Welcome back and hello to new readers alike.

This week, I present to you the Wayne OG Sole by Maison Mihara Yasuhiro. If it looks familiar to you, it’s because it’s inspired by and takes design cues from one of Nike’s best-selling sneakers, the iconic Air Force 1. A sneaker that is so woven into the culture that it has now become a hot ticket for resellers. Gone are the days when you could just walk into your local sneaker store and find a pair of white Air Force 1s in your size. Even the black Air Force 1s have increased in popularity, notwithstanding the price increase of $10, from $90 to $100. So what is a sneakerhead to do, you ask? Well, Mihara Yasuhiro has an interesting alternative.

Handcrafted in Tokyo, Japan by its namesake designer Mihara, the Wayne is one of many sneakers in a series of silhouettes that pays homage to notable sneaker brands such as Vans, Adidas, Converse, and of course Nike. The Wayne features a smooth two-tone leather upper in black and white. The midsole is molded in the brand’s signature clay with “MMY” at the lace front and heel counter followed by a hypnotizing outsole for you to walk on. On the tongue of the sneaker are wearing instructions. A special message, if you would have it — and if you have been reading my column, you know I love details like this — anecdotes, and quotes that further personalize a sneaker. It reads, “Trust Yourself. Wear Your Way of Life. Never Forget To Love. Have Fortitude. Believe In Your Creativity. Never Bend Your Head. Always Hold It High.” Certainly a message we could all use right now.

The Wayne OG is available now from various retailers for $488. What are your thoughts on these?