Converse and A-Cold-Wall introduce a chunky foam sneaker fit for space

Less is more, at least according to A-Cold-Wall* and Converse. The two brands are expanding their partnership with the Sponge Crater, a foam sneaker that focuses on comfort and reducing design complexity. Unlike Adidas Yeezy’s offerings — some of the most-hyped foam shoes available — the Sponge Crater features a knit component.

Step into the future — Conceptualized by A-Cold-Wall* founder Samuel Ross, the shoe takes on an atypical contemporary aesthetic while retaining the latest Converse technology features. Its orange flat-knit upper, which looks like a built-in sock, emphasizes breathability as its spandex collar and gray pull tabs offer easy on-and-off wear. The upper comes protected by a mule-cut shell made of Crater and CX foam, materials that help add comfort and texture to the new silhouette.

Underfoot, the CX foam expands to create a cushy sole. Nodding to the sneaker’s namesake, the thick sole unit features a texture similar to meteors or rough concrete, the latter being a recurring theme in A-Cold-Wall* designs. An egg-crate-style outsole adds traction to the sneaker.

Without any laces or evident Converse branding, it's hard to tell the Sponge Crater is one of the label’s offerings. Converse motifs only appear on the shoe’s insoles, and even then, they’ve been simplified to match the minimalist aesthetic of the upper. A-Cold-Wall* branding sits on the lateral side of the sneaker’s midsole in the same orange shade as the knit upper.

Walk on the moon soon — London-based artist Kam-BU stars in the launch campaign for the Sponge Crater, as does model Eva Apio. Like the shoe itself, the campaign takes on a futuristic feel and sees the two creatives wearing the Sponge Crater on a minimal yet experimental set.

The Converse x A-Cold-Wall* Sponge Crater is set to debut on June 23, when pairs will be available on the Converse website, the A-Cold-Wall* website, and at select retailers. A price for the funky sneakers hasn’t been announced yet, but you can expect them to retail around the $160 price tag that accompanied their previous counterpart, the Aeon Active CX. The price may seem steep for foam sneakers — especially when Yeezy’s own retail for half that price — but trust you won’t step into something similar soon.