It’s Valentine’s Day! As we celebrate the day of love and hearts with you, we thought it would be a great idea to take a look back at some of the best Valentine's Day-inspired sneakers of recent times After a good read be sure to keep your eyes peeled on the Story website and all our socials for the latest and greatest sneakers and streetwear!
Nike Dunk Low Premium "Valentine’s Day"
Starting we have a tame yet clean entry from Nike this year in 2024.
A compelling alternative to the lucrative StrangeLove x Nike SB Dunk from 2020, this dunk smartly swaps out the velvety uppers for a more conventional blend of leather and suede, ensuring its appeal caters for multiple seasons. Embracing the Valentine's Day spirit, the Dunk is completed with vibrant pink and wine-red accents, a hallmark of classic romantic footwear. The inclusion of ribbon laces, however, adds a distinctive touch that sets it apart from the rest of general release Nike Dunks. With Nike's reputation for delivering top-notch holiday-themed releases, the Nike Dunk Low Premium "Valentine’s Day" stands out as a decent pickup for those in love.
StrangeLove x Nike SB Dunk High "Pink"
As previously mentioned in 2020, Sean Cliver teamed up with the Swoosh to unveil the highly coveted StrangeLove x Nike SB Dunk High "Pink". Today, it’s renowned as one of the most coveted collaborations within the realm of skateboarding, this release boasted a next-level standard of uniqueness. Cloaked in the softest velour, it created a luxurious appeal, with an array of captivating features completed in its design. From the heart-shaped confetti embedded within the outsole to the embroidered skull graphic on the heel, each element added to its value. Widely regarded as one of the most hyped Dunk releases to date, the StrangeLove x Nike SB Dunk High "Pink" has secured its place in sneaker history. Although not expressly crafted as a Valentine's Day sneaker, its craftsmanship and undeniable charm warrant its recognition as a standout in any list of notable romance releases.
Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 992 "Pink"
Hailing from Chicago, Joe Freshgoods has rapidly become a standout figure in the fashion scene, and one of his most unforgettable creations remains his crimson rendition of the New Balance 992. Dubbed alternatively as the "No Emotions Are Emotions" or the "Anatomy of a Heart," this collaboration might not overtly scream Valentine's Day, but it made its debut on that very occasion. Filled in a rich spectrum of rouge hues, the 992 exudes a sense of luxury, solidifying its status as one of the most sought-after pairs in the market. Adding to its allure is the exclusivity factor – these kicks were exclusively released through a pop-up shop in Second City. The combination of premium craftsmanship and limited availability renders this pair an absolute must-have for every sneaker collector.
Girls Don't Cry x Nike SB Dunk Low "Varsity Red"
The cultishly popular Japanese graphic artist Verdy who is currently the stylist director for BLACKPINK teamed up with Nike SB in 2019 to create these Friends and Family dunks for Heart’s Day. This pair unfortunately released just before the great resurgence of the popularity of the dunk silhouette that started in 2020. With that said this release was still enough to ignite the sneaker community in a frenzy. Two official colourway releases were both limited to a Japan-only release. Both sneakers have primary red and grey colourways respectively with the “Girls don’t cry” tag on the side of the heel.
Adidas Stan Smith Valentine's Day "Active Red"
Wrapping it up, we have the Adidas Stan Smith Valentine's Day "Active Red", a standout release from the brand's extensive Valentine's Day collection in 2019. Amidst the other offerings, this particular sneaker stands out as one of the most coveted pairs from the lineup. While some brands struggle to pull off patent leather without appearing gaudy, Adidas demonstrates this execution pretty well in this release. Departing from the traditional Three Stripe perforations on the side panels, Adidas opts for a single white heart graphic, a design choice that you could say “captures hearts.” The result is a sleek and stylish sneaker that seamlessly blends romance with sporty elegance.
