In the menswear scene, for years now shoes, and in particular sneakers, have been the product to look at when it comes to innovation. More and more, in fact, are the brands experimenting with shapes and materials, and if sometimes the results are rather peculiar and, let's be honest, intended for a niche of enthusiasts or fashionistas, often on the other hand there are interesting products that can give a twist to the wardrobe of even the most classic man. Here are 3 of them scouted in the halls of Pitti 106.
VULCANIZED RUBBER
Inspired by the process of car tires is the one used by Le Signe, a Turin-based company that makes limited edition sneakers using reclaimed materials for both uppers (old Hawaiian shirts and used clothing) and soles. The process is simple but impressive: rubber compound of different colors is melted for 20 to 30 minutes at 130 degrees; when it cools, it solidifies again, creating distinctive color effects on the sole.
BAG AND BOX: A POSSIBLE PAIR
It could only come from a historical company such as Soldini the ability to make an almost impossible processing possible: in fact, the brand has developed a line of sneakers characterized by extreme softness and flexibility thanks to the upper worked in the shape of a bag, but resistant and with a solid line thanks to the cassette bottom. A result, that of combining pouch workmanship and box sole, which is the result of many years of experience with which it has been possible to circumvent the most common problem of this type of coupling, that is, the breaking of the upper, and that instead in this model succeeds by giving the fit extreme comfort without losing structure.
CORAL EFFECT
In their second collection, Veneto-based company AKMAN impresses with cloud-effect sneakers that are inspired by the porous structure of coral. It is EVA, which is an expanded polymer composed mainly of ethylene and vinyl acetate, characterized by its great lightness and elasticity. The outer band that embraces the sole is glued onto the shoe and then milled by hand, just as handcrafted are the workings of the upper.
