- Squarestreet SQ37 Sneaker ($195)
Turning dress shoes into sneakers (and vice versa) is nothing new—Cole Haan has done it plenty, first with their LunarGrand collection that used Nike’s Lunarlon sole on various wingtips and oxfords, and more recently with their ZerøGrand collection on everything from brogues and knits to yes, even chukkas. And now that the trend is starting to catch on, several less traditional designers on getting in on the action, including Hong Kong-based Squarestreet.
Founded by two Swedes—David Ericsson of VOID Watches and Alexis Holm from Gram Shoes—Squarestreet creates watches, leather goods, eyewear, jewelry, and of course, footwear, and their latest release, the SQ37, is a rather unique take on this new sneaker-shoe hybrid.
While Squarestreet refers to them as sneakers, or rather, the “Ultimate Sneaker,” they can just as easily be confused as some weirdly hybridized version of a dress shoe, albeit one that looks like something crafted out of a dystopian urban future—but alas, therein lies the appeal in both its design and function.
Stripped of all the usual cuts and detailing, the SQ37’s clean, simple finish is created using Italian vegetable-tanned leather that’s been wet-lasted for added shape and a sturdier, more natural construction—all without lining, chemicals, plastics, or any other unnecessary reinforcements. Meanwhile the added white EVA outsole provides that typical look, feel, and traction we’ve come to expect from a more traditional sneaker.
The result is a beautifully clean and simple design that can just as easily be dressed up with a suit and tie as it can down with a tee and fitted jeans. And while we appreciate the attempt at providing a little seasonal color, we’d recommend sticking with the black as it seems to do the best job at accentuating that minimalistic look and feel. Besides, no offence to the folks over at Squarestreet, but you’d have to be pretty high to consider those other options. Ok, really high.
