The concept is an aging yellow boot.
What was the background behind this collaboration? Anyway, it was partly because of the "50th anniversary" of "Timberland".
Kunii: At the 50th anniversary of both the brand and "Yellow Boots", a collaboration project with various brands was launched and we were approached. When I was thinking about what to do this time, I remembered a late-night event where Shimono-kun had worn "yellow boots" before. I didn't have that image of Shimono-kun either, so it seemed very fresh to me at the time. I knew that he was well versed in various cultures but did not like to be in the "middle of the pack," so I was impressed that he wore "yellow boots" not in a hip-hop way but in his own way. I was impressed." I remembered that, so without hesitation, I made an offer to Shimono-kun, saying, "I have such a story to tell you.
Boots ¥36,300
A triple collaboration of "Timberland," "Whiz Limited," and "MITA Sneakers" created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the brand. Based on Mr. Shimono's concept of "yellow boots that can be aged," this gem incorporates a variety of functions.
What did you think of Mr. Shimono's proposal?
Lower field: To be honest, I thought, oh no, it's super hard....
All: LOL!
Lower field: It is difficult to rearrange a product that has been perfected, such as "yellow boots. For example, All Star by Converse or Air Force 1 by Nike are in their best condition, but you have to break them down and give them your own style. It's very difficult to break it down and make it your own, and at the same time inspire other people to accept your work.
It is true that it is difficult to rearrange items that have remained unchanged.
Lower field: And the "yellow boot" is a pretty simple structure. The image was so strong that I wondered what to do with it, and I wondered if I needed to create something rearranged.... It was quite difficult to know how to give it a personal touch.
By the way, when did you come up with the idea for this project?
Kunii: Last year. The process from design to completion was surprisingly quick. Of course, since the materials are essential, we ordered swatches of the materials and tried to match them. The first sample didn't have the color and texture that Mr. Shimono had envisioned, so we decided to go with the original standard color.
I see. Mr. Shimono, you said it was difficult, but how exactly did you think of arranging "yellow boots"?
Lower field: I love boots. If you have ever been to my room, you would know that I have boots displayed in my room. There are boots from all kinds of boot brands, but there are no "Timberland" boots on display, even though I've worn many of them.
I see. Why is that?
Lower field: That's because I don't like the azure look of "Timberland" boots. The basic premise is that I don't like "yellow boots" to get dirty. They are nice boots, but I'm thinking, "What if I can't display them in my room? I like the way boots age. So I thought about how I could include "yellow boots" in this group and came up with this concept.
From toe to upper, "Better Leather" produced by a tannery that has been certified by the "LWG (Leather Working Group)" was used.
The inner layer is made of PrimaLoft, a highly heat-retentive material that comfortably maintains internal humidity and temperature.
The upper was changed to "better leather" because of the concept of "yellow boots" that age well.
Lower field: Yes, I know. I thought that if I made the upper suede, it would age better. But I didn't want to move away from yellow nubuck, so I left the upper part as the base of the yellow nubuck. From the toe to the upper, the construction is such that even if it gets dirty and wrinkled, it can be seen as a good aging process.
The design is certainly not far removed from the original, and is designed to be worn and enjoyed.
Kunii: Shimono-kun emailed me with a design proposal, saying that he wanted to make yellow boots that would change over time. From there, we talked about functionality, and I told him that GORE-TEX and Vibram soles could be used now. However, in the direction Mr. Shimono was aiming for, it would be easier to take advantage of the original concept by enhancing protection and durability, so we decided to add a lot to the specs as well.
The honey sole, which was a feature of the Yellow Boots, has been replaced with a Vibram rubber lug outsole for better grip.
Lower field: The image is to retain the classic design and long-lasting features, while complementing them with technology in terms of functionality.
Kunii: It is not a sampling of some royal boot, nor is it a connection to the original hip-hop culture, but rather an infusion of Mr. Shimono's sensibilities to create a product with a sense of value that is typical of a Tokyo street brand. The fact that they also have an identity as "Whiz" boots is amazing.
The material used is GORE-TEX, a waterproof and breathable material that keeps feet dry and comfortable. A leather tag bearing the names of the two collaborators is also included as proof of the collaboration.
The honey sole, which was also a feature of the yellow boots, has been dramatically evolved in terms of functionality with a "Vibram" rubber lug outsole that excels in grip and durability.
I can wear them when I ride my motorcycle.
Lower field: Yes, I have. I have always worn yellow boots with vintage denim. I've always worn yellow boots as work boots that fit into the so-called "Shibu-Kaje" style, so I made these boots with that in mind.
