With exclusive releases and collaborations, ComplexCon once again showcased some of the most sought-after sneakers.
This weekend, ComplexCon took over Los Angeles for a new edition focused on sneakers. For two days, brands, designers, artists, and enthusiasts gathered in one place to discover the projects that will shape the coming months. Since its inception in 2016, the event organized by Complex has become a must-attend gathering. And for this tenth edition, brands didn’t miss the chance to shine.
If there’s one silhouette that doesn’t need to prove itself, it’s the Nike Air Force 1. Forty-four years after its debut, the icon created by Bruce Kilgore continues to stand the test of time. For this new edition of ComplexCon, the Swoosh made sure to bring it back to the forefront. Headlining: Victor Victor. The label of Steven Victor took advantage of the California event to launch a new Nike Air Force 1 Low. The sneaker was offered in limited quantity over the weekend and quickly became one of the most sought-after releases.
But the surprise came from Lil Yachty. After strengthening his ties with Nike in recent years, the Atlanta rapper used ComplexCon to continue the story of Concrete Boys, with not one, but two Air Force 1 Mid. The first was released in a limited run of 1000 pairs over the weekend. Crocodile-style leather. Black accents. No doubt, Lil Yachty continues to assert his collective's identity on the 1982 icon. But that’s not all. A second pink and black version was spotted on the rapper's feet. This one was reportedly produced in only two pairs, both reserved for the artist. This confirms that the story between Concrete Boy and the Swoosh is far from over.
Photo credits: @sneakerdenn (Instagram) and @mr_stash (Instagram)
Stash and LAAMS also took on the Air Force 1 with a limited edition of only 50 pairs. This collaboration is significant given Stash's relationship with the Swoosh. A key figure in New York graffiti, the artist has been collaborating with Nike since the 2000s and has contributed to some of the most notable creations of that era. More than twenty years after his first projects with the brand, Stash continues to use Nike silhouettes as a canvas in their own right.
The brand with the three stripes is gearing up for what's next
On the adidas side, ComplexCon also gave us a glimpse of the brand's upcoming projects. The German label took advantage of the event to provide a first look at what will energize its catalog in the coming months. After introducing the Adistar Jellyfish, Pharrell Williams continues to expand his lineup with the arrival of a new gray silhouette called "Storm". Darker than the earlier versions, the Jellyfish continues to draw from the running heritage of the 2000s while maintaining Pharrell's exaggerated proportions. Offered as a preview at ComplexCon, the sneaker is now set for a wider release on October 24.
Photo credits: adidas
If there's one label that keeps making waves, it's Hellstar. The California-based brand took the opportunity at the event to showcase its own adidas Megaride S2. After several years of developing its textile universe, Hellstar is continuing its collaboration with the three stripes by tackling a silhouette directly from adidas' running archives. The collaboration had its first drop at ComplexCon before a broader release.
Photo credits: @complexsneakers (Instagram)
Sp5der also drew from the brand's catalog, but with a different silhouette: the F50 Formotion. Directly inspired by adidas' football archives, this sneaker captures the football and futuristic vibe of the model while injecting the label's unique codes.
Vans and Reebok Bet on Their Classics
It's hard to get more classic than a Vans Era. Born in the 70s and now inseparable from skate culture, this silhouette has stood the test of time without really changing its formula. Yet, it only took one collaboration to make it one of the most sought-after sneakers at ComplexCon. Satoshi Nakamoto and Vans took advantage of the event to unveil a navy edition of their Era 59 Distressed “Black”, exclusively for the California gathering. Due to the overwhelming crowd, the booth even had to temporarily close its doors.
Photo credits: @satoshinakamoto._ (Instagram)
Just a few steps away, Imran Potato had a much less traditional vision of Vans. Known for subverting norms and playing with popular references, the designer took on two pillars of the brand: the Authentic 44 and the Old Skool. The result? A pack that definitely stands out. The collection takes the creator's codes and applies them to two of Vans' most recognizable silhouettes.
Photo credits: @imran_potato (Instagram) and @sneakerdenn (Instagram)
Vans isn't the only brand diving back into its catalog. Reebok took the opportunity at ComplexCon to tap into its archives. With BBC Ice Cream, the brand continues the comeback of the Board Flip, a silhouette that’s synonymous with the 2000s and the universe created back then by Pharrell Williams. The two partners developed a new version called “Beer”, directly inspired by Japanese beer cans. But as often happens during this edition, the uniqueness of the project lies mainly in its rarity. The silver version was limited to just 500 pairs, while a second golden design was reportedly produced in only 25 units, with some available through a raffle during the event.