Papa Nui x The Rite Stuff John Lofgren Champion Sneakers (Pre-Order)

Pre-order. Expected delivery in May.

The John Lofgren & Co. Champion Sneaker appears here as a special collaboration between Papa Nui Cap Co., The Rite Stuff and John Lofgren & Co. Three brands with a shared interest in historical clothing and authentic materials come together in the spirit of early 1990s Japanese denim collaborations, resulting in a triple branded release built on Lofgren’s classic Champion silhouette.

The upper is made from indigo Amoskeag denim, a faithful reproduction of a fabric first produced in the 1860s. Amoskeag was one of the most respected American workwear textiles of its time, known for its dense weave and durability. The deep indigo will gradually fade and soften with wear, developing the kind of character normally associated with well worn denim garments.

As with all John Lofgren footwear, the Champion Sneaker is built using heavier materials than those found in most modern trainers. The denim upper, tonal laces and substantial rubber components give the shoe a solid, durable feel while maintaining the clean proportions of a classic mid century sneaker. An olive gum sole completes the design, while Papa Nui and The Rite Stuff internal brand stamps and the John Lofgren external heel label mark the collaboration.

Each pair is produced in Japan by Moonstar using traditional vulcanised rubber construction, a technique first developed at the factory in 1912 and still regarded as one of the most durable and flexible methods of sneaker production.

This project also marks the fifteenth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, which devastated the Tohoku region of Japan. Sendai, home to John Lofgren & Co., sits close to the epicentre of the disaster. To commemorate the anniversary, a donation from every pair sold will be donated to the Hatachi Fund, a charity established after the disaster to support children affected by the earthquake and tsunami until they reach the age of twenty.

• John Lofgren & Co. Champion Sneaker collaboration
• Papa Nui Cap Co. x The Rite Stuff triple branded release
• 1860s replica Amoskeag indigo denim upper
• Olive gum sole and tonal laces
• Papa Nui and The Rite Stuff internal brand stamps
• John Lofgren external heel rubber label
• Traditional vulcanised rubber construction
• Made entirely in Japan by Moonstar