Created by the Stockholm-based brand best-known for its pared-back, high-end aesthetic, the Our Legacy WORK SHOP line acts as a hub for collaborations and for innovative new methods of reusing and upcycling old materials. Co-founder Jockum Hallin describes it as “an experimental way of creating exciting pieces from leftover stock and fabrics, elevating something old into something new and desirable.” Essentially, a coming-together of much-loved Our Legacy quality and a drive toward much-needed material circularity.

Earlier this month, a 12-piece WORK SHOP capsule was released, comprising items made using leftover and deadstock fabrics from the UK. It included overshirts made with Harris Tweed wool cloth, sweaters knitted out of residual Howlin’ yarns from Scotland and a Baracuta Harrington jacket made from Our Legacy suit fabrics.

Following on from that, the sub-label now offers up another collaborative piece using leftover fabrics: the OG SK8-MID LX made in partnership with Vans Vault. It’s the classic mid top skate shoe, made with a deadstock suede and organic cotton canvas upper, colored in khaki and white. A different kind of heritage to the Harris Tweed and Harringtons of previous releases, but an equally valuable one.

The high foxing midsole, made from the rubber peaking over the top of the upper, is a nice touch, as is the WORK SHOP Yin Yang logo on the heel. And, of course, the iconic ‘Off The Wall’ graphic is ever-present on the heel and tongue. The result is a crisp and refined sneaker, in keeping with the effortlessly cool aesthetic of the Swedish brand.

What we’d like to know more about is where that deadstock suede came from. What was it in a previous life? Did it come from an old Our Legacy collection? Or has it been shipped from another producer in the world? All important things to know when investing in something that seems like a more sustainable option.

What we also need to point out is that this sneaker uses new, animal leather in the Jazz Stripe on the side and in its lining. These are premium touches – but they are unnecessary ones; added-value accents which almost negate the use of recycled materials in the upper with their impact.

It’s a shame because this felt like a great opportunity to use more recycled and upcycled materials; a chance to be more inventive in the shoe’s material composition. Instead, what we have is more of a box-ticking exercise. Our Legacy WORK SHOP may have to do better if it wants to be considered as an Earth-friendly option. And the fact, both promising and frustrating, is that we know it can.

Regardless, check out the OG SK8-MID LX on the Our Legacy website and view some of the other Our Legacy WORK SHOP creations while you’re at it.