Sustainable Sneakers by ALOHAS

If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, it helps to know they’re best known for their on-demand system. Unlike traditional sales models that heavily discount overproduced, unwanted products at the end of the season, ALOHAS uses an early-bird model to incentivise customers to help regulate stock levels. Depending on the specific item, you could receive up to 30% off.

• On-demand: new collections launched at 30% off

• Pre-order: production begins, discount drops to 15%

• In stock: items in stock and can be received within 24-48 hours

ALOHAS also works with handpicked suppliers under the Leather Working Group, which guarantees third-party assessment of the leather supply chain with certified sustainable materials that reduce the environmental impact of leather goods. And being proudly Spanish, their shoes are crafted locally between Spain and Portugal to minimise the carbon footprint.

ALOHAS tb.490 Sneakers

Price: US$190 (on-demand styles starting at US$144.50)

Material: Cow leather with rubber outsole

Heel height: 2cm

Sizing: Fit TTS, I wear EU 38 / US 7.5

Origin: Designed in Barcelona and made in Portugal

Retro slim sneakers have been enjoying the spotlight for a while now. If you’re a fan of the Adidas Samba or Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 but don’t enjoy wearing the same shoes as everyone else on the street, the ALOHAS tb.490 are the perfect sneakers to try.

They are a nod to traditional track shoes, with a low-top silhouette set on flat rubber soles and classic features such as contrast heel tabs, exposed stitching, subtle perforation and logo stamps. The silver version is made entirely in silver leather with a patent sheen, which feels just as luxurious as it looks.

The issue with slim sneakers is that sometimes they pinch uncomfortably around the sides, even though I don’t have wide feet. The tb.490 has a roomier toe box than it looks, and the sole flexes comfortably. Even though the patent leather may require a little more breaking in than your usual sneaker, it eases up gently without chafing or blistering.

The tb.490 comes in 20+ gorgeous colourways, too–I’m already eyeing up the suede in rich jewel tones for the autumn and winter seasons. Aside from the classic black and white, beige, and navy styles, there is also crochet detailing (absolutely trending with girly grosgrain ribbons at the moment), a long tongue version reminiscent of football shoes, and even bold animal prints. Truly, there is something for everyone.

Styling Silver Sneakers

Well, that sounded like a mouthful.

Sporty vibes have taken over my wardrobe since the work-from-home era, and the metallic trend from 2023 is still popping up everywhere. Silver can be daunting at times (especially when I have warm skin undertones and gravitate towards golden hues), but one of the most casual ways to incorporate it into your looks is with a silver sneaker that can be dressed down instantly to juxtapose the glamour of the shine.

My favourite everyday way to style them this summer is with a light palette of blues and heather greys. Colour sandwiching never fails: these colours effortlessly bring out the cool hue of the silver without overpowering it; just stick with two or three shades to keep the outfit from looking too busy. They’ll also look adorable paired with bike shorts and Miu Miu-style grey socks for a preppy look.

For a more it-girl look, I swapped out everything for a monochrome black layer. A similar column of colour in navy blue or dark grey would also work, as the dark base makes the silver pop and draws your attention downwards. If you’re worried that the outfit might get too flashy, wide full-length pants are a neat trick to toning down the metallic glint. I went with a chunky silver necklace and accessories with silver hardware to sandwich the look and keep it cohesive.

I’m finally getting comfortable with the metallic trend, and the tb.490 has filled a lovely gap in my wardrobe as a dressier alternative to my usual plain whites. I love the ease with which you can dress these up or down despite their high-impact, edgy look.

The products featured in these images are PR products from the ALOHAS team. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission when you click the links and make a purchase.

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