Words by Alek Rose
Back in August we guided you through our four favourite releases from the ETQ Amsterdam Autumn/Winter collection. We’re going to take another look at this drop, but instead of following the beaten track, this time we’re taking the road less travelled: we’ll be looking at four of the capsule's more avant-garde winter sneakers.
ETQ Amsterdam is an apparel brand founded in Amsterdam in 2010. Although primarily known for its forays into the world of premium sneakers, ETQ also designs clothing and eyewear. Each of ETQ’s departments is linked by common threads of durability, sustainability and a minimalist aesthetic, driven by the belief that holding off on the branding front allows a product’s quality to speak for itself.
ETQ stands out in the premium footwear landscape because of its willingness to explore innovative material developments and unusual silhouettes. We have selected four examples of this openness to creativity below.
ETQ Amsterdam HT 02 Hiking Carbon Black Boots
The expert use of technical materials transforms the classic ETQ high-top into a modernist masterpiece inspired by hiking apparel. The upper is composed of neoprene, rubberised leather and Cordura® Ballistic material. The technical upper sits atop a chunky crepe midsole and a Vibram GumLite outsole. The mixture of materials in this shoe means it’s a comfortable city boot for when the weather gets a little more unpredictable, and the sleek black and white colourway is road-ready.
ETQ Amsterdam MT 02 Tech Sneakers
Another olive offering - although its available in maroon, too - mesh and rubberised leather form a galvanised upper ready to stand up to the elements. A more streamlined midsole makes this a certified pair of winter-ready city runners. Like all of the pairs featured in this article, you’ll find a lush calf leather lining inside for some added luxury.
ETQ Amsterdam LT 03 Tech Sneakers
Today’s only low-top selection comes in a Royal Dark Maroon colourway alongside the ETQ signature hue, utilitarian Olive. Again, a calf leather lining combined with mesh and rubberised leather form the luxurious and durable upper which sits on a TPU sole. Forward-thinking design has rendered a classic pair of sneakers into a formidable pair of performance footwear for the colder months.
ETQ continues to carve a unique space in the luxury sneaker market with its open attitude to exploration. Original use of innovative fabrics and unusual silhouettes sets the brand apart from their competition. We hope to see many more innovative and creative offerings alongside the premium classics from this brand in the future.
ETQ Amsterdam HT 02 High Top Sneakers
ETQ Amsterdam's values of comfort and durability ring true in this design. This iteration of the ETQ high-top stands out thanks to the eye-catching thick crepe midsole while the upper is constructed of rubberised leather and mesh, catering to the utilitarian in all of us.
Shop and explore all ETQ Amsterdam sneakers at OPUMO.
Be sure to check out our ultimate guide to men’s trainers.
