PEAK SNEAKER

These nine sneakers—and one hyped-up clog-embody the bold spirit of creativity and collaboration that defines fashion right now.

- YANG-YI GOH, SAMUEL HINE

LOUIS VUITTON MEN'S X NIKE AIR FORCE 1 BY VIRGIL ABLOH

Curious about how monumental this Virgil Abloh-engineered link-up between Louis Vuitton Men's and Nike actually is? Sotheby's New York has an answer: In January, 200 limited-edition pairs of LV-embossed Air Force 1s were auctioned off for an earthshattering $25.3 million in total, setting a new sales record for sneaker and fashion auctions in the process.

The latest colourways-an icy white and a chromed-out black-blue-and yellow concoction-are perhaps even more desirable than the now historic O.G.s, so expect to move some serious mountains to get your mitts on a pair. -YANG-YI GOH

ADIDAS X GUCCI GAZELLE

When Gucci unveiled its much-heralded partnership with Adidas on the runway in February, there were plenty of fanciful Alessandro Michele flourishes on display. Matching mohair hats and sweatsuits. Flowing silk tracksuit gowns. High-heeled, three-striped boots. But the biggest showstopper of them all might also have been the simplest: Adidas's iconic Gazelle sneaker, doused entirely from the canvas uppers to the gum midsoles-in Gucci's righteous monogram print.-Y.G.

BALENCIAGA DEFENDER

When you're on a streak as blazing hot as Demna Gvasalia, you need a pair of kicks bold and freaky enough to keep up with you. Enter the Balenciaga Defender: a techy, early-noughties-ish runner with monster-truck-ready treads bolted to its base. The supersized results feel a little Mad Max, sure, but the calming monochrome tones park them firmly in the realm of wearability.-Y.G.