Starting Five: Product Highlights [July 22]
Asics, Bottega Veneta, Li-Ning, Moncler Genius & TheSoloist.
Once again, the CONCEPTKICKS® team has taken the time to round up the best and the brightest from today’s footwear industry, shining a light on releases you may have missed and wider trends we’ve noticed. For one, we’ve seen 3D printing become increasingly integrated into present-day infrastructure and the never-ending space race for cushioning technology yielding some provocative decisions. Exploring notions of packable footwear and revisiting cult moments in history, we bring you five product highlights that you really ought to see...
Bottega Veneta Puddle Bomber Boot
First up, the Bottega Veneta Puddle Boot steam train is still at full throttle, with a military inspired iteration that retains the signature midsole formation of previous models. Decked out in Khaki and Grey, the luxury Italian house has preserved the key features of a padded collar, metal lace loops and dual hooks at the top of the lacing system for adjustable fastening. While these characteristics are traditionally found on boots used for hiking and in military operations, they have become common among the fashion-forward as luxury brands continue to draw inspiration from functional living.
The technical nylon upper has low permeability due to a shell weave and is paired with an exaggerated rubber sole, heel panel and toe box to create a balanced fabrication across the model. Bottega’s iconic puddle sole unit holds onto the wave formation on each side of the shoe but opts for a thick polyamide-based material to match the capability of the other materials. The outsole features a track-style tread; this is essentially a sturdier and more durable version of the brand’s rubber boot that Kanye has taken quite a shine to. A leather footbed sits inside the boots for comfort, all-in-all making for a premium, long lasting model with the aesthetic qualities you would expect from the brand.
Available here
Soulland x Li-Ning Shadow
Having covered the shoe’s debut colourway briefly upon its reveal, the Shadow Sneakers from Soulland and Li-Ning have finally hit the shop floor in a new Grey colourway. The Chinese sportswear giants tap into Scandinavian sensibilities to create what they believe is the ultimate in running footwear. With the running experience at the heart of the Shadow, the final outcome combines form and function well-beyond many within the industry and with consistent development this may be a collaboration in athletics to look out for.
The upper carries many features of your typical running sneaker: a technical mesh weave, ergonomic collar and tongue with dual pull tabs quicklace fastening system for straightforward adjustment. While these features are premium and lend themselves well to the functionality of the shoe, it takes one to look at what lies below the upper to truly appreciate the performance-led design of the object. By far the standout feature of the shoe is the sole unit which utilises Li-Ning’s BOOM technology - alongside literally thin air - to create a provocative yet ingenious solution to cushioning.
Available here
Asics Actibreeze 3D Sandal
The momentum of 3D printing appears to have slowed, as the technology becomes more and more integrated with our current infrastructures and is no longer a dream of the distant future. Often used partially in the shoe construction process - such as with adidas’ 4D midsoles - the fact that the ACTIBREEZE™ 3D SANDAL places full confidence in the process - by being completely constructed this way - is testament to the advancements within the category. It reinforces the evidence that 3D printing is a keystone of future production enabling zero-waste creation of product which can target specialist activities as well as being available to the masses.
Pitched as a recovery shoe, the lattice formation of the printing has benefits that are two fold. Firstly it allows precise variation in the various areas of the model in order to target particular zones of the foot to provide high levels of comfort and care post-workout. The permeable nature of the structure also allows for maximum breathability by encouraging a constant supply of airflow throughout the model. The combination of these factors sets the Actibreeze Sandal up to be a kit-bag staple, giving feet the well-targeted rest they need before being called into action once more. The lateral side of either shoe also features the Asics spiral logo printed on top of the lattice, a simple but effective solution that could signal future developments in branding using the technology that removes set-up costs of moulds or stamps and signals possibilities of personalisation.
Available here
TAKAHIROMIYASHITA TheSoloist. x Suicoke Five Finger Chelsea Boots
When Vibram introduced the FiveFingers model in 2005, few would have predicted the slew of collaborative treatments that the silhouette is now experiencing. Following on from a few Balenciaga models and a pair of low-cut military slippers from Suicoke and TAKAHIROMIYASHITA THESOLOIST, the rubber outsole unit is subject once again to an application from Miyashita’s brand in the form of an ankle length Chelsea boot.
Constructed from premium faux leather, the silhouette is a clashing hybrid of formality and outdoor exploration. All the telltale signs of a classic Chelsea boot are present: elasticated gussets, zip closures on the medial side and branded pull tab at the heel. Towards the toe box this sleek surface moulds its way into the five separate sections before being finished with a treaded outsole that stems from the iconic barefoot inspiration behind the FiveFingers silhouette. Signature Vibram embossing in bright amber sits halfway along the foot and acts as an accent to the rest of the construction which remains dark and moody in an all-black colourway.
Available here
Moncler Genius - 1 JW Anderson Zip Gator Shoe
Never one to shy away from collaboration, JW Anderson’s line with Italian outerwear specialists Moncler continues to supply tasteful products that combine the former's considered sensibilities with the latter’s technical supremacy. Drawing its ingenuity predominantly from the British countryside, the Zip Gator Shoe is a towering and stark which packs down to roughly the size of a lunchbox.
Perhaps the most expensive fishing boot in the world, the model arrives in an intensely vibrant safety Orange that is sure to keep you noticeable when wading through streams and rivers. Constructed with a thigh-length nylon upper and friction-heavy rubber outsole, there is a tonal lacing system on the bridge of the foot for adjustment, as the upper has very little structure for maintaining the fit otherwise. With an eye to the transportation of the pair, the entire silhouette packs down into the midsole before each foot is able to be easily encased together by way of a simple zip closure, perfect for packing into your bag and taking to your next camping spot. The project is named ‘Genius’ after all.
Available here
