Yay or nay? The Jaw, Clare Waight Keller's first sneaker for Givenchy

It's no secret that the Internet tribe is brutal. Give a decent human being an iPhone or a laptop to speak their mind and etiquette goes out the window. This phenomenon is no exception in the sneaker world; new designs that fail to impress in both aesthetic and tech are ripped to shreds. Though, artistic director Clare Waight Keller's first pair of Givenchy kicks might just be well-equipped to fend off those out for blood.

Apart from the fact that the shoe earned its moniker 'Jaw' for an outsole that calls to mind the veneers of a great white shark (ergo, Jaws, the movie), perhaps more salient is that Keller seems keen on paving her own way in today's sea of sneakers. While it's a domain so intensely competitive even in the mainstream as the game of hype greatly rewards only the cream of the crop, Keller has shunned headlining trends — dadcore and sleek, sock runners — for a distinctive, industrial feel. It's great, because Balenciaga's Speed Trainer really doesn't need yet another step-sibling spawning from the other houses. 

Delving into the details, the aforementioned jaw-like soles provide much of the high-cut sneaker's heft, and is deftly complemented by a streamlined nylon upper, contrasting leather eye stays, and accented with a fabric sock peeking out. Presumably, for the added comfort of hugging a wearer's foot snugly. Save for a white panel bearing the house name across the heel, the Jaw leaves its impression first with an all-black colourway that stars in the campaign (see above), but with an all-white option also available on the retail floor. Word is, blue and red are on the way — collectively, they mirror the colour scheme of the Jaws movie poster. 

Now tell us: would you love it or leave it?

Available at Givenchy boutiques and www.givenchy.com from 17 August.