Discover our carefully curated selection of secondhand sneakers: luxury designer sneakers, archive collaboration pieces, rare limited editions and collectible athletic footwear from the world's most celebrated houses. Every piece is hand-evaluated by our team on avenue Louise and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Because the great designer sneaker is not a casual compromise — it is one of the most culturally loaded and most actively collected objects in contemporary fashion history.
The luxury sneaker in fashion history: from sportswear heresy to the most coveted shoe in the world
The designer sneaker's journey from what was considered an outrageous violation of luxury fashion's dress codes to the single most commercially significant footwear category in the luxury market is one of the most dramatic reversals in fashion history — and one that happened faster than almost anyone anticipated. When Miuccia Prada launched the America's Cup sneaker in 1997, in technical sailing fabric with a distinctive large Prada logo, the reaction from much of the fashion establishment was one of deliberate provocation courted and received. When Balenciaga launched the Triple S in 2017 — a deliberately ungainly chunky trainer that became the founding object of the "ugly sneaker" trend — the concept of luxury fashion's relationship to athletic footwear had already been transformed so completely that the Triple S simply intensified an established dynamic rather than challenging a prevailing one.
The key figures in this transformation are well documented: Helmut Lang's early 1990s minimal white leather sneakers, which applied couture construction standards to athletic footwear; Prada's America's Cup, which elevated technical fabric to luxury status a full decade before this became a widespread industry strategy; Yohji Yamamoto's 2002 collaboration with Adidas that produced the Y-3 line, applying Japanese avant-garde design philosophy to performance sportswear; and the series of Nike, Converse and Adidas collaborations with Comme des Garçons, Rick Owens, Maison Margiela and others that made the luxury sneaker collaboration one of the most actively traded categories on the secondary market.
At Les Enfants d'Édouard, our vintage sneaker selection spans this rich contemporary history, from the original Prada America's Cup and the early Y-3 collaborations to the Balenciaga Triple S first edition and the Rick Owens Geobasket, from the Maison Margiela German Army Trainer reinterpretations to the archive Comme des Garçons Play Converse collaborations.
Our sneakers categories
Luxury leather designer sneakers
The Prada America's Cup, the Balenciaga Triple S, the Rick Owens Geobasket, the Common Projects Achilles (the definitive minimal white leather sneaker and a benchmark for the category) and the leather sneakers of Gucci, Saint Laurent and Valentino represent the most materially luxurious tier of our sneaker selection — pieces where conventional luxury leather quality is applied to athletic footwear construction.
Designer collaboration sneakers
Comme des Garçons Play x Converse (heart logo on classic Chuck Taylor), Y-3 x Adidas (Yohji Yamamoto's long-running creative partnership with the German sportswear giant), Maison Margiela x Reebok (the Tabi-toe adaptation of the Classic Leather), and the archive Nike and Adidas collaborations with the major avant-garde houses represent the most culturally significant and actively traded tier of our sneaker collection.
Archive and limited-edition sneakers
First-edition colorways of significant designs — the Triple S launch colourways, the original Geobasket in black calfskin, the first Prada America's Cup production run — represent the most historically significant and highest-value tier of our sneaker selection, sought after by collectors who treat luxury sneakers with the same seriousness applied to any other archive fashion object.
Technical and performance-inspired luxury sneakers
Balenciaga's Speed Trainer, Track and Defender, the Maison Margiela Replica series and the technical luxury sneakers of Givenchy and Loewe represent a category that draws on performance sportswear technology and aesthetics while applying luxury fashion's material and construction standards.
How to evaluate a vintage sneaker
Evaluating a vintage sneaker requires attention to several combined criteria. Here are the 7 checkpoints we systematically verify in our atelier on avenue Louise.
1. The label, serial number and authentication
Every sneaker carries a verified attribution: the brand name on the tongue label, the size marking on the insole, any serial number or production code on the insole or heel, and all house-specific authentication markers cross-referenced against our database.
2. The upper material condition
The upper material — whether leather, suede, mesh or technical fabric — is assessed for cleanliness, any cracking or peeling (particularly relevant for leather and coated uppers), consistency of colour and the condition of any applied branding or decoration.
3. The sole unit condition
The sole unit is the most visually distinctive component of many luxury sneakers and its condition is a primary indicator of both wear and storage quality. We assess the condition of both the outer sole (wear pattern, any delamination from the midsole) and the midsole (yellowing, compression, any cracking of foam materials).
4. The lace and hardware condition
Original laces are assessed for cleanliness and integrity (replaceable but worth noting if missing or heavily worn). Any metal or plastic hardware on the upper should be assessed for condition and functionality.
5. The interior and insole condition
The interior lining and insole condition — particularly any staining from use — is assessed as a condition factor and a use indicator. Original insoles are preferred; replacement insoles should be noted.
6. The box and original packaging
For collector-grade sneakers, the presence and condition of the original box, extra laces, hangtags and any authentication documentation significantly affects secondary market value. We assess and document the completeness of original packaging for every piece in our selection.
7. The overall condition and wearability
We grade every sneaker for condition and assess its wearability — distinguishing between pieces that are immediately wearable, pieces that require cleaning or minor restoration, and pieces that are primarily collectible rather than functional.
Our method: at Les Enfants d'Édouard, every sneaker undergoes a three-stage examination — visual inspection, technical verification (authentication, upper, sole, interior, packaging) and collectibility assessment. Every authenticated piece comes with our certificate of authenticity.
Size guide for vintage sneakers
| EU | UK | US (M) | US (W) | Foot length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 3.5 | 4 | 5.5 | 22.5 |
| 37 | 4 | 4.5 | 6 | 23.0 |
| 38 | 5 | 5.5 | 7 | 23.5–24.0 |
| 39 | 6 | 6.5 | 8 | 24.5 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 7 | 8.5 | 25.0 |
| 41 | 7.5 | 8 | 9.5 | 25.5 |
| 42 | 8 | 9 | 10.5 | 26.5 |
| 43 | 9 | 10 | 11.5 | 27.0 |
| 44 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 12 | 27.5 |
Sizing notes for vintage sneakers
Chunky sole sneakers (Triple S, Track, Geobasket) are generally recommended a half size to a full size down from standard shoe size, as the thick sole unit adds perceived volume. Minimal leather sneakers (Common Projects, Prada America's Cup) typically run true to size. Always check the insole length measurement against your foot length for the most accurate fit assessment, particularly for sneakers being purchased without the opportunity to try them on.
Why invest in vintage sneakers
The luxury sneaker secondary market is one of the most active and professionally tracked resale categories in fashion, with dedicated platforms, pricing databases and auction specialists. First-edition colorways of significant designs — the original Balenciaga Triple S, the first Prada America's Cup run, the earliest Y-3 collaborations — have appreciated substantially and continue to command premiums. Archive Comme des Garçons Play x Converse collaborations from the early 2000s trade well above their original retail. And even more accessible vintage luxury sneakers in excellent condition represent genuine value: a Common Projects Achilles in white leather, a Rick Owens Geobasket in black calfskin, or a Y-3 QR Boot from an early season — each combines design significance with daily wearability at secondary market prices frequently below current retail.
For those wishing to sell vintage sneakers, we offer an expert consignment service.
Our sneakers selection in Brussels, avenue Louise
Our boutique Les Enfants d'Édouard, 175 avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels, carries a curated selection of vintage sneakers from the world's most celebrated houses. We welcome you Tuesday to Saturday and offer private appointments outside regular opening hours.
Care and maintenance of vintage sneakers
For leather sneakers, clean uppers with a soft brush and appropriate leather cleaner. Condition periodically with a colourless leather cream. Store with shoe trees or stuffed with tissue paper to maintain shape.
For suede sneakers, brush regularly with a suede brush. Protect with suede spray before first wear. Avoid moisture — suede uppers are vulnerable to water marking and should be treated promptly if caught in rain.
For sole units, clean rubber soles with a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution. Avoid harsh chemicals that can accelerate yellowing of white midsoles. Store away from direct sunlight and heat, which can accelerate midsole degradation and yellowing.
Frequently asked questions about vintage sneakers
Which vintage sneakers are most sought-after?
The Balenciaga Triple S from the 2017 first-edition launch colourways, Rick Owens Geobasket in black calfskin, Prada America's Cup from the original 1997 production run, Comme des Garçons Play x Converse from the early 2000s, Y-3 x Adidas from the first decade of the collaboration, Maison Margiela Tabi in shoe and boot configurations, and any documented limited-edition collaboration pieces from the major houses in unworn or near-mint condition.
What warranty do you offer on vintage sneakers?
Every piece sold by Les Enfants d'Édouard is guaranteed as described, with a certificate of authenticity for signed pieces and 14 days to return (return shipping costs excluded).
Discover also
- Loafers: the considered slip-on
- Boots: from ankle to thigh, the full range
- Pumps: from stiletto to block heel
- Mules: the modern slip-on
- All our shoes: our complete footwear selection
- Journal: our guides and advice
Looking for vintage sneakers?
Browse our full sneakers selection or book an appointment with our team for a private viewing on avenue Louise.
- ✓ Guaranteed authentication: every piece certified
- ✓ Secure delivery: Belgium, France, Europe
- ✓ 14-day returns: satisfaction guaranteed
- ✓ Boutique at 175 Avenue Louise: 1050 Brussels