Feiyue Sneakers
Channel Your Inner Mao
(7)
Feiyue sneakers are so satisfying. I just got them and from the minute I laced them up I felt the exact same feeling you get when you’re running late but you get a string of green lights; or when you finish the last corn chip in a plate of nachos and you’re not too full but full enough; or when you order a coffee and you empty out your pockets to find you’ve got exactly the right amount of coins. Yeah, that feeling.
They are satisfying because they settle my performance anxiety. I’m getting older and I worry that my jeans and sneakers make me look like a teenager. I want to stay in the vicinity of fashion without looking like an aging follower. These Feiyues do the trick. They’re similar to Vans, but they’re not for skaters. They’re like those awful white kung-fu shoes that all the kids are wearing right now, but more sophisticated and up and coming.
My Feiyues are simple black canvas with a splash of color on the logo. That’s it. They work with something subtle like jeans and a shirt (just like your favorite Chuck Taylors); and because they’re subtle themselves, they work with something more out-there too, like a slightly garish t-shirt.
Yet, the most satisfying thing about my new Feiyue Sneakers is that they’re just a little bit different. And that’s because they’re a brand originating in Shanghai. The difference is obvious when you look at them: they’re thin, light, and kind of pointy - exactly what you’d imagine Chinese Olympians wearing as they dance around a table tennis table back in the day. Feiyue sneakers are retro, but they’re plumbing the depths of an uncharted fashion terrain: the athlete of 1970s communism.
If you’re like me and you’re keen on understated canvas sneakers that work with a range of casual attire, all the while keeping you visibly different from younger folk, then grab a pair of Feiyues. Mine are the limited edition collaboration with Steph Cop, but there are plenty of other cool designs to choose from. One thing though: they’re snug. So be precise when ordering and take advantage of the half sizes available.
Grab a table tennis bat (Patrick: a paddle, for those of you not from Oz) while you’re at it.
Cost: $57-126
Like what Roger has to say? Vote on his post or leave comments to let us know your thoughts. Want to write an article for Gear Patrol yourself? Check out our Open Forum (our article submission tool).
Roger -
Nice job on your first article. Love the pictures.
Thanks Patrick! They're from my balcony… which is a curse and a blessing. A curse because if I look down I can see straight into the backpackers' place across the road, and a blessing because if I look straight ahead I can amost see the ocean. Ahhhh, the paradox of Bondi beach…
Aside from that rant, the sneakers are great. Thanks Janine for those photos!
Those Feiyues look sweet. I can see them hanging around on the dusty streets of Beijing.
Mmm feiyue. There's a kind of Frenchy-Chinese sound in that. And in fact, when you go to the web-link its all about Euros and 'les styles'. As a girl with a penchant for the mannish look, and a barely controlled desire to demolish the back of my house to build a table-tennis arena, I'm sold.
Sweet man, nice review. Being in the market for some new kicks I may now have to look at some dope Feiyues.
Great review, Rog. Good info, great style, excellent gear!. Where's my bat?
Just FYI: If anyone happens to be going to China soon, you can pick up this exact style of shoe at any street market or stall mall for around $3-10. I'm sure that the quality isn't as nice, but it's something to think about! They also have about 1000 different styles and colors to chose from.
Hmm, interesting. That's one helluva price.
Cool thanks Scott. Anyone goin I'll also have a plate of dumplings and a half dozen ice-cold Tsingtao's to wash 'em down (all for about 2 bucks). I heart China
Feiyue look so comfortable having a great style.
Great pictures there, and what a review of these sneakers, I have to say that the way that you have described them they almost sound to good to be true, almost as good as ones favorite pair of slippers:)