
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[@jetman1895]

the double standards, when luxury brands steals it's called "inspired" but when small companies do this stuff it's called "rip off".

[@akashicentertainment]

truth!!!!!

[@LJones17]

FACTZ !!

[@acupulcogld5314]

Ikr

[@cyntax7928]

You’re right, except for revenge x storm

[@Jstvcks]

Ikr just because it’s hyped ( who knew that people would spend $900 balenciaga tripple S as a dad shoe but they won’t wear sketchers dad shoe which is just the same thing but I guess is because of the “brand name”) jetman189

[@l_roy9035]

that guy pushing "designer only" had nothing to back up his stance on why designers were different from the sneakerhead drops. Then he wears Fila and some wack fit.

[@HEAVYCHEVY409]

Noah is what you call a fk boy!

[@garyindiana2127]

he says chevy vs. aston martin but no, designer sneakers are not made better or more comfortable, just the opposite in fact....(some exceptions as far as materials but fr they're "designers" who steal designs)

[@cali_cal]

thought he meant about his history with sneakers..thats why he knows what he likes cause if its history

[@gilbertchua2990]

Just goes to show ppl that wear brands only are quite "empty" in the tank, nothing to back up what they say and have the illusion of grandeur. Its just marketing and where and how you want to sell your product. If mention, more often than not Designers have little backstory and just a generalise theme to sell wares.

[@LJones17]

exactly. He tried to justify it and didn't make any sense

[@dianacepeda7925]

Jordan, Nike, Addidas, Converse these companies design for both functionality and style. It's great that high-end brands are adopting streetwear into their designs, but a true trendsetter doesn't look at labels they look at aesthetics.

[@tylerserra6480]

"designer only".... wears Filas

[@stendell09]

Fila is a designer brand?

[@FoxWins]

In what realm of life is Fila considered "Designer"?

[@masterdinosawr]

Hahahahaha

[@aryamanbhosle4235]

I was getting clowned for wearing fila couple years ago 😂

[@bluBlaq33]

Fila has done collabs. But it’s not designer

[@manny3santacruz]

Noah Thomas is such a cornball in this

[@notmyfirst]

he's never not been a cornball and his fucking glasses are hideous

[@manny3santacruz]

lmao thats a fact, im glad I wasn't the only one thinking this. He just wanted to say some left field shit honestly hot takes having ah

[@HEAVYCHEVY409]

Noah is what you call a fk boy!

[@dre_withwithout]

Many high fashion brands seem to be pushing the envelope to a point of trolling. Some of the product produced seem to only sale because of the label.

[@masterdinosawr]

Andre Small legit. I think the design brief for the tripe S was to make the ugliest sneaker possible. It gains attention for the company and idiots with heavy wallets end up buying it to try flex or impress others

[@sahilmane3978]

Dino Sawr no it looks sick I think you just don’t understand how to style them/actually make them look good. No one is trying to troll what are you talking about. Their brand is their design and image what are you saying? Also high fashion brands only producing for branding? That’s just hype beast stuff, all branding no quality, the only “high fashion” brand that I would say is branding is Gucci and I think that’s more streetwear/hype now.

[@wiltonw4051]

trolling is a great and precise word choice.

[@V-O-V]

if you think the triple s looks good you need to be put down, since you are a danger to society

[@jonathansimmons7866]

Fashion is built on irony in the high end aspect make something that stereotypically looks shit make it look good

[@aziqaqil2537]

The only brand that stay true to itself is Rick Owens. For me, Rick is the epitome of designer shoes and clothing. Every season seems the same because he does not feel the urge to change it and follow the trend. I frickin love Rick Owens and currently own 2 pairs of geobasket.

[@nihvl]

Aziq Aqil Rick is the best he stays true to his own unique style he don't follow trends same goes for Raf but It's out of my price range but I'm still looking for a pair of Ramones for a good price can't wait to get my hands on a pair of Rick I'll pick up a geo after that

[@charlescorcoran5121]

True!

[@sarius2388]

fuck this would make such a good copypasta

[@rubaidaallen2764]

Aziq Aqil Rick Owens=🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I want a leather jacket, omg!!!

[@rubaidaallen2764]

Charles Corcoran Rick Owens is not playing. His clothes are super unique and are so f'n interesting. Every season is a breath of fresh air. Love him!!!!

[@TheStop]

I dont know Noah Thomas but i know i dont like his opinion

[@HEAVYCHEVY409]

Noah is what you call a fk boy!

[@matt9076]

Lmao 💀

[@emmanuelabor]

I like how Pete called pretentious homie in the pink hoodie out on the seasons aspect of footwear. Athletic sneakers are built on so many stories

[@Nicolaskaw]

damn whats wrong with his haircut :D

[@gotti911]

DIY style needs a blend

[@pt6180]

Fire 🔥

[@stumblebuscuits]

It’s high fashion

[@bigstunna2049]

I still haven't gotten used to it

[@SettingMind]

Like he said, went through the washing machine.

[@Chasing100]

It's not so much a crossover as it is luxury brands highjacking a subculture and looking to sell it back to the people who made it. I thought streetwear was meant to be cool and casual, not a label contest.

[@davidmariencik9238]

CianFit Yeah this is more kind of hypebeast thing than streetwear it self ...

[@akashicentertainment]

fuck labels the fashion is what counts, same with music fuck the labels its about the art and artist!

[@arunashamal]

It goes in a circle, Then the streetwear is inspired by high fashion

[@mandoman69]

In todays world to look cool and casual youbhave to pay $500 per shirt

[@Vivacomunismo]

@@arunashamal high fashion brands never wanted to allow streetwear to be part of fashion look at kanyes story

[@30m3]

That Noah guy is a total wet blanket. Never bring him onto a video again.

[@3rdwarddove]

word

[@runningscents2532]

noah and frazer at complex must be brothers!

[@runningscents2532]

that asian guy to! looks like a indoor cat!

[@30m3]

Indoor cat. haha brilliant!

[@HEAVYCHEVY409]

Noah is what you call a fk boy!

[@drewcampbell6894]

Lets be honest...high fashion straight up steals iconic sneaker silhouettes and repackages them for the uber rich. It's actually pathetic.

[@joaquinaldoney6575]

Drew Campbell I couldn’t agree more

[@mandoman69]

Or genius

[@campkira]

well they normally be rip off by zara.... design is not protected only trademark are...

[@YoFavoriteWhiteBoy]

U not gonna mention rap music as a influence on the culture

[@weeeeeeee945]

christopher mcmahon right I love how they failed to mention that huge fact

[@franjes9999]

Huge W

[@lalauo]

ok so he never brings it up. what is the point of this video if you don't fucking talk about that

[@fresafresa6992]

Rap music is part of pop culture so yea but I guess they just scrapped the surface

[@garyindiana2127]

and when you say rap music might as well just say rocky

[@rabitaill22]

That blue shoe looks exactly like a Supra skytop

[@dre_withwithout]

Josh Rabitaille word

[@Adrianthegreat1]

Supra is trash

[@olliesmith4997]

Damn right! I homie of mines was rocking the skytops heavy back in 08-10

[@bingybobbie4630]

Designer sneakers are all about fashion statements, the looks, the obscurity. No focus on comfort. Nike & adidas focus on lifestyle & performance. Designer is more of a flex thang but so are Jordan 1 top three’s.

[@Pernection]

bingy bobbie Lifestyle is one who chooses to wear sneakers not the sneaker itself. A sneaker with no performance in mind is a casual sneaker.

[@rubaidaallen2764]

bingy bobbie Yup. Design some ratchet, uncomfortable sneakers, put a 2 grand price tag on it and watch the idiots swarm.

[@mercedess279]

that is because designer sneakers are made for casual wearing. nike and adidas focus more on comfort because their brand is about being active.

[@FashionRoadman]

I love this series so much 🔥❤️👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@cagethesummer1]

its fucking hilarious that high end brands do knock-offs of "lower end"/"high street" brands e.g Nike, Adidas. like you'd think that since they're a high end brand they'd be more original with the shit they come out with.

[@LeoOtsukare]

Fifi A makes sense.

[@styleinvention3560]

Nail on the Head, you have to know the wind of laziness going through the fashion industry, and it's been a minute... they all keep each other last season so that makes no sparkle 😑

[@cagethesummer1]

its fucking wild. like i'd rather have the £100 nike than the £800 balenciaga.

[@GrumpyStormtrooper]

honestly maison margiela sneakers are pretty fire

[@masterdinosawr]

This is what I think all the time. Straight up copying designs and colourways of streetwear but then acting so elitist with their products. Like you guys blantently copied almost every silhouette. Lazy designing, no innovation in tech or materials really. High fashion sucks.

[@jujharbling265]

the shoes look like cheap shoes with a high price tag ....

[@yourztrulyfashionguru4731]

How?

[@jujharbling265]

Yourz Truly Fashion Guru look at them if these styles were in ASDA you would never look twice

[@jmdza]

You must have never owned a pair

[@9agy]

@@jujharbling265 tf is asda

[@akashicentertainment]

very true i"m a huge sneaker fan most at 10:40 that shoe is ugly as fuck! this is why i make custom shoes or get modded Jordan's but my name is Jordan so i just like look the best i guess. my friend makes shoes and made a custom Gucci /Jordan's they raw as fuck !

[@StarScream7ZZ]

Yohji Yamamoto did the crossover thing years before anyone with Adidas. No mention

[@brens9143]

If you only buy designer shoes, you are not a sneaker head lol. You're a wanna be, who thinks price tag = style

[@uz4su]

Not always. I think if you like the shoe and you can pay for it, i think you should buy them.

[@Pernection]

B Spen You speak as a child. No wisdom.

[@brens9143]

uzasu nah, why pay 2 -3 times more for a shoe with less tech in it and same quality? Makes no sense

[@brens9143]

Pernection nah you sound like a cornball that thinks price tag equals style. Sneakers hold their price if you ever want to get rid of them, more tech for comfort, better styles and fairly priced. Sounds like you don't have taste

[@uz4su]

B Spen its more based on opinion more than functionality. Plus, clout.

[@caulintanner7380]

From the ground up about how you landed on that hairstyle....

[@JoshDominic]

jackie is fine AF

[@avalosalex1993]

i like these type of videos, keep it up

[@WantTeaBag]

"sock runner that launched sock runners" , you sure it wasnt the city socks by adidas no? or the y3 qasa runner?

[@RyanJosephh]

Nike's sock dart been around forever bruh

[@saavaa]

2:30 snob alert

[@OfficialYeat]

literally he claims to only wear designer trainers (sneakers) but at 2:44 he is wearing Fila ;) lmao

[@bsilver887]

saavaa he's such a tool

[@HEAVYCHEVY409]

Noah is what you call a fk boy!

[@Pernection]

saavaa Plenty of Jordan snobs.

[@DashieBro]

Jaden bourne those r prada, he said he only wear designer sneakers

[@mezzofortississimo]

Better stories!?!? These brands don’t even come up with their own silhouettes??? Aston martins don’t copy chevys???

[@doriannousias6725]

they do both dude

[@starlonga]

Most 1st world conversation ever

[@MichaKlein]

Mats Andersen 😂🤣😂🤣🍸So true!

[@guillermojimenez9072]

Si true

[@styleinvention3560]

Really enjoyed this info/documentary video 💥👏

[@karl_ambagan]

Oh my, this is the most informative youtube video about sneakers. Its like a documentary study but in a modern youtube way.

[@willdabutcha]

love this vid, it was very informative

[@MrSincerity88]

I just love shoes! Like at any price point, it’s dope to see the inspiration serve as a give and take

[@peiyikuan4265]

Love love love this! loving the insights and the history bombs..hahah!

[@slamkat2859]

Put a fashion name on it and everyone loves it. Same shoe at a Payless store and everyone hates it. These people are super pretentious.

[@ernestoh429]

Great video 💯

[@b.maliboo9453]

*GREAT VIDEO!!!*

[@laurentmartini586]

great video!!!

[@360.Tapestry]

calling borrowing styles a "conversation" is the best way to bullshit "high fashion"

[@geraldcobain8477]

That haircut is like wtf...

[@bxckdoor9113]

16:48 it’s literally an Italian Vapormax

[@winvee290]

great vid!

[@clover4135]

Yasss the day before I watched this I got my very own CDG converse!!

[@CALV370]

Very informative.

[@WHYxBEE]

This was a great piece. But I feel the RAF Adidas Ozweego should’ve been stated as the front runner for this whole “Dad shoe” wave that we’re in right now. Definitely ahead of their time

[@edgarcmtz]

This video started off fine but it turned stupid pretentious real quick. Everyone in this episode was hella ignorant. They didn’t know anything they were talking about.

[@Toadmonkey25]

facts tho

[@RyanJosephh]

retweet

[@willy2o997]

Awesome Video

[@ben6853]

when you said a quick shoutout to amiri, that was quick lol

[@dupreebl]

What do you guys think about the independent designer "Distant Future Brand " and them redefining the military boot for fashion.

[@cjt2k]

yes you have the Balenciagas, the Saint Laurants, the Vetements. But what about Bapestas and Roadstas by A Bathing Ape as a sneaker to transition into the fashion scene as it is a great entry sneaker with a price that doesn't kill a wallet and can still catch eyes with crazy colorways that nike/jordan now has? They also have a great history in terms of streetwear, and can still turn heads. I don't know what to consider bapestas as I can't really afford any of these shoes, but I think Bapestas can be in this category because of the very similar silhouette to the Air Force 1.

[@brokeboimilli5520]

my mind is blown away

[@EightyThor]

Them bred 4s next year are gonna be Fuego

[@thalesgodoi864]

this video was so interesting

[@Truth.Keeper]

This is a size 13. Its bigger than my forearm. He fell into that innuendo😆

[@Billah453]

background beat? 1:50

[@gazdaddy]

Anyone know what those commended garçon chucks were with the kiss emoji?

[@elizalaye8799]

Great series. More of this

[@paulasige345]

Great T Shirt On The Lady At The Beginning.

[@FashionRoadman]

Surpised she works in Barneys and didn't know the maison margiela replicas were replicas of the adidas army sneakers. Surely she would've wondered at some point why they are called replicas.

[@JS-pp7ll]

Margielas replica is a Copy of Adidas BW Army

[@mokosaurio]

he says it in the video. thats why its called "replica"

[@user-qm6ns9vd7r]

lmao

[@khan2824]

Both the Margielas and the Adidas BW army are based on the original German Army Trainer. The GAT was designed by Adi Dassler, the founder of Adidas. These later turned into something closer to the Adidas Samba. Margiela replicas have been around for much longer than the Adidas BW army though

[@kyledc4105]

How can you forget about the city sock, the sock runner literally is a merge of the city sock and huarache sole

[@ben6853]

also last big sneaker with velcro, the yeezy 2

[@robertkatzman8247]

Do “from the ground up: Prada” that would b awesome

[@SanFranFan30]

What was that weird reebok mashup at 15:32?

[@elliottbaawuah217]

What's the background song behind?

[@Himerosteam]

so just because it's a high top it's a jordan 1 mockup? I can say the same about louboutins, pradas and many other high top shoes/sneakers

[@Loolsie]

No mention of the sneakers in Chanel haute couture spring 2014???

[@jacobmaldonado5220]

What about the hiking boot from fear of god that has some resemblance of the Jordan 1 imo

[@slrhodes]

Does anyone know what Reebok that is at the 15:34 mark?

[@Scentsational-Vdo]

“The easiest way to separate from the pack is just to throw down some more cash.” No I disagree with shelling out more money to stand out. Eventually others will continue to move in your lane. You’ll go broke trying to stay ahead. Unless you’re that guy that has an endless sneaker fund. In my opinion the easiest way to separate from the pack is to go against trends. Sounds scary to most but it works. It’s all in how you OWN what you wear.

[@user-py7pr5hn7f]

Good video

[@ramunesin]

I think one of the underlying problems with the dialogue in this video is that it lumps the layperson sneaker in with "sneaker culture." I think once you break those two categories apart there's a lot more variation in the ways high fashion places its references. The German Army Trainer was not a part of 'sneaker culture,' but rather a cultural archetype/historical icon. I think examining the conceptual underpinnings that are shared between consumer level products and high fashion products/looking at where those concepts originate would be a better way to drive dialogue regarding how certain shoes end up looking similar.

[@huda2379]

This is why it's so expensive to get trainers these days 🙃 I just want a good pair of long lasting trainers.

[@aligboyakasha]

I like when people ignore what's the difference between high-end runway fashion and wearable fashion

[@sinatradadj3619]

17:00 adidas had the velcro strap stan smiths.

[@bojackhorsemen8863]

how did you not mention the Raf Simons Ozweego?!?!

[@ThecrazyJH96]

“What these all have in common is...” IS THAT STEAL IDEAS FROM NORMAL SNEAKER BRAND

[@jetman1895]

Joseph Harding the double standards, when luxury brands steals it's called "inspired" but when small companies do this stuff it's called "rip off".

[@ThecrazyJH96]

jetman189 so true. Which is why we’re seeing little to none new sneaker brands

[@uchoobe1876]

facts

[@jujharbling265]

good video this

[@jamalmiller7647]

Do a video on film and fashion

[@sennsir]

3:32 that fool doesn’t know his cars! 🤣 He must drive a Chevy & hasn’t ever seen a AM in person 😂

[@jordanbeasley1820]

The Royal breakdown was completely wrong. Each shoe was completely different with a different style and look. The same materials used does not bloody make each shoe related. You just saw the color and said they were similar..... Nahhhh fam

[@jordanbeasley1820]

...and your haircut is awful

[@rawsanity27]

Jordan's are right up there with designer, if anything, there is way more expensive Jordans than designer shoes.

[@StudiosInti]

Ive come to the conclusion, i am no longer buying sneakers @ resell prices (300-1000$) instead i will be buying designer sneakers. Even though some designer sneakers r ugly or boring, @least the quality will be top notch.

[@colinsmith8937]

little known fact, the replicas, a lot of people know they were based on german trainers but not everyone knows those german trainers were made by adidas.

[@neko8711]

Pete do a colab episode

[@andre150167]

Can someone tell me the name of the shoes? 0:24 :))

[@toomuchppl]

Pls make more

[@darrendehahn5269]

11:00 to 13:05 is the only thing of value I've obtained from this video. The rest is some of the most basic uneducated fashion content I've seen, and that's coming from a medical student. Highsnobiety needs to do better.

[@edgarcmtz]

Darren De Hahn deadass. This shit made me mad asf to watch.

[@sarhana3710]

Yeah right. The guy can't even pronounce the word house (Maison) in French. Give me a break. He looks like a fork but still no dice.

[@SanFranFan30]

Even then the dude didn't realize that the Prada America's Cup is clearly inspired by the Jordan 11

[@harryc266]

The fact you didn’t talk about Lanvin is crazy

[@MoeFokah]

Why y'all had to do Arenas like that? Lol I have that white pair. Still breaking necks, and comfortable.

[@brittwaters759]

Think Valentino got left out out the mix

[@USUKDIK3y3SUCC33D]

this is pretty stupid they copy nike and adidas and trow their name own it and idc what no one says balenciaga stole sketchers whole wave

[@1way448]

Facts sketchers BEEN chunky since the 90s!!

[@olliesmith4997]

Double facts. They just some high fashion sketchers

[@SamuRai-dn5xl]

Jackie Kim got Designer EYEBAGS at work, THose must cost at least $4k each LMAO

[@masteroneal]

On the contrary, I think that the more distilled and “inspired” the use of street representations and elements within designer styles become, the easier it becomes to simply not pay homage. High fashion brands are not as refined or original as they are given credit for, it really is frustrating. I mean keep it real, they’re re-skinning hip-hop styles and targeting the main crowds who could care less. It’s wack.

[@Hartfilmsandstuff]

I think Reebok has been following alot of the designer style shoe trends

[@MrVuittonboy]

Versace X 2 Chainz review please...

[@bchiu-gd8mw]

i agree

[@geekyourlikeslulu]

I didn't even know high fashions actually meant 'high' and for relatively rich people and street fashion is not. I thought they are more of choice of style. Then I'm reading titles like "luxury brands are making streetwear design omg!!" and found that it's not common for luxury brands to invade street style. I'm from Korea, in 20s, and everyone is wearing street fashion mix except old people and usually that is the coolest fashion. So I've never imagined the line between them until I came to Europe and saw people wearing coats and heeled boots.

[@sesse70]

Pete Forester 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@KombatFlix]

Jackie's the real MVP

[@jujharbling265]

These shoes look disgusting people are just flexing the price tag .....

[@yourztrulyfashionguru4731]

No

[@humanmold]

YES!!