If there’s one thing OG sneakerheads despise, it’s hybrid shoe designs. The mere concept of combining their favourite classic styles with other models in the same line–for whatever reason–is certain to elicit strong reactions from purists. But how much more so when you create cross-bred sneakers by combining the upper of one brand’s design with the sole of another? Well, that’s precisely the kind of Frankenstein sole swap idea that had sneakerheads freaking out at SneakerCon this year.
More About The Designs
Sailboat Supplies @sailboatsupplies has been cooking up unusual hybrid designs in his laboratory, um, I mean sneaker customisation workshop for several years now, and this year, the sneaker artist took his controversial creations to SneakerCon’s event in Boston. Whether it’s a clash of iconic Jordan uppers with Adidas Boost soles or a fusion of classic adidas running shoes with Air Max soles, the artist had several one-of-a-kind designs that had a convention full of sneakerheads freaking out after spotting them.
While the sneakers challenge traditional sneaker aesthetics and could potentially trigger nightmares for all the traditional sneakerheads out there, not all of his creations are downright unsettling; in fact, some make aesthetic sense. Take, for example, the creator’s Ultraboost SCREAM and Yeezy 350 hybrid or his adidas Yeezy 700v3 with Yeezy 380 soles; the designs actually work great together.
Still, based on the passionate reactions on Sneaker Cons’ Instagram page, these sole swap ideas certainly don’t appeal to everyone. Yet, we can’t blame the artist for attempting to create something unique from the same old sneaker styles that we’ve seen over and over again.
Where To Get Your ‘Sole Swap’ Sneakers
If you’re intrigued by the idea of swapping out the sole of your sneakers, or if you’ve dreamt up a combination you think would look amazing, you can reach out to Sailboat Supplies on their Instagram page. A one-way sole swap will cost you $175 USD, while a two-way swap will cost $250 USD (granted you have the sneakers and soles ready to go).
Be sure to check out the Nike SB “Air Monarch” Dunk Low concept, or the Off-White x Nike SB Dunk Low “Chicago” for less jarring hybrid pairings and even an Off-White x Nike Zoom Kobe 5. And remember to check back with Sneaker Fortress for more sneaker releases and news.
What’s your take on these ‘Sole Swap’ sneaker designs? Are they the stuff of nightmares, or do you appreciate their inventiveness and unusual combinations? We’re eager to hear your thoughts, so don’t hesitate to share in the comments below!
