Only 11 days into the new year, and the boys in Aberdeen are already pushing out their first collaboration for 2013. …and what a beauty it is. Hanon Shop got together with adidas Originals to reintroduce this archived model from 1984 called the Centaur. It’s one of those many lost silhouettes that you see, on a very rare occasion, in an on-foot photograph from some vintage collectors. So, to see it back decades later should be satisfying to them and even more so to the fans waiting for a revival. Those who are just seeing it for the first time, will most likely become fans with this undeniable make-up…
What you see in the photos is a product of love and pride. The shoes color-way is inspired by Hanon’s hometown in the UK called Aberdeen, or you can call it by its nickname, “Granite City”. Hence the reason the shoe is named “Aberdeen Granite”. You’ll see that the silhouettes make-up has a few details that fancy the city. One being the dark suede to light nubuck tonal grey that starts from the heel, to the toe’s mesh that represent the changing seasons. The red emphasis on the shoe is also an accent present throughout the cityscape. For me though, there are two features that really bring this shoe well together with its theme. Those two highlights are the splatter on the 3M reflective stripes and the reflective laces. What Hanon did was take a mirror image print of the grain from the stone work at their warehouse and layered it into the 3M black material on the 3 adidas stripes. The laces have been fabricated with 3M also. This represents the silver sparkles that is common in most granite. These two focal points emphasize the shoe greatly, with the other implementations, and brings it full circle to its name, “Aberdeen Granite”. Other details to note are the foot bed and tongue backers inspired by old adidas tissue paper and boxes, de-bossed brand logos on each heel tab and 3 pairs of laces; tonal, contrast, and reflective weave.
You just never know what Hanon will work on next. We can ponder and assume, but to say they strive for “Uniqueness’ would be an under statement. It just goes to show you that they are never scared to work on a shoe that is far-fetched from our minds. The simple idea of paying homage to their hometown with specific details is as simple as just collecting thoughts. BUT, when executed correctly you come out with something that is quite pleasing to the eye. As always, Hanon’s record in the collaboration arena is flawless because they know how to design a shoe. I like the shoe because of its simplicity and the nice and subtle details that tell the story. For me as a fan of the shop, they are one of my personal favorite sneaker artisans out there.
The Hanon adidas Centaurs will release in-store and online on the 26th of this month which lands on a Saturday at, Hanon, No.6 London and No,74 Berlin. That’s two weeks from now and gives you enough time to save your pennies for this shoes launch. Speaking of the launch, Hanon will be providing a special limited dust-bag specific to the shoe. There will also be a very limited run for a ‘granite’ T-Shirt only available in-store. Those waiting on line outside the store may even be treated to a possible morning scran by Daviet, but you didn’t hear that from me. 
After the 26th you can expect to see Hanon’s collab at select consortium stockists. No, I don’t have a list as of yet. In any case, good luck to all going after this shoe. Also, stay tuned for a special post here if all goes as planned in the next week or so.
What do you think about them? On your feet or Not? by clicking on the STAR voting system above the post.
Hi VS happy new year these look great and can not wait to get a pair
Thank you Glen. Same to you mate.
A fantastic article as always. I’ve got so much respect for Hanon and their sense of style. They cater to a mature sneaker buyer, one that isn’t concerned with hype as much as they’re concerned with buying a great product. I have no doubt the materials are outstanding as well. I like that their color ways are always versatile, making for the kinds of shoes you actually want to wear as apposed to leaving tucked away.
I was disappointed by some of the response towards this shoe in the community. I think people pass judgement too quickly and if they were to hear the unique story behind this shoe’s inspiration, they may think differently. I’ll admit I’m not an Adidas fan but I appreciate that Hanon strived to do something different.
I think what makes Hanon so respected is that they care about the consumer. The Chosen Few 1500 was a shoe that saw a very wide and extended release. It’s wasn’t limited to 200 pairs for a select few who were able to be at the store in person. It saw a wide distribution to many shops abroad and everyone who wanted a pair had more than enough opportunities to get them. The Ronnie Fiegs and even Nikes of this world should take notice. Ultra limited accessibility is no longer the only thing that makes a shoe great.
It does seem that hanon does cater to the older crowd. I’m not surprised that the shoe community is speaking bad about it. Sometimes, they just don’t get it and are fast to pass judgment. Next thing you know, some of them end up buying it or regret not getting it. Its a never ending boring story in forums. Thats one of the reasons I will never take part in places like that. Too many people don’t now how to appreciate a shoe but, I hope my blog lets others see them from a different perspective. Regardless if it’s just my opinion.
Glad you liked the article. I’ll be writing more like this moving forward. I’ve gotten some good feedback from others.
[...] Source : Freshness, VagrantSneakers [...]
[...] a reminder that Hanon’s adidas Centaur “Aberdeen Granite” releases online and in-store tomorrow at their location. This also includes No.6 London and No.74 [...]
It’s been said before but I’ll echo that you write some very good articles VS. Reading about the details these kicks offer and the story behind the how they were designed gets me even more excited to get my pair. Keep up the quality post. Hope to see your on foot shots of these pretty soon.
Thank you. I made a promise to myself last year that I would take my time when writing articles. This year, they will be a bit more honest, harsh and funny I hope. I think fans need a different voice other then what they read on other blogs. Everyone is too damn nice. Once in a while, it should be ok to write about how shit a product is. Since this is my personal blog I don’t need to be nice to brands like others do. If people fear that brands will do something to them because they have some negativity in the article, then who exactly are you writing for? The fans? I think not. Stop asking readers the safe question, “What do you think?” or “Let us know your opinion”. Fuck that. Just write YOUR opinion. Luckily, this site will never kiss ass to anyone because I have nothing to lose here. Glad you enjoyed the piece. Looking forward to my pair too.
Good. It will be nice to read some honest articles for once on a blog. I get the impression some blogs get paid to over embellish on how nice or amazing some sneaker releases are, because it generates hits to the site and foot traffic to the release of the kicks. I know for myself I’ve been collecting kicks (dedicatedly) since 96′. And in my experience, quality made kicks come from only a few companies ( and/or their collaborators) that care about craftsmanship,. To see an honest review with the truth behind how it fits, how it creases, or how it’s worth its price tag is something the net needs desperately. Too many folks buy into the hype because a well known name sells. Only to be disappointed when they receive the product and try them on for themselves.
[...] silhouette, had an idea and executed it well. For some, it may fall short when compared to their Aberdeen Granite or their Chosen Few. For me, it’s a nice and clean color-way that goes from white, to grey [...]