STOMPING GROUND

Master of luxury footwear Christian Louboutin introduces Run Loubi Run, a collection of sporty sneakers for men and women that melds functionality with fashion

Sneakers have become a mainstay in every luxury fashion house’s footwear collection, thanks to the booming athleisure trend in recent years. The demand for these fashionable kicks among the style savvy is even more evident when a renowned name such as Christian Louboutin releases a full collection for both men and women. For spring/summer 2019, the French maison rolls out Run Loubi Run, a range of statement-making sneakers that come with red soles just like its more famous stiletto counterparts. These are, however, no run-of-the-mill performance sneakers adorned with trendy design elements. For one, the brand eschews the colours and materials typically used for performance sneakers. So out with the dowdy shades of grey and brown, and man-made polymer fibres and synthetic leather, and in with the velvety satin and soft glittery leather in a clashing neon colour palette—all of which will certainly find favour with the fashion cognoscenti. Christian Louboutin also weaves in several of its other signature designs into the collection, such as its iconic spikes, which have been reinterpreted using crystals on the uppers of the new Krystal Sock Donna sneakers. Those who prefer the unconventional route will love the Red Runner for its asymmetric lacing and unique lace loops, along with the long folded branded ribbon. At the same time, the Christian Louboutin design team, which has decades of shoemaking experience behind them, has ensured that the collection is not only good-looking, but also comfortable and practical. Thick technical foams are incorporated into the soles to give maximum cushioning, so its wearer can go about adventures around town in their sneakers all day long —and in style.