HANON and Diadora’s collaborative partnership stretches back seven years, and for their latest effort they’ve prepped a N.9000 dubbed the “Pictish Warrior.” Inspired by the Picts, an ancient Scottish tribe that were thought to paint or tattoo themselves blue to appear more fierce in battle, the shoe is an elevated lifestyle option and a detailed history lesson all in one.Crafted at Diadora’s factory in Italy, the “Pictish Warrior” features a dark navy blue napa leather base that’s overlaid with ultra-soft royal blue tumbled leather. This entire assemblage is surrounded by shaggy tan suede on the forefoot and heel alike. The midfoot’s Diadora logo strike features a repeating print of the “Pictish Beast,” a mythical creature found in cave carvings and paintings across Scotland’s northeast region. This logo is trimmed with a light sky blue, and more sky blue detailing appears on the collar. Tongues feature co-branded HANON flame graphics and Diadora hits, while both the “Pictish Beast” and another flame embellishment are embroidered on the heels. Final co-branded hits are stamped on the insoles, and sail midsoles work with multi-tone blue outsoles to round off the look. It’s packaged in a bespoke box with custom tissue paper, and is accompanied by four lace options.The HANON x Diadora N.9000 “Pictish Warrior” is set to release on the HANON webstore come July 16, and a raffle is open now. It’s priced at £180 GBP (approximately $249 USD).For more footwear news check out the latest installment of HYPEBEAST’s weekly Sole Mates series, in which guests share the personal stories associated with their favorite sneakers. Click here to view full gallery at HYPEBEAST
