Sneakers have grown to become the ultimate up-to-the-minute fashion accessory, with new brand collaborations and special editions constantly replacing the other. With an artisanal approach to sneaker production, No.One is reimagining (and slowing down) athletic shoes as we know them.

Based in Venice, California, the brand specialises in the “micro-production” of luxury sneakers, all hand-made by a team of traditional cobblers and younger footwear designers in out-of-reach-sized batches. Similar to the works of heritage and bespoke shoemakers, No.One’s super-exclusive sneakers are hand-lasted and made out of the finest fashion-sealed, specialist-sourced materials, including lambskin from a Chanel-owned French tannery. Upping the limited edition sneaker game further, the brand also offers a bespoke service with material customisations where customers can choose from, eg. vintage leathers or leathers sourced from Hermès suppliers.

Exclusive materials aside, the shoes are shaped for the everyday and founder Mark Gainor has described his premium kicks as a fusion between wearability and luxury. Some styles take up to two weeks to make, and the time-honouring brand spirit was further captured at the time of launch, which the brand marked by releasing a hardcover book. We love this disruptive approach to trending limited edition sneakers, shedding new light and opportunity on century-old craft.

Brand to watch is our regular dispatch of standout upcoming labels merging ethics with aesthetics.