All art by Brett Dalzell/Complex
High-fashion versions of athletic sneakers have become the new standard. More-expensive takes on pre-existing designs have found a place within style. But no one is doing it better right now than Hender Scheme, the Japanese brand founded by Ryo Kashiwazaki, who is now known for taking silhouettes such as the Air Force 1, Air Jordan IV, and adidas Superstar and making them into vegetable-tanned leather renditions that retail at over or near the $1,000 mark.
Coming complete with a hardbottom, the brand has been able to transform the idea of a "sneaker," and has given sneakerheads grown-up options of some of the most-legendary offerings from Vans, New Balance, Nike, and adidas. There are, however, a few things that the brand hasn't touched on yet, and we'd like to see them. So we did just that. Here's What If Your Favorite Sneakers Got Made Into Hender Schemes?
All art by Brett Dalzell. You can follow him on Instagram here.
Air Jordan III
The Air Jordan IV wasn’t the first silhouette that Hender Scheme replicated, but it was an introduction to the brand for those who hadn’t learned about its previous work. The IVs were premium and clean and had started a discussion whether these luxury renditions were something to be celebrated or expensive knockoffs.
The fans of the Hender Scheme IVs praised them, while others detracted. Keeping in the same vein of the IVs, the IIIs would be a Jordan design that would cause a similar discussion. Some would call them the future of sneaker culture, while others would label them a scourge. But they'd certainly be talked about.
Air Jordan 1
The Air Jordan 1 is one of the most-celebrated sneakers ever made. It's also found near-mythic status among those who have a heavy interest in menswear. That's due to the silhouette's simple design and its capability to be worn with anything. The less that's done to the Jordan 1, the better. What about making it more premium, though? A Hender Scheme version would remove the Swoosh and add higher-quality leather. Less is more, right?
ASICS Gel-Lyte III
When it comes to retro runner collaborations, the ASICS Gel-Lyte III has become one of the most-visited models. And it's seen everything from wild colorways to premium materials. But what if there was something that wasn't quite a collab but a new take on the old silhouette? If there was a Hender Scheme version of this sneaker, better believe it would gain crazy momentum overseas, especially Europe.
Nike Air Max 1
Hender Scheme has already done a version of the Nike Air Force 1, but what about one of Nike's sneakers that caused a similar, albeit different, revolution? The crazy thing about a hardbottom-soled Air Max 1 is that it would strip away what it's most known for: its Air unit. But the strength of this makeup speaks to how great the upper of the Air Max 1 is — something that doesn't get discussed as often as it should. Just don't try and go for an actual run in these.
Nike Air Huarache
2014 saw a resurgence in the popularity of the Huarache, mainly due to Nike's choice to retro the model once more. And while it was popular in the U.S., consumers in Europe, specifically the UK, lost their minds over the re-release. The Huarache also caught interest with those who are more style-minded, which makes it ripe for a Hender Scheme makeover.
Nike Roshe Run
When the Roshe Run first debuted back in 2012, it gained traction due to how minimal it was and its extremely low retail price at the time. People actually wore them, and wore them a lot. It would only be right to give the Roshe a Hender Scheme version, with the leather that looks better wear after wear. Even if they're going to be worn without socks, as the Roshe usually is, they'd still be pure fire.
Reebok Instapump Fury
There's something insanely next level about a Hender Scheme, but it's more so in reference to turning athletic sneakers into coveted, high-fashion items. The Reebok Instapump Fury released over 20 years ago, but it's still one of the most challenging, confusing, and cherished runners to ever be made. It has its fans and those who scratch their head when they try to rationalize the sneaker's popularity. The same can be said for everything that Hender Scheme has made. Just don't expect these to be an easy pair to slip-on and off.
Nike Air Yeezy II
Kanye West in a pair of Hender Schemes has yet to be seen, but if it did happen, expect the hype to ensue around whatever's on his feet. Let's cut to the chase: a Hender Scheme version of the Nike Air Yeezy II would be bonkers, for several reasons, none of which need to be explained. Imagine the resale price on a sneaker that retails for over $1,000?
Nike Air Foamposite One
Last year saw a first for the Nike Air Foamposite, the sneaker initially made famous by Penny Hardaway and the Arizona men's basketball team, was released in suede. At first, some thought it was the death of the Foamposite. But then things changed. The suede Foams sold quickly. What if Hender Scheme took this idea one step further and gave the Foamposite the most premium remake ever? Expect the critics to come out in full force — and those clamoring to get a pair, too.
visvim FBT Shaman
Just when you thought it was impossible to make a visvim FBT Shaman more expensive, consider this: a Hender Scheme treatment to the moccasin/sneaker hybrid. This mixing of the two Japanese brands would surely send tremors through the world of style nerds that have their proxy on speed dial. Think about how luxe a Hender Scheme'd-out tassle fringe would be.