This type of shoe is considered "jewelry" for the feet, making Gen Z especially fond of it.

If you’re in Tokyo, Onitsuka Tiger is a must-visit for Japan’s iconic sneakers . In the early 2020s, the brand’s Mexico 66 line became a staple of sneaker culture for many celebrities and young consumers.

In keeping with current tastes, Onitsuka Tiger launched the Mexico 66 SD Metallic Series earlier this year, featuring six bold and visually impactful versions. The project reimagines the iconic shoe for both men and women, with a metallic upper that has a modern aesthetic and a classic feel.

Previously, they won the hearts of consumers thanks to familiar metallic color combinations such as silver, gold or rose gold of both the Mexico 66 and Mexico 66 SD lines.

Highsnobiety magazine rated the Japanese brand's design as the most "infamous" silver shoe today. Because the shoe is like a buy 2 get 1 free package. The Mexico 66 is suitable for both the emerging trend of thin-soled shoes and the famous metallic shoe trend.

6 Mexico 66 SD Metallic Series remixes with strong visual effects, causing a fever earlier this year (Photo: Onitsuka Tiger).

Speaking about the metallic shoe trend, Vogue magazine commented: "We can always support the minimalist sneaker trend. For spring/summer 2025, silver sneakers are definitely the leader." And WhoWhatWear believes that metallics deserve a place on par with other neutral colors in the shoe closet of fashionistas .

Metallic shoes are quickly becoming a trend.

Metallic palettes have become popular in recent years, as fashionistas have experienced a Y2K resurgence. According to Federico Barassi, SSENSE’s vice president of men’s fashion buying, vintage sneakers and Y2K definitely go hand in hand. Plus, he says, fashion has a life cycle.

Specifically, Barassi said: "When you look at current Y2K fashion in general, it's the product of the younger generation - people discovering fashion trends for the first time. What is classic to us is completely new to them.

They never had a fashion moment with shiny metallic shoes. So fashion is going back to square one."

Metallic shoes combined with Y2K style are very popular among young people (Photo: @stevemadden).

Metallics and other shiny fabrics give off a futuristic or space-age feel. They've become a go-to material for everything from dresses to jeans. But what makes metallic shoes so popular is their ease of wear.

Gold, silver, and bronze can work with a variety of styles, colors, and patterns, while adding an element of surprise to a look. Metallics can also elevate even the most casual of outfits, creating a more fashionable look without going overboard.

Caroline Maguire - Senior Fashion Director at online shopping platform Shopbop - also believes that metallic sneakers are the main trend this year. Because this sneaker trend ensures both function and brings difference but is still flexible.

For example, if you need to go to an event but don’t want to wear heels, metallic shoes are the perfect alternative to make an impression. In recent seasons at fashion weeks, many photographers have captured the moment when fashionistas rocked silver sneakers on the streets.

Unlike regular sneakers, metallic shoes can be suitable for many different events (Photo: Edward Berthelot).

Luxury brands enter the game

Despite their Y2K roots, metallic sneakers are getting a new lease of life. Fashion names are releasing designs that don’t fit in with the 2000s silhouettes. Instead, modern sneakers are getting a metallic makeover.

In this "game", the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Metallic is not the only name that is popular. June 2023 witnessed the bold launch of the collaboration between adidas Samba x Wales Bonner in a sparkling silver colorway. Not long after, this shoe sold out and became one of the most sought-after sneakers of the year.

At the time, the Samba x Wales Bonner Silver retailed for $200 (over 5.1 million VND at the current exchange rate) and was resold for over 11 million VND. Two years later, the sneakers show no signs of cooling down as they are still being resold for $663 (nearly 17 million VND) on StockX.

If only counting the sales earlier this year on StockX, the Samba x Wales Bonner Silver was once "closed" at the highest price of 1,007 USD (more than 25.7 million VND).

Today, when talking about the metallic sneaker trend, magazines like Esquire or Highsnobiety still mention this unique combination. Recently, the German sports brand also introduced a shiny silver version with a broken effect of the Taekwondo line.

Not only Onitsuka Tiger, adidas or Puma also joined the metal shoe game (Photo: Grailed, @seoulslammanila, Stylerunner).

Puma recently attracted attention when introducing the ballet shoe version of the famous Speedcat design with 3 colorways. To keep up with modern trends, the company did not forget to add a silver color to this line.

"The ASICS Gel-Kayano line has always been at the forefront of this trend," says Jian DeLeon, Nordstrom's men's fashion director. "The metallic accents contrast with the breathable mesh upper, creating a streamlined aesthetic."

Jian DeLeon continues: "New Balance and Nike also brought back old silhouettes that fit the trend. Whether it's a sleek running shoe like the 1906 or a super-versatile shape like the Vomero, they're still popular in a variety of colorways that aren't necessarily metallic."

Recently, fashionistas have witnessed many collaborations between luxury fashion houses and shoe brands to launch eye-catching "metallic" versions (Photo: Miu Miu, Lyst, Nylon, Goat).

Federico Barassi shares that New Balance, Saucony, adidas, Nike and Salomon are the best-selling brands according to consumer demand today.

Not only sportswear brands, high-end fashion houses are also joining the metallic shoe game. Trendy choices from luxury brands include Miu Miu, Dries Van Noten, Louis Vuitton or Balenciaga...

Whether for comfort or style, metallic sneakers add a distinct touch to your wardrobe. They give young people the opportunity to carve out their own identity in the fashion world.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giai-tri/kieu-giay-duoc-vi-nhu-trang-suc-cho-chan-khien-gen-z-dac-biet-yeu-thich-20250327073306658.htm