COMME DES GARÇONS HOMME PLUS COMME DES GARCONS HOMME PLUS BLACK CROSSE TRAINER SNEAKERS

COMME des GARÇONS HOMME PLUS has released its first in-house chunky sneaker, simply dubbed the Cross Trainer. Although the COMME des GARÇONS men’s mainline is well-known in the world of sneakers for its collaborations with Nike — recent years have seen memorable takes on the Air Max 95, Air Presto Foot Tent, ACG Mowabb and Air Max 180 — the Cross Trainer is a step in a bold new direction, as most previous HOMME PLUS in-line drops have been canvas, Keds-like silhouettes. Now, after its January debut at HOMME Plus’s PFW FW20 runway, the Cross Trainer is ready to break from the mold and take to the streets.

Arriving in tonal black and white colorways, the Cross Trainer is an exercise in simplicity. Mesh uppers are overlaid with matte leather pieces, the most notable of which is a double-stacked mudguard. An elastic lacing system starts out in traditional fashion before reaching back around the collar, where it’s secured at the heel by a toggle. Moving down to the medial midfoot, monochromatic text graphics are stamped in descending fashion — with COMME des GARÇONS appearing on the overlay while HOMME PLUS graces the top of the midsole.

This midsole uses Vibram‘s signature RollinGait system, an ergonomic design inspired by car or bike tires. Curving with the foot to reduce and disperse shock, it’s partnered with a boot-like lugged outsole to ensure grip on city streets and backcountry trails alike.