Footwear
Oct 24, 2022
by James Roberts
Maharishi and Reebok Find Harmony in the LT Court Hemp
by James Roberts
Oct 24, 2022

East and West. Pacifism and war. Nature and art. Since 1994, Maharishi and its head designer Hardy Blechman have been exploring the dualistic nature of the universe. Military designs and innovative camouflage prints contrasting with flower graphics and bright colors are often at the heart of its collections.

For AW22, Maharishi is taking on a new dualism in a collaboration with Reebok. The LT Court Hemp is a perfect union of the two brands’ aesthetics: a sneaker that’s very much in harmony with its world.

Maharishi has taken Reebok’s iconic LT Court silhouette and rendered it in hemp, a material that it’s exploring throughout its latest collection. The production of this versatile and resilient textile is what makes it so interesting from our point of view. This natural fiber is grown without harmful pesticides as it’s naturally resistant to pests. Once harvested, its decomposed roots also enrich and strengthen the soil in which it grew. Unlike some other fibers, it seems to look after the environment it’s grown in.

The off-white hemp fabric is used across the shoe’s upper. Then there’s a rubber outsole, EVA midsole, terry lining on the inside and suede heel, mud-guard and eyestay. Maharishi claims to be making “continued efforts to produce ethically-sound, long lasting and environmentally sustainable clothing”, but it would be great to see it remove animal-derived materials like suede from its products.

The off-white, chalky hemp pairs nicely with the army green outsole and detailing, resulting in a smart sneaker that would fit well with most outfits. Maharishi and Reebok workmarks are debossed on the back and side of the shoe.

The Maharishi x Reebok LT Court Hemp is available Friday, October 28, at 11 a.m. BST, online and in-store in London, and 11 a.m. EST in-store in NYC.

Set a reminder for yourself on the Maharishi website.