Visvim Scriptura: these will take some getting used to

 

Another footwear offering from Visvim and it's evident that Hiroki Nakamura is getting a bit fed up with white Vibram soles. The Scriptura is a vintage-looking hiker with a battered leather upper made from some endangered species no doubt, and features a grey Vibram sole. The best bit is the heel cap.

Supreme x Clarks Desert Mali low: would you?

This is the latest colab between Supreme and Clarks - something we have now come to expect as each season progresses. These are essentially, as their name suggests, a desert boot without the boot bit, so therefore a desert shoe.

The only identifying Supreme contribution would appear to be an embossed logo on the heel, and I'm guessing the colourway, because without it, these would just be a slightly tweaked pair of Desert Khans.

And the question has to be, would you have given them a second look without that logo?

Available in Supreme stores worldwide from March 29.

Via Slamxhype.

Visvim Virgil: the penny drops

 

You've probably all worked out why Hiroki Nakamura named his boots Virgils but I can sometimes be a bit slow on the uptake and therefore I've only just worked it out.

They are named after USAAF Captain Virgil Hilts, Steve McQueen's character in The Great Escape and they are a reinterpretation of the boots he wore in the film. These were standard issue for the US military in the 1940s and were constructed from a 'reverse cowhide,' which meant that the shiny bit was on the inside.

Japanese doll maker and replica specialist Toys McCoy has created a pair which are most likely even more of a faithful reproduction than the originals they are based on. Obviously trying to find a pair is going to end up a mission in itself. Easier to source are the Buzz Ricksons version, which also look the part.

But we all know the only pair of Virgils to have are Visvim's.

Oh, and if you know of any other reason Virgils are thus named, I'd love to hear it.

Visvim

Visvim

Visvim

Buzz Ricksons

Toys McCoy

Visvim Virgil Cantor Folk: new

My first thought when I saw End's email featuring these Visvim Virgil Cantor Folk was: "what can I sell to get them?" I then wondered if the combined sale of my Virgil KNGR and Armiger would raise the cash.

And therein lies the problem. It actually crossed my mind to sell two perfectly good pairs of boots, even if the KNGR are still a little tight, to get these. And then I thought: "When will it ever end?" Followed by: "They don't look as good anyway."

But they still look nice. Available, fittingly, from End.

Visvim Grizzly boots: tough

The Grizzly is one of the most anticipated releases in the Visvim inventory. It is the Visvim version of the Yuketen Maine Guide boot and as a fan of both brands, I would say that on this occassion Yuketen got there first. This, however is arguably a more interesting offering, if only for the trademark heel stabilizer and jungle-boot-esque canvas or denim side panels.

PS: To whoever got the pair of these that came up on Yoox for, like, five minutes, I salute you. 

 

Acquisition: Visvim Armiger Folk

These were a bit of an impulse buy the other day, I knew if I slept on them they wouldn't hang about. Cerise colourway, lined Italian leather uppers, the obligatory Vibram sole, pure craftsmanship.

Diemme footwear S/S 2012: generation game

No prizes for guessing the inspiration behind the recently reborn Diemme footwear. The Italian brand's heritage might date back to the 19th century but it can thank that new upstart from Japan for its second coming, that much is obvious.

That said, this is not a collection to be sniffed at. Those offbeat designs are looking very wearable.

Nike Air Max '97 Midnight Fog: Dreams of yore

There would have been a time, about, well 1997 I suppose, when I would have wet myself if I'd seen a pair of these in this colourway.

So I can see the appeal of these, even if wearing them couldn't be further from my mind.

These are different to the 97s we all grew to know and love, made using their seamless Vac Tech system, which essentially vacuum moulds the uppers to any shape they care to make. I'm guessing you could stand in a shallow stream in these and not get your feet wet, if that's your thing.

For sale: Visvim 7-Hole '73 boots

I love these boots, but I have some new ones, so these are on the block. Warn with love, cleaned with care, rare as rocking horse turds. Navy and sky blue, US 9.5.

£380 shipped within the UK, plus another £30 for international, Paypal only, no exceptions.