Cole Haan Launches Future-Facing ZeroGrand Oxford Brogue

NEW YORK, July 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cole Haan, the iconic American lifestyle footwear and accessories brand, announces the global launch of its new men's shoe line, ZeroGrand. The shoe launches on Monday, July 7^th at Cole Haan in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan and at Isetan in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan followed by a launch in the United States on Tuesday, July 8^th. The collection will be available online and in Cole Haan stores. ZeroGrand integrates innovation and craftsmanship in an engineered product that is the lightest and most flexible shoe Cole Haan has ever created, weighing in at less than 290* grams each. By considering make, mass and motion, Cole Haan has married centuries-old broguing details with biomechanics, modern materials and today's manufacturing methods.

"Innovation is as much a part of Cole Haan as heritage and craftsmanship, which is why our new cushioning and comfort platform of Grand.OS and the ZeroGrand product line are outstanding additions," said Jack Boys, Chief Executive of Cole Haan.

"Grand.OS is an 'operating system' for your feet that is comprised of three major characteristics: greater flexibility, reduced weight and increased cushioning. These characteristics applied separately or together, deliver an exceptional feel without compromise," Boys elaborated.

ZeroGrand features Grand.OS, a proprietary new engineering and design platform which brings unparalleled style and comfort to Cole Haan products. The flexibility of Grand.OS comes through the engineered insoles, outsoles, liners and uppers that move with each step. Moreover, Grand.OS replaces the heavy steel shanks that have traditionally been used for support with an engineered cushioning compound that is stronger, more flexible and longer lasting, reducing the overall weight and slimming down the shoe's outsole.

"The outstanding thing about ZeroGrand is the fact that it is highly engineered, yet beautifully designed and crafted. We compromised nothing. It's stealth. It's sleek. It's the perfect complement to a modern, slim-cut suit—in a way that says, I mean business, but not business as usual," declared David Maddocks, Chief Marketing Officer of Cole Haan.

The ZeroGrand Oxford Brogue is the pinnacle example of the Grand.OS system. It features perforation detailing in both the No Stitch ripstop nylon and the reverse full-grain style. These details allow for lighter weight and offer a nod to the brogue craftsmen of the past. Additional styles include a lace-up ZeroGrand Tall Boot, available later in the season.

ZeroGrand Collection:

ZeroGrand Oxford No Stitch, $248:

The lightest and most flexible shoe Cole Haan has ever created. Functional brogue detailing decreases weight and provides breathability. The ripstop nylon upper pieces of the Oxford are bonded to each other using high frequency welding, reducing the number of components on the shoe.

ZeroGrand Wing Oxford, $268:

The Wing Oxford is one of the lightest weight casual shoes to hit the market. It is made of reverse full-grain, the highest quality leather from C.F. Stead Tannery in the United Kingdom. The leather has been laser treated to add pinking and decorative stitch details. A Strobel stitch construction (upper leather is stitched to the insole) offers more strength and flexibility than other techniques. The natural storm welt with break and flex grooves provide for increased flexibility.

Included in both Oxford designs is "functional broguing," a perforation detail shown on the toe medallion and upper portion of the shoes. Perforations are laser cut for ventilation, weight relief and flexibility. Modern brogues trace their roots to a rudimentary shoe originating in Scotland and Ireland that was constructed using untanned hide with perforations, allowing water to drain when crossing wet terrain, such as the Scottish bogs.

ZeroGrand Tall Boot, $298 (Available 10/1):

The ZeroGrand Tall Boot is a casual lace-up boot. The rubber heel and toe pods increase durability and a break in the welt and flex grooves increase flexibility.

The ZeroGrand collection will be available on ColeHaan.com and in Cole Haan stores beginning Monday, July 7^th in Tokyo, Japan and throughout the United States on Tuesday, July 8^th. Prices range from USD $248 – $298.

About Cole Haan:

Cole Haan LLC, with its Global Creative Center in New York City, is an iconic American lifestyle accessories brand and retailer of premium men's and women's footwear and bags, outerwear, eyewear and accessories with a commitment to craftsmanship, timeless style and design innovation. For more information, visit ColeHaan.com and follow @ColeHaan.

* ZeroGrand Shoe Size 8.5 in reverse full-grain material

For more information, contact:
Kimry Blackwelder, Cole Haan
Phone: +1 (212) 763-3060
E-mail: [email protected]

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SOURCE Cole Haan