Beginning in 2017, Champion took a step into luxury footwear by collaborating with upstart Italian brand Casbia on an ultrapremium sneaker. Dubbed the AWOL, the unique sneaker took inspiration from one of the classic American sportswear brand’s basketball silhouettes of the 1990s and updated it with premium leather and a distinct lacing system for a bold yet refined presentation. The first run of the AWOL from last summer is long sold out now, but now the two brands are back for part 2 of the collaboration, and they’re also introducing a second model.
This next chapter of the partnership between Champion and Casbia features six offerings, including three colorways each of the AWOL and the new Veloce ATL.
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The AWOL collection is highlighted by the olive green version, built in premium Italian calf suede with faux snakeskin texturing on the tongue and the rear panel wrapping the heel. The upper also features ballistic nylon paneling that along with the olive hue gives the sneaker a military apparel aesthetic.
A second colorway of the shoe goes for a sporty retro sneaker look, achieved by a white leather upper with black accents and an off-white sole unit that mimics the coloration of a vintage basketball shoe from the ’90s.
The third AWOL aims for a clean and refined presentation a light tan suede and nubuck upper with an embossed Champion logo at the ankle for a more subtle look.
The new silhouette within the collection, the Veloce ATL, is Casbia’s take on the dad shoe, featuring a chunky sole and premium calf leather upper in black, white and orange options. All three colors are completed with understated red, white and blue accents for the metal lace grommets and Champion logo taping on the heel tabs.
The AWOL and Veloce ATL are priced at $425 and $400, respectively. The new collection is arriving now at finer sneaker retailers around the globe.
