First we get the return of the Koston I, and now, as if that wasn’t enough, Etnies and In4mation are resurrecting the timeless Sal 23. As everyone begins to scale back to simplicity, what better time to release a classic understated shoe hearkening back to a very special time in skateboarding? Two colorways are set to drop this weekend and we have some more shots for you just a click away.

Here’s the slightly flashier red pair with some dope lacing. Wondering what that 23 is all about? I’ll give you three guesses. The slimmed down profile makes these just as functional for skating as they were in their earlier days, and I hope these see a wide enough release that some will get thrashed. Not that I could blame anyone for keeping these immaculate.

The black leather version also features a gum sole. As easy as it might have been to make these with glow in the dark fur and pink polka dots to cater to dying trends, these shoes mesh perfectly with Sal’s aesthetic and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s just enough color to maintain some dignity without being dull.

As if it wasn’t already clear who’s behind this, the SLB logo is set against an In4mation backdrop on the insole. Again, normally I have to sorta scratch my head at insole designs, but the branding here is well done and definitely was included in the best way possible. Stitching this into the upper would have just been a distraction from the clean lines.

Here’s a closeup look at the co-branded tongue tag and the black/red laces on the black pair. Look for these shoes to drop at both In4mation locations this Saturday. No word on a wider release, but cross your fingers.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 5th, 2008 at 10:08 pm and is filed under collaborations, Shoes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.