The return of the 00s has brought back some of its most celebrated trends, including the denim total look, baby tees, and wide leg pants. Few, however, anticipated the comeback of a product that was never on the trend list: technical running shoes.
Running shoes in the early 2000s displayed an unabashed interest in visible technology, with silver accents and designs that combined different materials in novel ways. But, as a technical product, it seemed destined only for runners; no one expected it to become a trend.
New generations have realized that if people cannot be defined by a single label, their modes of expression must also be multidimensional, fluid, and even contradictory. Asics Gel Kayano 14, Nike Zoom Vomero 5, Asics Gel 1130, Mizuno Wave Rider 10 or Salomon ACS Pro have taken a place among the current trends in an unexpected move for the original users. So much so that luxury brands have attempted to enter a previously unknown world.
Inspired by a style, rather than a history, New Balance has recreated lines from the 00’s with new models such as 2002R or 1906R and extended its range to the early 90’s with the 530. Inspiration came from Nike (Zoom Air Fire, P-6000), Asics (Gel NYC), Puma (Velophasis), adidas (Orketro, Astir). The Y2K returns from the most technical running and combined with current and past trends, as if they do not belong to any time period. Since you’re already willing to break laws, time is just another one.
