When I first laid eyes on Margiela's Future Destroyed High-Tops, I immediately murmured, "What the . . . ?!" I mean, these sneakers look like they've been through the garbage disposal once or, I don't know, 12 times. They've been pulled apart, poked and prodded at, and the leather has been shaved away. But don't worry, because these guys have been resecured with plenty o' staples. Do you know what else has been slapped onto these shoes? A whopping $1,425 price tag. NBD.
But here's the thing: just as the current Met Gala exhibit — which focuses on Rei Kawakubo [1]'s extremely avant-garde pieces pieces for Comme des Garcons [2] — has spotlighted the topic of fashion as art, some might consider these shoes a prized possession based on their intricacies alone. After all, Belgian designer Maison Margiela has been known to challenge the definition of typical silhouettes and produce apparel that's not so much "ridiculous" as it is absurdly striking, and even impressive.
Inspired by my bafflement over these sneakers, my research led to other pairs that can be similarly appreciated for their outrageous details, and yes, more often than not, the shocking sticker price. Once you scroll through, I'm sure you'll agree with me that a wild imagination obviously calls for quite a lot of materials and a pretty hefty budget.
The Maison Margiela Future Destroyed High-Top Sneaker, White/Yellow [4] ($1,425) emulates a piece of trash — in the best possible way.
The Y-3 + Adidas Originals Ruyk Hike Faux-Fur and Leather Wedge Sneakers [5] ($575) look like they're growing hair out of every direction.
Saint Laurent Leather California Court Classic Roller Skaters [6] ($1,195) come with wheels. Need we say more?
Mosaics Black LED Sole Sneaker [7] ($129) takes us back to our childhood days when all we wanted was light-up shoes.
Buscemi's 100MM Ponyhair Sneakers w/ Tags [8] ($995) actually look like a horse that just won first place.
The graffiti on the Vetements + Reebok Instapump Fury Printed Neoprene and Canvas Sneakers [9] ($760) is literally all over the place.
Just try and find a platform higher than the one on Gucci's Rainbow Sneakers [10] ($950).
Miu Miu Jeweled Feather Skate Sneakers [11] ($1,150) instantly conjure images of our old favorite board game, Pretty Pretty Princess.
Sophia Webster's Fur-Detail Animal-Print Sneakers [12] ($771) have got to be the funkiest moon boots on the market.
These two-in-one Moschino Sneakers [13] ($595) come with chains and pearls.
We can't decide if tying the laces on Fendi's Shearling High-Top Sneaker [14] ($1,050) would be easy or hard.
Can you even find Giuseppe Zanotti's Fur High-Top Sneakers [15] ($595) underneath all that hair? We didn't think so.
The platform on Dolce & Gabbana's Fur-Embellished Suede and Mesh Sneakers [16] ($995) comes with a sliced cut, and the hot pink hair gets Velcroed in.
Pierre Hardy's Leopard Fur Sneakers [17] ($345) are exactly what we picture when we think of a wild shoe.
The exaggerated netting on Kurt Geiger's London Letty Net Details Satin Trainers [18] ($189) is definitely noticeable enough.
The Golden Goose Deluxe Brand "Francy" Hi-Top Sneakers [19] ($595) are straight out of Monsters Inc..