onitsuka tiger x koi klub: purposefully

‘purposefully’ grey / black version profile

‘purposefully’ is the latest issue of shoes from onitsuka tiger, who joined forces with koi club to produce the designs. the two pairs of shoes are restyles of onitsuka tiger’s ‘x caliber’ that was first developed in 1982. the original boasts a zigzag ‘quadra lacing’ with four eyelets on each side placed to ensure a good fit, while the midsole design provides superior cushioning.

‘purposefully’ grey / black version top view

koi klub’s version features a denim upper that looks dirty and washed out, instead of rigid. the salvedge finishing details on the strips and eyelets enhance this ‘used and worn’ look, while shiny multicolored laces have a feminine appeal, contrasting the shoes’ chunky styling.

‘purposefully’ grey / brown version profile

the shoes draw influences directly from the name koi which has six meanings in japanese. in the past designs have focused on three of these: the koi fish, ancient ways and intense love. now they have used the fourth sense, the word ‘purposefully’, with koi klub founder yoske nishiumu choosing colors and materials for the footwear one normally wouldn’t combine. the ‘purposefully’ models are available in grey/black and grey/brown from my 2011.

‘purposefully’ grey / brown version back view