The Most Gorgeous Sneaker Brands You Might Not Have Heard Of

We scoured the internet, and found these sneaker gems that belong on the feet of all the cool kids. They’re not the cheapest, that’s for sure (especially when you throw in shipping fees), but these styles are very much worth it.
 
THEY New York

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Images: theynewyork.com

These geometric beauties are what the internet’s currently buzzing over, because just look at these – how can they be resisted? This NYC brand has cleverly included blush pink and a light beige into the small assortment of colourways for women’s styles, and when clean lines and Bauhaus-inspired shapes are thrown into the mix, these instantly become pieces that manage to both stand out while remaining understated.
US$349 each, available from theynewyork.com.
 
Axel Arigato
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Image: axelarigato.com

This Insta-famous Swedish sneaker brand probably doesn’t need much introduction by now, so what we can do is direct your attention towards their latest drop, the Crossed Laced Sneaker. They’ve gotten everything about this style right: the slanted shoelaces to the side (purely a design element though, you don’t actually have to unlace them to put them on); the way the laces thread through the body of the shoe, and the hardware running right down the centre. And of course, the colour options: leather in white, cream, nude or grey.
US$265, available on axelarigato.com.
 
Clear Weather
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Images: Clear Weather Facebook page

For a completely different look, LA brand Clear Weather incorporates a healthy dose of hippie into its unusual sneaker designs. The One-O-One style is all about the fringe and suede; but if you’d rather keep things minimal, there are also regular lace-up and slip-on styles in textured patterns.
US$65 to US$180, available on clearweatherbrand.com.
 
EYTYS
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Image: EYTYS Facebook page

Once again, the Swedes get it right. This Stockholm brand makes classic low-cut and high-top styles that hardly venture beyond white, black and neutrals – and we like them that way – made in canvas, suede or leather. The designs aren’t fancy, but one look is enough to tell you that a lot of carefully detailing has gone into these shoes, while keeping them looking subtle. The only exception was the special collaborative collection with 80-year-old South African artist Esther Mahlangu earlier this year, which saw traditional African motifs embroidered onto the sneakers.
$139 to $239, available on farfetch.com
 
FEIT
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Image: FEIT Facebook Page

Not a sneaker brand per se, but this New York footwear brand has some sneaker styles among its offerings that seriously made our hearts skip a beat. The leather and suede silhouettes are made slim and tapered, and are handsewn with unlined raw edges. These are pricey, but you know you’re paying for the quality.
US$400 to US$600, available on feitdirect.com.