Starting Five: Product Highlights [March 25]
Ranra, Cecilie Bahnsen & ASICS, Meanforme, Salomon, ROMBAUT & Puma
The intersection of thoughtful shoe-making and couture construction is becoming increasingly blurred, as a new wave of collaborations and releases show us. From Salomon’s refined hybrid footwear to Cecilie Bahnsen & ASICS’ seamless blend of luxury and sport, these brands are proving that technical innovation and style aren’t mutually exclusive. Whether it’s ROMBAUT’s mindful vision of a dystopian PUMA world, or RANRA’s approach to an Approach shoe, the emphasis is on form, function, and consciousness. Each of these releases brings something unique to the table, offering fresh takes on functionality, aesthetic, and purpose. In a world that continues to evolve, these shoes continue to push the boundaries of what footwear can represent…
RANRA KALT
RANRA operates in a space where function and form merge seamlessly, crafting pieces that feel both utilitarian and expressive. The brand, helmed by Arnar Már Jónsson and Luke Stevens, moves beyond traditional outdoor wear, opting for an approach that prioritizes adaptability over rigid performance constraints. Ranra’s designs often feel like they belong somewhere between nature and the city—pieces that are just as at home on a rocky Icelandic trail as they are on the streets of Berlin or London. Their work is less about following the latest technical trends and more about rethinking materiality and silhouette, allowing for an organic evolution of function-driven design.
The Kalt Hiking Shoe exemplifies this ethos, balancing an industrial edge with everyday wearability. In Iceland, wool is more than a material—it’s a means of survival. The hardy Icelandic sheep evolved to rebuff the elements, and the knitting and weaving of its wool is a craft that goes back centuries. The Kalt shoe carries on this tradition, with a warm yet lightweight felted wool upper that wicks away moisture and molds to the foot. Suede reinforcement and precision stitching enhance the wool’s natural durability, ensuring longevity without compromising flexibility. The Vibram outsole grounds the design in functionality, offering traction across varied terrains. Whether traversing the unpredictable landscapes of Iceland or blending into the textures of urban life, the Kalt is a seamless extension of Ranra’s philosophy—where innovation is a continuation of tradition, not a departure from it..
Available here
SALOMON UDaRA ADVANCED
Salomon has well and truly established itself as a dominant force within the sportstyle sector. Known for their dedication to high-performance, durable products, the brand continues to blend its technical expertise with lifestyle-oriented design, offering footwear that works as well on the trail as it does in urban settings. Salomon’s continued innovation, evident in their collaborations and product lines, reflects a focus on functionality without sacrificing style. They’ve successfully positioned themselves at the crossroads of adventure and everyday wear, proving that their products are built for the long haul, no matter the environment. This shift toward sportsstyle has solidified Salomon as a brand that resonates with athletes and fashion-conscious consumers alike.
The Udara Advanced model is a prime example of Salomon’s foray into hybrid, amphibious footwear. Designed for versatility, it features a breathable mesh upper with a molded Sensifit™ cage that provides a secure and comfortable fit. The Profeel Film technology in the midsole protects against sharp rocks and uneven terrain, ensuring a smooth and stable ride on both land and water. This shoe bridges the gap between performance and everyday wear, offering both the durability of an outdoor shoe and the comfort needed for urban exploration. Salomon continues to prove that functionality and style can coexist, delivering footwear that meets the needs of modern adventurers.
Available here
Meanforme Hambleton
Meanforme, rooted in Manchester, England, is a brand that embodies traditional and honest craftsmanship. Founded by Steve Tuite, the brand’s focus is on producing footwear that merges timeless appeal with modern sensibilities. Every pair of shoes reflects a commitment to quality, longevity, and distinctiveness. Meanforme proudly upholds an artisanal approach, emphasizing handcrafting in an industry often dominated by mass production. The brand’s ethos is grounded in a deep respect for the art of shoemaking, with each pair showcasing the skill and dedication of the process.
The Hambleton shoe is crafted from Velopell luxury suede and has quite a distinctive form language. The flexible strobel construction creates a unique junction between upper and sole. The thick natural crepe sole is hand-formed, ensuring a unique fit and the unlined design allows the leather to relax and mould to the foot, evolving with time for a personalised “comfort creep” effect. This process ensures each pair of Hambletons becomes more distinctive with wear, offering a unique experience that grows with the wearer.
Available here
ROMBAUT & PUMA LEVITATion
ROMBAUT, founded in 2013 by Belgian designer Mats Rombaut, has positioned itself as a leader in the ecological footwear space. The brand is deeply committed to veganism, ethical production, and environmental responsibility, pushing the boundaries of fashion by incorporating eco-conscious materials without compromising on style. Rombaut’s designs are known for their futuristic, often avant-garde aesthetic, blending high-end craftsmanship with innovative technologies. The brand’s focus on vegan footwear has resonated with a growing global audience that is passionate about standing out with minimal impact to our planet.
The PUMA x ROMBAUT "Levitation" shoe encapsulates the brand's ethos, blending forward-thinking design with a commitment to our planet. Inspired by mindfulness and personal growth, the silhouette features a minimalist form with an innovative tooling — an intriguing floating heel piece connected to the brand’s signature Formstrip, which encases the upper. Constructed from recycled TPU components and vegan leather the Levitation shoe offers an aesthetically striking look but also challenges conventional footwear design by prioritising both sustainability and future form exploration.
Available here
Asics x Cecilie Bahnsen Gel-Terrain MT
Cecilie Bahnsen has built her brand on the delicate balance between artistry and functionality. From her Copenhagen Atelier, where each collection begins with experimentation and iteration, Bahnsen continually seeks to blend her signature techniques of layering, embellishment, and texture into every creation. This thoughtful process is evident in her work, where 5D print overlays and two-tone mesh add depth and dimension—elements that are integral to her design DNA. Bahnsen's clothing is designed to be lived in, not preserved, with an emphasis on ease and practicality, ensuring that her pieces never compromise comfort. As she extends these principles to her collaborations, such as the one with ASICS, Bahnsen continues to demonstrate how fashion and function can seamlessly coexist.
The ASICS GEL-Terrain MT sneaker embodies this philosophy, translating Bahnsen's couture techniques into a high-performance trainer. The design incorporates the same layering and embellishment techniques used in her clothing collections, providing both texture and visual depth. The Pure Silver and Midnight colorway features glossy, quilted materials, creating a refined, futuristic aesthetic. Beneath the surface, technical expertise from ASICS shines through, with FLYTEFOAM™ cushioning and GEL™ technology offering responsive support and comfort. A neoprene sock construction, along with semi-transparent floral overlays, ensures a snug fit while adding a touch of Bahnsen’s signature femininity. This collaboration is a synthesis of brand motifs through the lens of athletic functionality, showing how technicality and comfort can coexist.
Available here
