Heated Rivalry is the gift that keeps on giving, and the latest present is a sneaker sighting from Connor Storrie. Enter: the ideal pair of white throwback sneakers for those seeking a bit of edge.
In case you have been living under a rock, the Heated Rivalry fandom is keeping as active as the show’s actors while we patiently await season 2. The latest appearance from the show’s cast saw Hudson Williams, who plays Shane Hollander, and Connor Storrie, who plays Ilya Rozanov, reunite as torchbearers for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
On Sunday, January 25, Williams and Storrie drove to Feltre, Italy, to take part in the Olympic torch relay’s 49th stage. The two carried the Olympic flame through the small North Italian town, dressed in identical Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games tracksuits.
While Williams finished his torchbearer look with his trusty New Balance 9060 sneakers, which we’ve seen him wear a few times before, Storrie chose a hidden gem in both the retro sneaker and white sneaker categories: a pair of Autry med-way sneakers in the marshmallow and white colorway.
Retro sneakers have been gaining popularity since last year, and the trend does not appear to be slowing down in 2026. Storrie is the latest celebrity to join in on the fun with his Autry sneakers, but Olivia Rodrigo and Tyla have also endorsed the trend with picks from Vans, Nike, and other brands.
Storrie’s throwback sneaker selection is not as popular as a pair of Vans Authentic or Nike Cortez, but it is a wonderful alternative to iconic white sneakers like the Air Force 1s or the similar-looking Reebok Club C 1985.
The Med-Way may appear retro, but it is actually one of Autry’s most recent models, based on the brand’s renowned classic, the Medalist. The Med-Way silhouette has a slightly higher neck and stays faithful to the brand’s ’80s tennis look.
Aside from sneaker inspiration, the Olympic torch relay will continue until February 6, 2026, when the Winter Olympics formally begin. Following Williams and Storrie, the relay made its way through northern Italy. The event, which will shortly enter Lombardy, is set to conclude in Milan on February 5, 2025, during the 60th stage. Only time will tell where and when Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will make their next stop on their globe tour!
