Month: March 2023

With all the accolades that she’s earned throughout her basketball career, WNBA superstar Breanna Stewart might as well make DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win” her unofficial theme song. She’s one of the most accomplished hoopers in the last decade, with four NCAA titles, two WNBA championships, WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year honors, plus two Olympic gold medals for Team USA under her belt. And this off-season, she shifted the balance of power in the WNBA by signing with the New York Liberty, linking up with Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones to form a Big Apple “Big 3.”Stewart is a star, plain and simple, and stars need equally recognizable sneakers. Growing up, Stewart often gravitated towards LeBron James’ signature sneakers, but nowadays she’s only rocking with one PUMA model: Stewie 1, her first signature sneaker. She’s the first female hoops athlete in over a decade to receive her own signature model, and she hopes to pave the way for future women to one day follow in her footsteps.Hypebeast had a chance to catch up with the WNBA baller ahead of her Stewie 1 “Four Time” launch, she discussed how she incorporates elements of basketball journey into her designs, dreaming about signature shoes growing up and more.Who or what got you into sneakers?I got into sneakers as I became more involved with basketball. The more I played, the more I was exposed to different colorways, styles and signature silhouettes. I remember that I’d always be camping out on the Foot Locker site and apps just waiting to pick up a new pair of LeBrons on Saturday mornings.Can you recall what sneaker culture was like growing up in North Syracuse, New York?It was a mixture of me naturally being around the game and watching the game along with my peers who were also into sneakers. I still remember back in my junior high and high school days we were rocking a lot of K-Swiss and Phat Farms. However, I would say that my sneaker collection mainly evolved through playing basketball, and over time I found certain styles that I loved both on and off the floor.”[PUMA wants] to be on the right side of history, and together we want to raise the bar for female athletes in this space.”Talk about what it means to you to have a signature shoe with PUMA and to be the first female signature athlete in over a decade.Since PUMA and I joined forces, it’s been an amazing journey. They want to be on the right side of history, and together, we want to raise the bar for female athletes in this space. The best part is that while I feel like we’ve done an amazing job so far, we’re still just barely scratching the surface. Being the first female athlete in over a decade and tenth female basketball player in total to have a signature shoe is crazy and bittersweet at the same time. I feel like I’m in such amazing company but if you look at all of the amazing WNBA athletes that came before me, there were so many that deserved their own signature shoe. And so I hope that PUMA and I have opened the door again for more signatures to come down the road in any league that you watch, whether it’s men or women.Is having a signature shoe something that you dreamt about growing up?Definitely. When I was younger, I had always dreamt about playing for Team USA in the Olympics, playing at UConn and making it to the WNBA. And within that I aspired to one day have young women and young kids be able to walk into stores to pick up the Stewie 1s, and now that it’s happened it still feels very surreal.Let’s talk about your Stewie 1 “Four Time” colorway. What does this colorway represent to you and is there a reason that you saved this one for last?The “Four Time” colorway is devoted to UConn and the incredible run that I had there, and it’s only right for it to be coming out during March Madness. There are so many details in the shoe that I can talk about, but I’ll share my two favorites. Underneath the tongue, there’s an image of the four fingers and the other side spells out “13, ‘14, ‘15, ‘16” to represent my four national titles. The insoles have the outline of a husky to call out the UConn Huskies.What are your favorite design features of the Stewie 1?I love that it’s a lightweight low-top model. It’s built for all types of players and is a silhouette that can be rocked on and off the floor. The NITRO foam cushioning is also really comfortable and helps me play at my best.”I want to make sure that I’m continuing to show love to everybody that has helped me on this journey.”What’s something about the Stewie 1 that we may not know?The “Quiet Fire” was the first colorway that we released and it was originally going to be white. However, after thinking it over I realized that because it was the first iteration I wanted to make a statement and create something that popped at you which is why we landed on the neon green theme.All of your Stewie 1 colorways have represented you, whether it be an element of your game or a piece of your basketball legacy. Why is this important for you to incorporate?I want people to be able to understand my journey. If you look at the back of the shoe, you’ll see the two “scar” lines which nod to my achilles injury, a North Star on the rear which salutes my high school mascot and a shout out to Seattle with the “storm” icon since that was my former team., I want to make sure that I’m continuing to show love to everybody that has helped me on this journey.What was your reaction when you finally held a pair in-hand for the first time?All I could say was, “Wow!” There’s a lot of work that goes into creating a shoe, so to go through that process was an honor. I’m hands-on to a certain extent, but I’m not the person that’s actually building the sneaker. Designing through the pandemic also presented its own list of obstacles that we had to endure because of the supply chain issues and going through hundreds of 3D image samples. I was so excited to just hold that pair in-hand and see the year and some change that we put in to help bring it to life.What other WNBA players right now do you think deserve their own signature?That’s a tough question because there’s so many! Off the top of my head I’d say Sue Bird, Jonquel Jones, A’ja Wilson, Arike Ogunbowale and Sabrina Ionescu. They are players that are going to help propel the league forward, have huge followings and have their own stories to tell.Why are sneakers and their stories important to you?You can tell a lot about a person just by the shoes that they’re wearing. I try not to, but sometimes when I first meet someone, I’ll look at their shoes before I look at them just because it shows part of their personality, which brands they like and their style. And in terms of signatures, there are little gems that you can find that you might not have known otherwise about the player or the person.The PUMA Stewie 1 “Four Time” is slated to launch on March 17 for $120 USD.

There are more running shoes than ever before on the market in 2023. From sturdy stability models designed to help overpronators to ultra-cushioned models for runners who want a pillowy ride and record-breaking carbon fiber marathon shoes fast enough for even the most avid speed demons, it can be challenging to know which ones to choose. While finding the best pair of running shoes is both a personal quest, Hypebeast has shortlisted some of the most popular daily drivers in the field to help you select the best pair. Lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and let’s get started!Brooks Ghost 15The 15th generation of Brooks’ most-loved Ghost model is touted as “smooth, balanced, and better than ever” by the brand. Updated with a new DNA Loft v2 midsole, the cushioning is formulated with an optimal balance of rubber, air, and foam that feels plush yet firm on the feet. Outfitted with improved air mesh uppers, the Ghost 15 offers enhanced breathability, while the soft midsole and Segmented Crash Pad facilitate a smooth transition from landing to toe-off. Complete with high-arch support and shock absorption, the Ghost 15 is an excellent daily trainer running shoe for both beginners and seasoned marathoners.Price: $140 USDWhere to buy: BrooksNike ZoomX Invincible 3Integrated with ZoomX foam for the maximum level of underfoot comfort and impact absorption, the ZoomX Invincible 3 may be Nike’s most cushioned road-running shoe to date. Bouncy and plush, it’s capable of returning 80% of the energy from a runner’s stride to alleviate muscle strain, while also gently pushing its wearer forward with a subtle rocker mechanisim. When comparing the latest Zoomx Invincible with previous versions, its stripped-back heel counter now comes with improved stability and motion control, as well as an overall sleeker-looking silhouette. For those looking for a pair of very-cushioned shoes for easy strides and steady-paced recovery runs, the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 will meet all those requirements.Price: $180 USDWhere to buy: NikeON CloudmonsterOne of the most cushioned runners on this list, On Running’s Cloudmonster lives up to its name with a “monster” sole that provides maximum rebound and energy return. ON’s CloudTec is engineered for soft landings, which when paired with its rocker shape, can reinforce runners with forward momentum and powerful take-offs. Weighing 9.7oz, the Cloudmonster leans more on the lightweight side for stacked cushioned shoes. With its easy step-in, soft sockliner, and comfortable upper, the Cloudmonster also possesses durability, as well as temperature resistance for long-distance runs and high-impact workouts.Price: $170 USDWhere to buy: On RunningASICS GEL-Kayano 29ASICS describes the GEL-Kayano 29 as a shoe that provides “a stable and energized running experience” for overpronators. 29 models in, it’s still innovating, so its previous the plastic plates have been replaced with a firm LITETRUSS™ foam for stability, updated FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning, and overall improved breathability that comes a smoother midfoot to toe transition. With stability comes a little weight: the GEL-Kayano 29 weighs around 10.5 oz while its women’s counterpart clocks in at 9.5 oz. Although not the most suited for speedwork, these runners will suffice plenty for daily jogs and long-distance runs.Price: $160Where to buy: ASICSHOKA Clifton 9The ninth version of HOKA’s award-winning Clifton model now comes with added height and is 0.2 oz lighter than its preceding models. Because of the added height, the HOKA Clifton 9 is much more suited for roads and steady long-distance runs. It’s attired in a highly-breathable knit upper, which wraps around the fee tight, along with the padded and partially gusseted tongue to help minimize chafing and friction. As the fit leans more on the narrow side, HOKA offers the Clifton 9 in a regular width, as well as a wide fit to accommodate different foot shapes.Price: $145Where to buy: HOKASaucony Triumph 20Saucony’s Triumph 20 is the brand’s most popular neutral running shoe to date. Lightweight yet highly responsive, the PWRRUN+ cushioning is paired with an improved geometry that provides a “cloud-like” feel for feet during everyday jogs and long-distance runs. In addition, the Triumph 20 also implements a brand-new upper and lacing design that fits the feet like a glove with a non-slip and all-over plushness. Outfitted with a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, the stack height measures up to 27mm, offering a powerful boost to runs all the while reducing pressure and strain from the Achilles.Price: $160Where to buy: Sauconyadidas Ultraboost LightAlso known as the Ultraboost 23, these running shoes premiere a new BOOST cushioning system and are touted as the series’ lightest model to date as they weigh 30% less than their predecessors. Flexible with a fair amount of responsive bounceback, the Ultraboost Light incorporates a LEP (Linear Energy Push) propulsion system, highlighted as midsole built-ins, while the orange sections of the outsoles reinforce a firm, stable stride. The shoes come in a regular fit featuring a one-piece Primeknit+ textile upper, which securely wraps around the feet without slipping during those daily runs.Price: $190Where to buy: adidasNew Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12Described by New Balance as their best and most versatile running shoe, the Fresh Foam X 1080v12 is recommended for those who prefer a slightly more cushioned sole. It features a rocker silhouette that encourages an easy-to-roll-forward momentum, while a 34mm stack height absorbs most of the impact from the road. Fine-tuned with a comfortable and breathable second-skin-like fit, the shoe boasts a streamlined silhouette with its Hypoknit upper, which is paired with a not-so-plush, but still slightly padded tongue design. A little on the heavier side, the Fresh Foam X 1080v12 weighs around 10.3 oz but is built to withstand long-distance jogs, recovery runs, and logging in easy daily miles. It’s also great for wide feet with a sizing that runs large, along with regular and wide fit options available.Price: $160Where to buy: New BalanceALTRA Escalante 3The highly-anticipated update to ALTRA’a classic road-runner upholds the Escalante’s usual zero-drop, and rounded shoe-box design. In terms of fit, the Escalante 3 may feel a little stiffer in comparison to its preceding silhouettes. However, with the incorporated Balanced Cushioning™ and Altra EGO™ foam, the shoes demonstrate an overall balance between responsiveness and comfort. A subtle but handy update from the Escalante 2.5 is a newly added top eye hole, which seems insignificant at first, but is proven to be rather useful for runners who opt for marathon loop ties for extra secure footing, which is especially helpful for narrow feet as well. The tongue also comes in a more cushioned design, while the updated outsole reinforces durability. As a whole, the Escalante 3 is undoubtedly a versatile pair of runners that functions just as well off-the-road, as it does at the gym or throughout everyday activities.Price: $140 USD.Where to buy: AltraSalomon Aero GlideAlthough Salomon is better known for their trail running shoes, for the brand’s first official foray into crafting lightweight, daily road runners, the Aero Glide is actually a pretty worthy pair to make this list. It’s built with maximum cushioning in the form of a high stack midsole, where its Energy Foam keeps the feet plush with ample impact absorption. Attired in the brand’s signature rocker geometry with a soft padded tongue, and SensiFit™ upper, the Aero Glide ensures a smooth, firm ride and quick transition that keeps its wearers moving. Despite its chunky 37.4mm stack heel, the shoe isn’t clunky at all — weighing just under 9 oz, it’s a great pair of all-round running shoes for everyday runs.Price: $160Where to buy: SalomonOn the topic of shoes, check out the best footwear trends at Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2023.