One of the forerunners of the oversized dad sneaker trend when it launched in 2018, the LV Archlight by Louis Vuitton scores an update. The LV Archlight 2.0 is even more flamboyant — not that the futuristic basketball-inspired shoe was lacking in that department in the first place.

This season, the sneaker gets a chunkier rubber outsole — along with new colours, fabrics, and fresh forms. The designs are influenced by three key themes: Y2K influences, gothic vibes, and cottagecore, a term referring to all things pastoral, such as little florals and nature-inspired hues.

An extension of the ongoing sports-shoes-on-steroids trend, the Y2K theme sees Louis Vuitton designers mixing and matching technical materials with bright, sporty colours. In contrast, black dominates the gothic-skewed line-up. Muted shades allow new forms inspired by desert boots or moccasins to stand out. Finally, the Archlight 2.0 uses earthy materials such as crocheted raffia to showcase the cottagecore theme. Because sporty can be sweet, too.

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With its hefty silhouette and triple-layer sole, the Balenciaga Triple S trainer kickstarted the oversized luxury sneaker phenomenon in 2017. Since then, the brand has launched several other statement sneakers, the most recent being the 3XL. Aside from looking like an amped-up version of a performance running shoe, it also features an upper that mixes technical mesh in different sizes for a striking visual effect.

A brand-new style by Givenchy for spring/summer, the TK-MX sneaker, like many of its peers, takes its cues from running shoes. From dynamic lines to a mix of materials that incorporates reflective accents, all the usual running-shoe details are there. Givenchy’s take, however, stands out with its rounded “bubble” structure at the back of its sole. It might not be the best thing for running, but it certainly scores high for flair.

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Equipped with performance technical fabrics and an extended Vibram Megagrip rubber sole that looks like it belongs on a tractor, Moncler’s Trailgrip can serve as both functional hiking footwear or extreme fashion statement. Available in new colours such as neon pink or purple, the latest iterations continue to ensure that its wearers will not go unnoticed — whether on city streets or mountain slopes.

Dior’s new B31 sneaker is inspired by nature, like the rest of its men’s spring/ summer ready-to-wear line. The collection pays tribute to Christian Dior’s love for gardening, which may explain the relatively calmer aesthetic of the B31 sneaker as compared to other luxury trainers inspired by running or hiking. Not that it doesn’t have its own unique flourishes, most notably a rubber detailing that looks like a warped version of the brand’s signature cannage motif.

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