5 cool pairs of sneakers to blow your bonus on

Ah, the merry time of Christmas has finally arrived, and with it, our bonuses. Of course, there are many important things to use your 13th month pay on — pay your debts, buy your parents Christmas presents, start investing, finally make good on your good deed promise from two years ago.

But in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, don’t forget how hard you hustled all yearlong. After all the commuting and the walking around, and the MRT woes you’ve lived through, may we suggest you be kind to yourself by getting a new pair of shoes? We know how hard your feet have had it. Below are five new ones we've bookmarked for ourselves.

1. PONY x Don’t Blame the Kids

Pony x Don't Blame the Kids (L-R): Shooter Low, Citywings

New York-born PONY teams up with Philippine-based street brand Don’t Blame The Kids for a collection that should get any sneakerhead excited. Why, you might ask? Because it is the first time PONY has ever collaborated with a Manila-based brand in its 45-year history. There are two styles in this limited-edition collection: Citywings, which has that nice brusko bulk in the toe tip and the Shooter Low, which should attract skaters of all walks of life. Available at Pony stores.

2. adidas YEEZY Boost 350 V2 

The first drop of adidas YEEZY Boost 350 V2 features semi frozen yellow/grey steel/red colorways

The famed collaboration between adidas and Kanye West is dropping Manila in three installments, ladies and gentlemen. Don’t worry, they all feature the primeknit upper with ‘SPLY-350’ mark, a distinct center stitching, and a heel tab. Why a three-part drop you may ask? It’s just adidas organizing itself according to color: November 18 will see semi frozen yellow/grey steel/red colorways land in our shores. November 25 will see the grey/ solid grey/bold orange drop, while December 16, it’s the blue tint/grey three/ high resolution red. Here’s a fine print: Each customer can only purchase one pair each. Available online and at adidas originals store in Uptown Mall, BGC.

3. ARKK Copenhagen 

ARKK is based on Nordic architecture and design, thus the clean and minimalist aesthetics.

New to Manila, ARKK Copenhagen is a sneaker brand from — you got it — Copenhagen. And true to Nordic sensibilities, ARKK is simple, minimalistic, and has awesomely subtle color treatments, making it different from what’s available. ARKK is actually just three years old, making it under the radar, which translates to a rarity. ARKK caters to men and women, with shoes are that so comfortable, easy-to-wear, and no-tie lacing. Starts P6,000. Available at The Nines, Uptown Mall, BGC.

4. Nike’s Force is Female

Inside the sockliners are uplifting quotes that are Ruby Rose's personal mantras.

Excuse us gentlemen, but this one’s for the ladies. Nike’s capsule collection collaboration with singer Ruby Rose celebrates the relentless drive of women. We’re specially digging the attention-getting SF AF-1 in port wine. Outside, you can’t help but stare at the high tops and its patent leather punctuated by dark rubberized teal accents. But it’s what in the sockliners that will speak to you: uplifting quotes that are Ruby Rose’s personal mantras. Retails for P11, 425. Available in select Nike stores, Urban Athletics, The Athlete’s Foot, Titan, and Capital!

5. adidas Originals x Pharrell Williams Hu NMD TR

This collaboration harks to the hiking culture of Los Angeles.

Calling on hikers and trekkers! For the latest installment of this collaboration, Pharrell has turned to LA’s hiking culture and retro outdoors aesthetic. But it’s not just about good looks: The shoe’s original outsole is switched out for a sawtooth tooling, providing extra grip, when the Primeknit construction and cage stabilizer return is placed atop an NMD BOOST for added comfort and support. It has newly designed lace system, comes in four colorways, and retails for P12,995. Available at adidas Glorietta, adidas Uptown, Commonwealth, and Sole Academy in BGC.