From Issue Six of Gear Patrol Magazine.
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Few shoemakers do details like John Lofgren. His namesake brand, based in Japan, spares no expense when producing vintage-inspired footwear. Designed in 2014, the Champion Sneaker pays homage to the iconic low tops of the mid-20th century. It’s made with a rugged herringbone twill fabric that’s double stitched at stress points for added durability.
The real story, though, is the thick rubber outsole, vulcanized at one of Japan’s last remaining factories dedicated to the process. (American factories specializing in vulcanization — which makes rubber more durable — closed in the 1990s and production moved overseas.) Small characteristics like heavy-duty eyelets and taped seams only add to the overall longevity of the shoe. It’s a sneaker that will wear-in over multiple seasons, akin to a quality pair of boots.
Affordable Alternatives
Legend Sneaker Standard by SeaVees $78
G2 Vintage Heavy Twill by Spring Court $110
Made in USA Center Lo by PF Flyers $145
Read More in Gear Patrol Magazine
A version of this story appears in Gear Patrol Magazine: Issue Six, more than 220 pages of guides and reports that put product first. Subscribe Now: $39
