Pump it up
A spotlight on Superga, the "people's Shoe of Italy".
Pumps, plimsolls, sneakers, trainers, you call it this, I call it that.
Regardless of what you call them, they are an essential part of the wardrobe, particularly for summer. For the sake of this, I will call them pumps.
The history of the pump is often overshadowed by the massive wealth of pop culture surrounding trainers/sneakers, e.g. Nike, Adidas, Reebok, etc. People often don't realise just how old they are and the story that goes beyond sportswear.
A brand I've worn for quite a few years, and have always found reliable as well as smart, is Superga.
Often referred to as the "People's Shoe of Italy" because of its widespread popularity and accessibility among the Italian population, Superga earned this nickname due to its history of producing classic, simple, and affordable footwear that appeals to a broad demographic.
The classic canvas style with a vulcanized rubber sole has been embraced by Italians of all ages and social backgrounds since the brand's inception in 1911.
Superga was founded in Turin, Italy, with the primary purpose of manufacturing sturdy and reliable footwear for military personnel.
The brand's name is derived from the hill on which its first factory was located, near Turin.
There are many reasons to love Turin: The Italian Job, the Fiat 500, and, of course, Superga. It's a city with a story or two.
With their tried-and-tested designs that have lasted generations, Superga offers shoes that are built to last. By introducing new fabrics that complement their classic designs, Superga has elevated their range even further.
Superga sent me two pairs from their "Artifact" range, which they describe as a collection "designed with classic, piece-of-art attention to detail for the modern man who appreciates basic, utilitarian style yet refined garments”.
The two pairs I’ve been wearing are the 2435 Milspec Highcut Cotton Canvas in white and the 2750 OG Herringbone in green.
These are two classic styles with a twist.
The 2435 Milspec Highcut Cotton Canvas is a brilliant reinterpretation of a classic style.
If you took a shot of tequila every time I mentioned the word "timeless" in this blog, you probably wouldn't be able to read much of it, if any at all. That said, this is a timeless style. Drink responsibly and at your own discretion.
The great thing about Superga’s Artifact version of this classic is the techniques that have been adapted and used to craft this pair.
I've had a couple of high tops over the years, but none have felt quite as durable as these. Surprisingly, even though they don't look it, they are actually quite heavyweight—which I love.
Mil Spec is the military-inspired collection that draws on industrial elements from the Superga archives. One notable feature is the calendered sole, reminiscent of the work boots crafted by Superga during the 1950s.
These shoes are ready to tackle all terrains across all seasons while still looking stylish.
I've been wearing mine for the last week, and like with all Superga shoes, there was no break-in time. They were comfortable right from the first wear.
The classic style of the 2750 OG is an elevated version of Superga’s classic pump. Originally crafted for tennis and later reimagined as a lifestyle shoe, it features a more comfortable internal build for enhanced wearability.
The first thing to notice is the change of material for the main body of the shoe. Normally crafted from Canvas, this version is made from Herringbone.
Herringbone weaves are known for their robustness, making them resistant to wear and tear. Additionally, the material is relatively easy to maintain and clean, providing both convenience and aesthetic appeal.
This combination of practicality and aesthetics is what I love most about the Artifact collection. Similar to Ivy style, it embraces both aspects, ensuring its enduring relevance and appeal. People will always return to this style, regardless of current trends.
I love Superga for their comfort, ease, and aesthetic. Italy has given the world much to be grateful for, and Superga is high on my list.
If you're looking for a pair of their shoes, consider the styles mentioned above. Take care of your feet, and they'll take care of you.
Thanks for reading—it's sunny here in the UK, so I'm going to make the most of it!
