Hender Scheme’s HOMAGE footwear series put the art of upscale "sneakers" on the map — the Japanese label made an international name out of its lush leather shoes, done up to resemble classic Nike, New Balance, adidas and Reebok silhouettes. Far from the only label to experiment with elevated icons, several other footwear imprints have made strides in the art of premium kicks, including California’s Yuketen.
Part of the Spring/Summer 2019 collection, Yuketen actually launched its "Land Jordan" series in 2018. The initial design was offered as an exclusive to a pair of stockists, and SS19’s release follows that trend.
Originally launched as a paneled low-top, the new "Land Jordan First" is a much more straightforward tribute to its source material. Clearly taking cues from the Air Jordan 1, Yuketen’s blacked-out boot sports floral broguing on the toe, a riff on the AJ1’s ventilation holes, and a very similar toebox. Furthermore, the medial-side Swoosh is partially intact, though the curve of the logo is replaced by a simple strip of leather. Waxed laces and a chunky Vibram sole — Goodyear-welted, as usual — complete the high-end design.
Compare the Yuketen boots to the Air Jordan 1 "Triple Black" below and contact Yuketen if interested — the "Land Jordan First" is currently a Japan-exclusive and only available in size 8 and 8.5.
For more subversive Japanese footwear, check out TAKAHIROMIYASHITATheSoloist’s blacked-out SS19 cowboy boots.
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