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8 Of The World's Most Coveted Pairs Of Trainers

Sneakerhead objects of desire that may just end up on a plinth one day

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Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

In the strange and esoteric world of 'sneakerheads', there are certain styles that are revered and cherished above all others; that cause men to queue for hours in the rain and crash websites with their desperate, hungry clicks.

The fetishisation of the sneaker is reaching the point where actually subjecting them to the horrors outside their box (or the horrors of your feet) is going to become unthinkable. Like wine or Star Wars toys, they will be lovingly preserved for the benefit of future generations.

With that in mind, here are eight pairs that may one day end up on a plinth in a museum rather than worn on the street, cultural artefacts from the Age of the Sneaker.

1

Adidas Yeezy Boost 350

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Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

The most Marmitey of men, Kanye West is rarely anything other than a genius or an idiot depending upon who you ask. But what you can't deny is the enduring and fervent popularity of his collaboration with Adidas.

The Yeezy Boost is the flagship of the collection and the current most-wanted on many an enthusiast's list, selling out instantly each and every time they grace stores and websites.

They retail for £150, but can go for anything north of £600, which just goes to show the power of Adidas and Kanye's hype machine.

2

Common Projects Achilles Low

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Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

You either get Common Projects, or you don't. On the surface they're just another pair of nondescript retro tennis shoes, but for those who care they're the king of minimalism, with all other white trainers deigned little more than pretenders.

They might cost a great deal more than other comparable styles, but a glance down at that iconic gold code etched onto the heel will mark you out as man in the know.

3

Adidas x Raf Simons Ozweego 2

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Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

Probably the most coveted of Adidas' designer collaborations, the Raf Simons Ozweego first landed in 2013 and has since become a sought after style for those who love the 90s (who doesn't?) and difficult to find trainers.

Again, they sell out fast, but so far their popularity has meant that a re-release is regularly on the cards; the last one coming in March.

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4

Hender Scheme Manual Industrial Products 01

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Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

Hailing from Japan, a country that knows a thing or three about attention to detail and craftsmanship, Hender Scheme are a strange and elusive label, having only recently caught people's attention with their washed out takes on classic designs by other brands; including Nike, Reebok and Adidas.

They will set you back at least £700, so it's a very brave or wealthy man indeed who ventures out into rainy London sporting a pair.

5

Nike Air MAG

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Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

Probably the most recognisable pair of trainers to ever grace the silver screen, the Air MAGs were Nike's 1985 vision of 2015, complete with flashing sole and self-tying 'power laces'.

For decades fans of Back To The Future and Nike have dreamt of an actual release, a call which was finally answered in October 2015, with Nike announcing that they were going to be releasing a limited run of MAGs - complete with power laces - in aid of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

The good news is that all proceeds will go to charity, the bad news is that it's unlikely you'll ever own them, as each pair is going to be sold strictly via auction.

6

Rick Owens + Adidas Ro Run

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Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

Rick Owens is the kind of designer that looks good on other people, his designs gothic, drapey and pretty daring; so you're going to need to be erring on the brave side to dip your toe into his current collaboration with Adidas.

The Ro Runs are Owens' typically over-exaggerated take on a running silhouette. A style that we could definitely see showing up in a future V&A exhibition.

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7

Reebok Alien Stomper

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Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

Another big name pair from the world of cinema, the Reebok Alien Stompers were first donned by Sigourney Weaver in James Cameron's 1986 film Aliens, where they gained instant cult status amongst sci-fi sneaker fans.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the film, Reebok have recently re-released the Stompers ...they sold out in minutes. We guess there's always eBay?

8

Nike Air Jordan 1

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Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

The trainer that sparked a thousand scraps outside American malls, the Nike Air Jordan was, funnily enough, Michael Jordan's first ever signature shoe; one that is most sacred in the subculture of trainers and streetwear.

Hardly ever seeing the light of day, the Air Jordan 1 in its original red and white colourway is rare and mercurial beast, but there are - very occasionally - re-releases announced through Nike's website.

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