Using "Direct" Design for Excellent Wearing Experience | Weekly Unpopular Sneaker Appreciation

Using "Direct" Design for Excellent Wearing Experience | Weekly Unpopular Sneaker Appreciation

Following the trend of cut-out running apparel mentioned in previous news, I want to extend this concept to sneakers. Breathability has always been a crucial topic for footwear, but unlike clothing, shoes can't have arbitrary cut-outs due to structural integrity concerns. However, with increasingly diverse usage scenarios, even clothing cut-outs were unexpected before—maybe future shoe uppers will become even more "creative" in their ventilation designs?

Nike x DSM Air Superfly {01}

Search "DSM Air Superfly" on doverstreetmarket.com - £90

The perforated upper first brings to mind this revived Air Superfly, celebrating its 25th anniversary with a DSM collaboration. Maintaining DSM's minimalist style with black, white and gray tones, it's perfect for versatile matching. DSM collaborations always shine in official lookbooks, blending sportiness with futuristic vibes—still that familiar year 2000 aesthetic.

ROA Daiquiri Mid {02}

Search "Daiquiri" on endclothing.com - $209

ROA typically impresses with "heavy-duty" designs, prioritizing protection as a hiking brand. But this Daiquiri Mid features circular technical mesh fabric with matching mesh inner bootie, creating a lightweight breathable feel. While ROA doesn't use actual cut-outs, isn't this large breathable mesh design quite unexpected?

ECCO x Country Biom 2.1 {03}

Search "ECCO x Country" on humphriesshoes.co.uk - £65

ECCO's signature leather craftsmanship and last design perfectly integrate on this Biom 2.1. The BIOM series emphasizes natural movement patterns following ergonomic principles—you need to try the last in person, but upper fit is visibly excellent. Unlike the standard version, this collaboration adds perforated leather overlay for extra protection. The reason for perforations is simple: pure breathability. No need to worry about restrictive cage-like feeling—ECCO leather offers exceptional quality once experienced.

Vivobarefoot Ultra IV {04}

Search "Vivobarefoot Ultra" on Taobao - ¥990

Barefoot concepts are common, but Vivobarefoot distinguishes itself with honeycomb perforated uppers, resembling barefoot Crocs. Vivobarefoot claims this design offers breathability, water resistance, and quick drainage—ideal for sweaty feet. Weighing under 200 grams, it's perfect for summer.

Merrell Hydro Moc AT SS 1TRL {05}

Search "Hydro Moc" on sportivostore.com - £16

Many might associate the previous Vivobarefoot with Merrell, but for true obscurity, the 1TRL series is essential. This serves as both a replaceable component for the Hydro Moc AT system and standalone indoor training shoe. Perforated uppers prevent stuffiness when combined, though personally better suited for indoor fitness.

adidas Climacool Laced {06}

Search "Climacool Laced" on Taobao - ¥1409

For outdoor use, the new Climacool Laced impresses. The Climacool series now features direct perforations using 3D printing for unprecedented fit traditional manufacturing can't achieve. Maintaining adidas' signature minimalist design, it reportedly uses advanced polymer materials for both functionality and breathability. Definitely worth trying in-store before purchasing!

PUMA Mostro Mesh {07}

Search model 401666-02 on StockX - ¥668

Mostro needs no introduction—PUMA favored mesh materials in the 2000s, mostly on H-Street prototypes. This mesh version features perforations as bold as its styling, offering exceptional breathability. Compared to leather Mostros, this perforated mesh version better fits the "monster" nickname (leather feels too elegant).

Golden Goose Super Star {08}

Search GMF00103 on goldengoose.com - ¥79000 JPY

Speaking of elegance, this Super Star captures the aesthetic perfectly. Sunlight, tennis rackets, green grass—evoking vintage tennis culture. Yet Golden Goose's perforated upper and subtle distressing add rebellious spirit, making it ideal as a feminine summer shoe.

As cut-out clothing becomes increasingly common, will sneaker "holes" grow larger too? Of course, I mean creative ideas—after all, in today's diverse sneaker landscape, anything is possible!