Starting Five: Product Highlights [July]
Hoka, Gyakusou, Moonstar JP, Asics & 424
Starting Five is a new series where we spotlight recent product highlights that have caught our attention. Here at CONCEPTKICKS® we only showcase the product that moves us, that sparks excitement or conversation within the studio. Often, this product deserves a little more attention than the fleeting-likes of social media…
As the summer kicks on and the Olympics begins, we round up some of this month’s most exciting reveals and releases. With contributions from the USA, Japan and France, the global nature of this group of products is testament to the free-flowing variation that exists in the market today. Big name collaborations and boutique originals both seek to further the development of the industry and satisfy the desires of the ever-changing consumer.
From the athletics track to the mountains and the runway to the kitchen, we’ve got footwear selections for every occasion that cover both ends of the price point spectrum and much of the space in between. Inspiration ranges from the culture of track and field to the acceptance of being ‘just good enough’ as brands of all audiences compete to find their niche and break new ground. In case you’ve missed anything that warrants your attention, here are five product highlights that we can’t stop thinking about…
Undercover x Nike Gyakusou ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%
If you wanted a way to make one of the world’s best running shoes even better, then giving it the Gyakusou treatment would be a sure-fire way to do just that. Nike and Jun Takahashi’s Undercover continue their brand partnership with two new global release colourways of the famed ZoomX Vaporfly Next% and a third black and blue release exclusively for Undercover brick-and-mortar locations.
The Next% has been king of the athletic performance world ever since Eliud Kipchoge broke the 2-hour marathon record in a pair, and this fashion-catering iteration will satisfy the needs of both form and function. With a breathable, mixed-material upper and the expected ZoomX sole unit, the shoes are finished with Gyakusou, Undercover Lab and GIRA (Gyakusou International Running Association) branding across the upper and insole to leave little to the imagination of any curious onlookers. Suitable for both running and lifestyle wear, the release was complimented by full sets of apparel to include jackets, shorts, tops, caps and socks.
Available here
424 Marathon Boots
Arriving in Olive, Black and a vivid safety Orange, LA-based 424’s most recent release comes in the shape of these structural mixed material boots. Guillermo Andrade’s Fairfax boutique continues its impressive in-house footwear development with the premium Marathon boot. The matte upper focally includes an elastane outer layer that neatly wraps underneath the midsole of the shoe, creating a seamless transition from ankle to footbed.
The two part collar utilises a rear zipper to connect this outer layer with a second leather lining for ease of movement and added internal stability. Owing to a durable deep-treaded sole unit courtesy of Vibram and high-grade Italian construction, this refined boot places emphasis on quality build for a long lasting product. With a rectangular-laced all-leather version on the way as part of the brand’s SS22 collection, the elastane-wrapped model of the Marathon Boot is available now on the 424 webstore.
Hoka One One Hopara Dune
From Alpine France by way of California, the Hopara brings Hoka’s maximalist cushioning to the trekking sandal arena. Intended for use in both dry and wet conditions, the Hopara’s upper has a series of strategically placed cut-outs to aid with water displacement while remaining secure in its hold across the foot. A neoprene collar and quick lacing system assist in the departments of flexibility, comfort and ease of use, reducing friction when damp and preventing damage to the feet from abrasion.
With mountain terrain at the forefront of its design, the Hopara features a rubberized toecap for protection against rocks and other debris while a heavily rubberized EVA midsole provides support and cushioning on uneven ground. The traction heavy outsole is no different, with multidirectional lugs included as part of a ‘sticky’ moulded rubber unit that equips the wearer with high levels of agility and a wide range of directional change. A wide range of colourways available on the market make the Hopara a standout sandal choice for the warmer summer months of activity.
Available here
Moonstar 810s
As they’ve been making shoes in Kurume, Japan since 1873 it is no wonder that Moonstar have one of the highest reputations for quality and consistency in their hand-produced mainline range of products. Based in the heart of Japan’s rubber industry, the company built their name upon the production of jika-tabi - work boots with a rubber sole and split toe - that are the precursor to more modern tabi-style offerings from the likes of Martin Margiela.
In 2019, the brand debuted their 810s line which draws its name from 8/10 or 80% being the numerical equivalent of the Goldilocks Zone. Being neither excessive or insufficient, 810s is home to a wide range of affordable and meticulously designed silhouettes that bridge the gap between contemporary style and function for professionals. With chef shoes, work boots, loafers and mules included as just part of the widespread roster, you can count the CAF, UNIVE and HOSP VENT models among the Conceptkicks’ favourites for FW21. Materials of rubber, EVA, polyester mesh and synthetic leather are used across the range in versatile shades of Black, White, Grey, Beige and more.
Available here
ASICS UB2 S Gel 1130
Inspired by one of Asics core running shoes, the UB2 S Gel 1130 is the latest in a long line of successful executions by one of the biggest sneaker brands in the world. Revived by the creative touch of Kiko Kostadinov, the Japanese powerhouse continues its success in the fashion-savvy trainer market with another updated version of an archival shoe that takes heavy cues from the world of athletics. While not an official collaborative effort, the Bulgarian designers’ aesthetic is still very much present in the material makeup of the shoe as well as in all three colourways of Asphalt/Silver, Deep Mars/Graphite and Metropolis/Lichen Rock.
Breathability is provided via a technical mesh upper with bonded overlays as the padded collar and tongue are able to cushion the ankle and bridge of the foot when put through its paces. Unsurprisingly, we find Asics’ signature GEL cushioning technology comprises the makeup of the midsole to deliver comfort and support over extended periods of time. The durable rubber outsole is centred by a section of TRUSSTIC™ resin, providing extra stability and reducing the likelihood of twisting during high-energy use. The shoe is then finished off with a reinforced toecap, loop-and-eyelet lacing system and an asymmetric tongue pull made from branded elastic webbing.
Available here
