The Bite Magazine - Summer 2019 - Issue 25

bite trainers “We called our brand Diverge because we wanted to deliver sneakers that are original and different while also putting you and your uniqueness front and centre.” - Diverge suede upper and leather heel panel in Artic Blue, rubber sole inWhite, leather lining in Light Grey and cotton laces in Artic Blue. Other styles include Minimal Low V4 Emerald Green Floater (also available in the Minimal High version), Landscape V7 Leather & Colour Mix Black, and Minimal High V1 SnowWhite Floater with Bone. All of the premium materi- als used including the rubber soles, different types of leather and textiles are sourced from Portugal and Italy. Each one is inspected carefully by Diverge, just as they would every pair of sneakers that is handmade with high standards. It takes around two weeks to make Diverge sneakers by craftsmen and crafts- women who are dedicated and have extreme attention to detail. According to Diverge, sneakers are no longer the secondary character of a lifestyle trend but are the protagonists which are responsible for propelling their own story forward. Following a consumer research in the US and Europe by adidas, there has been an increase in ‘sneakerheads’ interest in the outdoors, especially if they live in the bigger cities.“Even those who do not hike still love the active lifestyle associated with it. So expect 2019 to bring you sneakers that indicate functionality through rubber soles with strong grips and reinforced uppers designed to support the foot,” says Inês from Diverge. On ‘Tech Inspired’ trends, she wrote that this trend is not about inserting technology into the sneaker from a functional perspective, though this is defi- nitely in the works. “A tech inspired sneaker is a sneaker that blurs the lines between traditional structural design and computational graphics and images, adding visually distinctive elements.”While classic canvas sneakers are never fully out of fashion, somehow the classics always find a way to stay relevant. “This time around, they are keeping themselves in the game with platform soles and integral toe-caps in both high and low styles.” In the last few years, exaggerated proportions have created chunky sneakers that use amplified proportions to make even bigger statements. Inês revealed that for 2019 inflated and bold soles will be combined with different textures, materials and colours (as Diverge do) for impactful trainer launches. While bright and vibrant hues have gained importance that reinforce individuality and bring wonders and joy to its positive psychological impact. “In 2019, you will see bold combinations of colours and materials that will surprise you and keep things interesting in the most visual era of all time.” Lastly, she revealed that a new wave of materials is finally hitting the mainstream this year, from transparent PU uppers that can be worn with or without socks to translucent soles for a fresh finishing touch. “Coupled with some of the trends identified before, transparent and see-through materials promise to impress in the short term.” So with the brand’s aim of blending ambi- tion, hope and excitement in equal measure along with the latest trends, expect to see these changes go forth as well as their desire to continue being in the now and being in it for the consumer. To create your very own Diverge sneaker, go to their website and use the 3D design suite to match your style to the real you. www.diverge-sneakers.com