Sneakerhead culture is bigger than ever.
Whether you’re searching for a new everyday sneaker, or are a devoted Hypebeast, we all want to know which trainers are set to dominate in 2019.
But, how? We turned to fashion creatives and hosts of the YouTube streetwear series PAQ for the answers.
Having only launched in 2017, the trend-setting youth culture show already has a legion of fans and boasts over half a million subscribers with a combined social following of 900,000 followers.
Made up of fashion creatives Elias, Shaquille, Danny and Dex, the boys are pros when it comes to all things streetwear, hypebeast-worthy fits and, of course, trainer trends. So listen up, because these are the four styles PAQ say you should keep an eye on over the next twelve months.
Elias predicts: Skate shoes
Remember Etnies and DC sneaks? Yep, they’re back. The classic skate shoes that feature extra large padded tounges are set to take the street scene by storm over the next twelve months.
“Since their release, they haven’t ever really been recycled and been bought back into the mainstream, so it’s the one sneaker that I definitely know is coming back,” explains Elias.
Our Top Pick: Senix Lo, £59.99 by Etnies, Shop it here
Shaq predicts: Hiking trainers
There is no denying that chunky dad trainers dominated 2018. The evolution of which sees hiking shoes become the next big thing. “I’ve just seen it everywhere,” says Shaq.
Balenciaga has already given its sell-out Balenciaga Triple S sneakers a trekking makeover, as well as brands like Gucci, Salomon and Hoka who are all championing the style.
Bit dubious about the new look? “You never know until you try,” says Shaq. “If you want to justify wearing it, go for a hike”.
Our Top Pick: Flashtrek Sneakers, £705 by Gucci, Shop them here
Dex predicts: Sole swapping
Away from the swarm of new shapes and styles, comes a unique (and, for the most of us, unheard of) trainer concept: sole swapping.
The sneaker customization means “merging one sole on another trainer… creating a fusion,” explains Dex.
Custom trainers has seen a massive surge over the past few years with sneakerheads desperate to get their hands on one-of-a-kind styles.
But, creating the shoe of your dreams will take time and extra cash because you’ll need to enlist the help of a sneaker customisation service.
Danny predicts: Casual classics
You can’t go wrong with a casual classic. If you’ve finally worked out how to style your Stan Smiths or Adidas Superstars to a T, don’t fret, they’re still as trendy as ever.
“It can go with anything, it’s inoffensive, it’s just easy, but there are still some very cool variations,” says Danny.
