Our Creative Director Marek talks about the development of his favorite unreleased shoe:
A shoe between the past and the future
Can a leather shoe be classic AND futuristic? As I begin to take more and more interest in elegant shoes in 2022, the sneaker designer in me inevitably asks this question. After all, the ekn design philosophy is characterized by retro futurism – the idea of a future as it was imagined in past decades. As a film nerd with a weakness for sci-fi, I have seen countless future scenarios on the big screen. And I always notice the same thing: shoes rarely get the attention they deserve. This observation ultimately gave rise to the basic idea for the Quince – a desert boot from an alternative future, inspired by one of our very first models, the Max Herre Desert Boot.
Mix & Match
One of our greatest passions in design is combining different ideas to create something completely new. The Quince deliberately breaks with the classic shape of the Max Herre with its aggressive silhouette. A thicker, straight sole, a shorter and rounder forefoot, and elements reminiscent of diving boots create a sporty, futuristic hybrid look. Particularly striking are the neoprene inner shoe with graphic branding, elastic laces with cord stoppers, and a distinctive zipper that extends almost to the middle of the shoe. Small details such as the perforation on the toe box, a metal rivet in a contrasting color on the lacing, and a nylon strap on the heel underline the performance character. Even though the look is modern, the basic materials remain deliberately classic: just like the Max Herre, the Quince is also made from our highest-quality leather. This oiled, particularly thick raw-edge leather is robust yet supple, making it significantly more durable than most conventional types of leather. To stay true to the roots of the desert boot, we continue to make the sole from natural rubber. This material adapts perfectly to different temperatures and has exactly the properties that a futuristic shoe needs.
Why only now?
It took a while to get the Quince ready. Not because we lacked ideas, but because every detail and every feature had to be just right. I wore, tested, and optimized the shoe for over 1.5 years and 2 winters. At the same time, as a small brand, we were forced by the pandemic to temporarily focus on our top sellers, which is why the project had to be put on hold. Now we finally have the capacity to work on more experimental designs again—and the next models are already in the works. Until now, I was the only one who had the privilege of wearing the Quince. That is finally changing, and the long wait has had a nice side effect: in the shop, you can see pictures of my own Quince after 1.5 years of intensive wear—a preview, so to speak, of the patina that the natural materials will develop over time.
How the Quince comes to you:
We only produce the Quince on pre-order. Once the minimum quantity has been reached, production starts in Portugal – so your shoe is made especially for you. That's why we need to make sure it fits you perfectly. There is a size chart for this purpose, which you should definitely use. Anyone who already wears Max Herre shoes can use their size as a guide. With this new type of release, we not only ensure that everyone gets their desired size, but we also avoid overproduction. This means that your shoes are not part of the fast-paced fashion cycle, but a sustainable product with substance..