Reebok and Japanese fashion label Mountain Research have unveiled the next piece from their growing line of collaborative releases: The Mountain Research x Reebok Club C II Mid (GX9046, $140), available June 17.
“As the classic tennis shoe, I’ve wanted to work on Club C for some time,” commented Mountain Research founder, Setsumasa Kobayashi. “It also reminds me of ‘80s hip hop scenes where everyone wore white sneakers, which I always loved.”
The Mountain Research x Reebok Club II Mid is subtle and practical, drawing inspiration from ‘80s tennis club attire, heritage Club C elements, and cricket footwear.
“The idea was to create something basic yet decorative,” continued Kobayashi. “The minimalistic look is meant to correspond to the strict tennis club dress codes of the era.”
Most notably, the outer tongue features a removable lace guard or “bonnet” that mimics Club C’s original perforated foam tongue and classic cricket footwear protectors called “pats”.
Constructed with white leather and cobalt blue accents, the mid-cut Club C features vintage branding elements, an interior arch bandage with repeating print, and a fold-over tongue label with Mountain Research graphics.
Mountain Research and Reebok first collaborated in spring 2020 on Reebok’s retro-future DMX Trail Shadow. The brands would come together for a second time later that year and once again in spring 2022 via Reebok’s iconic Alien Stomper model.
The Mountain Research x Reebok Club C II Mid (GX9046, $140) is available June 10 from Mountain Research (MOUNTAIN RESEARCH (sett.co.jp) and June 17 from, Reebok., and select retailers.
Founded in 1993 by Setsumasa Kobayashi and originally named General Research, the brand was eventually renamed Mountain Research to better reflect Kobayashi’s love for the outdoors. Utilitarian and functional at heart, each season sees Kobayashi and his team retreat to the woods to envision a novel direction that traditionally takes cues from a wide variety of inspirations. In his collection he highlights anything practical – it might be horse blankets, camping cookware, or fishing vests. Collections take inspiration from nature, but also military clothing, workwear, and mountain climbing gear.
Reebok Design Group (RDG) is the global brand hub of design, development, innovation, marketing, and creative services for Reebok footwear and apparel. As the central source of the brand’s creative vision, RDG provides ongoing support and expertise to Reebok’s network of strategic partners around the world. RDG champions Reebok’s storied heritage, ethos, and DNA to authentically deliver a unified brand directive and consumer experience globally. A division of SPARC Group, RDG is headquartered in Boston, MA. For more information, visit Reebok.
