STYLE Edit: Luxury meets utility in Ermenegildo Zegna’s amazing new A-Maze sneakers
Using Vibram’s vulcanised rubber, which revolutionised mountaineering boots 80 years ago, the Z Zegna A-Maze sneakers promise a balance of toughness, cushioning and geometry
For a new line of footwear, Ermenegildo Zegna has teamed up with Vibram, the renowned Italian maker of rubber outer soles. The fruit of their collaboration has been the Z Zegna A-Maze sneaker, which combines style and hard-wearing durability with the comfort looked for in an everyday sports shoe.
Vibram is based in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region. Some 80 years ago it developed vulcanised rubber to revolutionise mountaineering boots, ultimately furnishing footwear for the first Italian ascent of the world’s second-highest mountain, K2.
Over a thousand shoe manufacturers now use its soles across the globe. In the A-Maze trainer, Vibram’s tradition of excellence in innovation continues with a unique perforated see-through sole design. Recalling the image of a maze, its structure allows for a balance of toughness, cushioning and geometry.
Comfort continues into the training shoe’s uppers, which are crafted with Techmerino wool knit with leather accents. The fabric fuses the best attributes of Merino yarns with the most sophisticated wool processing and finishing techniques. The result is a high-performance material that is sustainable, breathable and quick to dry. Slip-on comfort is augmented by elastic laces for a comfy fit. Ideal for all occasions and seasons, the shoe is completely machine-washable.
A-Maze sneakers are available in a range of different colour combinations, featuring a suede logo patch at the tongue and a rubberised logo patch at the heel collar.
Ermenegildo Zegna is today headed by CEO Gildo Zegna, the grandson of the young entrepreneur Ermenegildo who established the company in 1910. From the founder’s original vision of producing high-quality fabrics, the A-Maze sneaker continues the brand’s evolution onwards through luxury lifestyle, with the elegant application of its sartorial expertise to men’s leisurewear.
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