TALK ABOUT “NEW NUPSE”
This season’s featured models highlighted in our photo story are the “Vectiv Nupsi” and the “Nupsi Center Zip GTX Arctic Grip.” Both feature GORE-TEX® fabric, making them suitable for wear even in snowy or rainy conditions. With their stylish, all-black design, they’re versatile enough for everything from outdoor adventures to business settings. We spoke directly with Hiroki Tominaga, who handles footwear design for The North Face, about these two highly versatile models for this season.
PROFILE
Footwear Designer
Born in 1986 in Tokyo. His passion for shoes led him to major in footwear design during his college years. After graduation, he gained experience in footwear and product design as well as OEM sales before joining “Goldwin” in 2020. He currently designs a wide range of footwear and socks.
We’ve created the stylish “Nupsi Bootie,” designed to blend seamlessly into urban settings.
—Before we talk about this season’s “Nupsi Buti,” could you tell us about your role, Mr. Tominaga?
Tominaga: Currently, I’m in charge of designing all footwear and socks for *The North Face*. I joined *Goldwin* during the COVID-19 pandemic, so it’s been about five or six years now.
—I see. I believe you’ve designed for “Nupsibuti” before—could you tell us about the concept that unites this season’s two pairs?
Tominaga: When you think of the classic “Nupsi Bootie,” you probably picture a pair with plenty of padding and a voluminous look, but this season’s styles have been designed to be more stylish, in line with changing environmental and fashion trends. We wanted to create something for people who lead active lifestyles during Tokyo winters. Plus, since “Nupsi Booties” are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, we’re putting extra effort into this collection. In particular, these two pairs feature “GORE-TEX®” fabric.
—It’s true; it has a more solid look than previous “Nupsi Buti” models, and it seems like it would go well with any outfit. And if it’s functional as well, it’s sure to come in handy.
On days when you do a lot of walking, wear the “Vectiv Nupsi.”
—Please tell us about the features of “Vectiv Nupsi.”
Tominaga: As for the “VECTIV (VECTIV Nuptse)” incorporates the “VECTIV” sole unit found in The North Face’s trail running shoes. Taking into account recent trends and the milder winters of recent years, we designed this model based on the concept of a “Nuptse you can run in.”
— Please tell us about the features of the “Vectiv” outsole.
Tominaga: It features a “cradle-like” sole design, which curves like a cradle. This improves propulsion, making it easier to walk. Since the outsole is designed for trail running, it also offers excellent traction. The midsole utilizes supercritical foaming technology, making it extremely lightweight and providing excellent cushioning. It’s recommended not only for everyday wear but also for days when you’re on your feet a lot—such as when you’re out on business calls, traveling for work, or on vacation.
—Plus, it looks like these “Vectiv Nupsi” are designed for the weather from October through February. It’s great that I can wear them for such a long time.
Tominaga: Thanks to the windproof properties unique to “Gore-Tex,” we’ve created a pair of boots that can handle the cold season even with reduced padding. By reducing the amount of insulation, these boots are comfortable to wear even in early fall and feature a stylish look. At the same time, they’re designed with a careful balance to ensure they retain the iconic character of the “Nuptse Bootie.”
—What other design considerations did you keep in mind?
Tominaga: To avoid giving off too strong an “outdoor” vibe, we’ve kept the entire design strictly black. Not only the logo, but even the “Dyneema®️” fibers woven into the ripstop fabric are black. Since many of The North Face’s pants feature adjustable cuffs or a tapered silhouette, we’ve made a conscious effort to ensure this design complements them.
On snowy days, wear the “Nupsi Center Zip GTX Arctic Grip.”
—The “Nupsi Center Zip GTX Arctic Grip” also seems to offer a wide range of styling options.
Tominaga: This model, too, features a uniform black color scheme down to the finest details. The upper incorporates real suede leather in some areas, giving it a sophisticated look. As for this model, the development actually began because I had been thinking about creating a low-top style in the first place.
—It’s great that they’re easy to put on and take off. Could you tell me about the features of these shoes?
Tominaga: This model combines a high-strength material called “Spectra®” with a stretch fabric. This makes it softer against the foot and improves comfort. For the outsole, we’ve chosen “Arctic Grip,” a type of “Vibram®” that’s particularly effective on icy surfaces. City streets can get slippery on snowy days, but with these, you can feel confident. I think they’d also work well as ski boots for winter sports.
—It looks like it would come in handy even in pretty cold areas.
Tominaga: That's right. These have more padding than the inline models, so they provide better insulation. Plus, they feature "Gore-Tex" windproofing, which blocks out cold winds and keeps your feet warm even in the coldest weather.
—To recap, who would you recommend these two pairs of shoes to?
Tominaga: While they offer plenty of functionality, I’d be happy if people wore them as part of their everyday wardrobe—not as sporty sneakers, but more like leather shoes or work boots. I think they’re shoes you can enjoy as a fashion statement when paired with jeans or chinos.
