How much are you willing to spend on a pair of designer sneakers? Prada and adidas, through its adidas x Prada will launch the second part of their collaboration Tuesday, September 8, in the form of a “Superstar” sneaker in three colours, priced at US$500/ €449.95.
A substantial budget that represents more than the monthly minimum wage in Malaysia. Is the pair of shoes really worth it? We bring you the lowdown on this collaboration that should once again be flying off the shelves like hotcakes.
Sneaker addicts are expected to rush to the adidas e-shop on which the new Prada Superstar will be available. A luxury version of the sneaker, launched in 1969, is expected to create a buzz despite its elevated price compared to the usual price for the famous model. The shoe sells for an average of around RM400, even for the sustainable version of the sneaker by the three-stripe brand.
Rarity, exclusivity and designer label: a concoction designed to sell
At first glance, the aesthetics of this adidas x Prada Superstar don’t seem to justify the price. There are no drawings or graffiti signed by a famous artist, no innovative approaches, not even an original design that would open a new chapter in the history of the model, which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary. Instead, the new range consists of three minimalist pairs, available in black, black and white, or metallic silver and white, which simply bear the inscription “Prada – Made in Italy.”
Four words that will undoubtedly make this pair one of the most coveted as soon as it comes out. Because do you know how much Prada sneakers cost? Between US$650 for a pair in cotton canvas and US$920 for a futuristic model, according to the luxury house’s e-shop. So this Prada Superstar sneaker is a real bargain for fans of the genre. Especially since the fruit of the first collaboration between the two brands – a pair of Superstars and a bowling bag – was a limited edition with 700 available at the price of US$3170… The model (the shoe alone) is now much more expensive on resale platforms such as Stockx.com. This second chapter therefore seems much more accessible.
Spotlight on craftsmanship
The collaboration of adidas with a house like Prada is not enough in itself to justify the price of these sneakers. The Prada Superstar was designed by Prada shoe manufacturers in Italy using much higher-end materials than those usually used for the famous sneaker. The new version features calfskin leather and a lightweight rubber sole with reinforced seams. Last but not least, the phrase “Made in Italy” has been hot-printed, testifying to the craftsmanship of the artisans involved in the development of this model and its price, US$500, which will likely not deter sneaker lovers from snapping up a pair all over the world.
This article was published via AFP Relaxnews.
