In December, I wanted to get a new pair of kicks, but I didn’t want to grab a recent release from a major brand. My reasoning was simple, I didn’t want what everyone else was wearing. I had rectified this issue previously by picking up a pair of Merrell Gridway Canvas. I still have that shoe, but it’s a mid cut. I wanted a similar shoe to the Gridway: a white/off white pair. I originally wanted something with a more athletic look. While I have a variety of kicks in the closet, I didn’t want to wear those; and nothing moved me to push the buy button online although a number of brands are doing solid work.
I was in contact with a peer in Los Angeles (shoutout Dr. Gray at Heeluxe) and I remember us doing a shoe battle and I couldn’t figure out what he was wearing, but I liked his shoes. I hit him up for some info on the brand. Since that time I’ve written a number of articles on COMUNITYmade. Anytime I discover something new, I try to order a product so I can have a better understanding of the process of make and the “why” behind a the company. I requested an interview with the brand and hooked up with the product manager Noah. In February, we began working on a version of one of their shoes, The Traction.
COMUNITYmade’s STUDIOmade program allows a customer to build a custom shoe based on one of their silhouettes. I looked through each of the models and during the interview process I noticed outsoles and materials that Noah had used on other shoes. In one of our interviews, all recorded and available on YouTube, he explained that he had a similar material to the canvas on the Merrell Gridway. It was hemp. We continued working on the shoe, but in March the work was almost done and the world came to a halt because of COVID-19. My shoe was placed on the classic Traction midsole/outsole, but during the quarantine we kept in touch and began discussing an alternative design element. I wanted a more rugged look and after seeing another custom, and at the suggestion of Noah, I went with a workboot outsole. The result finally came together 4 months after quarantine ended in California and the team at CM went back to work.
The shoe we designed I feel is the perfect blend of street, ruggedness and style. My concept of City Discovery was built around urban hiking. This concept isn’t based on finding trails around the city. The concept is built on the idea of discovering your city and connecting with friends once we are all capable of getting out and enjoying our locally owned restaurants, micro-breweries, art shows and small venue concerts. City Discovery is about reconnecting with friends. I explained this to COMUNITYmade and I think the result is well represented in this design. When my box arrived, there was also a leather shoe horn included and a return label which I will use to send the company a pair of my old shoes that I want to have resoled and updated as a service. I’ll let you know how that goes.
In the meantime, here are a few pics of my custom STUDIOmade City Discovery. Here is the breakdown as well:
- Hemp Canvas
- Italian Suede
- Full Grain Lining
- Veg Tan Welt
- Vibram Oil Resistant Work Sole
COMUNITYmade also has footwear in stock in very limited quantities. This week I will be posting an unboxing of my City Discovery SM. I really appreciate the work the company did during this trying time. I suggest you give the brand a try if you’re looking to elevate your closet with footwear that is eye-catching and responsibly sourced.