There comes a time in fashion when you have to step back and wonder what’s a serious design and what is something a little more tongue-in-cheek, something perhaps commenting on the industry at large. Things like Demna’s dhl t-shirt at Vetements that prompted style journos to (quite rightly) ask the question: Scam or Subversion?
Well, we’ve been looking at MSCHF’s AC.1 kicks and we still can’t work which camp they fall into. We suppose you have to ask yourself the question have you ever seen someone hobbling about in a medical boot and thought, ‘yes, that’s the look for me’.
As far as sneakers go we’ve seen some crazy designs over the years. Brands such as Balenciaga, Y3 and Raf Simons have caught the ugly sneaker vibe, while some Yeezy’s look like they were discovered on an archaeological dig. But a medical flex? Well, it’s either madness or genius.
What Exactly Is The MSCHF AC.1?
Indistinguishable from a medical boot which is prescribed to people with a broken foot or heavily sprained ankles. “The first time I ever saw someone wearing a walking boot I thought it looked incredible,” said Daniel Greenberg, MSCHF co-founder, possibly with his fingers crossed behind his back. “Industries with little to no regard for aesthetics designing objects for utilitarian purposes churn out bangers like no one else.”
The shoe is crafted from a flexible moulded rubber and has some impressive features including ankle support from the dual airbag sole unit, a high-traction outsole to ensure you stay firmly on your feet, and a removable water-resistant bootie.
Styling Out Orthopaedics
In recent years shoes designed with OrthoLite in steps have become popular, especially shoes that have been designed for walking and hiking. Everyone from Salomon to Sketchers have designed insoles that assist the wearer while wearing it. “We’ve collectively aestheticised glasses but the trend of functional medical accessories making the leap to fashion seems to have lagged. No longer. Let’s push the envelope on what footwear is; footwear should be anything that you wear on your feet,” said Greenberg.
Would You Wear The MSCHF AC.1?
Priced at $450 a pair, the shoe is far more than one would expect to pay for a medical boot. While it may be difficult to see it become a mainstay, fashion seems to have developed a fascination with gimmicks in recent years. Best advice: keep hold of any and all medical paraphernalia you can get your hands on. It’ll keep you one-step ahead of 2023’s inevitable Supreme x NHS crutches.
