Top: Asics X Kiko Kostadinov Gel-Deva 1. Photo Asics. Bottom: Nike Zoom Vomero 5 SP. Photo: Nike

By Ray Zhang

If two of this month’s releases are any indication, chunky sneakers—described as ugly or dad (I don’t know which is worse)—are on the wane.

Asics, together with Kiko Kostadinov, the London-based Bulgarian designer now heading Mackintosh, has released the Gel-Deva 1, a shoe that could be part of the costumes of the Mad Max series. French Vogue may call them dad shoes, but I beg to differ as these are a lot less bulky than, say, Puma’s Thunder Spectra. Mr Kostadinov, now very much followed by discerning sneakerheads, isn’t such an obvious designer. His Gel-Deva series, first seen last season, feature an intricate upper rather than a bulky silhouette. Those who like to tinker with motherboards may find this utterly appealing.

Not to be outdone, Nike has released their own somewhat similar looking shoe (I am not saying they’re copying here). Also with a (partial) stripey upper and a not-so-complicated mid-sole, the Zoom Vomero 5 SP is a shoe made famous by A-Cold-Wall* when the latter released a version with Nike featuring an architectonic heel also described as a “heel sculpture”. I don’t know about you, but I seriously do not like kicks with rear protrusion.

Between the two, it is obvious to me that the emphasis is now not on girth and heft. Sneakers really should’t be part of an obstacle course when making manoeuvres to the exit of a crowded MRT train. It’s really about time.
Asics X Kiko Kostadinov Gel-Deva 1, SGD499, is available at DSMS. Nike Zoom Vomero 5 SP, SGD239, is available in Nike stores