BEHIND THE PRODUCT #8
2022.04.06

The Best Footwear from Spring / Summer 2022 Vol.2

This is a series of articles about the stories behind fashion products and things that go on behind the scenes, delivering with a bit of a scathing perspective but with a love of products. Atsuo Watanabe, editor-in-chief of PRODISM magazine, Yukihisa Takei, editor-in-chief of HONEYEE.COM, and Takuya Raita, a stylist, choose a theme each time and talk about the products we have selected. We have picked out the best footwear for Spring / Summer 2022 from 5 brands.




Edit&Text : Atsuo Watanabe(PRODISM)&Yukihisa Takei(HONEYEE.COM)
Styling : Takuya Raita
Photo : Kengo Shimizu


eye JUNYA WATANABEMAN × New Balance

New Balance 574

“I like the vibe that they are not the kind of collectable shoes for sneaker freaks” (Watanabe)

Takuya Raita (R): The color combination is particularly stunning in this collaboration.

Yukihisa Takei (T): Which model is used for the base?

Atsuo Watanabe (W): It looks like a 574 model.

R: Do you think these will also be sold out immediately?

W: I'm not sure. I think it will be gone fairly quickly, though. I mean, I don't see the point of how quickly they sell out. I think if you're just a sneaker freak, you won't be able to pull them off well that easy. They are actually a difficult colour scheme to style.

T: The green coloring is really good.

W: I'd wear the grey ones with shorts. I feel it's a collaboration with leeway on the products

R: They always hit the right spot!

W: It's cool that they don't go too far and design them easily.

T: It's sophisticated how they didn't put the 574 logo on the tongues.

W: I like the vibe that they are designed to be styled with an outfit, so they are not the kind of collectable shoes for sneaker freaks.

The latest release by eye JUNYA WATANABEMAN and New Balance, both having collaborated with each other many times. For the season, three multi-colored styles based on the 574 Legacy are lined up, which is New Balance's new model to be launched in April.

eye JUNYA WATANABEMAN
NEWBALANCE 574 ¥28,600 / JUNYA WATANABEMAN
Comme des Garçons
TEL : 03-3486-7611



CONVERSE ADDICT × NEXUSⅦ.

ONE STAR LOAFER

“It's a very subtle collaboration. You can't tell from the design that it's NEXUSVII..” (Takei)

W: These are a NEXUSVII. collaboration, aren't they? Konno (Tomohiro)-kun picks out a really niche style.

R: Apparently the loafer-type CONVERSE sneakers are originally black based. But they haven't really released them in black color recently, so they were made in the original black color with suede from Konno-san's request.

W: So these are reworked on that old original base model.

R: They're not quite a complete reproduction as the sole and other parts have been changed, but I think these are an update of the original model from the 90s.

T: It's a very subtle collaboration. You can't tell from the design that it's NEXUSVII., other than the brand name on the sole.

W: That sense of smoothness is very much Konno-kun's style. But the finish is extremely modern.

T: It's CONVERSE, but the black coloring adds chicness.

W: It's the most straightforward way of updating and refining. Having an old original base, and modifying it into a real product of today.

T: CONVERSE ADDICT is popular as always.

W: I guess so. But I’ve heard CONVERSE doesn't make a last in 28.5cm, which means I can't wear them in my right size. These don't have laces, so I might be able to wear them in 28cm though.

T: That’s a shame.

W: Even though it is said that around 28.0cm is the most popular size, they don't make 28.5cm. There are so many shoes that I want, but I won’t even be able to wear them in my size. I don't want to force myself to wear 29.0cm. Having said that, apologies in advance if they make 28.5cm.

The second release of ONE STAR ROAFER from CONVERSE ADDICT. NEXUSⅦ. has teamed up with CONVERSE ADDICT for the first collaboration. The upper, lining and sole are all in black, recreating the detailing from the 90s.

CONVERSE ADDICT × NEXUSⅦ.
ONE STAR LOAFER ¥24,200 *on sale in May / CONVERSE ADDICT x NEXUSⅦ.
Converse Information Center
TEL : 0120-819-217




THE NORTH FACE × Hender Scheme

HS VECTIV Escape

“I really recommend giving it a try” (Watanabe)

W: VECTIV series is incredibly easy to wear. I have a pair, and I like the feeling of my feet stepping out naturally.

T: Your real experience is very convincing. The shape of the sole is impressive.

R: I was really attracted to the fact that this collaboration uses VECTIV.

T: I didn’t know VECTIVE is such a famous model.

W: VECTIV is a new rocker construction technology introduced by THE NORTH FACE a few years ago. I personally like VECTIV because I don't get tired at all when walking and my feet don't hurt.

R: I also found out how great VECTIV was through an article in PRODISM (laughs). I think this one has a more urban look, with the laces designed by Hender Scheme.

W: I really recommend giving it a try. The colour scheme of the upper changes from season to season, so it depends on your preference. THE NORTH FACE shoes are often underestimated, including other models.

T: Considering its quality, it doesn't get much attention. They're not popular within the sneaker category, but they are the shoes known to those in the know.

W: Also, Hender Scheme adds a stylish touch this time.

T: The collaborations by Hender Scheme are really popular every time.

R: Especially the combination of THE NORTH FACE x Hender Scheme makes me want one. It's a design that can be worn in the city but has high-tech features incorporated into it.

W: They might get upset, but I don’t want VECTIV to be that famous because I want them to stay as a masterpiece that’s only known to those in the know (laughs).

The third edition of THE NORTH FACE x Hender Scheme, a collaboration started in Fall / Autumn 2020 season. With the theme of 'things that change, things that stay the same', the two brands combine their distinct identities such as materials, functionality, durability and universality. The HS VECTIV Escape has been updated with the wingtip of the leather shoe, fused with quick pull laces.

THE NORTH FACE × Hender Scheme
HS VECTIV Escape ¥26,400 / THE NORTH FACE × Hender Scheme
Sukima Ebisu
TEL : 03-6447-7448




ASICS

GEL-NANDI SP V

“This series is very futuristic and goes well with techwear” (Raita)

R: These are the ASICS by Kiko Kostadinov Studio. It's a pair that's a mix of various ASICS models such as basketball shoes and others.

T: It looks like it's for outdoor trekking, but it's a hybrid then.

W: Well, it's not that great design for Kiko's work, isn't it? It doesn't feel very Kiko. I think the collaboration between Kiko and ASICS is a series that is hit or miss depending on the season.

R: I thought the previous purple ones with the ASICS logo on the side were something that could be seen in anime. These ones are made of GORE-TEX® and I thought they were reasonably priced.

W: I don't like these logos on the side.

T: But, this is the logo of ASICS (laughs).

R: I think ASICS is being revised upwards these days.

T: I agree. Not this one, but there are a few models that I want, like the one Kiko designed before.

R: This series is very futuristic and goes well with techwear. I don't have a pair yet, but I personally want one.

W: The designs in collaboration with Kiko generally have a strong seasonality. You might get bored of them after wearing them a few times. Of course, I think that’s very natural since they're outstandingly fashionable.

R: I can see they are not everyday shoes, but as a product, I think it's cool.

W: It's great that they have the passion to create a fashionable product. But I still think they should take the logo off.

R: (laughs).

T: Why is that?

W: Our generation has a strong impression of this logo reminding us of athletic shoes from the Showa-era. I think it's fine to push this logo to the overseas market, but it doesn’t make sense to propose to the Japanese that the logo is their legacy and cool. But maybe it doesn't matter to the younger generation. Rather than that, I think it would be an organic way of collaboration to let designers design with no restrictions on logos and the like. Well, it's probably none of my business.

The latest model from the ASICS by Kiko Kostadinov Studio. This model is a unique combination of a basketball shoe and a trail-rooted shoe. The upper design of the GEL-BURST SP V is fused with the tooling of the GEN-NANDI to create a boot-like look. With GORE-TEX fabrics, it allows for all-weather use.

HS3-S GEL-NANDI SP V ¥18,700 / ASICS
ASICS Japan Customer Service
TEL: 0120-068-806




NEEDLES

Asymmetric Ghillie Sneaker

“I think NEEDLES is one of the best brands in the world at using the purple” (Watanabe)

R: A new version of NEEDLES' standard original sneaker. It’s got false tongues and the combination of denim and leather is also the first time. The asymmetrical design is also a highlight.

T: Oh, yeah. The details are slightly asymmetrical. I might wear them for a while without noticing it.

W: Without that kind of explanation, you'd think it's a B grade product, but the color scheme is really good. This is just an accent colour, but I think NEEDLES is one of the best brands in the world at using the purple.

T: These shoes also have that coolness that the denim and leather parts will look better as they are worn.

R: Has NEEDLES always been popular?

T: I think NEEDLES was seen as just Nepenthes's original brand, rather than an established brand.

R: It's surprising because they have been really popular for the last five or six years.

T: I feel that the brand was established when other multi-label stores started having pop-ups and stocked Needles at other stores, not just Nepenthes.

W: Also, their products started getting very stylish around then.

R: Before the co-ordinating tracksuits became popular, I still remember how cool it looked when a tough-looking guy with a skinhead was wearing it in Shibuya (laughs).

The style is the standard of NEEDLES’ classic model. Incorporating a collection theme of West Coast, a pair that which the upper is made of a combination of denim and suede, and the removable false tongues are also made of suede. The asymmetrical design is also a key feature.

NEEDLES
Asymmetric Ghillie Sneaker ¥30,800 / Needles
Nepenthes
TEL : 03-3400-7227

(From left to right) Atsuo Watanabe, Editor-in-Chief of PRODISM, Takuya Raita, Stylist, Yukihisa Takei, HONEYEE.COM)



Atsuo Watanabe / Editor-in-Chief, PRODISM

Born in 1973. After working as an editor for Asayan and Huge, he became a freelance editor and launched the product-focused magazine PRODISM in 2013, where he continues to work as the editor in chief. He is well versed in men's fashion, sneakers, and streetwear, and has a unique aesthetic.

Takuya Raita / Stylist

Born in 1986. Having assisted for Hiroyuki Kai, he became independent in 2012. While working mainly for men's fashion magazines, he is also known for his product styling that sensitively incorporates trends. Currently looking for an assistant.

Yukihisa Takei / HONEYEE.COM

Born in 1972. After working as an editor of the magazine EYESCREAM, he became the editor-in-chief of HONEYEE.COM, but resigned after one year. After working as a freelance editor and creative director for various brand websites and media launches, he returned to his post as editor-in-chief of HONEYEE.COM in the fall of 2021.