DDB's Top 5 Sneakers Under R1000

Whether it's sporting the latest Nike VaporMax, Adidas Originals, Balenciaga dad shoes, Louis Vuitton or the Gucci range, we all dream of wearing the latest drops from our favourite sneaker brands. However, when you check your budget for the month (students in particular) in comparison to the price of the sneaker, you contemplate spending it all on your fav brand and surviving on water for the next 30/31 days, because drip is life right? The point is we all can't afford the sneakers of our dreams (YET), but don't despair, the alternatives are there. There are endless, stylish and might convert your entire perception on the types of sneakers you'd envision wearing from now on. So you don’t know where to even begin your hunt for student budget worthy kicks? DDB has got you covered. We are all about being ahead of the game and maintaining that gap all on a budget. With that said here's the DDB Top 5 Sneakers/ Brands that will have you looking drip worthy under 1000 Randelas.

(Disclaimer: DDB pertains to a look of a streetwear guy looking to dress up a bit, but still have the casualness of a streetwear-influenced look and for the formal individual wanting to dress down on a typical day.)

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1.Vans Old Skool Platforms

This sneaker is well-known throughout all style spaces, but I don’t think that we give the Vans brand the recognition it truly deserves. The iconic side stripe accompanied by its minimal silhouette is subtle but gives the shoe an authentic edge that its competitors hardly match-up to. Suede is a difficult texture to maintain, especially if you're a person who's always on the move, but Vans has crafted the Old Skool in a way that makes the texture extremely durable and easy to clean along with its thick rubber sole. Its versatility allows you to wear the sneaker on most occasions and I firmly believe that everyone should have a pair in their closets. These sneakers are one of the most affordable classics, ranging from R700-R800 on Superbalist.

[DDB PROTIP: Ladies, if you want to save even more, shop for your favourite sneaker in the kid's section. Why? Because less material is used for kids, therefore reducing the final shoe price]

2. ZARA

A brand in South Africa that's associated with exclusivity to a high-earning tax bracket, Zara is not usually on most lists for affordability. But after I popped in for a random window shopping visit to their Menlyn store, I have nothing but positivity to spread about their sneaker division. Zara is serving sneaker GOLD! If you're a fan of a minimal shoe, this brand is definitely it. Their fits are sleek and simple, but carry quality throughout the entirety of their silhouettes. The designs are so simple that it will have people asking you "WHAT ARE THOSE" but in a good way. I recently purchased their Triple White canvas Platforms and will definitely be going back to see what the rest of their shoe range offers. This low top sneaker is effortlessly elegant and the level of craftsmanship is great. Pure QUALITY! This shoe and overall brand is for a streetwear fiend that wants to dress up a level and for a formalwear individual looking to dress down it's casual and streetwear inclined but is still mature in a way. You will be looking at R800 for The Triple Whites. Head over to the ZARA and check them out.

3. Superga 2750

Get a taste of Italy with the Superga brand. These low-tops have a simple silhouette and are known for their unique sole design. They have a wide range of colourways, therefore can suit any persons style. Superga 2750's fabric is one that is extremely durable and can be cleaned in whichever way the owner chooses. The best way to pair these sneakers is with cropped or cuffed pants because of the light shape provided by the shoe. These are the most affordable pair of sneakers on the list and will cost you R700 in all websites and stores.

4. Novesta Star Master Shoes

This Slovakian Sneaker brand is a hidden gem that I discovered last month. It has a similar aesthetic to the classic Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars and is crafted completely by hand. It is made of natural rubber, 100% cotton and linen and has been made to withstand the harshest of conditions. Its rough texture gives it a sense of character and is definitely a worthy buy. It has a wide range of colourways and silhouettes with the Star Master going at R800 on surfdome.

5. Chuck Taylor All Star HI Core Canvas

Another heavyweight OG that doesn't get the credit it deserves. This staple has been part of the sneaker culture for decades and is known for its unmistakable silhouette, versatile colour range and quality. These timeless sneakers are a great essential to have in your sneaker rotation and is a good transition to the standard low-top aesthetic most people look for. These Hi-tops are essential in the colder seasons and based on the sleek fit, is preferably worn with slim fitting pants accompanied by a layered upper body section (a turtleneck with a coat, a plain tee, with a denim jacket or a jersey and a puffer jacket). You're looking at spending R750-R900 on Superbalist.

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You don't have to spend thousands of rands on a single pair of sneakers just for the sake of fitting in. At the end of the day, style isn't about what you're wearing and how much it is, it's all about being unique with what you have whether it costs ten thousand rands or a one hundred rand. So happy shopping and stay tuned for more Delroyit'sDelroy Blog content.

Got any other sneaker suggestions? Drop us your suggestions in the comments below.

DDB