Reebok and Japanese clothing brand SOUTH2 WEST8 have announced their first collaborative project, the SOUTH2 WEST8 x Reebok Zig Kinetica II Edge, utilizing technical elements and aesthetics that explore the traditional Japanese fly-fishing method, “Tenkara.” The SOUTH2 WEST8 x Reebok Zig Kinetica II Edge ($170, FZ5857) is available November 5 exclusively from SOUTH2 WEST8 and in Japan before its wider global release on November 18 from Reebok.com and select retailers.
Founded in 2003 by Kaname Nagaoka, SOUTH2 WEST8 develops clothing and gear specifically for “Tenkara” fly fishing, with fashion as a key design element. In collaboration with Reebok, the Sapporo-based clothing store has applied its unique point of view to Reebok’s Zig Kinetica II Edge, a technical, outdoor-inspired modern interpretation of the brand’s iconic Zig sport style shoe.
“We were inspired by a visual of an outdoor field colliding with an urban city and the idea of linking the two,” commented SOUTH2 WEST8’s brand director. “SOUTH2 WEST8 holds little interest in designs that are overly sophisticated or high-tech, in favor of those that are athletically functional. In this respect, the Zig design aptly maintains its functionality, while possessing decorative and assertive elements with great visual volume and presence. These characteristics make it a perfect match for SOUTH2 WEST8 wear.”
The SOUTH2 WEST8 x Reebok Zig Kinetica II Edge features a textile camouflage upper embellished by lush-green suede overlays, a spiky rubber toe cap, green laces, and a green heel loop completing the military-inspired look. At the bottom, a black and grey midsole encapsulates responsive Floatride Fuel cushioning above an anti-slip 30% pre-consumer recycled Vibram Ecostep lugged outsole.
“By incorporating symbolic SOUTH2 WEST8 textile designs, we were able to further enhance the affinity between our two brands,” continued SOUTH2 WEST8. “I think this shoe will be appreciated by people who love the outdoors, by fashion-devotees, and by those who are not satisfied with the same things as everyone around them.”
The SOUTH2 WEST8 x Reebok Zig Kinetica II Edge ($170, FZ5857) is available November 5 exclusively from SOUTH2 WEST8 and in Japan before its wider global release on November 18 from Reebok.com and select retailers.