For the past decade the Art and footwear worlds have been having a moment together. Blame Nigo and Kanye. Blame MoMa and Vans. Blame artists like Jeff Cole at IKONIK who really moved the needle on the gauge by designing super dope sneakerhead inspired art. Whoever you point the finger at, it almost doesn't matter. We're here.

Kanye West x Bape "Dropout Bear" Bapestar Sneakers that were a catalyst for the art kick revolution in 2007.

SOULER curated the Top 5 coolest kicks that use sneakers as a canvas for not only art, but storytelling. Narrative is everything here. Click the images to discover more.  

Fini X Tiffany Nguyen : "TyFini V1" Sketch Low Top

Fini x Tiffany Nguyen come together to create a gender neutral shoe that highlights womxn who are tapping into their full potential. Tiffany Nguyen is a visual artist living in Los Angeles whose artwork focuses on the complexities of womxn and issues of capitalism, body dysmorphia, and mental health. 

Hip & Bone : "Pastel Sky" Future Wave Trainer 

HxB's "Pastel Sky" limited drop is designed with an ultra-futuristic aesthetic made from a combination of high tech scuba neoprene and soft sustainably farmed leather. Sleek angled rubber sole made to look chunky and aerodynamic while providing superior comfort grip and cushioning. Waxed lace closure and reflective side marks. Leather insole for breathability and comfort. Inspired by the convergence of the high fashion chunky sneaker silo and the Futura design movement from Seoul in equal measure. 

Creative Recreation 2.0 - "Castucci Sand" Mids (Designed By Nick Jonas)

The early 2000's skate and lifestyle OG footwear brand has had some immortal moments in their first iteration 20 years ago. Skaters, rappers, athletes all wore CR V1 - and the brand ushered in a new era of "fashionable sneakers" that luxe giant Barney's in LA and NYC carried. When founder Rich Cofinco, a graffiti OG who got his start at Vans before developing Vision Streetwear sold Creative Rec, the footwear manufacturers new energy brought with it a new look and feel. The Castucci Sand represents this new upmarket hybrid direction. Sporty and casual, the silo mixes a hiking boot and an upmarket sneaker. Featuring smooth leather and a labyrinth outsole with extra grip treads, the low-profile shoe designed by Nick Jonas.   

Hip & Bone : Lemon, Lime x Orange Block

HxB yet again coming in hot. Their staple footwear silo- "The Block Shoe" got the 2020 e-kid pallet treatment and is designed as a mid-height multi-material sports shoe utilizing a soft cloud foam sole that is extremely lightweight and comfortable. A sock construction with Suede and leather paneling plus lace closure. 

York Athletics x Aly Raisman - The Frank Mid 

Boston boxing-born footwear designer York Athletics teamed up with World Champion Team USA gymnast & mental health advocate Aly Raisman to reimagine our award-winning cross-trainer, The Frank. Inspired by the balance of peace, tranquility and kinetic energy, Aly designed two unisex color ways for the everyday fight, equally ready for daytime to playtime, at work to work out.