Every now and then, we are obliged to attend a formal event we may or may not be enthused about. And we all know what that means: having to dress up. For those of us who love our sneakers, this often means leaving our favourite shoes at home. However, thanks to some clever designers, diehard sneakerheads around the world are offered the excellent option of stylish and formal sneakers. Falling into this category is the Air Max 1 Gentleman’s Shoe by Sam van IJzendoorn of @vijzbespokes. This sneaker is the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort, making it the ideal choice for those who want to look sharp without sacrificing their love for sneakers.
“Feeling Great, Feeling Good”
You certainly can’t tell me that walking into a room with all the comfort of your beloved kicks and the sophistication of a classic dress shoe doesn’t add a bounce to your step. Well, this stunning shoe by Sam van IJzendoorn offers just that—a blend of style and comfort that will have you feeling great and looking good wherever you plan to go.
The design is inspired by the gentleman’s brogue shoes, which are distinguished by their perforated patterns and serrated detailing. As such, this custom Air Max 1 sneaker uses stunning detailing and premium materials to ensure it passes the bill as a versatile and stylish footwear option for any occasion.
Details of Design
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of these impressive shoes, it’s worth noting that they are available in both stunning Anthracite and dapper Brown leather selections. This variety enables gents to pick the hue that perfectly aligns with their individual tastes.
RELATED: Air Jordan 1 Low x Travis Scott “China Town” Unleashes the Dragon
Besides the variations in their colour schemes, both sneakers seamlessly incorporate the same detailed perforated designs and serrated embellishments, echoing the timeless look of classic brogues. In addition, a whimsical twist is added with a corduroy floral lining, which brings a dash of sophisticated playfulness to the whole design.
Other details that elevate these pairs are the branding logos seared into the leather and the waxed flat laces that provide a sleek and polished aesthetic. The design is rounded off with the iconic Air Max 1 sole unit, complete with its stylish Air bubble. The midsole showcases a fresh white hue and is paired with either a black or brown rubber outsole, depending on the colour of the sneaker you opt for.
Other Silhouette Options
Of course, the Air Max 1 isn’t everyone’s silhouette of choice, which is perfectly fine. Van IJzendoorn also offers a sophisticated and refined take on other iconic Nike silhouettes, such as the Air Jordan 1 Low.
However, other silhouettes we know look good all dressed up in Brogue, thanks to previous releases from the Swoosh label, are the Nike Dunk Low and the Air Force 1 Low. So, if you are open to having a one-of-one custom design made by Sam, these are definitely silhouettes to consider.
RELATED: Air Max 1 ’86 “Museum Masterpiece” Is Here
Release Details
As for the Air Max 1 Gentleman’s Shoe, this sneaker is available to purchase from the Vijz online store for a retail price of €1,600.00, which translates to roughly ($ 1,729,36). Now, I know what you are thinking because that thought also crossed my mind—that’s quite a hefty price tag for a custom sneaker. However, the shoes are handmade from high-quality materials and take 6 to 8 weeks to produce, ensuring that each pair is perfectly crafted. They are also limited to only 15 pairs, making them a rare and exclusive addition to any sneaker collection. So, if you are a gentleman who values quality craftsmanship and unique design, this limited edition sneaker may be worth the investment. In the meantime, follow us for more refined sneaker customs and concepts.
Would the Air Max 1 Gentleman’s Shoe make the perfect dress shoe?
