It's not easy breaking into today's sneaker market. One does not simply step into an Adidas, Nike, and New Balance-dominated industry. Athletics Footwear is one of the very rare exceptions to this rule.
The British-born brand is the brainchild of Sneakerboy® founder Chris Kyvetos, former Puma veteran Neil Beeson, and footwear virtuoso Myles O'Meally – he's the founder of product creation studio Areté and has had hit designs for the likes of Nike, Off-White, and Raf Simons. With hands like that on deck, it's no wonder Athletics has made waves amidst the big boys since launching in October 2019.
The brand's footwear finds itself at the crossroads of innovation and nostalgia. Only a handful of styles have hit the shelves so far, but each silhouette is a harmonious blend of high-class minimalism and performance-ready technology. The ONE, ONE.2, and ZERO V1 boast an elevated yet understated aesthetic; bold and brash isn't really Athletic's thing. However, with the recent tease of a Peter Fogg-designed trail-ready runner, we’re itching to see what path Athletic's Footwear takes next.
ZEROS & ONES.
The ONE.2 and ZERO V1 are two of Athletic Footwear's most lauded silhouettes. Both styles are in their infancy – released in 2022 and 2023, respectively – but this hasn't stopped them from making an impression. So far, each of the brand's releases has been gimmick-free and primed for high-quality performance. And, if you're into technological terminology like us, there's plenty of it.
The ONE.2 perfectly embodies the London-based brand's commitment to technological design and meticulous craftsmanship. They're built through a one-step MOLDTEC® moulding process – a construction method that merges several TPU layers together without the need for seams. Raised overlays provide a 3D-embossed aesthetic, while brand hits appear throughout for a signature finish.
Launching exclusively at Highsnobiety in July 2023, the ZERO V1 is Athletic Footwear's most recent effort. It exudes a premium aura, but its muted colourways keep it grounded enough for everyday wear. Time for the techy bits: the ZERO V1 boasts a cutting-edge MOLDTEC® monofilament mesh upper, seamlessly integrated with a snug, adaptive LYCRA heel counter design to keep things stretchy and comfortable. Its midsole features ENRGCORE®️ compounds, which vary in density and cater to your performance needs.
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