Undercover x Nike Air Max 720
 

Chunky sneakers continue 

Last year, ugly sneakers reigned supreme in the fashion world, and now that 2019 is here, you’d think the thick-soled sneaker trend would finally die down right? Wrong. Luxury brands like Versace, Fendi, Acne Studios, Burberry and high-street brands like Zara, Puma, Adidas, Topshop and Asos are continuously churning out flashier versions of this trend left and right, with ‘90s platform silhouettes (the kind Emma Bunton or Baby Spice would rock during her Spice Girls days) and mash-up styles like Calvin Klein Marvin and GmbH x Asics Gel-Kayano take center stage. 

Our favorite pair: The coral shade, Fendi multicolor technical mesh sneakers (around B24,970) are versatile enough to pair with your everyday outfit, while the Undercover x Nike Air Max 720 (B6,400) bright yellow upper with speckled sole detailing will definitely turn heads. In a good way.

Gucci Flashtrek

From Ugly “Dad” to Hiking Sneakers

Ugly “dad” sneakers was also one of last year’s hottest trends among sneakerheads and looks like it won’t be going away anytime soon. This year, however, this sneaker silhouette has expanded into hiking territory, and the result is even wackier and dare we say, uglier than ever (yes, “ugly” still has its moment in fashion). Leading the trend are the blinged-up Gucci Flashtrek (B56,000), the chunky Givenchy Jaw (around B15,240) and Asics GEL-Kayano 5 OG (B4,900).

Our favorite pair: The minimal chic Dior D-Connect sneakers in neoprene (around B31,250). For more affordable options, we’d go for CAT Intruder in “Biking Red” (B5,450).

Adidas Continental 80

Poppin’ Neon 

With ‘80s neon fashion one of the hottest trends this year, it's no surprise that everyone—from A-list celebrities to fashion editors to your style savvy colleagues—are swapping their plain white sneakers for shockingly-bright neon ones. While we’ll always remain loyal fans to style staples like Adidas Stan Smith and Converse Jack Purcells, we do admit that these neon kicks are pretty sick. Looking for a cool pair to add to your sneaker collection? The Nike Air Max 97 SE (B6,400) comes in a ton of ultra-bright colorways, while the retro Adidas Continental 80 (B3,800) in “Semi Frozen Yellow” is bold and beautiful. 

Our favorite pair: We prefer to go for subtle with this trend—the Adidas Consortium Ozweego “Era Pack” (B4,500) are mostly covered in white, but the three neon stripes on the side with pops of orange on the heel are striking enough to get you noticed. 

UA Anatomix Spawn MK11 "Sub-Zero"

Tie-Dye Is Back 

The groovy and vibrant tie-dye swirls are back in all its glory this year, as seen on the spring runways from luxury labels like Prada, Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler, Balmain and R13. The hippy patterns have not only made a splash across practically all wardrobe staple pieces—t-shirts, jackets, sweaters and jeans, you name it—but the design has also swirled its way down to sneakers. Standout kicks include the highly coveted Pharrell x Adidas NMD Hu Trail “Holi” (around B7,840) and Stella McCartney “Eclypse” rainbow sneakers (around B15,820). 

Our favorite pair: Under Armour’s fresh take on the tie-dye with its limited edition Anatomix Spawn MK11 “Sub-Zero” are absolutely gorgeous. For a more affordable and easier-to-cop option, look out for Nike React Element 55 in tie-dye colorways (around B4,100) and Vans Tie Dye Authentic (around B1,900). 

Nike React Presto "Psychedelic Lava"

Bold Colorblock 

As sneaker silhouettes get bulkier and chunkier, colorways also get extra brighter and bolder. Aside from electrifying neon hues and psychedelic tie-dye washes, colorblock sneakers are clearly having its big fashion moment—and from what we’ve seen flooding our Instagram feed, the endless array of options will definitely make you lust for a pair. Be sure to check out Puma RS-X “Colorblock” Sneakers (around B3,450), NikeLab x Sacai “LDWaffle” (B5,800) and the ‘90s vibe Adidas Originals W Falcon (B4,700)—these kicks will give even your most boring outfit a stylish edge. 

Our favorite pair: We say just slip on a pair of Nike React Presto “Psychedelic Lava” (B4,600) and call it a day. 

Converse Chuck 70 "Neon Wave OX"

Knitted Technology

Ever since we were introduced to the Nike Flyknit and Adidas Primeknit in 2012, lightweight, knitted sneakers have become the new normal. For the tech-conscious, the 3D-printed-sole Adidas Alphaedge 4D (B12,000) and the innovative self-lacing Nike Adapt BB (around B11,200) are among this year’s highlights, but if you’re eyeing for an everyday shoe that doubles as a fashion statement, the Converse Chuck 70 “Neon Wave OX” (B3,390) can do you no wrong.

Our favorite pair: The bold and unapologetic Adidas Originals “CRAZY BYW X” (B7,000). Need we say more? 

Essentials

Adidas Originals. G/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1733. BTS Siam
Cat Footwear. 1/F, Topshop, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-613-1660. BTS Chit Lom
Converse. 2/F, Atmos Bangkok, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 062-726-9999. BTS Chit Lom
Dior. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-6799. BTS Siam
Fendi. M/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9287. BTS Siam
Gucci. M/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-8200. BTS Phrom Phong
Nike. Carnival, Siam Square Soi 7, Rama 1 Rd., 099-216-4445. BTS Siam
Puma. 2/F, Siam Paragon, Rama Rd., 03-837-0731. BTS Siam
Stella McCartney. M/F, The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-021-2111. BTS Phrom Phong
Undercover. Upperground by Carnival, 3/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-252-7372. BTS Chit Lom
Vans. 1/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-0022. BTS Siam