In a world enamoured with swinging trends, Zegna is an anomaly. Sure, the maison puts on runway shows aligned with the seasons. But its collections have a consistent theme: sustainability and craftsmanship in every product.
The new Triple Stitch Secondskin sneaker carries these tenets. The Triple Stitch sneaker has been a Zegna mainstay for a while now. It first emerged in 2020 bearing the crossed elasticated inserts at the tongue and the triple stitch embossing along the heels that gave the sneaker its name. Quickly, it became one of Zegna’s sought after items. Stylish yet deceptively comfortable, the sneaker could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
For 2024, Zegna’s artisans pushed the envelope by introducing a new material: glove leather. It was an audacious move. Glove leather is soft and tears and creases easily. But it’s extremely soft. So, the artisans had to work around these limitations. The result is a sneaker that offers what Zegna calls “the second skin sensation” while remaining robust and lightweight, and resistant to creasing.
Sixty-eight components are needed for each shoe, with 13 artisans working on one pair. The leather’s thickness is also a mere 0.8mm, a stupendous technical feat.
The Secondskin material will be exclusive to Zegna for three years, beginning from 2024, before the other fashion houses can use it for their own collections.
