The asymmetrical, futuristic design style of Samuel Ross and A-COLD-WALL** collides once again with the tradition of Converse to create an all new silhouette. Just a couple months ago, we reported on the two brands’ bold collaboration when they released the Aeon Active CX. We’re now seeing them push that relationship to the next avant-garde level with the Sponge Crater CX.
Sponge Crater. It’s a say-it-how-you-see-it sort of name. The CX foam, which was also used in the Aeon Active CX, makes up the bulk of this sneaker. It’s a mottled, gray and rough body that resembles the craterous landscape of the moon. An exaggerated heel kick extends out the back. Openings along the side, like the holes in a sponge, reveal the flat-knit upper in vibrant contrasting orange. A clean A-COLD-WALL** logo is printed low on the shoe. It’s a striking aesthetic, typical of Ross’s atypical design style.
With just two main components – the foam body and knit upper – the Sponge Crater is surprisingly simple. This simplicity of parts keeps the sneaker comfortable for the wearer. A spandex collar with exaggerated heel kick and pull tabs eases your foot in, whilst those sponge-like holes help with ventilation and breathability. You can feel the snugness just by looking at it. For a shoe that’s pushing the limits of contemporary design, it offers itself up as an everyday kick.
The Sponge Crater has enlisted some eco-minded design. It uses recycled and repurposed materials from the factory floor but there is also a percentage of virgin plastics used in its construction. As we mentioned last time, for such a forward-thinking shoe, we’d like to see more innovative materials used in its production.
The Sponge Crater CX drops June 23 10:00am EDT on a-cold-wall.com and converse.com.