A-COLD-WALL* x Converse
A-COLD-WALL* is a pioneer of minimalist hybrid hi-tech clothing. Founded in 2015, Samuel Ross started ACW fuelled by a deep desire to represent Britain’s street culture and working class.
Samuel came from humble beginnings in Northamptonshire but his talent was noticed early. In 2013, Ross worked with Ye and Virgil on the Kanye x APC collection, later becoming Abloh’s first design assistant. On top of these achievements, Ross also contributed to Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God and Shayne Oliver’s HBA in 2014.
After going it on his own with ACW, Samuel Ross grew the brand to the value of $12 Million by the age of only 29. Although Samuel has collaborated with many apparel, lifestyle and footwear brands, we are going to focus on his work with Nike and more recently, Converse.
Here's a look at some of A-COLD-WALL*'s past footwear leading up to the Converse Sponge Crater this Friday 1 July.
A-COLD-WALL* BRAND
Samuel Ross's brand uses industrial materials like PVC, plastic and rubber nylon in couture-inspired pieces that see the brand create an inclusive and modern introduction, combining high-end and streetwear long before it was a trend. His collections merge British working-class uniforms with elements of Savile Row tailoring. DIY takes on a new meaning with even basic garments like logo T-shirts being handcrafted, hand-dyed the logos taped by Samuel himself.
A-COLD-WALL* x Nike
The brand started its relationship with The Swoosh in 2017 with the release of the Air Force High, completely stripped down, truly embodying the ACW ethos. Two years later, Samuel followed this extremely popular release with the Air Force 1 Low, this time adding black to the catalogue. It was a hit globally. The following year Samuel and his team really shocked the world with his update to Nike's 2010 Nike Zoom Vomero +5. His creation, first arriving in White and Black, featured technical Japanese nylon and a large plastic heel counter with ACW branding.
A-COLD-WALL* x Converse ERX 260 & All Star Lugged
Starting his collaborations with Converse with a bang, Samuel lent his utilitarian aesthetic to two pairs of Converse models. Both sneakers featured hallmarks of A-COLD-WALL* design, including asymmetry, material exploration, and subdued colour. The Chuck Taylor features a lugged outsole designed to extend the lifecycle of the shoe and give it a more rugged appearance, while the ERX is dressed in supple grey suede and smooth leather. These were a massive hit at Shelflife and we still get messages about the All Star to this day.
A-COLD-WALL* x Converse Aeon Ox
Next up, Samuel created a new silhouette designed for game-changing comfort. The pair arrived with a unique stretch bootie construction, exaggerated kick heel and pull tabs for smooth ease of entry. Revolutionary CX foam sits underfoot, covered by a Crater foam to deliver all-day comfort. You can buy it here now.
A-COLD-WALL* x Converse Sponge CX Crater
A-COLD-WALL* and Converse unite once again to deliver a brand new silhouette, the Sponge CX Crater, a progressive footwear concept combining avant-garde design and comfort-focused technology.
Utilising recycled and repurposed materials, the shoe's minimalist, sculptural form begins with a striking crater foam body and exaggerated heel kick, a bold silhouette cocooning the foot for all-day support and stability. Constructed to adapt across terrains, Converse's innovative C technology forms the foundation, a co-branded PU foam CX liner delivering comfort with every step.
The A-COLD-WALL* x Converse Sponge CX Crater drops Friday 1 July for R2199 in CPT, JHB and online.
First come first serve. Online at 7am, stores from 10am.
Sizes: UK5, UK6, UK7, UK8, UK9, UK10, UK11.