Not only are they the antithesis of ugly, designer or “cool” kicks, Stepney Workers Club’s (S.W.C’s) Dellows from Britain are also hardy and machine-washable.
"Every Dellow has a flexible cushioned sole that rebounds with each step. The upper is made of tear-resistant cotton duck, a thicker and more tightly woven version of canvas."
"The sole has siped treads – thin slits to improve traction on wet or snowy surfaces, like a Michelin tyre does. "
Simon See and Roger Pereira, the founders of this East London label, were inspired by the genreless and vulcanised classic sneaker when they came up with the Dellow. But to set it apart from its many competitors, they rethought it to make their version much, much better.
Unlike many things made today, things of the past were made to last. Like military boots in the ’60s. Using the same method for making such boots, the Dellow is assembled using Strobel construction – the midsole is sewn to the upper for comfort and flexibility before being glued over a vulcanised rubber outsole that has been preheated to shrink tightly over the upper when the former cools down. A glued-together factory production it is not.
When the glue dries, the shoe goes through three rounds of hydraulic pressing – cross, sideways, toe and heel – to ensure full contact. The final touch: stitching the outsole to the upper to make both doubly secure.
To keep the sneakers clean: Pop them into a laundry bag and the washer, and use the cold wash cycle. Repeat over the lifetime of your Dellows – they will not fall apart. At Kapok, for $129 a pair. - BG
PHOTOGRAPHY ANGELA GUO STYLING BRYAN GOH
