Vetements' "Karate Sneakers" Are a Sole-Free Sock Shoe
Available in simple black and bold “anarchy” iterations.
The ever-popular sock-style sneaker has some life in it yet, as Vetements issues another version of the popular style. Dubbed the “Karate Sneakers,” the sleek black shoes feature knit uppers and slim rubber sole to reinforce the low-impact, minimalist look.
Forgoing the clunky runner outsole of the Balenciaga Speed Trainer — also designed under the direction of Demna Gvasalia — these Karate Sneakers sport a silhouette-hugging rubber outsole that ensures minimal distance between the foot and the floor. Both styles are offered in understated black, with a short version and extremely tall edition both on hand, the latter complete with a bold anarchy symble print. Like other Vetements footwear, each shoe features a “R” and “L” print atop the right and left shoe, respectively.
Gvasalia recently announced he will be departing Vetements, the label he founded in 2014 with his brother Guram Gvasalia. He will remain on as creative director at Balenciaga, but will step down from his head designer role at Vetements in order to pursue other projects.
The Vetements Karate Sneaker is available for $690 USD at The Webster, with the Anarchy Sock Sneakers also available for $690 USD.
Elsewhere, Balenciaga dropped a bold grey-toned twist on its Track.2 runner.
