Since it launched its first store a few years back, Archive has released plenty of new sneakers. However, these aren’t your average sneaker releases. Archive has curated its lineup with a variety of high-end, limited-edition and premium sneakers. In addition, the store also features tie-in apparel and accessories. As a subsidiary of The Foschini Group, it also extends a wide range of rewards and options to its customers.
The store stocks the leading brands, such as Nike, Jordan, adidas, PUMA, Vans, ASICS, FILA and many others. It has also collaborated with fashion designers and said brands for special launches in the few years it has been around. A few of these include the Nike Air Max Anniversary celebration to the adidas X Rich Mnisi special launch.
With a wide variety of products and cultural events, the brand has quickly engrained itself as part of the larger sneaker community in South Africa. As sneakerheads themselves, the team understands the local heritage, curating specific weekly releases to the public with a few coveted drops thrown in as well.
In recent months, Sneaker Fortress has partnered with Archive to cover many of these releases and events. In addition, we’ve also covered a few of the special releases in terms of sneaker reviews, as a showcase to the wide range of products available from both its brick-and-mortar stores and online retail site.
Related: Archive Weekly (5 December 2022) – All About the Classics
Here’s a quick rundown of those reviews:
1. adidas Originals Forum Exhibit
The adidas Originals Forum is one of the brand’s most classic silhouettes. It has a classic 80s look with its roots as a basketball sneaker with style that is matched on the court and out on the town.
adidas relaunched its Forum range in 2021 with a series of new colourways and special collaborations since then. The newly revamped adidas Originals Forum Exhibit is part of this redesigned portfolio with a more refined look for the modern sneakerhead.
You can get your hands on the adidas Originals Forum Exhibit at a retail price of R1,999. It is available online at ArchiveStore.co.za, as well as in stores across the country.
2. New Balance 574
The New Balance 574 is all about simplicity. This is something that we’ve seen across the brand’s range of products. Although it may have the minimalist look down to a tee, it also adds a level of comfort and cushioning that’s required of all modern sneakers.
A sneaker like the New Balance 574 has maintained its look since 1988. It is the classic of classics, which also pairs well with other clothing and never looks out of place.
The New Balance 574 is available from Archive stores and retails between R1,699 and R1,899.
3. Reebok Classic Leather Plus
Classics is the main theme among sneaker brands in 2022. Reebok is no different, having been manufacturing their classics range for the better part of the last decade or more. The Reebok Classic Leather is one of the more popular silhouettes from its archives. Having originally been launched in 1991, the Classic Leather has never gone out of style.
The Reebok Classic Leather Plus is specialised styling of the classic sneaker. It sports the original Union Jack flag on the logo on its leather upper. It’s a cool classic and a great addition to any wardrobe. It is easily paired with any outfit with its minimalist design and classic white aesthetic.
The Reebok Classic Leather Plus is an affordable classic option for a price of R1,699.95.
4. Converse Sponge Crater CX
Converse is usually synonymous with its cotton canvas sneakers. This is especially true for its Chuck range across various silhouettes. However, over the past few months, the brand has shaken things up and ventured into a few experimental looks. The Converse Sponge Crater CX is one such design.
This unisex, slip-on sneaker seems like something out of a sci-fi movie based in the future. It’s a combination of a cross between Star Wars Jedi boots, Crocs and the Yeezy sneakers.
The Converse designers aimed for a “less-is-more” approach to the Sponge Crater CX. That rings true to both its aesthetics and the underlying sneaker tech. In the end, it’s a perfect sneaker for lounging around at home or while on the go. It’s a sneaker for the future.
The Converse Sponge Crater CX is available from various Archive stores, as well as online. It carries a price of R2,499.95.
5. adidas Ozrah
The adidas Ozrah is an extension of the brand’s Yeezy range. More specifically, the Ozrah takes its cues from the Yeezy BOOST 700, with a similar design ethos.
It is a good-looking sneaker that provides all the comfort you’d need for that all-day wear, while still looking the part. The sneaker is an indication of the path the brand is set to take following its recent split with Kanye West and departure from the Yeezy brand.
The adidas Ozrah is available online at ArchiveStore.co.za and in selected Archive stores. It carries a retail price of R2,999.
Related: Archive Weekly (7 November 2022) – You Can Have it All
Shop Archive for All Your Festive Season Sneaker Needs
Archive has proven itself to be a reliable source for some of the most sought-after sneaker drops in 2022. The brand, under TFG, has showcased its wide range of brands and styles available, both online and in its many stores across South Africa. You don’t need to go too far to find what you want if you’re in the market for a new pair of kicks this festive season.
