Cole Haan is known for many things – comfort, innovation and design – but street culture is not a quality that we’ve associated with the New Hampshire shoemaker. That has changed thanks to its new sneaker collaboration with Staple Design, a New York-based streetwear brand that’s most famous for its pigeon motif.
The limited edition Cole Haan 2.ZERØGRAND StitchliteTM x Staple Design is derived from the original ZERØGRAND Wingtip Oxford but given the Staple Design makeover. Jeffrey Ng took the shoe and gave it a knit upper, which features twisted yarn to create the classic wingtip design, as well as a heather grey colourway.
It’s not a Staple sneaker without pigeons though, and on this sneaker, there are three. One has roosted on the leather pull tab at the back of the shoe while second feathery compatriot is hidden on the tongue, which can only be seen when you pull it out. The final one is on the inner sole of the shoe.
Cole Haan is going all out to promote this sneaker and even got legendary sneaker connoisseur Brad Hall to give his take on it in the video below.
“Jeff and his work represent all that is New York in its grit, adaptation and individuality. This partnership is a celebration of our shared values and our dedication to craft, style and engineering in everything we make,” said Scott Patt, Vice President of Design & Innovation at the Cole Haan Global Innovation Center in New Hampshire.
The Cole Haan 2.ZERØGRAND StitchliteTM x Staple Design also marks the 20th anniversary of Staple Design. It will drop in Cole Haan stores on 26 October and is priced at S$459.