Sneakers have long been an fundamental part of many designers collections, with the likes of Maison Margiela’s signature GAT sneaker, Lanvin, Givenchy and many other Fashion Houses designing sneakers as part of their seasonal collections.
The growth in popularity of men’s fashion as a whole and the 'sneaker game' has seen a demand for quality, well designed sneakers which has opened up a gap in the market for sneaker labels bridging the gap between streetwear and the luxury sneakers.
We take a look at some of the must have luxury menswear sneaker brands of the year. All of these premium sneakers are made from luxury Italian materials and are constructed by hand in Italy or Portugal.
Common Projects
Launched in 2004 by Prathan Poopat and Flavio Girolami, Common Projects are rapidly becoming one of the most sought after luxury sneaker brands. Popular for their minimalistic design and subtle colour palette, they are made in Italy from premium materials, including nappa leather.
See all Common Projects stockists
Buttero
- Founded: 1974
- Founders: Mauro Sani
- Made In: Italy
- Website: www.buttero.it
Buttero have been around since the 70’s, named after Tuscany’s old-time cowboys, Buttero still use the best Italian traditions to produce premium quality sneakers in Tuscany. With a passion for tradition and quality materials, teamed up with an eye for style and perfect proportions, Buttero make beautiful footwear.
See all Buttero stockists
Filling Pieces
Amsterdam based footwear label Filling Pieces are a fairly new brand, founded in 2009 by Guillaume Philibert to bridge the gap between super high-end and streetwear sneakers. Guillaume’s architecture background has helped him design and develop a unique and contemporary collection of sneakers, hand crafted in Portugal with high quality Italian Materials.
See all Filling Pieces stockists
ETQ. Amsterdam
ETQ Amsterdam started out in 2011 from it’s namesake city of Amsterdam, born with the aim of bringing simple well designed sneakers than allow the quality and construction to take center stage. Manufactured in Portugal from the finest materials ETQ stick to three standard rules when designing their sneakers: elegant, timeless, quality.
See all EQT. Amsterdam stockists
Zespa
- Founded: 2009
- Founders: -
- Made In: France
Founded in 2009 and made in France, Zespa focus on sophisticated, minimalist design, creating a luxurious sneaker. Every sneaker is expertly crafted in time-honoured tradition from luxury calfskin uppers for supreme comfort.
See all Zespa stockists
Diemme
Diemme were established in 2009 by brothers Dennis and Maico Signor. Again the focus is around quality, designed and made in the North East of Italy, Diemme have been known to produce products for brands such as Maison Martin Margiela, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, and cult Japanese brands such as Nonnative and Victim. Diemme is in a unique position to work with the world’s most high-end leathers and materials, compromises are never made on quality.
See all Diemme stockists
Golden Goose Deluxe Brand
Golden Goose Deluxe Brand are a luxury sneaker brand founded in Italy back in 2000. Refined tailoring and sumptuous materials are hand crafted to bring together a beautifully designed sneaker with a minimal silhouette. Golden Gooses’ unique signature styles feature flourishes of weathered and worn in touches.
See all Golden Goose Deluxe Brand stockists
Eytys
- Founded: 2012
- Founders: Jonathan Hirschfeld, Max Schiller and Charlie Hedin
- Made In: Portugal
- Website: www.eytys.com
Founded by a trio of friends from Stockholm in 2012, Eytys set out to create the perfect sneaker. Inspired by the 80’s and originally producing just one canvas sneaker, they have continued to grow and now offer up a full range of premium sneakers both canvas and leather, each sneaker hand made in Portugal and featuring their signature platform sole.
See all Eytys stockists
No. 288
- Founded: 2013
- Founders: Benyam Assefa and Jung Suh
- Made In: Portugal
- Website: www.number288.com
Founded in 2013, New York label No. 288 respects the traditional methods of footwear construction, as well as mixing original ideas in producing a new alternative in craftsmanship. Attention to detail and impeccable hand stitching in line with luxurious italian materials make up a truly stunning and perfectly designed sneaker.
See all No. 288 stockists
Android Homme
Android Homme use a mixture of top quality Italian fabrics, to produce meticulously hand crafted sneakers for the modern man that stand out from the crowd. LA based Javier Laval founded the brand in 2008 and it continues to grow in popularity year on year.
See all Android Homme stockists
