Cole Haan collaborates with Slack on shoe collection

Cole Haan collaborates with Slack on shoe collection - Quartz

Cole Haan collaborates with Slack on shoe collection - Quartz
I Tried Adidas’ New Ultra-Hyped Running Shoes, & They Solved My Running Rut - Refinery29
shahar asor knits children's shoes with an expiration date using biodegradable thread - Designboom
Save 30% on your Adidas order when you purchase a pair of shoes - CNN
7 Versatile Shoes to Help You Pack Lighter on Your Next Vacation - Condé Nast Traveler

Cole Haan collaborates with Slack on shoe collection - Quartz

Posted: 07 Oct 2020 06:00 AM PDT

Remote work is not just a trend—it now has an aesthetic.

Cole Haan, a footwear company, is collaborating with messenger app Slack to release a limited-edition collection of shoes for the corporate worker who uses Slack.

The all-white shoes, built on the existing Cole Haan Generation Zerogrand shoe model, features the tech company's logo on the sides and a lining that corresponds to one of the four colors—green, blue, red, and yellow—of Slack's logo.

The shoes, which will be sold both online and in select stores in the US and internationally, will be priced at $120. The collection will be available in "extended men's sizing."

The men's sizing label evokes the stereotype of the Allbirds-wearing, tech bro worker living in San Francisco. The company clarifies that while the shoe is in US men's shoe size, the sizing will be communicated as "unisex style." (There will be a size guide chart for relevant conversions, according to the company.)

With a large part of the white-collar workforce on Slack, the shoe release is timely. According to Slack, more than 12 million people use its product actively every day and, among paid users, spend more than nine hours a day on the platform. The release is also timed with the annual Slack's Frontiers conference (held virtually this year). Cole Haan's brand president David Maddocks told Quartz the collection is for the "Slack users" and for the "20 somethings."

"You've got a footwear brand people are passionate about and a software platform people are passionate about," says Maddocks.

Cole Haan shoes with lining that corresponds to the green in Slack's logo.

Maddocks is a big fan of Slack. He says Slack has helped the retailer, which was part of Nike until it was sold to private equity firm Apax Partners in 2012, "modernize" itself to be nimble like a tech company. The company, which began using Slack in 2017, had designed shoes for Slack's CEO Stewart Butterfield and chief technology officer Cal Henderson to wear at the New York Stock Exchange the day the company went public, according to Maddocks. The design process in part takes place via Slack, reflecting how prevalent work online has become.

The logo of tech companies being sold on merchandise is unusual, according to Beth Goldstein, a fashion footwear analyst at NPD, a market research firm. With the Silicon Valley uniform consisting of the hoodie, t-shirt, and jeans, the tech industry is not necessarily known for aspirational aesthetics. Instead, tech companies are more likely to partner up with retailers to provide swag for their employees to wear (e.g., Patagonia creating corporate vests). When the fashion and tech worlds collide, what's more common is a fashion label collaborating on the tech product, such as an Apple Watch with a Hermès band, or tech enhancing fashion, such as Levi's collaborating with Google to create "smart" jacket, according to Goldstein.

Collaborations are meant to create a "buzz," which is why collabs between footwear brands and non-footwear brands are common, she says. (Food partnerships, in particular, tend to be a big hit.) Goldstein adds that collaborations tend to target niche audiences, pointing to Croc's collaborations with Kentucky Fried Chicken or rapper Bad Bunny that successfully sold out. In Cole Haan's case, she says, "this is definitely going after that Allbirds consumer out there in the tech world."

The target audience is clear, but will this appeal to consumers? As Goldstein points out, one must think that person is not just a Slack user but a Slack enthusiast. Someone choosing these shoes is demonstrating not just loyalty to a tech product designed to maximize productivity but also signifying their allegiance to work, for better or worse.

But since most workers don't have a choice about what messaging software their employer provides, it may be hard to imagine anyone so excited about Slack that they would pay to wear its logo.

I Tried Adidas’ New Ultra-Hyped Running Shoes, & They Solved My Running Rut - Refinery29

Posted: 07 Oct 2020 07:00 AM PDT

It's also worth mentioning that I ran about 20 seconds per mile faster than my typical pace on my inaugural run. Of course, I'm not going to pretend that's all down to the shoe. (If elite runners could shave 20 seconds off their pace just by wearing a shoe, it wouldn't have taken so long to break the two-hour marathon barrier.) Besides the new kicks, it was also several degrees cooler than it had been all summer, and the sheer exhilaration of a new pair of shoes likely propelled me forward too. But that little kick has remained on my subsequent runs — the shoes are fast, and they definitely seem to make me speedier.

shahar asor knits children's shoes with an expiration date using biodegradable thread - Designboom

Posted: 07 Oct 2020 01:33 AM PDT

designer shahar asor knits children's shoes with an expiration date using biodegradable thread that can disassemble at a pre-defined timeframe. titled 'best before', the material research project applies the concept of an expiration date to the fashion industry as a way of bridging the contradiction between the long 'shelf life' of a garment, and people's undeniable need to often change their wardrobe. fully-fashioned on a double bed knitting machine, the shoes consist of one knitted piece with different textures, which includes the soft upper part and the strong, flexible sole.all images by noi einav

'what if we could buy clothes the same way we buy milk? according to our objective needs and taking into account the expiration date of the product?,' asks shahar asor, who developed 'best before' as her final project at the industrial department of the bezalel academy in jerusalem. the children's shoes are conceptually designed to disassemble in the washing machine within a pre-defined time frame, taking into account consumption habits and children's growth curves. after the shoe dissolves, its materials can safely biodegrade, leaving no harmful effect on the environment.the shoe is knitted in one piece that includes the upper part and the sole

asor collaborated with professor oded shoseyov from the faculty of agriculture, food and environment at the hebrew university in order to explore the potential uses and design applications of biodegradable textiles. by using knitting technology, the designer was able to create a biodegradable composite material that could disassemble at a pre-defined timeframe. through further research, she found that the material produces different textures under specific conditions, and in this way she was able to knit a soft textile and strong flexible surface all in the same swatch.

each shoe is made from one knitted piece that includes the upper part and the sole. as its expiration date approaches, the logo of the project appears on the left shoe, notifying the user that the pair will disassemble in the washing machine during its next wash. after it dissolves, the materials can safely biodegrade, leaving no harmful effect on the environment.

'fashion has the power to promote us, be our voice and distinct us from others, but sometimes we buy clothes simply because we objectively need to, as in the case of maternity or children's clothes,' adds asor. 'some of us donate and others recycle but the truth is most of our unclaimed garments find themselves in landfills. so, if a garment is being used for a limited period of time why does it stay on earth for so long? why not design it with its end of use moment in mind?' production and design process on a double bed knitting machine

project info:

name: best before

designer: shahar asor

designboom has received this project from our 'DIY submissions' feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom

Save 30% on your Adidas order when you purchase a pair of shoes - CNN

Posted: 06 Oct 2020 02:29 PM PDT

Fall fashion is in full swing, and that includes activewear and sneakers from top brands like Adidas. Now through October 11, when you purchase a pair of shoes on Adidas' site, you'll get 30% off of your entire order when you use promo code OCTOBER at checkout.

Some exclusions apply as always, but favorite styles like the Stan Smith, Ozweego, Sleek and Nizza Shoes are included in the deal. Not to mention, it's the perfect time to update your workout and streetwear wardrobes with sleek-yet-comfy tops, sweats, tights and more.

Not sure where to start? We've got you covered. See below for our top picks for shoes (and apparel to pair them with) from the sale.

Shoes

Stan Smith Shoes ($56, originally $80; adidas.com)

Stan Smith Shoes

A classic that will never go out of style, this shoe is available in 18 different colors. Stan Smiths goes with any outfit to make you look trendy as can be.

Nizza Platform Shoes ($45.50, originally $65; adidas.com)

Nizza Platform Shoes

These Nizza Platforms boost your height — and your style. They feature a platform sole and skate-inspired design that's simple yet cool.

Swift Run X Shoes ($59.50, originally $85; adidas.com)

Swift Run X Shoes

A sleek pair of men's track-inspired shoes, these sneakers stand out in a dark green colorway with a pop of camo. They're comfortable, stylish and supportive to keep your feet feeling as good as they look.

Ozweego ($77, originally $110; adidas.com)

True fashion sneakers, the Ozweego design is idea for aspiring street style stars. The muted color lets the design take center stage, while the fabric is perfect for fall and winter wear.

Adidas Sleek Shoes ($56, originally $80; adidas.com)

Adidas Sleek Shoes

The name says it all. Featuring the Adidas 3-stripe logo with subtle perforations in the soft leather exterior, they're the perfect option if you're looking for a comfortable simple but chic choice.

Puremotion Adapt Shoe ($45.50, originally $65; adidas.com)

Puremotion Adapt Shoe

These running- inspired laceless sneakers feature a minimalist look. They're available in 6 colors, and we love the look of a white shoe paired with a pop of color on the elastic strap.

Supernova Shoes ($70, originally $100; adidas.com)

Supernova Shoes

The Supernova shoes are designed with runners in mind, and they feature breathability, flexibility, support and bounce for a comfortable ride. Available in 9 colors, there's an option that's perfect for everyone's personal style.

Apparel and accessories

Tiro 19 Training Pants ($31.50, originally $45; adidas.com)

Tiro 19 Training Pants

Training pants should be comfortable above all else, and this pick is made of a breathable, quick drying fabric. They're a great option to get you to and from your workout or for lounging around the house.

Alphaskin Cold.Rdy Long Tights ($56, originally $80; adidas.com)

Alphaskin Cold.Rdy Long Tights

With temperatures dropping, you'll want leggings to keep you warm while you workout. These high-rise compression tights are insulated and have a moisture managing fabric so you're comfortable before, during and after your training session.

3-Stripes Pants ($28, originally $60; adidas.com)

3-Stripes Pants

Stay cozy while looking cool in these classic men's sweatpants featuring the three iconic Adidas stripes. They boast a slim, tapered fit for a simple, clean look.

Adicolor 3D Trefoil 3-Stripes Crewneck Sweaters ($42, originally $60; adidas.com)

Adicolor 3D Trefoil 3-Stripes Crewneck Sweaters

A cozy fleece sweatshirt is a cold weather staple, and this crewneck is a bright, bold option. The Adidas 3-stripe logo is featured along the sleeves and paired with a trefoil design for an extra burst of color.

Own the Run Long Sleeve ($24.50, originally $35; adidas.com)

Own the Run Long Sleeve

This long-sleeve running shirt is perfect for outdoor workouts as it starts to cool down. It's great for layering and the breathable fabric will keep you comfortable all throughout your gym session.

Adicolor Bobble Beanie ($17.50, originally $25; adidas.com)

Adicolor Bobble Beanie

A classic beanie design with a pom pom on top this is a great choice for winter. It makes an excellent gift for friends and family (or even for yourself), and the power berry color is eye-catching but easy to coordinate with your other cold-weather accessories.

Cushioned Crew Socks 3-pack ($14, originally $20; adidas.com)

Cushioned Crew Socks 3-pack

Whether you wear them with shoes or just to keep your feet warm around the house, you can never have too many socks. These crew socks feature the Adidas logo so you can pair them with fashion sneakers for a trendy look or with your workout gear for ultimate comfort.

For more great deals, check out CNN Coupons.

7 Versatile Shoes to Help You Pack Lighter on Your Next Vacation - Condé Nast Traveler

Posted: 07 Oct 2020 09:37 AM PDT

It wasn't until the end of a trip to Morocco that one of my travel companions looked down at my feet and said, "Well, look who finally has her dancing shoes on!" That's when I realized that I had spent the entire eight days of our Casablanca to Marrakech trip wearing the same pair of shoes.

We had forded rivers in the Todra Gorge, climbed up to the top highest point of Ait Ben Haddou, ventured into the Sahara on camelback, and danced in the medinas of Fez—and I had done it all in the same pair of sneakers. When he pointed this out, I realized I had unnecessarily packed a second pair of shoes, only to wear them once.

Along with the inconvenience of dragging an extra pair all this way, I later learned I was adding to my carbon footprint, too—according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, if every single person packed one less pair of shoes on flights, the fuel savings would be the same as taking 10,500 cars off the road for an year.

Still, plotting out a one-shoe strategy can be difficult. Waterproof hiking boots are great for rainy days, but what if there's a fabulous running path and I need my breathable running shoes? Flats are easy to pair with everything, but what if I end up on long stretches of cobblestone streets or stony walkways with zero ankle suppoer? And on snow trips, hefty boots with serious traction are essential to wander around town, but what about those moments by the fire where a pair of Uggs would be so much cozier?

As the perennial overthinking packer, I began a hunt for shoes with multiple purposes—ones that can cross off varying aspects of a trip, be worn day and night, and, perhaps most importantly, are comfortable enough to wear day after day. Below, seven versatile shoes to help you cut down on bulk.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.