If there’s ever been a product that demonstrates eco-minded design without being all hippie and cute, it’s this, the Aeon Active CX from A-COLD-WALL** and Converse. A shoe that comes directly from the future.
This isn’t the first collab between these two brands. Samuel Ross, A-COLD-WALL**’s creative director, was let loose on the Chuck Taylor two years ago. He brought his asymmetrical design style and innovative material exploration to that project. This time, he takes it even further.
The Aeon Active CX is a slip-on silhouette that features a unique stretch bootie construction and exaggerated heel kick. It’s made from a collage of different materials and fabrics that give it an innovative look.
Your eye is probably drawn to the Crater foam midsole. It’s big, uneven and mottled with its constituent parts; parts that are made with about 12% recycled scraps from the factory floor. The CX foam underfoot is combined with an outsole that’s just as eye-catching with its alien-like translucent ribbing.
Comfort is at the heart of this design. The underfoot and sole are highly cushioned. The mesh upper stretches to fit your foot. And pull tabs help you get the thing on. It’s billed as a lightweight and responsive style that’s “ready to make moves with a forward-leaning stance.”
The upper utilizes suede and leather overlays which are disappointingly not vegan. Other materials used such as the TPU overlays do not seem to be recycled either.
Converse logos and A-COLD-WALL** graphics adorn the sneakers which are available in two colorways: one that’s gray and green called Micro Chip/Healing Jade/Black, and another that’s black and neon yellow called Black/Apple Green.
For a “progressive design,” this sneaker unfortunately feels a bit lacking in Earth-friendly innovations. The inclusion of recycled material in the midsole is welcomed but there could be more, especially with the innovative animal-free options that are available.
The Aeon Active CX is arriving in two drops. The gray version (A00679C) drops April 12 at 10:00am EDT. And the black option (A00681C) on May 12 at 10:00am EDT.
Both colorways will be available from the Converse website.