Cool Sneaker Brands from Asia You should Try This Year

In recent years, Asia’s footwear market has boomed drastically. With its climbing revenue, it comes as no surprise that even people in the West are getting enamored by homegrown Asian shoe brands that ace the branding and quality game.

Asian shoes have built a solid reputation for boasting high quality and unique pieces. If you’re bored of generic sneaker brands and want to explore comfortable and trendy Asian-made options for everyday use, we’ve got you covered. The best part is, all these sneakers are available worldwide so you won’t have to worry about spending hundreds of dollars on a plane ticket just to get your hands on these shoes. 

Onitsuka Tiger

Onitsuka is one of the leading Asian sneaker brands today, and they have cemented their status in the shoe industry for more than seven decades. You may know the sneaker brands Asics, but before it became Asics, it was first Onitsuka Co., which was the name of its founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka. 

The visionary started this basketball shoe manufacturing business in Kobe, his hometown. In 1977, it was rebranded into Asics. However, a vintage line of the shoes is still sold under the name Onitsuka Tiger. The brand is known for recreating vintage and classic styles from the 1960s to 1980s. 

Mizuno

Another well-loved Japanese brand that made our cut is Mizuno, a Japanese sportswear company that traces its roots back to 1906. Started by Rihachi Mizuno, this brand boasts some of the most loyal fans who love their unique Mizuno Wave technology – a unique feature that gives its wearers response until any other. Mizuno shoes are not only known for its style but also its rock-solid support and stability which propelled it as one of the major running shoe brands since the 1980s when it released its RunBird line. 

Li-Ning

If you wanted to shop for sneakers in China, your first stop should be Li-Ning. It was founded in 1998 by a former Olympic gymnast, and since then, it has taken the world by storm. Their aggressive marketing has allowed them to get many sponsorships in the 2008 Summer Olympics in China and this has catapulted its fame even more. The brand was also an official partner of NBA and has had sponsorship deals with A-list players such as Shaquille O’Neal, Dwayne Wade, and Baron Davis, among many others. 

Losers

Another Japanese brand that’s taking over the scene, Losers has been a cult favorite among thousands of fashionistas since 1975. The brand’s goal was to create designs that have a sense of iki, which is a concept of perseverance and beauty that is unique to Japan. The brand stands by its slogan “Stick to Your Guns,” which shows the perseverance side of iki. When you see the shoes, you’ll definitely understand the beauty side of it since the shoe’s exquisiteness speaks for itself. In many ways, Losers shoes have remained faithful to their classic Japanese aesthetics. 

Loser may seem like a weird name for a brand, but it’s actually a source of pride. A loser is proud and has faith in himself to keep going. 

Anta

Another Chinese shoe company we love in Anta. This brand started in 1994 and has been designing, developing, and manufacturing sportswear products and accessories, but of all its merchandise, the shoes really stand out. Just like its competitor Li Ning, Anta has also broadened its wings in NBA and has been the official supplier and sponsor of players like Kevon Looney and Klay Thompson, among many others. Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao is also a famous user of their shoes. 

Hender Scheme

Tokyo-based Hender Scheme is a favorite of people who love the minimalist look. The brand uses raw leather for their products. Because it is untreated, it picks up the natural wear and tear of its surroundings so the experience of each shoe is unique depending on the owner. The design and concept of the shoes surpass gender roles and are just based on appearance. Although the brand just started in 2013, it has been considered a major player in the industry, boasting collaborations with brands like Adidas. Justin Bieber and Diddy also love it.

Ace Your Outfit With These Brands

Sometimes, picking up shoes from the same old brand you’ve seen on everyone else can be tiring. Now that people’s spending patterns and perspective has changed, Asian brands are taking the lead. With style and comfort at the forefront of each shoe, you’ll definitely find your new favorite among the brands listed above.