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It’s no secret that the coveted K-Pop industry is sneaker obsessed.
The cultural phenomenon of South Korean pop music and the fashion industry go hand in hand, especially with the music subsection’s rise in popularity over the past few years. In fact, many famous faces in the industry, from BTS to Blackpink, have been tapped by some of fashion and footwear’s biggest names, breathing new life into these brands with youthful energy backed by loyal fanbases.
It should come as no surprise then that many K-Pop idols have long since served as fashion inspiration for fans and onlookers alike, siting their experimental wardrobes both on and off stage.
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What’s more? Many K-Pop stars have a pension for the latest and greatest sneaker styles, foraging their way into the music industry, laced up in the hottest styles possible. With this in mind, we’re rounding up some of your favorite K-Pop acts sneakers.
Sneakers K-Pop Idols Wear
BTS
Take members of the hit boy group BTS for example. Trailblazers in the K-Pop scene, the group are avid sneakerheads and can be found in a plethora of on-trend eye-catching styles for photo shoots and stage performances.
Members Suga, V & RM usually gravitate toward Balenciaga Speed Trainers, a classic silhouette for the brand, introduced back in 2016.
V has been spotted in a white Prada “Cassette” wheel and Celine high-top sneakers while member RM gravitates towards Nike styles in colorful hues like their Nike Sacai LDV Waffle Varsity Blue along with their ever-iconic Air Force 1 and Air Max sneakers.
J-Hope is known to wear sneakers from Puma and Yeezy. As a whole, the group boasts an impressive sneaker wardrobe that features the likes of Dior, Louis Vuitton Off-White, Sacai, Fear of God, Converse and Nike.
In 2018, the group even collaborated with Puma to create a “Basket” edition sneaker to highlight the brand’s classic Puma Basket style. With the release of the sneaker also came a campaign titled “Puma Basket Made By BTS” which featured each member decked out in Puma apparel and their very own sneaker collab.
NewJeans
NewJeans are newcomers in the K-Pop world, having only debuted in 2022 with their hit single “Attention.” Despite this, their sneaker style is already on point. The group favors a more experimental footwear style for music videos and live stages, with the inclusion of brands like Nike, Comme des Garcons, Salomon, Deisel, Clarks, Bape and Adidas.
Thus far, members have specifically been spotted in Nike Comme des Garcons Homme Plus x Air Foamposite One, Salomon XT-Wings 2 Nimbus Cloud Patina Green Violet, Nike Premiere Comme des Garcons Sail and Adidas Japan x Wales Bonner in cream.
NewJeans has also featured in a campaign for Nike Korea’s Air Max sneakers centered around the theme of “timeless icons.” The campaign showcased some of the brand’s sneaker styles paired with colorful and kitschy fashions.
Blackpink
The girl group on everyone’s radar, Blackpink has been taking the music industry by storm. Beyond their epic stint at Coachella this year and their brand ambassadorship with the likes of Chanel and Saint Laurent, the “Pink Venom” singers tend to lace up the likes of Converse, Alexander Wang x Adidas, Adidas, Valentino, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga and Christian Louboutin.
Additionally, the “How You Like That” performers recently starred in Adidas’ “Home of Classics” campaign which saw each member clad in a plethora of Adidas wears including their Adidas Superstar, Campus 00s and Forum styles.
Twice
Consisting of nine members, Twice has shot to superstardom in the last few years, making waves in both the fashion and music industries. The multifaceted girl group takes its sneaker game very seriously, heavily pulling from athleisure and streetwear aesthetics over the years.
As a whole, Twice can often be found clad in the likes of Nike, Onitsuka Tiger, Vans, Adidas and Converse worn for the occasional dance practice or live stage. Recently, lead vocalist Naeyon was spotted wearing white Adidas x Stan Smith kicks while Mina, the group’s sub-vocalist and main dancer, stepped out in Converse Chuck Taylor All Star CX in white. Whatever the style, each member keeps it casual while playing with whimsical prints and wild hues.
EXO
Giants in the world of K-Pop, Exo has paved their way in music and fashion since their debut in 2012. Backed by the likes of Burberry, Calvin Klein, Cartier and Dior, it’s no surprise their sneaker style, whether collectively or apart, is on point. A self-proclaimed sneakerhead, Exo’s leader Suho has an impressive collection of more than 500 pairs of shoes. Some of the singer’s favorites from that collection include Nike’s Jordan and Dunk styles, Converse and Asics.
Dubbed “the world’s best dressed K-Pop star” by GQ, Exo’s Kai is no stranger to the world of sneakers. The main dancer and resident fashionista of the group can often be found wearing Vans, Converse, Asics, Gucci, Rick Owens and New Balance among other styles. Most notably, the “Rover” singer is Gucci’s brand ambassador and has been for some time now. Because of this, he regularly wears the Italian brand’s extensive range of footwear.
PHOTOS: See how K-Pop stars have taken over Fashion Week.
About the Author:
Amina Ayoud is an Assistant Digital Editor for Footwear News, where she writes stories about everything from celebrity style to breaking fashion and shoe releases. Ayoud cultivated a love of all things fashion early in life thanks to a deep love of fashion history and the luxury industry. In her free time, Ayoud is a self-proclaimed fashion nerd and thriftaholic.
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