Esquire Singapore brought sneaker enthusiasts and culture aficionados together for an intimate evening. Namely Dexter Tan and Jonathan Fong, the visionary founders of Sole Superior, who have been instrumental in shaping the region's sneaker landscape over the past decade.
Under the warm glow of Singapore EDITION’s comfortable salon, the duo shared candid anecdotes about their decade-long journey building Southeast Asia's most influential sneaker convention, spanning industry insights and the evolution of sneaker culture in Southeast Asia. Their storytelling not unlike a live podcast, with guests quietly seated around as servers offered a thoughtfully curated selection of savoury and sweet canapés.
Auchentoshan, the evening's distinguished spirits partner, elevated the experience with three bespoke cocktails keenly crafted to resonate with the sneakerhead crowd. The Auchen Three Wood stood out with its rich and smooth profile, showcasing the complexities of double sherry cask maturation.
In contrast, the Auchen Autonomy challenged traditional norms by delivering a fizzy reimagination of the classic old fashioned. This drink epitomises the spirit of being self-made—a philosophy that not only fueled Sole Superior’s rise to being Singapore’s first sneaker convention, but also mirrors Auchentoshan’s commitment to standing apart. As one of the few distilleries employing a triple distillation process (scotch whiskies are typically double distilled), Auchentoshan has forged a unique identity for itself, boldly reflected in the cocktail.
The crowd favourite, however, was the Auchen Tì—a name cleverly playing on the Gaelic word for "tea". With a perfect balance of oaky depth and fruity brightness, it’s no wonder why it’s been crowned the brand’s signature long serve. A cold drink in hand and tongues loosened by the Scottish whisky's signature smoothness, conversations came easily—touching on everything from rare releases to the future of sneaker conventions in Singapore.
As the evening progressed, the salon became a microcosm for what Sole Superior represents—a space to celebrate community, creativity, and the cultural appreciation of streetwear. Guests left not just with new connections, but with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and community fuelling the local sneaker scene.
Purchase the Auchentoshan Threewood here.
Singapore's first local sneaker con, Sole Superior, returns this Saturday and for its 11th showing, they are all about donning kicks and throwing fists. It's an all-out battle royale, where "battle" is the theme of the season.
While it's still a haven for sneakerheads and street culturists, the stage is set for Superior Sneaker Battle. Attire in your grails, put some fire in your feet as you compete with other hypebeasts in a live sneaker battle. There won't be any sneaker creasing (maybe!) but there will be some ego-bruising as Singapore’s first Superior Sneakerhead will be crowned.
There are other highlights at Sole Superior like a Sole Superior x Cumpler limited edition drop. Only 20 custom Teenie Weenie bags, handmade in Melbourne, will be available at the con. Your official Sole Superior t-shirt is courtesy of Cosmonauts and street artist, WD Willy; get inked (or just watch from the sidelines, you chicken) by a host of local talent curated by Alfrey Koh. From Persona to Love Sick Tattoo, attendees get to leave the con with something more permanent other than merch and memories.
And—my God—expect a yoyo showcase with Throw Revolution. Witness world champion Marcus Koh lead a live yoyo showdown. This is an open jio for anyone handy with a weight at the end of a string to join in and catch a masterclass in high-energy tricks and intricate moves.
You can't experience Sole Superior all dry-lipped and thirsty. A specially-created IPA crafted by Lion Brewery Co will be released at the con. Chug your pint in the shortest time possible for a free beer and be eligible to snag prizes and have your achievement posted up on the Legend Board. Aural pleasures will be provided by Loaded Provisions—a pop-up haven where guest DJs spin for all to chill and luxuriate.
Of course, there's the usual Community Marketplace for your streetwear and vintage finds from local vendors and SGD30,000 worth of prizes will be given away.
Sole Superior 2024 will be held on 16 November, at Foochow Building, near Jalan Besar, from noon to 10pm. Click here for tickets.
Like New Year's Eve for the doomsayers or Christmas for the consumerists; Air Max Day has arrived for the sneakerheads. Nike's annual celebration of the Air Max model that came out on 26 March, 1987, will be greeted with special drops. The brand has re-issued grails like the Air Max 90 Bacon but this year's we're looking at a brand new look: the Air Max Dn.
This model was borne out of the R&D look into a new Nike Air unit called "Dynamic Air". This unit is a dual-pressure tubes that give a reactive sensation with every step. Not only is the Air Max Dn imbued with new tech, it's also made out of, at least, 20% recycled content (from post-consumer and/or post-manufactured waste) by weight. The Air Max Dn will boast six colourways.
There are other models specially released for Air Max Day. Models like the Air Max 1 '86, this time the red accents give way to the royal blue ones.
As we look forward to more Air Max Days, let us take a walk down memory lane with a few classic favourites from our local sneakerheads.
"I was 16 when it dropped, and this was a unicorn. I was just gawping at it in Japanese magazines like BOON and Non-no. It was such a fresh, dope, futuristic-looking sneaker. Pity, I never had a chance to cop. If someone were to rock a pair at Far East Plaza on the weekend, it would probably break necks. At that time, I guess they would have gotten a pair from Hong Kong. Finally, I'd gotten my own retro pair in the late 2000s... but it crumbled way too fast. RIP."
"Not only were these a Japan exclusive; they were an eye-catching combination of faux fur that definitely [grab attention] if you wore them out."
"Inspired by the style lines of a water ripple effect and the hues of mountain bikes (which is usually in silver chrome), this iconic pair is extremely versatile to pair with. Whether it’s completing athleisure sporty looks or street style ensembles, the Air Max 97 is just the hyped-up finishing touch you need."
(Editor's note: Animation studio, Laika, is owned by Nike founder Phil Knight and his son, Travis, is Laika’s President and CEO. Limited-edition shoes based on Laika's first four films were made, many were given to friends and family. When Missing Link (Laika's fifth film) was released, the Susan was given a wider release, although, they were quickly sold out. A Friends and Family version was also created, this was even rarer.)
"I love the attention to detail and it was a beautiful way to see the animation translated onto the shoe. It definitely opened my eyes."
"I've followed Sean Wotherspoon on his Round Two journey on YouTube. From how his curation and passion led him to a successful street culture vintage store to working with Nike to getting a shoe to involving the community. And they created a shoe that made so much buzz around the entire world. It made me feel that if [Wotherspoon's] passion, curation and hard work can get him to where he is today, maybe I can as well."
"[This is just] a little reminder that some concepts can just be playful and fun for the sake of it."
"Stash pioneered the artist brand collaboration space. And, in some way, paved the way to allow someone like me to do what I can do today."
Many things happen in a decade. Alex Ferguson retired from Man U; China ended their One Child Policy; the Notre Dame Cathedral caught on fire; uh, remember Covid anyone? A lot can happen in 10 years but we're glad to see Jon Fong and Dexter Tan still organising their sneaker cons.
Called Sole Superior, this was the original sneaker con that met the needs of local sneakerheads. The passion project between Fong and Tan started appropriately enough when they were in the queue for a sneaker release and, this year, for its 10th anniversary, the duo celebrates their milestone with a sneaker con worthy of the occasion.
For one, Sole Superior breaks tradition by holding its con in Singapore's lore-ridden neighbourhood, Yishun. Specifically at the grounds of HomeTeamNS Khatib. The clubhouse's Grand Ballroom is a sprawling 1,014 square metre space that will house a menagerie of vendors and exclusives that fans can look forward to.
Exclusive SUPER10R 2023 Merchandise: Illustrator, Alex Lim will put his mark (design) on limited-edition Hydro Flask bottles and exclusive event tees (only 50 pieces up for grabs).
Sole Superior x Saint Barkley Collab: Do you like your suede kicks with scented tongues and possessing that peachy bravado? We got you covered. We posted about these Singapore-Indonesia sneakers but it bears repeating that will be available to 100 pairs out of the 500 made and will retail at SGD66.
Superior Kids’ Area and T-shirt Design Competition: Are you the sort to utter that your kid can do better than the abstract work by artists? Why not, have them design a t-shirt. Do it, you mouthy coward, I'll wait. Or if you're the nice parent, who believe that art is subjective and just want to let kids be, have your little ones embrace their inner artist with a t-shirt design competition. The top three designs will see production and sales in 2024.
Community Marketplace/ Indie Vendors: A plethora of fineries will be available. Punish those naughty peddlers with your money!
Celebrating one's 10th year isn't just a recognition of survival; it's an event. One that is supported by a thriving community of streetwear enthusiasts. Step once more into the breach. Return to a world where style, culture and community collide in the most superior fashion imaginable.
Sole Superior will be held this Saturday, 25 November at HomeTeamNS Khatib (2 Yishun Walk, Singapore 767944). The event will run from noon to 8pm. Tickets are now available.
How long does it take for a collaboration to manifest? Six months? A year? If you're like Sole Superior and Saint Barkley, the road to the end product can take up to four years. But it's worth the wait as the union borne out of mutual admiration for each other yields these limited-edition kicks.
Limited to 500 pairs, this collaboration caused quite a kerfuffle back in 2022. A sample pair was first introduced at Sole Superior last November and then at the Jakarta Sneaker Day in February 2023. It was during the latter when the samples were absconded from its display case.
But when life gives you lemons, you turn it into a marketing opportunity—Saint Barkley and Sole Superior offered a reward to anyone who turn in the stolen samples. In an IG post, Saint Barkley and Sole Superior extoll the sneaker thief for their "terrific taste" and chided their "terrible ethics". The samples were never recovered.
But what is it about the Sole Superior x Saint Barkley sneakers that made it so seductive that theft was its only recourse?
Well, taking inspiration from the 'Scratch N Sniff' stickers of the 1980s, the shoes sport bubblegum-scented tongues. These releases that contraband scent when your foot comes in contact with it. The upper is a peach /suede with light-reflective stitching. Adorned with Saint Barkley's signature volt green sole, the white vulcanised rubber midsole looks striking from the contrast. ensuring your sneakers and surroundings smell as fresh as they look. To top it all off, the sneakers come in a special clear window shoebox. Each purchase of the shoes will also get you three exclusive Saint Barkley x Sole Superior air fresheners.
Not only do you have a sneaker release, there's also the limited apparel capsule collection. A t-shirt, cap, and coach jacket—these items complement your new kicks. These are available in limited quantities as well.
Saint Barkley x Sole Superior limited kicks retails for SGD66. The collection drops today at Saint Barkley's physical store in Indonesia or if you're not based over there, you can purchase them online.
