Nothing blends comfort and flashy high fashion like the sneaker world. The ability to elevate an outfit to new heights while retaining or even enhancing mobility takes a next-level designer, one that truly understands that the best fashion is there to support the human form.
As top designers have embraced that challenge, mingling their names with sports megastars, the value of sneakers has taken off in recent years, becoming a competitive speculation-based market all its own. It’s the kind of luxe hobby that seems perfect for NoVA—sporty, trendy, family-friendly, and expensive. And now, NoVA has the spot to shop for the fanciest footwear out there.
Tier Zero (the store’s name is a bit of sneaker-market jargon that distinguishes ultra rare releases) has opened in South Riding Town Center. The store hosts a carefully curated library of collectible kicks, typically ranging from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand. To help you get started browsing (or dreaming), we picked out the glitziest heavy hitters that caught our eye. (The store also has a more affordable iteration of most of these series in stock.)
Nike Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sail, $1,370
What do you get when you cross the Michael Jordan of contemporary fashion accessories with the actual Michael Jordan? Well, see above. Virgil Abloh designed this “deconstructed” women’s Air Jordan 1. It’s got all the typical Abloh touches of a semi-ironically humble exterior combined with subtle complexities (check out that stitching!) that may or may not justify the price at a closer look, depending on the spender.
Off-White x Nike Blazer Serena Williams “Queen”, $1,200
Serena Williams’ outsized talent deserves and outsized design, and that’s what you get with these high-tops. With sleek grey smoothly transitioning into a giant swoosh and splash of color, it’s appropriately powerful yet controlled for the tennis GOAT.
Nike Jordan 1 Retro High Travis Scott, $1,100
Nothing says cool and comfortable like some puffy high-tops. These retro-style, Travis Scott-inspired shoes capture the effortless cool of the hip-hop star.
Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Static Black (Reflective), $1,200
I mean, yes, Kanye’s cultural capital is not the highest it’s ever been right now. But much like the albums that bear his name, voice, and artistic sensibilities, yet remain a pretty amazing listen, these sneakers survive the association. The surface is reflective, so you’ll look your best dancing to “All of the Lights” at the next 2000s-era throwback rave.
Nike Air Fear Of God 1 Black, $1,100
Jerry Lorenzo is one of the pioneers of modern streetwear. This sneaker comes from the label that made him famous, Fear of God, which counts Justin Bieber among its adherents. The space boot aesthetic is cool, but the monochromatic finish is what makes it feel starkly on brand.
Feature image courtesy Tier Zero
For more local finds, subscribe to our Shopping newsletter.
