How much are you willing to spend on a pair of designer sneakers?
Prada and Adidas will launch the second part of their collaboration on Tuesday, Sept. 8, in the form of a “Superstar” sneaker in three colors, priced at $500 or around 449 euros (approx. P24,200) a pair.
It’s a substantial budget that represents more than half of the average weekly salary in the United States. 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-store Tuesday, where the new Prada Superstar will be available. The iconic Adidas Superstar, which was first launched in 1969, usually sell for an average of $100 (or approx. P4,800), which rings the same for its sustainable version. Now, its luxury version is expected to create buzz despite its elevated price.
Rarity, exclusivity and designer label: A concoction designed to sell
At first glance, the aesthetics of the Prada Superstar do not 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.
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”. These four words alone, however, could undoubtedly make this pair one of the most coveted as soon as it comes out.
How much do Prada sneakers normally cost? According to the luxury house’s e-store, they run between $650 (or approx. P31,500) for a pair in cotton canvas and $920 (or approx. P44,600) for a futuristic model. This Prada Superstar sneaker, thus, may seem like a real bargain for fans of the luxury fashion brand.
The fruit of the first collaboration between the two brands — a pair of Superstars and a bowling bag — was a limited edition. Only 700 were made available and were sold at the price of $3170 (or approx. P153,900). The shoe alone from the first collaboration is now much more expensive on resale platforms such as Stockx.com. This second collaboration, therefore, seems much more accessible.
Spotlight on craftsmanship
The collaboration of Adidas with a fashion powerhouse 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 top-of-the-line materials, which, some may argue, may be of more high-end quality than those usually used for the famous sneaker.
The new version features calfskin leather and a lightweight rubber sole with reinforced seams. Lastly, the phrase “Made in Italy” is hot-printed on the sneaker, which testifies to the craftsmanship of the artisans involved in its development. Its steep price, it seems, may not be enough to deter sneaker lovers all over the world from snapping up a pair. CC
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