The Dior B22, a bold statement in luxury footwear, emerged onto the scene in April 2018. This launch marked Dior's decisive move into the highly competitive luxury sneaker market, spearheaded by the creative vision of Kim Jones and design work of Thibo Denis. The B22 was officially discontinued as of April 2024, heightening its exclusivity and desirability among collectors [cite: 1, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15].
Primarily designed for casual streetwear and high-fashion, the B22 transcends mere athletic performance. Its purpose centers on visual impact and the assertion of the Dior brand [cite: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 17, 21, 22, 24, 29, 31]. The sculpted rubber sole provides traction, while the engineered foam midsoles offer responsive cushioning. The shoe's weighty construction, often described as 'solid' and 'heavy', underscores its premium feel.
The Dior B22 has significantly impacted the luxury streetwear landscape, making its mark on the feet of influential figures. A$AP Rocky was first spotted in the B22 in July 2017, amplifying its initial buzz [cite: 1, 2, 17]. Pop Smoke featured the model in his music video 'DIOR', further cementing its status in popular culture [cite: 25]. Bella Hadid's endorsements also contributed to the shoe's recognition, solidifying its place in the world of high fashion [cite: 1, 2].
The B22 boasts a chunky, layered silhouette, drawing inspiration from '90s running shoes and the 'dad shoes' trend, presenting a streamlined upper [cite: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 17, 21, 22, 24, 29, 31]. The materials include suede, technical mesh, synthetic leather, calf leather, calfskin, and rubber. Signature elements such as understated 'DIOR' branding, the raised 'DIOR' signature on the side, and calfskin pull tabs define the aesthetic.