Jonathan Anderson’s debut Dior shoe is a bold statement that’s sure to divide sneakerheads. But here’s where it gets controversial: it’s a lowkey nod to Nike’s obscure Considered project, a line so niche it’s practically forgotten by all but the most die-hard Nike enthusiasts. And this is the part most people miss—Anderson isn’t just designing for the masses; he’s crafting a shoe that whispers to the sneaker nerds, blending Dior’s luxury with a deep-cut Nike reference that’s both bizarre and brilliant.
Taking on the creative helm of Dior’s menswear, womenswear, and haute couture simultaneously—a feat unmatched since Christian Dior himself—Anderson faces a monumental challenge. He steps into the shoes of predecessors like Kim Jones, whose sneakers redefined Dior’s relevance in the footwear world. Jones’s legacy includes a lineup of sneakers that were both hyped and accessible, from the monogrammed B23 hi-top to the Dior x Jordan 1. But Anderson’s approach? It’s a daring departure.
The Dior Roadie, his first shoe, is a peculiar fusion of moccasin-style suede and a pancake-flat sole, inspired by Nike’s 2005 Considered project. Here’s the kicker: this isn’t just a random design choice. The Roadie’s two-piece sole, featuring Dior’s archival woven cannage motif, mirrors the sole of Nike’s Considered boot. The moccasin-style vamp encircled by hairy suede? A near-identical match to Nike’s Considered BB Mid. Priced at $1,200, the Roadie sits at the intersection of luxury and obscurity, a shoe that’s both cohesive and wildly unconventional.
Nike’s Considered line, launched in 2005, was ahead of its time—glue-free, sustainable, and designed by legends like Tinker Hatfield. Yet, it fizzled out by the early 2010s, too progressive for its era. Anderson’s decision to draw from this forgotten chapter of Nike’s history isn’t just a flex of sneaker knowledge; it’s a statement about Dior’s future. But is it a step too far? While Kim Jones played it safe with familiar shapes, Anderson’s Roadie is unapologetically weird, a shoe that demands a second look—and a deep understanding of sneaker history.
Anderson isn’t abandoning accessibility entirely. His debut collection includes a Dior-ified Vans skate shoe, proving he can cater to the masses. But the Roadie? It’s for the connoisseurs, the sneakerheads who appreciate the subtle nods and daring design choices. Here’s the question: Is Anderson’s vision too niche for Dior’s global audience, or is he redefining luxury sneakers for a new era? Let us know in the comments—do you think the Roadie is a masterpiece or a misstep? One thing’s for sure: Jonathan Anderson is playing a long game, and the sneaker world is watching.
