Our footwear rotation at HIP is aligned to our current tastes and version of contemporary lifestyle. The selection highlights key silhouettes attracting attention in the modern sneaker world, as we favour an array of aesthetics like streamlined design, function and retro. Explore the models making up our rotations here at HIP HQ, featuring Salomon, adidas Originals, ASICS, New Balance and Nike.

Salomon XT-6

Salomon has cemented its place in contemporary fashion and is always in our rotation at HIP. Designed as a high-tech trail model, the XT-6’s all-round functionality and streamlined aesthetic is what has made it so popular within modern lifestyles across the world. The XT-6 delivers everything you would want in a trail runner: a lightweight build, EVA cushioning for soft landings and lug geometry for stability no matter the surface.

adidas Originals Gazelle

The adidas Originals Gazelle is a pop culture icon. First seen in ’66, the Gazelle was one of the early progenitors of the gum sole and the first three stripe model to sport a suede upper, replacing the traditional leather used in other training shoes at the time. As adidas named other models after fast land mammals at the time, like the ‘Panther’ and ‘Jaguar’, in the early days the Gazelle denoted speed and performance. Built on a track shoe last, but tested by the West German national football team and top handball players, the Gazelle was a general athletic shoe that served all purposes. Although the cult appeal of the Gazelle largely lies away from sport. Whether it was hip-hop in the ’80s or Britpop in the ’90s, the Gazelle was immersed in era-defining movements. When looking for a timeless shoe filled with culture and meaning, there is no better option that the Gazelle.

adidas Originals Samba

The past couple of seasons have seen the popularity of the Samba skyrocket in contemporary fashion. One of the hottest shoes in the current footwear market, the Samba has been spotted on celebrities, fashion influencers, in OG adidas subcultures and pretty much everywhere else in-between. The shoe’s popularity can be pinpointed to its retro aesthetics and simple design which makes for effortless styling. First made as a training shoe before featuring at the 1950 World Cup, the Samba was revamped in the ’60s with a streamlined gum sole, eventually leading to its appeal for skateboarders and prepsters in the ’90s. Today the Samba is a shoe that you can’t go wrong with when searching for an everyday silhouette that can be styled in lots of ways.

Nike Air Force 1

The Air Force 1 is and will always be a go-to for clean casual styling – something the shoe is famously synonymous with thanks to its fresh aesthetic. Back in 1982 the Air Force 1 was the first to exhibit Nike Air technology, soon after being distributed to the best NBA players of the era. As the decade worn on the AF1 was a staple in the golden age of hip-hop, especially when the all-white silhouette was released. Recent seasons has seen Nike play with colour palettes whilst keeping the basis of the shoe’s cult appeal.

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 14

The ASICS GEL-KAYANO 14 was first seen in the late ‘2000s and recently re-surfaced to emerge as a flagship running shoe in the ASICS collection. The shoe was the brainchild of Toshikazu Kayano, a former industrial designer that was responsible for several cutting-edge models in the era. The GEL-KAYANO series was governed by the Japanese philosophy of kaizen, referring to gradual improvement, a notion which speaks to the shoe’s consistent advancement of scientific function. The latest GEL-KAYANO 14’s maintain the style’s retro running aesthetics, whilst continuing to advance its performance capabilities. Mirroring its original midsole tooling with GEL technology cushioning, the shoe now has an updated fit for comfort with every step.

ASICS GEL-NYC

We caught our first glimpse of the GEL-NYC after ASICS collaborated with Awake NY – a youthful streetwear brand with New York’s DNA running through its veins. Since then the GEL-NYC has become a key silhouette for ASICS – an all-round model launching in a plethora of colour palettes this season. The GEL-NYC is a highly versatile shoe that blends different archival inspirations, emerging as a fan favourite. The shoe takes technical details from ASICS models of yesteryears, whilst its modern lightweight foams and GEL technology combine to render highly-advanced underfoot cushioning.

New Balance 2002R

New Balance is always a mainstay in our rotation, as the Boston-based footwear brand continues to deliver clean styles ready-made for day-to-day styling. No model sums this up more than the 2002R. Inspired by the brand’s high-end running catalogue from the late 2000’s, the shoe is constructed in breathable mesh overlayed with rich suede. A variation we have loved at HIP in recent years is the ‘Protection Pack’ – a rugged, distressed update that oozes contemporary flair. Both models are equipped with NB’s ABZORB midsole for a cushioned response with every step you take.

New Balance 1906D

Another model that features in the ‘Protection Pack’ series in the 1906D. Taking its name from the year New Balance was founded, the 1906D is modelled on the running styles from the ‘2000s that have become synonymous with modern style. The 1906D is classic New Balance – clean, timeless and built with technical features for everyday comfort.

New Balance Made in USA Footwear

2022 saw the first series of New Balance’s Made in USA collection. Overseen by New Balance Creative Director and Aime Leon Dore founder Teddy Santis, the collection applies his deep-rooted commitment to authentic storytelling into elevated seasonal models that explore the footwear label’s culture, craftsmanship and history. Each model is defined by colour and material choice, capturing the pride and quality that goes into New Balance’s Made in USA craftsmanship. Each season at HIP the latest Made in USA collection is always a highlight in the calendar.