Cole Haan ZeroGrand: American Lifestyle Brand Collaborates with Nike One Again
It’s finally here. Another Cole Haan – Nike inspired collaboration, officially known as the Cole Haan ZeroGrand. No more of the Nike LunarGrand soles that initially inspired the first hybrid mixup of dress shoes and sneakers. Instead this next go around is about utilizing the Nike Free sole. What’s the difference?
Quite a bit actually.
One interesting notion that I still find intriguing is that Nike and Cole Haan are still collaborating, even after Nike sold off the Cole Haan business unit to Apax Partners in 2012 for $570 million. Though Nike mentioned there would be a transition period, its continued to drag on into a second year and perhaps longer now that the newly designed ZeroGrand’s are out. I foresee many collaborations between the two continuing to be produced into the near future.
What’s special about the new Cole Haan ZeroGrand?
Well its the lightest shoe Cole Haan has ever produced coming out at a featherweight of 290 grams. Definitely no comparison on the weight scale when brought up with other dress shoes its supposed to compete with. Built on construction platform known as the Grand OS, Cole Haan aimed at incorporating a few additional features with the new line. This being greater flexibility throughout, more cushion support (EVA technology kicking in), and overall lightness as mentioned above. The Nike Free sole will definitely make an impact with the increased flexibility in the sole, which were showcased in the new advertisements released by Cole Haan.
“The outstanding thing about ZeroGrand is the fact that it is highly engineered, yet beautifully designed and crafted,” says David Maddocks, Chief Marketing Officer of Cole Haan. “We compromised nothing. It’s stealth. It‘s sleek. It is the perfect complement to a modern, slim-cut suit in a way that says, I mean business, but not business as usual.”
I agree with Mr. Maddocks that the Cole Haan ZeroGrands are definitely a beautifully designed shoe and very modern. These shoes of course are supposed to be a walking statement in trying to be comfortably dressy. Older generations and most businessmen will probably not find this shoe very professional, but as Cole Haan mentions in their target marketing this shoe is aimed at the modern, young guy.
Buy or not Buy the ZeroGrands?
A very distinct group who will hopefully pick up on the line. Styles and trends have changed dramatically these days, and (I personally think) in the direction of being comfort-based for shoes. The ZeroGrands are definitely worth a look, and comfort will definitely be noticed, but would they de something you would wear with your suit to work? For me, and I consider myself part of the modern stereotypical group, not often if I were to own a pair to begin with. However, a going-out and perhaps business casual work atmosphere? Strong possibility.
But at that price tag of $248-$278? I’ll have a few other shoes in mind before I think about the ZeroGrands. What do you say?
The slick new shoes will come in two versions.
Zerogrand Oxford No-Stitch
One lineup is the Zerogrand Oxford No-Stitch which will encompass a polyurethane and polyester rip-stock upper material combination. The Zerogrand Oxford No-Stitch also requires less components during construction and with a non-leather upper is more breathable. However, for those who prefer leather shoes then go with the Wingtip Oxfords. They are also more stable and will give slightly more overall support with the thicker leather upper.
Zerogrand Wingtip Oxfords
The Wingtip Oxford is similar in appearance and style except with a leather suede upper. These are probably considered the dressier of the two as they feel and visibly look like a more expensive shoe. All the leather used in construction of the ZeroGrand Wingtip Oxfords are based from the C.F. Stead Tannery in the U.K. With a heavier and thicker leather upper, the Wingtip Oxfords will feel more stable than the No-Stitch.
