Dezeen Magazine

Nendo creates Beetle shoe for Camper with laces slotted through the uppers

Laces are threaded through the uppers of these shoes by Japanese designers Nendo for Spanish shoe company Camper, creating patterns across the whole surface (+ slideshow).

Nendo creates Beetle shoe for Camper with laces slotted through the uppers

Nendo set out to create a lighter, more water-resistant version of Camper's bestselling Peu Ideal shoe, which features a stretchy lace secured with a knot at each end.

Nendo creates Beetle shoe for Camper with laces slotted through the uppers

"We lit upon the idea of working with Camper's iconic stretchable shoelaces and knots," explained Nendo.

Nendo creates Beetle shoe for Camper with laces slotted through the uppers

Available in four colours, the Beetle uses elastic laces to perforate the shoe across the entire upper, tied in knots at three points to keep them in place.

Nendo creates Beetle shoe for Camper with laces slotted through the uppers

"In our design, shoelaces interlaced across the shoe's upper provide comfort and wearability, at the same time as they take on a starring role, bringing new function and visual style alike," the designers added.

Nendo creates Beetle shoe for Camper with laces slotted through the uppers

Making the shoes from a combination of nylon and polyurethane, Nendo has added further waterproofing and made the shoe lighter than the original.

Nendo creates Beetle shoe for Camper with laces slotted through the uppers

The sole also features thermal insulation and is inscribed with the words "Human Energy".

Nendo creates Beetle shoe for Camper with laces slotted through the uppers

The studio plans to exhibit the shoes in Milan next month during the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, which runs from 8 to 13 April. The shoes are also available on Camper's website.

Nendo creates Beetle shoe for Camper with laces slotted through the uppers

This isn't the first time the two companies have collaborated together: last year Nendo designed the brand's flagship New York store featuring more than a thousand ghostly white shoes protruding from the walls.

Nendo creates Beetle shoe for Camper with laces slotted through the uppers

Camper has also worked with a number of other high-profile designers on its shoe line, including Jasper Morrison's version of the Country Trainer and Spanish designer Jaime Hayon's Together shoes that were inspired by English bespoke footwear.

Nendo creates Beetle shoe for Camper with laces slotted through the uppers