Local sneaker brands that have gone unnoticed for nothing

Most often when we talk about sneakers, we mean big brands like Nike, adidas or New Balance. We see them everywhere, almost every second person has them. We decided that it is imperative to talk about other brands as well. For example, about local sneaker brands in Russia, which deserve no less attention.

Shoes on a rubber sole was already at the end of the XVIII century, however, it was impossible to determine where the left and where the right sneaker. Over time, interest in this type of shoe only increased. Years passed, to create shoes began to apply different technologies and try different materials. For example, in 1917, thanks to Marcus Converse began mass production of shoes with rubber soles and cloth uppers. Now we know these sneakers under the brand Converse All-Stars.

But let’s go back to Russia. Our days.

For Russia, the production of comfortable and stylish sneakers is not the easiest thing. There are not so many brands that do it as a mainstream business. Why is it difficult? Equipment is expensive, the manufacturing process consists of a large number of nuances and pitfalls, and there are very few real masters of their craft. All this forces business founders to choose something simpler to enter the market faster and be able to withstand any crisis. And what is the result? The shoes of those who did stay on the market are of good quality, because they spend more effort, energy and love on them. And it is about such brands that we want to tell you.

Eksis

A little-known Russian brand that produces sneakers with a rather classic appearance. It’s been in business since the early 2000s. The style is usually understated, but there are some bright accents. Eksis are suitable for walking, running, training and for every day.

“Volan”

“Volan” is a clothing and footwear brand nurtured by the aesthetics of sports. The creators sought inspiration from watching the game of badminton. “Volan” makes clothes and shoes in Russian factories in limited editions and focuses on bright and light sneakers, sports shorts, as well as windbreakers.

Each pair of sneakers, as the manufacturers claim, is handmade and meets the highest environmental standards, as only natural materials – rubber and cotton – are used for production.

Strobbs

Strobbs is an underrated sneaker brand that was born in 2012. It is headquartered in Moscow. The brand offers an extensive line of sporty and casual snickers. Some Strobbs models are a mix of unconventional solutions and avant-garde, but there are also classic-looking sneakers.

Sigma

Sigma is a manufacturer of sports shoes from Pskov. The brand was born in 2010. Now Sigma sneakers for children, women and men. It is worth noting that the brand has large sizes, up to 50th. There are sneakers for both sports and casual looks. Designs range from unflinching classics to interesting innovations.

Dynamo sneakers

“Dynamo”, in addition to a soccer club, a stadium and a car, is a St. Petersburg factory that has been producing shoes since 1962. Now the company produces teen, men’s and women’s snickers for sports and everyday life. In the design of sneakers prevail classics, restraint and conservatism. The slogan on the company’s website reads: “You don’t give up, they don’t give up”. And what else is needed for Russia? Shoes that are all-weather and unbreakable, don’t you think?

Afour Custom Footwear

As for the brands we talked about above, Afour is known to more people. It hails from St. Petersburg, Russia. It is a custom footwear brand with its own unique style, specific target audience and excellent tailoring quality.

Sneakers are the main line of the company, but not the only one. There are also brogues and boots. Natural leather as a guarantee of comfort and longevity of wear. The sole is an important factor, which is given special attention, because the manufacturer wants everyone to feel extremely comfortable in his shoes. And, by the way, the sole can be replaced at any time, if it suddenly becomes necessary.

“Two Balls.”

In our list there is one brand that can be called young, despite the fact that it originated back in the distant 60s of the last century. “Two balls” – sneakers in which Viktor Tsoi and Yuri Gagarin walked. Sneakers that became cult and that everyone forgot about at one moment. Only in 2013 the brand was relaunched anew.

Like the old “Two Ball” sneakers, the new ones are made in China, and the original technology of creation – hot boiler vulcanization – has been preserved. The sneakers use glueless fixing of the inner insole. As a result – maximum flexibility and a high level of comfort every day. In addition, this technology allows you to easily replace the insoles with new ones to adjust the size and fit. Orthopedic insoles are lighter and slightly softer than those used 50 years ago.

A durable 450 gram textile is used for the upper, and the laces are made of 100% cotton. The rubber logos are hand-colored.

And lastly

In modern times, sneakers are one of the main attributes of life. The rhythm and pace of big cities make it necessary to use comfortable, soft and protected shoes, so that you can have time to be at a party, in a museum or at work. It’s an option for socialization and familiarity because it’s so easy to approach someone with the question, “Friend! Your sneakers are awesome, what brand are they?”

Of course, the easiest buying option is the giant brands, but let’s not forget that everyone started small, like Marcus Converse for example.