Fully embraced and never concealed, footwear reaps a generational movement, settling as an essential component of expression. A key to every fit, lacing up a pair of spewing personalities conveys personal style into reality.
With the blossoming importance of sneakers, they observe a shell-like structure (kind of like a turtle), with the reasoning behind rocking pairs concealed through the artistry on foot. Whether favored due to the distinct silhouette, technology, or the spectrum of colors slated, manufacturers look into personal relatability as recurring aspect of a shoe—observing national heritage as a fledging theme.
Seeing sneakers as the canvas and the avid sneakerhead mimicking an artist, a masterpiece is conceived. The Philippines, being a world-renowned sneaker hub, has received renditions of iconic silhouettes throughout the years that encapsulate the mundane of its people.
ASICS Gel-Lyte V ‘Commonwealth Kultura'
Peering into indigenous ethnicity as a valuable product of Filipino tradition, the expansion of the U.S. retail-franchise Commonwealth in 2017 saw a limited-edition ASICS Gel-Lyte V silhouette brimming with Kalinga-inspired tributes. The Cordillera Mountain Range inhabitants’ Batok-inspired artwork glistens on the navy one-piece tongue and collar with geometric prints and tan stripes—a perfect ode to a prominent faction of Filipino identity.
Jordan 2 Retro Low ‘TITAN’
Said to bridge the gap between the past, present, and future, the premier retail firm was one of the pioneers of the local sneaker industry, making waves before the surging demand for footwear. The Air Jordan 2 Retro Low SP ‘TITAN'’s craftsmanship pays homage to the beloved 1954 Filipino national team—the brainchild of designer Chi Loyzaga-Gibbs and her endearment for her grandfather, Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga. Despite the inability to witness the greatness of “King Caloy” first-hand, the grandchild of one of the best to play the game cements the two-time Olympic Champion’s Basketball legacy on the timeless Kilgore-Moore silhouette.
Nike Kobe 9 EM Low ‘Philippines'
The Philippines is recognized as a premiere destination for the late Mamba, settling in the country six times—with each visit resulting in a greater embrace from the Filipino fanbase. Passing the Chicago Bull great in the scoring chart, Bryant donned the Nike Kobe 9 in his return from his 2012-13 Achilles tear incident, sporting a high-top rendition of the Nike Flyknit integrated pair to supplement his injury. Nike Basketball graphic designer Eric Goto distinguishes the design to be of the classic banig (bed mat), tsinelas (sandals), and the ever-so iconic jeepney—displaying the no none-sense hustle of the Filipino.
Nike Zoom Huarache TR Low ‘Manny Pacquiao’
Leaving the opposition shaking in their boots after his digressive introduction, Manny Pacquiao poses as the definition of Filipino sporting success—especially for a small third-world nation in the Pacific. Attributed to his pound-for-pound capabilities and dominating performances, the Nike Zoom Huarache TR Low is one of two pairs (the other being the Nike Trainer 1.3) comprising the 2011 Nike x Manny Pacquiao collaboration in anticipation of the awaited standoff between ‘PacMan’ and ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley, which unanimously decided in favor of the former-Senator of the Philippines, Despite severing ties with the Swoosh in 2016, the iconic pair was draped in red, blue, and white—previewing familiarity to the Philippine flag, with gold accents on the swoosh and the heel. The tongue comprises a special medallion commemorating the May 7, 2011 fight as the insole is slated with Pacquiao easter eggs.
Air Force 1 Rizal