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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Emma Joyce

EXPLAINED: Super foamy sneakers are everywhere how do they stack up - The Real Truth

On Eoin Doyle Hoka Zendaya
A guest wears chunky white platform sneakers during Milan fashion week in January.
A guest wears chunky white platform sneakers during Milan fashion week in January. Technical footwear that incorporates responsive foam, high stack and carbon or nylon plates is increasingly popular in streetwear. Photograph: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Floaty foam-based footwear has been spotted on celebrities for years, from Aubrey Plaza in Hokas and Harry Styles in New Balance to Zendaya’s ongoing deal with On running shoes.

A desire for “practical functionality” has driven technical sportswear to street pavements, says streetwear reporter Lei Takanashi from the Business of Fashion in New York.

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