Nearly a century later, the German Army Trainer is more relevant than ever. From luxury fashion houses to sportswear brands, its low-profile design has been embraced by the masses. While countless iterations of GAT-inspired shoes exist, Pane broke through with the introduction of its Light Training NO-GI sneaker. The Chinese brand, established in 2022, skyrocketed in popularity as people were drawn to the NO-GI’s deconstructed aesthetic. For founder Chen Ning and the rest of the team, this was just the beginning.Rooted in three key design principles: timelessness, motion, and authenticity, Pane utilizes Ning’s decade-long experience in bespoke menswear to deliver footwear meant to be worn habitually. By elevating each touchpoint associated with the brand, from distinct regional storefronts to intentional design choices, Pane seeks to seamlessly integrate itself into your rotation.We’re only months removed from the launch of its global website, and Pane is on pace to expand its global presence throughout 2026. We caught up with the team to discuss independence, restraint, and what it means to design shoes that simply feel right.
