The Styleforum x Archibald Sneaker GMTO

[mhip]

Just on your left ? Is it related to your foot shape or why is it only on one side.

No clue, my feet look the same to me.
Half of my family is from Arkansas, so I chalk it up to rampant in-breeding...

 

[ThePetros]

Just on your left ? Is it related to your foot shape or why is it only on one side.

I have the same problem on my right. It’s usually your non dominant foot. Something about how your foot moves.

On a separate note, the email nearly gave me a heart attack!! But I’m personally fine with the bridge. Cant wait to get my white roos!

 

[EgoCamisas]

Haha I was also very worried when I got the email but it's fine. I think I aesthetically prefer the shoes without the bridge but, honestly, it does not seem like a deal breaker at all. Maybe I wouldn't even have noticed it if you hadn't sent the email.

Can't wait to get them. Cheers

 

[Drzdave58]

Hi everyone,

This email just went out and I'm posting on the thread as we always do. I'm here to answer any question.



Hello everyone,

As always, we thank you for your patience, and your continued enthusiasm, with the SF-01 arrivals, despite the development and delivery. We hoped this update would be the final one, filled with exciting and definitive news. This is not the case. We come with our proverbial hat in hand. We offer a mea culpa. There is a slight hiccough which we just discovered and thus we have to immediately address. COVID reminded us of the old adage, about the best-laid plans, but our latest update proves that the global pandemic has no monopoly on dictating the seas of change.

The SF-01s are ready. They’re clean, smooth and beautiful. They are also a little… ahem, different. Now it’s a discreet change, and, one each production shot, we shared, has made clear. However we at Archibald missed it (until some advance orders arrived today) and we pride ourselves on transparency, on our honesty and candour, and the reality is that this collaboration, Archibald x SF, is a co-creation, where the SF community leads the design. To deliver you a shoe with changes SF didn’t sign off on, even if they have been visible throughout the process, is not something we can let go unmentioned.

So, in the spirit of candour, we’re telling you what and we’re telling you why.
The SF-01 has a bridge in the tongue, added by a craftsman, during lockdown, to hold the laces in place. This wasn’t a design detail that Archibald chose, or even that our lead shoemaker Adriano decided upon. The craftsman who hand cuts the uppers did not consult with Adriano or Archibald and made these amendments whilst the lockdown was in place (so there was no in-person engagement with Adriano’s team or ours as there otherwise would have been).

Whilst we would have preferred to be consulted, or have Adriano consulted on such a significant aesthetic change, we understand the reason why he added the bridge. The reality is that without it, the tongue tends to slop over on one side (as opposed to sitting in the centre). Without the bridge, the tongue’s sloppiness that leaves the shoe looking untidy and unkempt and far from what was expected. So the cutting craftsman added a bridge to maintain the structure of the shoe.

Some of you may have seen the bridge as it featured in all of the production shots; some of you may have liked what you saw. Given the effusive response to the images, either many of you loved the bridge or like us its addition completely passed you by. And if you’re wondering why you’ve been subjected to a last-minute update about such a substantial change, it’s because, sadly, we, like many of you, simply did not spot the difference when we saw the images in the production photos of the development of the shoe. And because of the lockdown, we couldn’t keep checking on the production as we usually do (in which case we would have seen it in time).

But we don’t dislike it and it does make sense. It isn’t what you asked for, but it serves a useful purpose, ensures the overall finish remains what you asked for and it looks great on the shoe. But we know some of you may be less enthusiastic and perhaps a touch disgruntled by a further surprise. It is for you, that we draft this email, with our sincere apologies and mild regret. Those of you having a change of heart will be accommodated. You may withdraw your request for the SF-01 & a refund will be processed, please simply let us know by return to this email prior to Thursday (when we expect to begin dispatch).

For the rest of you, however, we know we can trust in your natural innovation and your keenness for a creative risk that led you to co-design or simply purchase the fruits of the Archibald x SF collective mind. We suspect your daring has served you well, both prior and certainly here. We’ve no doubt you’ll find the shoe close enough to your desires to make it worth the wait — and if not, well, this collaboration is going to be a complete collection. So lend your thoughts to our next iteration, we promise you'll be heard!

Best
The Archibald Team

I placed an order for the sf-01 in kangaroo grey on June 08. Does this mean my shoes will have the bridge in them as well or will I have a choice? If so, I am fine with it. Thx.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

The bridge isn't great but in my experience (which is considerable have spent way too much money on shoes LOL) if the rest of the shoe looks great, no one will notice a minor detail like the bridge. The shoes depicted in the pictures look very nice indeed so I'm sure everything will be fine. It's not an ideal situation but the overall quality appears to be there so the bridge should not be a problem. And if anyone really dislikes the bridge they can just lace over it and hope that the tongue stays centered. Those who have a high instep should not have a problem with that method.

 

[Spaghettimatt]

Prefer without the bridge but don’t care enough to cancel or wait.

 

[EgoCamisas]

I promise I don't mean to put any additional pressure but... weren't the shoes arriving today? I am just craving for pictures, is all. Cheers

 

[NonChalant321]

I would prefer without the bridge, but not a big enough deal to cancel. It does have its practical benefit and to the team's point, it was evident enough in the productions photos.

 

[Shawnc]

Just received the email and am excited that the shoes are scheduled t ship on Thursday. The bridge is a non-factor for me.

 

[OrlandoMo]

I placed an order for the sf-01 in kangaroo grey on June 08. Does this mean my shoes will have the bridge in them as well or will I have a choice? If so, I am fine with it. Thx.

we think the bridge will be part of the sf-01 from now on

 

[stephenaf2003]

When I got the email, I was like, oh no what tragedy has befallen these guys this time, it’s like you’re trying so hard and all these problems keep coming up.
Then as I read it, I was pleasantly relieved to find it was something, that to me is a non factor. I’m also happy to learn this, fortunate mistake, will become a feature and not a bug.

Like another poster mentioned, if folks are upset, I think those of us that like it will be presented with an opportunity to get more

 

[mcfly26]

we think the bridge will be part of the sf-01 from now on

Fine with me on the bridge.

Also, I moved since the original order but just remembered this. Can I still update the address with you in here or is it best to confirm this by email?

 

[OrlandoMo]

Fine with me on the bridge.

Also, I moved since the original order but just remembered this. Can I still update the address with you in here or is it best to confirm this by email?

sure no prob! you can confirm it via email and send us the new address

 

[imatlas]

I do a lot of preorders with a small company that always sends out a “Have you moved? Send us your new address!” right before they ship anything.

You might want to consider doing the same, it seems like it may prevent a lot of headaches.

 

[p0rkbelly]

Prefer without the bridge but don’t care enough to cancel or wait.

Same. Unfortunately, it seems that my feet grew (or relaxed) and now I think I ordered the wrong size. I traced my foot to the maximum length, the problem is my 4th toe.