As trainers dominate our everyday life, it seems that car brand is understanding that comfort and style, when driving let alone touring around the UK is important to their car fan base. Athleisure wear is one of the fastest-growing fashion markets amongst sports brands in 2018. MenStyleFashion was sent a pair of new, hand-crafted sports trainers, which are the result of a unique collaboration between Norman Walsh and premium car brand Lexus. We are proud to say we are one of the only five chosen to experience the trainer first hand.
Design Trainer Inspiration
The unique design was inspired by the fine quality design and craftsmanship that distinguish the Lexus CT F Sport luxury hatchback, drawing onbthe design, colour palette and interior materials of the car.
The CT trainer’s upper combines a bright red perforated leather and black suede with contrast red stitching, echoing the look of the red and black interior available for the CT 200h F Sport. The soles are made from hard-wearing PVC. An exclusive white wooden presentation box with Lexus and Walsh branding is also available to order as an optional extra. The trainers will be available to order from the Walsh website at www.normanwalshuk.com with a RRP of £165 (excluding presentation box).
To mark this special collaboration, Lexus commissioned a special wrap to cover the exterior of a CT F Sport with the new trainer design, complete with signature Union Flag detailing that features on Walsh products. The trainers themselves have a discreet Lexus leather tab on one set of laces.
Jason Crompton, Walsh’s Head of Design, said the CT 200h’s interior design and soft and supple leather upholstery were striking qualities that helped inspire the creation of the new trainer. In fact, the creative team chose to use upholstery leather for the trainer, to recreate the luxurious feel of the car’s cabin.
He added: “Here we had a small, hand-made shoe business working together with an automotive giant, yet there was a nice duality between our shared approach to craftsmanship and luxury detail. This made it a rewarding project for us to work on and we are very pleased with the results, which draw directly on the inspiration provided by the Lexus CT F Sport.”
Ewan Shepherd, Director of Lexus in the UK, said: “At Lexus we are passionate about craftsmanship and quality. We receive lots of positive feedback about the brave design of our range of cars – which are contemporary yet different in the marketplace – just like The CT F Sport. This car is one of the most effective in bringing new customers to the Lexus brand, particularly those leading busy urban lifestyles. This made our partnership with Walsh a natural meeting of minds and the result is an innovative sports trainer that delivers both amazing looks and great performance.”
All the shoes are manufactured in the UK at Norman Walsh Footwear’s Bolton factory. The company was founded in 1961 by Norman Walsh, the son of a cobbler who became a master of his craft while working for another local shoemaker after World War II. During that time he was chosen to work on high-profile sporting commissions, including making the running shoes worn by Roger Bannister when he broke the four-minute mile. Norman Walsh Footwear has a great heritage of designing and making sports shoes to meet the demands of elite performance, including producing the first mountain and fell running shoes. More recently the company has collaborated with some of the country’s leading fashion designers and has introduced traditional and influential British materials into its product range.
The CT 200h F Sport is the sports-inspired version of Lexus’ self-charging hybrid luxury hatchback, marked out by its sharper styling and sports-themed interior. F Sport exclusive features include a metallic black mesh for the spindle grille, unique-design 17-inch alloy wheels, F Sport steering wheel and aluminium pedals and F Sport front seats with leather upholstery. Its highly efficient hybrid powertrain has an official combined cycle fuel consumption of 64.2mpg with 101g/km*.
The unique design was inspired by the fine quality design and craftsmanship that distinguish the Lexus CT F Sport luxury hatchback, drawing onbthe design, colour palette and interior materials of the car.
Drive The Lifestyle
In the last two months, MSF has driven over 17 luxury cars, including a Lexus RX450h. What we wear and what trainers we choose to trend inspire is important for our followers. When we attend car launches, the car brands immediately recognise team MSF because we trend the car lifestyle. Men for Athleisure wear is so in demand when it comes to style tips from us. The trainers, we wear is always challenging, but thanks to Lexus, we don’t have to worry at all.
They are unique, comfortable and look brilliant with any chino’s, leggings or denim and are a timeless trainer that can be worn all year round. The public feedback so far is a postive one and many are asking where they can buy it.
The trainers are available to order from the Walsh website at www.normanwalshuk.com with a RRP of £165 (excluding presentation box).
With Lexus, driving with trainers is a lifestyle after all. Share your Instagram shot with us, when you have the trainers.
