Much like the rest of the world, 2023 saw Filipino sneakerheads adopt an increasingly varied taste. “Comfort” became a non-negotiable with many embracing the chunkiness brought by “Dad Shoes” (apparently, our titos are cooler than we anticipated?) The UK’s blokecore aesthetic also had influencers and personalities in a chokehold, culminating in the reverence of a 74-year-old adidas football classic. But an emphasis on “authenticity” and “personal style” dominated trends overall, leading to increased exposure of previously niche favorites.
Your Dunks and Jordans still exist. The Jordan 4 SB is our Sneaker of the Year. But people now see through the hype to transform the culture into a more inclusive and less intimidating community. True to the theme, we’ve tapped sneaker content collective Beyond the Hype (@beyondthehype.ph) to break down the hottest trends of 2023.
Below are their picks, and leave a shoutout in the comments if you feel anything was left out.
Adidas Samba
Adidas Samba OG – Getty
@edwardken23
2023 is the year when everyone and their mother are wearing Adidas Sambas. They're not the most comfortable underfoot, but the main reason they resonate with a lot of people is their versatility. I know this sounds cliché, but the Sambas go with everything (considering they were originally made for playing football in 1949).
Another reason is the number of variations you can choose from: genuine leather, vegan leather, and suede, as well as the OG and Classic versions. The possibilities are endless. The resurgence of Adidas Sambas has opened many doors for collaborations — from Wales Bonner to Sporty and Rich, and my personal favorite, the three-way collab between Kith and Clarks, which, in my opinion, could be argued as the sneaker of the year (change my mind).
Trends come and go, but the Adidas Samba is eternal. It's one of the very few that don't need hype to be relevant. You don't have to be heavily into shoes or fashion to rock a pair. It's a sneaker that has withstood the test of time for a reason – @edwardken23
Nike Vomero 5
Vomero 5
@streetbydani
The Vomero 5 was originally designed as a running sneaker but is now worn by celebrities, models, and influencers. I did not doubt that when Nike re-released this silhouette, people would rush to their nearest sneaker stores to purchase a pair. It got to a point where getting a pair was tough. With the runner aesthetics and unique colorways, it was easy for Filipinos to love.
Another thing that I love is the comfort. I got to test out the Vomeros when I was traveling in Japan, and walking almost the whole day didn’t hurt my feet. They deserve a spot in this list, because who doesn’t love style AND comfort? – @streetbydani
Salomon (@rural.icarus)
XT-6 Salomon – Lorenzo Viroli/Pinterest
@rural.icarus
The Salomon Brand has made steady noise in the sneaker scene as a respectable niche pick. With the growing appreciation for Gorpcore fashion and technical silhouettes within the sneaker community, Salomon offers the ACS Pros, XT-4's and XT-6's as great lifestyle picks for those who are easing into that aesthetic while being a comfortable sneaker for everyday use.
Some sneakerheads are still skeptical about rocking hiking/trekking sneakers in general and trust me I was too, but I indulge them to dip their toes into Salomon's lifestyle models. This will open up styling options in your wardrobe varying from Gorpcore to Athleisure outfits you could rock in both the warmer or colder months in the Philippine season.
As a frequent commuter myself, after getting my first ACS Pros earlier in the year, I have been rocking it to work rain or shine. The beauty in today's sneaker space is that everyone has been experimenting with personal style and experiencing models they wouldn't necessarily check out because of what the general public dictates. I love that brands like Salomon are getting their shine in the lifestyle space even more so nowadays, proving functionality, comfort, and style work hand in hand – @rural.icarus
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 – Sneaker Freaker
@thegelabeef
Onitsukas have been worn by many Filipinos for years now. Made in 1966, this sneaker was created to make a flagship shoe for the Onitsuka brand and was to be worn by athletes for the Olympics (P.S. the Japan team sported them that year).
Fast forward to 2023 and this athletic shoe entered the fashion scene thanks to the rise of blokecore, fashion tiktokers, and Pinterest boards. One color stands out in particular and is the most popular of them all – the yellow and black colorway. First popularized by Bruce Lee and Uma Thurman in Kill Bill, this colorway is seen as a cool and effortless fit, especially the Mexico 66s.
As someone who owns a pair, I believe that sneaker culture this year has shifted a bit – more than the hype or value, people are now more focused on comfort, silhouette, and how a pair looks good with their outfits – and the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 checks all those boxes. With its narrow silhouette, lightweight feel, and an array of colorways, just like the Samba, this classic sneaker is here to stay – @thegelabeef
New Balance
New Balance – Pinterest
@sephmanlapaz
The Boston-based brand has always been overshadowed by the likes of the Swoosh and the Three Stripes for decades. But with the recent Dad Shoe trend and some strategic moves from the brand, New Balance has now broken through the mainstream streetwear scene and is now one of the go-to brands for sneakerheads and Dads alike.
New Balance prides itself on its quality footwear that is made in the USA with its “MADE” line. However, to reinvent itself in the ever-changing sneaker landscape, it had to dig through its archival pieces. Silhouettes like the 550s, 530s, 2002r, and 1906r are just some of the most notable and trendy sneakers especially this 2023.
For years, the brand only had a small but tasteful niche within the Filipino sneaker community (shoutout to the gentlemen of NB Numbawan PH). But as much as I’d like to be “possessive” of the brand as its silhouettes become more trendy and mainstream, it’s great that New Balance is finally getting the appreciation it deserves as “The Intelligent Choice” – @sephmanlapaz
