Proto Collective Sneakers Are Reviving The Classic Canvas Shoe

There is a new footwear brand redefining the OG canvas sneaker, loved by casually cool, style-driven customers. Proto Collective has recently introduced its IRIS-D sneaker in an Inverse Opal colorway, featuring a black and white knit upper made from KX Lab’s sustainable yarn and a black Vibram cupsole that the brand has done exceptionally well for many other brands.

Alongside the summer release of the IRIS-D shoe, Proto Collective has also unveiled the Reversible Bucket Hat in Cream/Marshmallow and Black variant colorways. Designed with embroidered motifs and a signature patch, the bucket hats are locally produced thanks to NextLabel in Irwindale and GTLA of South Central Los Angeles.

A brand dedicated to creating exceptional footwear and lifestyle apparel, Proto Collective has focused on combining craftsmanship, community, and ethical products to bring about positive change since 2020. In celebration of its launch, Proto Collective partnered with Sunset Beach Hotel on Shelter Island in The Hamptons, New York, a beachside boutique hotel and restaurant owned by hotelier and businessman Andre Balazs, where the front-of-house staff will be sporting the IRIS-D sneakers throughout the 2023 season.

This takeover allowed Proto Collective to preview its new products in real-time and engage in discussions about its plans. Notable individuals such as actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, stylist Taylor Okata, and celebrity photographer Tyler Joe joined the Proto Collective for this celebratory event.

Additionally, Proto Collective held an event in support of a brand friend, Akil, the owner of Sole Folks in Leimert Park. As part of their involvement, Proto Collective participated in the Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival in LA on June 19th. Shoe gifting introduced a community to sustainable footwear from Proto Collective while DJs spun tunes, and a black-owned beer brand, Crowns + Hops, served patrons.

The IRIS-D sneaker boasts a Knit Upper created by KX Lab using 98% recycled yarn materials. The Proto Collective insole, designed by Blumaka, utilizes recycled factory scraps and foam waste to provide cushioning and comfort. In addition to the insole comfort, the cupsole from Virbam, Blumaka, and KY Lab align with the sustainable practices outlined in the company's 2017 Sustainable Development Plan.

Proto Collective has even thought of the shoelaces as a way to mitigate its fashion waste, crafting them in the USA by Wincord. Wincord uses All-Pro Flat Braid "ECO," a yarn made from recycled/sustainable PET materials.

Proto's Bucket Hat collection is a sustainable and carefully crafted offering developed by GTLA, the Los Angeles-based apparel manufacturer. It is known for its sustainable practices and skilled artisans, founded by fashion designer and textile veteran Guadalupe Tlatenchi. The dark inverse of the Bucket Hat is designed for versatile use and discreet wear, using the same raw canvas material of natural cotton as the Proto Collective sneakers. The bucket hat also retains the high-quality craftsmanship GTLA is known for through this process, featuring a prominently embroidered P icon stitched locally at GTLA.

The IRIS-D Inverse Opal sneaker and Reversible Bucket Hat are available exclusively on ProtoCollective.com. The thought of a new shoe brand in the most potent sneakerhead era is refreshing. Sneaker manufacturing and sneaker culture are pertinent to climate change, and Proto Collective is charging forward with innovation and style at the helm.