Cole Haan x Nike Lunargrand Wingtip

Hybrids have always been a somewhat contentious subject in the sneaker world often due to the dismantling of a fan favourite, but when it comes to the above I have to say im converted. After Nike designer Jarrett Reynolds blog revealed his pair of custom lunar saddle shoes in late 2010 it must have got the creative cogs turning in the design kitchen. If like me you are wondering how exactly this collaboration came to fruition the story goes something like this. Founded by Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan in Chicago, Illinois, back in 1928, Cole Haan quickly became renowned for making fine quality shoes for men. In 1988 the company was acquired by Nike and began integrating parts of Nikes innovative technology into their own footwear, so with this in mind the Lunargrand Wingtip seems the inevitable next step in a seemingly organic partnership. Bearing in mind that a wingtip and a lunar running shoe are virtually polar opposites in ever way apart from being worn on the feet this shoe does not look wrong at all on the contrary in fact they grow on me more after every viewing. I do think however leather would have been a more appropriate upper material but i'm sure this is not the last we will see of this specimen...