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8 Lesser-known Sneaker Brands You Should Add To Your Shoe Rack 2024

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8 Lesser-known Sneaker Brands You Should Add To Your Shoe Rack 2024

Wherever you are right now, take a quick look around at people’s footwear.Most people would be sporting either Nike or Adidas shoes.You might also see pairs of Converse, Reebok, and Puma scattered here and there.However, sometimes all a sneakerhead wants is a pair of reliable and good-looking shoes to wear.Thankfully, there are plenty of under-the-radar footwear brands out there.Their unique styles, bold use of color, and innovative designs are at the forefront of footwear.These brands deserve equal attention for their exceptional designs, impeccable craftsmanship, and noteworthy contributions to sneaker culture.For this article,I'm going to be focusing specifically on the lesser-known sneaker brands.Below are 8 that you can check out and add to your shoe rack..

Cover Photo:pexels.com cottonbro studio

1. Veja

Veja is a French footwear and accessories brand. In Brazil, it also goes by the name of Vert. Paris-based Veja was founded in 2004 and launched its first sneaker in 2005. Since 2005,Veja has been creating sneakers in a different way, mixing social projects, economic justice, and ecological materials.Now,Veja is sold in 50 countries, producing 2 million shoes per year.

Veja takes pride in its materials.They use Brazilian and Peruvian organic cotton for the canvas and laces, Amazonian rubber for the soles, and various innovative materials made from recycled plastic bottles or recycled polyester.All of their sneakers are produced in high-standard factories in Brazil and Portugal.And you’d think that with all that, their kicks would be too expensive, but they’re actually not! You could say that the Veja sneakers’ prices fall within the range of your favorite Nike or Adidas kicks. So if you’re looking for vegan alternatives to your kicks, this is your queue!

Source:Veja Facebook

Veja sneakers have been a wardrobe staple amongst the fashion set for a while now. It has the sleek white design or the iconic "V" logo stitched on the side and comes in every color from basic black to neon yellow. With the minimalist aesthetic, effortless French je ne sais quoi, they're both subtle and eye-catching and can instantly elevate even the most casual of outfits.

Veja Sneakers Prices: Most new Veja sneakers range in price from $105 to $270, and price can range a bit among retailers.

Where to Buy Veja Sneakers?

Veja official website
MONNIER PARIS
Nordstrom
Shopbop(up to 2% super cash back)
ASOS UK(up to 3% super cash back)

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2. Axel Arigato

Founded in 2014, as a direct-to-consumer brand, Axel Arigato has physical stores in six countries across Europe and UAE and is present online in 134 territories worldwide. Harnessing the energy of the next generation through a multi directional lens, Axel Arigato exists to be a positive platform for all.Each Axel Arigato store has a full calendar of events and pop-ups throughout the year – including pop-ups, album signings, magazine launches and music events – to bring together cultural elements relevant to the Axel Arigato customer and give back to the local communities by supporting its young creatives.

Renowned for designing some of the best white sneakers for men and women, Axel Arigato is known for its clean kicks and classy craftsmanship. Marrying Japanese detailing with Scandi simplicity, the brand’s minimalist sneakers hit the elusive sweet spot between bold and basic. The fusion of two fashion frontiers (Japan and Scandinavia) that are meticulous in their artisanal techniques, Axel Arigato pursues nothing short of perfection in its clean-cut craftsmanship. Handmade in Portugal, every stitch is impeccable, and every detail is perfectly placed.

Source:Axel Arigato Facebook

What Axel Arigato does differently is the frequency at which it releases new shoes. The brand’s weekly drops schedule keeps its shoppers coming back for all of its eye-catching shapes and colorways. Many Axel Arigato sneakers prioritize both style and sustainability.

Axel Arigato Sneakers Prices: The Axel Arigato Sneaker ranges between $285 and $445, depending on the color and detailing.

Where to Buy Axel Arigato Sneakers?

Axel Arigato official webiste
SSENSE(up to 7% super cash back)
FARFETCH USA(up to 2% super cash back)
End Clothing(up to 5% super cash back)

3. Cariuma

The brand’s name is derived from the Portuguese word “Cariuma,” which simply means pine needle.Launched in 2018, Cariuma is a relative newcomer that’s making big waves in the sneaker world. The brand creates a well-developed core line of shoes (no “new drops” weekly) using materials like certified organic cotton, OEKO-TEX certified bamboo, and plastics that meet the Global Recycled Standard.They have more than ten different styles of shoes, and with Cariuma, the goal was to make shoes that would become classics in the future.Each pair of Cariuma shoes is made to last and have a low impact. The brand is always changing its methods and products to make them better for the environment and its customers.

Source:Cariuma Facebook

The Cariuma shoes have quickly become a favorite in people’s wardrobes due to their high level of comfort provided by premium leather upper, recycled mesh lining, and ventilated cork insole. Moreover, these sneakers include a distinctive insole that is incredibly soft and robust, which also provides moderate arch support.

Most of their styles are designed for streetwear, which means that they are good for walking, standing, traveling, and other everyday activities, but not for intense exercise or sports.

Cariuma Sneakers Prices: Cariuma shoes range from $79 to $160, depending on the design and model.

Where to Buy Cariuma Sneakers?

Cariuma official website(up to 7% super cash back)
FARFETCH USA(up to 2% super cash back)

4. SWEAR London

If you are looking for a futuristic brand that gives you exclusive made-to-wear sneakers, then SWEAR London is your place to go.SWEAR London was founded in 1997, establishing itself as a cult UK footwear brand, reflecting the dynamic and vibrant London culture and music scene. The brand stands for individuality and self-expression, as the core of its design ethos, yet at the same time embodying universal inclusiveness.

Since 2018, SWEAR London has decided to revive its archive pieces back from the 90s, in order to continue the heritage of that crazy era. Chucky, unique soles have been revived, with a modern twist of the uppers.Its designs are literally the opposite of sleek, minimalistic, and simple.

Source:swear-london.com

SWEAR London is an exclusively made-to-order brand, operating on a made-to-order principle.They can choose from thousands of options, from style combinations to endless colorways. Every piece produced is purchase-activated,so unsold sneakers don’t wind up wasted in a landfill.

In addition to being a made-to-order brand, SWEAR London is also a place that focuses on sustainability, striving to always contribute to environmental goals. It takes roughly five weeks to have a sneaker made from SWEAR London, but the wait is worth it.

SWEAR London Sneakers Prices: SWEAR London footwear range from $155,50 to $259,17, depending on the design.

Where to Buy SWEAR London Sneakers?

SWEAR London official website
FARFETCH USA(up to 2% super cash back)
Wolf & Badger(up to 3% super cash back)

5. ZESPÀ

Founded in 2009, ZESPÀ have quickly earned themselves a reputation for quality and comfort.With initial ambitions of reimagining the humble espadrille, the brand branched out into making classic sneakers from the finest materials they could get their hands on. More than a decade on and ZESPÀ are really proving their worth, all with that nuanced South-of-France chic that comes so easily to them.

ZESPÀ is a high-end contemporary brand with colors and patterns that draw inspiration from their Mediterranean origins. ZESPÀ uses noble ingredients that are long lasting.And although the brand’s chic sneakers got the best of qualities, their uniqueness lies in their minimalist aesthetic. Not only this, but this brand has also collaborated with famous designers like Tsumori Chisato and Guillaume Henry. And so that you don’t get surprised, this brand’s kicks are a lil pricey, but they’re definitely worth every penny spent!

Source:ZESPÀ Facebook

ZESPÀ Sneakers Prices: The ZESPÀ Sneakers range from €175 to €200.

Where to Buy ZESPÀ Sneakers?

6. ARKK Copenhagen

ARKK Copenhagen was born on a summer night in 2014, when two lifelong friends Thomas Refdahl and Kasper Høj Rasmussen (fuelled by a few gin and tonics), decided to go all in on a big idea—to create a sneaker that would be comfortable, functional and designed in a way that embodied the Scandinavian simplistic tradition for design. 18 months (and a lot of sleepless nights) later, the first ARKK sneaker—the Raven—debuted and then promptly sold out.

ARKK Copenhagen is one of the most underrated sneaker brands. The designs are minimalistic yet beautiful and have almost the same value as Jordans and Nike or Adidas kicks. Whether you’re into lifestyle or functional kicks, you’ll find something for you!

Source:ARKK Copenhagen Facebook

ARKK’s futuristic trainers may look like they came through a tear in the fabric of spacetime from the year 3000, but they’re actually just from Denmark. The brand has done the unthinkable in fusing that stripped-back Scandi aesthetic with a hearty dose of futuristic styling.

It not only focuses on delivering style but also functionality and the best comfort level. And the best part is that by buying a pair of ARKK kicks, you’ll be getting yourself customized handcrafted shoes!

ARKK Copenhagen Sneakers Prices: €66 to €200

Where to Buy ARKK Copenhagen Sneakers?

7. Thousand Fell

If you’re on the hunt for stainproof, vegan, versatile sneakers, look no further than Thousand Fell. Founded in 2018, Thousand Fell was created to bring fashion full circle. The brand is headquartered in NYC. Though the shoes are designed there, they are produced in Brazil.

The brand as a whole practices sustainability from recycling products to packaging, to even ensuring materials from sneakers to stickers all align with that of a sustainable brand.Perhaps the most unique part about Thousand Fell is its recycling program, which allows you to send your well-worn sneakers back to the brand for recycling. You even get rewards for participating when you pledge to recycle your shoes upon purchase with a $20 deposit and join the SuperCircle initiative. After you’ve sent your beat-up kicks to Thousand Fell, you’ll gain back that $20 credit to put towards a fresh pair. There’s even a feature that lets you track your pair’s progress in the recycling journey.

Source:Thousand Fell Facebook

Thousand Fell touts that they are made to withstand wear an be stain resistant. They also clame to be breathable and oder resistant due to an aloe vera liner that wicks away heat The shoes have a quartz finish that naturally make it scuff proof and water resistant too.

Thousand Fell Sneakers Prices: Thousand Fell sneakers currently range from $120 - $130.Worth the price in my books, especially since when you turn them back into TF to recycle, they give you $20 to use towards your next pair.

Where to Buy Thousand Fell Sneakers?

Thousand Fell official website
Zappos(up to 3% super cash back)
Amour Vert(up to 5% super cash back)

8. Spalwart

Spalwart is a Swedish sneaker brand created in 2010 by Christoffer Brattin and Fredrik Johansson. Spalwart sneakers are handmade from vintage molds from the 50s / 70s.The retro styling and distinctly wabi-sabi aesthetic has seen Spalwart become a favourite among fashion insiders, including Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons.

Chancing upon vintage shoe molds and long-forgotten 1950s-era machinery while visiting an old Slovakian shoe factory, Spalwart cofounders Christoffer Brattin and Fredrik Johansson set out to establish their own footwear brand. Committed to carrying on the rich heritage and history of shoemaking, the pair resurrect these original molds and implement traditional techniques in their range of casual high-tops, low-tops, and athletic sneakers.Their sneakers are comfortable, versatile, and I can wear them with almost any casual outfit. With production principles founded on authentic craftsmanship and ongoing product development, Spalwart continues to manufacture its goods in original factories across Europe.

Source:Spalwart Facebook

Therefore, if you are looking for new, fashionable sneakers and are willing to splurge, Spalwart shoes are the way to go for shoes that will make you look good and will last for a very long time.

Spalwart Sneakers Prices: $141 to $563

Where to Buy Spalwart Sneakers?