18 East and Padmore & Barnes have created a brand-new footwear silhouette dubbed the Oakledge Hiker Low. Though the two have an extensive collaborative history — past projects were inspired by everything from British military sandals to the Nike ACG Izy, itself a model that riffed on the Padmore & Barnes P204 — this fresh link-up is a new chapter in their story, as it’s the first time Padmore & Barnes has worked with an external partner to make an entirely new model instead of having them re-work an existing classic.
Arriving in an “Almond/Sage” colorway and an all-black iteration, the Oakledge Hiker Low was constructed in Portugal, and boasts a full Italian suede upper with a Cordura collar and tongue placed atop a go-anywhere Vibram Bifida sole. Key details include silver metal speed lace loops, co-branded orange leather insoles and a hidden hit of branding, namely 18 East’s “Hands” woven label tucked on the back of the tongue.
“Most brands want an exceptional final product, but are only willing to let you change colors and materials,” 18 East founder Antonio Ciongoli said in an Instagram Stories post. [Padmore & Barnes] has let us push [its] patterns and tooling from our very first project.”
Look for the 18 East x Padmore & Barnes Oakledge Hiker Low to touch down at the 18 East store in New York City (146 Elizabeth Street) on Friday, May 17 at 11 AM EST, then hit the 18 East website on Tuesday, May 21 (exact time TBD). The MSRP is set at $325 USD.
