Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill volumes are so pop-culturally relevant we saw fit to assemble a low-profile-inspired breakdown specifically in its honour. Just like how Uma Thurman’s slack suit and Onitsuka Mexico 66’s paid homage to the outfit worn by Bruce Lee in the 1979 film, Game of Death, we’re gonna pay our respects to all things low-profile the size? way. 

Why is low-profile footwear so popular?

At home on both the runway and the local caged football court, the usage of low-profile footwear spans far and wide. The ideology present here is that low-profile footwear is as equally graceful as it is gritty – meaning that its practicality and adoption is second to none – something in which The Bride in the Kill Bill franchise captures to a T.

The price point of the low-profile shoe is not something to be disregarded, either. Mostly, they are competitively affordable, with the exception of notable collaborative affairs. This means that they are able to appeal to a mainstream audience because they are seen as an easy, thoughtless solution for any and all endeavours; footwear that does exactly what it says on the tin.

adidas Originals Taekwondo

Recently, adidas Originals reinstated its Taekwondo line. This one’s got martial arts running through every inch of its leather and rubber veins, and is the embodiment of streamlined prowess. Now, imagine them with a bold dose of yellow accenting thrown in, yeah… now you see it.

Minimalist in all the right ways, the Taekwondo honours simplicity and durability simultaneously. First sighted in the early noughties, it’s right at home in the contemporary circles of today, and is a worthy companion for when out facing members of The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad.

PUMA Speedcat OG

Inspired by the slimline, fireproof styles of Formula 1 – PUMA’s Speedcat first graced the scene back in 1999, and is a clear-cut chic replacement for Beatrix Kiddo if she ever decided to ditch those iconic Onitsuka’s.

Low-profile footwear throughout history

We can’t look back at low-profile footwear without mentioning the process of vulcanisation, which was developed in the late 1800s but only really took off in the 1900s. This led to the creation of the first ever plimsolls, which were used predominantly for sport.

Flash-forward to the 1970s, and Nike’s Cortez defined an era by paving the way forward for runners, who were inspired to ditch the studded-spikes and pick up rubber-based EVA cushioned alternatives instead. As a result of this, low-profile footwear dramatically evolved, and bled out – Kill Bill style – into more experimental capillaries which still make up most of the defining subcategories of slimline footwear offerings today.

adidas Originals SL 72 RS

Even though it has been ‘Reshaped’, adidas Originals’ SL 72 still retains its streamline genetics, and is an archival silhouette that was originally released amidst the golden era of ultra-light running models. We see this one as the most aesthetically pleasing choice for the scary blonde haired lady with the samurai sword, just close your eyes and imagine it for yourself.

Get even more low-profile inspiration over on our website.