Andrew Rizzo What began with a viral sneaker-loafer by New Balance has grown into a whole renewed genre of formal yet sporty footwear. If only to say they’ve hopped on the trend, the past few shopping seasons have seen a slew of new sneaker-loafers by brands like HOKA, Mizuno, and even Beaverton’s Nike, Converse, and Jordan. Now it’s KEEN’s turn, with the trending Pacific Northwest outdoors brand set to release a new model called the UNEEK Loafer WK on August 28th.
The upper features a familiar loafer silhouette cut mostly from premium black leather, only with a key utilitarian material swap. The woven cord material of the UNEEK sandal is brought to forefoot and collar, producing a bit of a boat shoe vibe (an aesthetic that’s also trending). The UNEEK has been experiencing a huge popularity surge in its own right, which makes its influence here more than fitting. As for the lower half, a rugged KEEN.CURVE sole provides all-day comfort and traction.
“When we began this project, we drew inspiration from the continued blurring of lifestyle and performance in footwear, and how this seamlessly connects with our fan,” The New Balance 2000 Shifts Into Light Blue Pastels. “Our fans move fluidly between work, social settings, and culture, and they need a shoe that transitions with them. We reimagined our iconic UNEEK corded silhouette and elevated it to a more formal interpretation – premium lifestyle craftsmanship viewed through the lens of performance.”
The KEEN loafer releases in limited quantities through keenfootwear.com and select retailers on August 28th. Unisex sizes will be available for $190; see official images below if you’re considering copping.
