After presenting the Dome at the beginning of the summer, inspired by the skate universe, Nigo moves from the half-pipe to the racetrack with his second sneaker for Kenzo: the Pace. The model refers to classic runners, but with a fashionable design that makes it too elegant for actual running.

Presented in five color variations, including “Silver”, “Black”, “White”, “Duck Blue”, and “Dark Rose”, each pair sits on an intricate mesh base, while synthetic overlays wrap the entire upper, giving the sneaker an aesthetic that looks straight out of an old-school running shoe catalog (do you remember those?). A rubberized logo is present on the lateral and medial panels, while an additional “Kenzo” brand is found on the tongue and heel.

Underfoot, the massive midsole (we’re talking 4 cm!) is padded with soft foam to ensure greater comfort and cushioning, while the contrasting graphic on the sole refers to tiger stripes, the distinctive animal of the Japanese fashion house. Micro perforations are scattered on the toe area to increase ventilation, and some color variations are embellished with reflective inserts to give the shoe a 90s vibe.

“Kenzo presents the second edition of a series of sneakers designed by artistic director Nigo,” reads an official press release from the brand. “The Kenzo Pace is a highly technical and aerodynamic shoe that revisits the aesthetic of the ‘running’ universe with a fashionable touch. Its name was chosen to emphasize the sense of well-being conveyed by the sporty look.”

The Kenzo Pace is already available for sale at Kenzo and selected retailers worldwide for 390 euros. It is expected that Nigo will announce a third silhouette later this year, so stay tuned.

Article originally published on GQ UK