The story of the SF-02's is one riddled with frustration, yet in the end, it seems everything went exactly how it should. We first started working on them just after going into production with SF-01 v1s, and they were also initially designed with the Styleforum community, who were quite vocal at the time for a slip-on version of the ultimate Italian-made sneaker. However, as things went, the v1s weren't perfect, and though the v2s came very close, they weren't either. It meant creating the v3s, this time adding the experience of a different set of craftsmen, achieving our initial target of the ultimate Italian-made classic sneakers, and finally working on the SF-02's. These incorporate all the learnings from every SF-01 delivered and feature all the upgrades and improvements right through the legacy of the SF-01s.
The SF-02 was designed to feature as our take on the elevated classic sneaker. It incorporates some features commonly seen in dress shoes and works as our take on the more formal dress sneaker. This particular version is made using the same beautiful Italian-sourced Suede we used and found a lot of success with on the SF-01 v3's. The suede is purpose-selected and offers just the right amount of structure to form the right balance for this particular classic sneaker.
#Handcrafted in Italy
Located in Montegranaro, Italy is a small family owned and operated atelier that has been making exceptional footwear with a focus on quality and construction since 1905. Excellence in shoemaking has been an obsession and never-ending quest that has spanned three generations of this family. As skills are passed from generation to generation there is an insistence to remain in-touch with developments in technology to ensure that both worlds, old and new are always respected in order to achieve the highest quality, most comfortable and longest lasting purpose built shoes. Currently led by the granddaughter of the founder, it was clear from our first interaction that this team of masters fully understood our raison d'etre at Archibald and relished an opportunity to work with us and allow more people to experience the difference their expertise and craft can make in terms of end-product.
##A specially selected, naturally tanned Italian calfskin suede from Tuscany is hand-cut and stitched in the workshop in Corridonia, Italy.
Sourced from one of Italy's most prestigious and well known tanneries specialising in suede, the unique skin promises a blend of comfort, protection, and longevity from the moment it is worn. The soft suede acclimates to your foot almost immediately for an unparalleled level of comfort and quality.
##Located in Corridonia, Montegranaro, Italy is a small family owned and operated atelier that has been making exceptional footwear with a focus on quality and construction since 1905.
Excellence in shoemaking has been an obsession and never-ending quest that has spanned three generations. As skills are passed from generation to generation there is an insistence to remain in-touch with developments in technology to ensure that both worlds, old and new, are always respected in order to achieve the highest quality, most comfortable and longest lasting purpose built shoes. There is a beauty in the balance between passion and practicality.
• Handmade in Corridonia, Italy
• Upper: Hand-cut Italian calf-suede sourced from Tuscany
• Lining: Tan Calfskin (improved from previous offerings)
• Floorboard: Full grain Italian leather floorboard
• Width: accommodative of a range of widths from narrow up to 2E
• Unisex (For women's sizing, take one size down from your normal European size)
• Last: SF-01
• Unisex
• Use a horsehair brush to remove any dust
• High-grade durable Margom rubber soles, made in Italy
• Styleforum x Archibald special edition.
