Category: Shoes

Esteemed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and ASICS have reunited for a second iteration of their popular Metaride AMU collaboration. Boasting a unique upper that draws from traditional Japanese bamboo knitting and a sandy color scheme inspired by Kuma’s lifelong love of the Sahara Desert, the new style serves as an apt follow-up to the two’s inagural Metaride AMU project from 2019.The shoe’s socklike knit upper provides a flexible, breathable fit and is cocooned in layered leather strips. Apart from supplying a latticed look that nods to traditional bamboo weaving with its bending, crossing shapes, this assemblage provides extra structure and even forms an ASICS Tiger stripe on the lateral and medial sides. A toggle lacing system often seen on hiking footwear is spread across the top of the foot for a customizable fit, and co-branded cork insoles supply a hidden dash of flair.Sail-colored heel tabs are made of Japanse washi thread, and boast Metaride AMU branding to contrast the ASICS hit on the aforementioned overlays. Down below, the midsole is split into two main pieces — one with a wood grain-like finish that’s made of Flytefoam, the other with uses a standard white shade and Flytefoam Propel tech. A thin layer of GEL is sandwiched in between these materials on the heel, and a cored-out midfoot cuts weight for a finishing touch of style.Look for Kengo Kuma and ASICS’ Metaride AMU to release via ASICS Japan on March 12 and again come March 19. The MSRP is set at a tax-included ¥39,600 JPY (approximately $374 USD). For more footwear news, take a look at Under Armour’s “fastest running shoe yet,” the Flow Velociti Wind.

1976 was a pivotal year in basketball history: the ABA and NBA merged, and Converse released the influential Pro Leather. Now, to celebrate the freewheeling nature of ’70s hoops and the 45th anniversary of both the merger and the Pro Leather’s debut, Converse has prepped a special Pro Leather “Birth of Flight.”Often associate with Julius “Dr. J” Erving — one of the ABA’s biggest stars — the Pro Leather is known for its high cut and signature Chevron logo. Here, it’s done up in a timeless white leather and features interchangeable Chevron detailing: thanks to Velcro straps on both the lateral and medial midfoot, the wearer can choose between blue or red accents. A gold Pro Leather stamp is present directly behind the medial Chevron, and heels nod to the ABA’s iconic red, white and blue basketball with a special print and more gold foil embellishment. Tongues are trimmed with blue on the right shoe and red on the left, while icy translucent outsoles finalize the look.The Converse Pro Leather “Birth of Flight” is set to release via the Converse webstore on February 18, and is priced at $85 USD. For more from the world of footwear, check out UNDEFEATED and Converse’s new batch of Chuck 70 “Fundamentals.”

Excitement over “dad shoes” is at an all-time high at the moment among the sneaker community, and New Balance is cashing in on this by unpacking a carload full of new offerings. Among them is the New Balance 991 which, after being produced in navy and red schemes is now receiving a heavy earth-tone makeover.Materials-wise, the lifestyle runner leans on its traditional paneling of suede and tumbled leather to map out its upper. In areas such as the toe boxes and mid-foot, buttery suedes are woven together with hues of forest green, a light beige and deep red overlay nearest the ankle. Toe tip overlays and mudguards are dipped in olive dye, while the rearmost panel is fashioned with a dusty beige outer. Save for the white “991” hit on the heels, the branded logos and lettering up top deliver additional olive notes. Additional parts of the base to call out are the forest green laces and white nylon tongues, the latter’s interior side of which features England’s flag to nod to its Made-in-UK manufacturing origins.Curvy midsole units are broken up between white and muted grey walls, and coupled with black soles below.These New Balance 991s are available now via select retailers like 43einhalb for €200 (approx. $241 USD) for those interested in picking up a pair.In case you missed it, Snow Peak and New Balance Tokyo Design Studio have reconnected for a “Triple Black” R_C4 Mid.