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Fashion & Beauty

Hottest K-Pop Star-Approved Sneakers for Summer 2024

22 Apr, 2024

The athleisure trend has swept the fashion scene in recent years, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style. And when it comes to achieving that sporty aesthetic, nothing beats the allure of a fashionable pair of sneakers. After all, can one ever have too many sneakers?

Thanks to the ever-growing popularity of K-pop culture, sneakers flaunted by Korean celebrities never fail to become instant sensations. Drawing inspiration from this trend, we’ve hand-picked a selection of sneakers from adidas, Nike, and Puma for the ladies, while the gents would appreciate two distinctive styles from Nike and Skechers. Not stopping there, we’ve also included picks from renowned designer brands like Miu Miu, Maison Margiela, and Roger Vivier, seamlessly blending sport and style. From mid-range options to high-end offerings, our comprehensive list covers all the must-have sneakers for the upcoming season.

Korean Girl group vibes

Endorsed by popular Korean girl group IVE, The Palermo by PUMA derives its name from both the ancient city of Sicily and the soccer club. It was spotted on both Jang Won-young and An Yu-jin as they embrace that retro sporty look.

Meanwhile, HONG EUNCHAE from LE SSERAFIM, another rising girl group, showcased the Nike Zoom Vomero 5 sneakers while performing their latest hit song, “Easy.” These sneakers boast a Y2K-inspired silhouette, combining mesh and utilitarian overlays, along with eye-catching reflective details that infuse a futuristic flair. They are the ideal choice for fashion-forward ladies who dare to embrace their adventurous side while effortlessly exuding chic style.

If you’ve already had your eyes on The Samba by adidas, consider exploring the Gazelle line or taking it up a notch with the Gazelle Bold. Featuring a nostalgic appeal and the iconic rubber outsole, this sneaker collection has become a must-have. The Gazelle Bold, quite literally, elevates the style with a thicker sole discreetly providing a subtle height boost. It comes as no surprise that Ahyeon from Baby Monster was spotted rocking these sneakers in a commercial, igniting a frenzy of purchases among her fans and sneakerheads alike.

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Yu-jin from IVE with PUMA The Palermo
Eunchae (rightmost) from LE SSERAFIM with Nike Zoom Vomero 5
Ahyeon (lower right) from Baby Monster with adidas Gazelle Bold

Prince Charming allure

In the highly acclaimed second season of the Korean variety show “Physical 100” on Netflix, the attention-grabbing cast is not only defined by their physique but also by the intense and exhilarating competitions in each episode.

Following the appearance of the Nike Infinity Run 4 sneakers spotted on the treadmill during the first challenge in the variety show, the subsequent rounds saw the Nike Metcon running shoes. These meticulously crafted footwear are designed specifically for weightlifting and training, catering to individuals who are dedicated to pushing their limits and conquering various physical challenges. Both pairs have established themselves as true classics in the realm of training footwear offscreen.

For a more casual option, look no further than the Skechers Tres Air Uno. Endorsed by the charismatic Cha EunWoo, these sneakers feature a versatile black and white colorway that effortlessly complements any outfit. With its memory foam technology, the Tres Air Uno provides a soft and cozy fit that conforms to the curves of your feet, effectively relieving pressure and ensuring all-day comfort.

Nike Metcon running shoes
Skechers Tres Air Uno on Cha EunWoo

Couture meets urban cool

Fans of the captivating Korean drama “Queen of Tears” have undoubtedly taken notice of the chic sneakers offered by heartthrob Kim Soo-hyun. The Roger Vivier “Viv’ Run Strass Buckle Sneakers effortlessly blend style and statement. These sneakers have even made the leading actress, Kim Ji-won, portraying a wealthy heiress, swap her stilettos to a pair of classic white sneakers in a memorable scene. The heart-warming gesture of the actor resonates with devoted fans, who view the sneakers as a symbol of love and ignite a social media frenzy.

Embracing the designer sneaker wave, Maison Margiela Replica Sneakers have also ascended to must-have status. Crafted from supple lambskin leather, they exude discreet opulence, offering a refined and sophisticated appeal.

Another standout pair captivating fashion enthusiasts is the Miu Miu x New Balance collaboration. Combining velvety suede and mesh fabric, these sneakers feature vibrant contrasting shoelaces, adding an artistic and refined touch to their design.

Embark on a captivating exploration of the latest sartorial obsessions at the intersection of Korean drama and celeb-approved footwear.

Roger Vivier "Viv' Run Strass Buckle Sneakers in Queen Of Tears (photo: Netflix)
Maison Margiela Replica Sneakers
Miu Miu x New Balance
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