Denim sneakers have been on the rise for some time now, and we’re certainly not opposed to joining in on the nostalgia it brings. Jordan Brand has been a big contributor to the trend, with tons of denim-covered sneakers dropping over the past few years, including a “Black Denim” version of the Air Jordan 1 Low and an Air Jordan 4 covered in a blue-wash “Denim”. But for those who prefer to leave a gentle footprint on the earth, there’s always the Air Jordan 1 High “Boro” by sneaker designer Joe Allan (@_joeallan) of The Cactus Gentleman.
As you may have guessed, what sets Allan’s design apart from the average denim-covered sneaker is its environmentally friendly construction. The shoe is made of eco-friendly plant leather sourced sustainably from cactus. The plant leather is then layered with richly coloured Japanese materials such as indigo denim and Matsusaka cotton.
The Swoosh designs on this custom pair are also very distinct. On one side, there’s a light-wash denim Swoosh, and on the other, the denim quarter panels are cut out in the shape of the check pattern to reveal the darker blue denim fabric underneath.
It’s all of these small, thoughtful details that create one of the most unique denim sneakers we’ve seen in a while.
The design finishes with a white midsole, a grey rubber outsole, and light grey laces for added contrast.
If you’re looking to sink your feet into these eco-friendly denim sneakers, you’ll be pleased to know that Joe Allan welcomes commissions.
To request a custom pair of sneakers, contact the artist through his official website.
In the meantime, make sure to browse more denim-covered sneakers on our site. Check out the Air Max 1 dressed in “Evisu Denim”, the Jordan 1 Low covered in premium “Montaro Denim”, or this special Air Jordan 4 concept that combines KAWS’s unique artwork with Levi’s denim.
