Snow Peak and New Balance Tokyo Design Studio Invent the Niobium Concept 2 Convertible Sandal

Japanese outdoors brand Snow Peak have resumed their collaborative relationship with the cutting-edge New Balance Tokyo Design Studio department, creating another multi-purpose shoe after their previous three-in-one effort. Despite its somewhat abstract name, Niobium Concept 2, this new design is actually rather innovative as it combines two on-trend silhouettes: sandals and mules.

Snow Peak beef up their collaboration by borrowing the highly cushioned midsoles from the Fresh Foam Hierro trail runner, which is paired to a bespoke rubber outsole provided by Vibram. However, the most interesting bits are up top, which somehow is able to fit everything but the kitchen sink. Find twin Fidlock clasps attached to the straps for quick fit adjustment, breathable and protective mesh toe boxes wrapped in durable leather, and a removable heel band that turns a sandal into a slip-on mule. The colourway is also very on-brand for Snow Peak as it opts for a utilitarian combination of olive and black, with some extra reflective accents for good measure.

The Snow Peak x New Balance TDS Niobium Concept 2 will release on June 25 at select Japanese retailers, including Dover Street Market Ginza, mita sneakers, United Arrows, Kith Tokyo, and directly from Snow Peak and New Balance Japan.

Via.