Marc Jacobs unveils first “smart” sneakers: Y2K design, vintage vibes, and technical innovation

Known for his extravagant platform shoes and patent loafers, designer Marc Jacobs has taken an unexpected step into the world of athletic footwear. His new 72 Spring Sneaker isn’t just another pair of sneakers — it’s a bold statement capturing the essence of the Y2K era, blending vintage silhouettes with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic.

Unlike the brand’s previous chunky sneaker models like the Lazy Runner and Jogger, the 72 Spring Sneaker offers a more refined silhouette. It features a technical upper crafted from mesh combined with layered overlays. The collection boasts a vibrant palette including fuchsia with green, yellow with brown, alongside more understated all-black and all-white versions. Additionally, there are distressed denim styles with frayed threads and a brown suede option.

The design and engineering studio Areté—which has worked with fashion heavyweights like Raf Simons, Stone Island, ERL, and A-Cold-Wall—is behind this model. Their involvement gives the 72 Spring a sophisticated and modern edge, setting it apart from earlier Marc Jacobs sneakers.

Already drawing comparisons to the successful collaboration between Miu Miu and New Balance 530, the wide array of colorways hints at potential future releases and partnerships.

The sneaker launch coincides with rumors that LVMH may be considering selling the Marc Jacobs brand to an outside firm, though no official confirmation has been made.

The Marc Jacobs 72 Spring Sneakers are now available, priced at $225.