Founded in Los Angeles at the turn of the millennium, CLAE made its name by bridging the gap between streetwear sneaker shapes and something a little more refined. Minimalist silhouettes, thoughtful construction and a constant eye on sustainability have helped it stand out in a market that’s often more concerned with hype than longevity.
For Fall/Winter 25, the brand is doubling down on that formula with its most versatile collection of lifestyle runners to date. The aim is to deliver shoes that feel at home in multiple contexts: built to move, designed to last, and styled with enough restraint to work across a week’s worth of outfits. Three models lead the line-up.
The Zuma channels retro running shoes, with a mix of suede, leather and recycled mesh, finished with CLAE’s lightweight Desert Track outsole for grip and comfort.
The Salazar, developed in partnership with sole specialist Vibram, leans into outdoor cues, pairing premium uppers with hardwearing traction and a palette that nods to the hiking trail.
Then there’s the Joshua, a vegan runner made with 80 percent upcycled materials, striking a balance between clean-lined design and eco-minded responsibility.
Each sneaker reflects a slightly different personality, but all are built with CLAE’s signature ethos in mind: timeless design, practical performance and a genuine attempt to do things more responsibly. It’s a reminder that in a sneaker world often driven by fleeting collaborations and logo-first design, there’s still room for brands making shoes that evolve with you, season after season.
Next up: 13 Of the Best Minimalist Sneakers to Buy in 2025.
