As Malaysians, we sneakerheads wait with anticipation for certain releases but sometimes they just don’t reach our shores. Months and months pass by with no word of a local release leaving us disappointed. We look to certain sneaker boutiques, resellers or other channels overseas but the delivery cost can be painful not to mention the legit check you may have to do depending on the source.
So, here’s a list of shoes that we wish were available locally. Voice your support if you agree with the list below or if you think we missed out on some shoes and let us know via the comments section.
1. Nike Sock Dart x Fragment SP Lab (2014)
You may or may not realize this but the Sock Dart is actually a retro. Crafted back in 2004, you could call this the Father of the Flyknit models we see today. The upper is made of a knitted upper constructed with an adjustable, translucent strap on. Already sold in mostly tonal colorways, they all sold out within a matter of minutes after release. It would help if it were sold in Malaysia despite the limited numbers… or if we had our own Nike Lab store.
2. adidas Fall of the Wall Pack (November, 2014)
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, adidas released a trio ZX8000s in 3 different colorways; Alpha, Charlie and Bravo, each one signifying the checkpoints along the wall. Each model was made with high quality and high standards. Afterall, these were made in Germany. My personal pick: Alpha for its reflective detailing on the upper and back heel. While the Berlin Wall may not have any significant meaning to us, this pack was a must have for adidas sneakerheads, German or not.
3. Converse CONS’s Breakpoint Pack (February 2015)
Usually when we think of Converse, we think they are classic but passable. The Breakpoint Pack was anything but passable. Made in collaboration with 4 well-known European retailers (Solebox, Patta, Starcow,Footpatrol), these were made with premium materials such as nubuck, cotton twill, durable nylon and hairy suede. Each of the 4 models had its own unique look with the Footpatrol version being my favorite of the pack.
4. Y3 Qasa High (2013)
Arguably the shoe that has put Y3 back into the spotlight and the inspiration behind the Tubular, the Qasa has sneakerheads wanting to be ninjas and stunting to impress in the world of high fashion sneakers. Inspired by Japanese footwear, the upper features a neoprene material that is also used in scuba gear and the Qasa also boasts a futuristic silhouette. Unfortunately, these sold out faster than you could say “Konichiwa!” While the Tubular is widely available at Adidas outlets, nothing beats the original that inspired it. Our neighbor Singapore has its own Y3 store, it’s high time we Malaysians had our own as well.
5. Nike Air Presto SP Lab (2014)
Does anyone remember these comfy, slip-on runners? The forerunner to the current line of Nike’s current Free line, the Air Presto was once known to be so comfortable that it was described as “T-shirt for your feet”. Featuring mesh and neoprene materials on the upper, the Air Presto also featured an Air Unit in its midsole. Ahead of its time during its initial release, it still is till today in terms of comfort and design. Heck, any Presto release, SP Lab or not, would be welcomed with open arms… or feet.
6. ASICS Gel Lyte 5 x Commonwealth ‘Da Vinci’ (March 2015)
It’s true that Mita’s collab with ASICS Gel Lyte 3 reached our shores (very, very quietly though) with a few more already here or on the way but what about Gel Lyte 5 collabs? Take this one for instance. Inspired by the work of Da Vinci, the panels on this collab uses earth tones such as brown, tan, and charcoal. A leather toe box that’s balanced with suede accents finishes off the look. Some may say this is a boring colorway but I beg to differ; this is CLASSY. If any of you guys in ASICS are reading this, it’s time to show some love for Malaysia!
