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High-flying footwear lands
October 01, 2024
Innovations
4 min read
The Blackbird Spyplane x Obōz Purple Earth Swagtooth Low, a fresh take on the beloved Sawtooth II Low, was cooked up over a year-long collaboration that caught the attention of the New York Times.
From trail-tested to Spyplane-approved
This story begins out on the trail. Jonah Weiner and Erin Wylie, co-founders of cult fashion newsletter Blackbird Spyplane, spotted the Obōz Sawtooth II Low in its natural habitat. They took notice of its “ovoid bulbousness” and “friendly insectoid mesh ventilation peekaboo cutouts” – and Obōz took notice right back.
A conversation turned into a collaboration. As Otto Stefan, Obōz Senior Product Designer, says: “Blackbird Spyplane is about well-made, interesting, and under-the-radar music, food, fashion and home goods. I think this is why they were drawn to the Sawtooth and to Obōz. To work with them on a product is pretty special.”
Agile team, elevated design
Part hiking boot, part streetwear statement, the Blackbird Spyplane x Obōz Purple Earth Swagtooth Low is a fusion of technical performance and aesthetic precision.
Bringing the shoe to life required agility, creativity and a shared vision. The Obōz team moved fast, partnering with Blackbird Spyplane to select materials, colours and design details that would resonate with both hardcore hikers and the most aesthetically discerning city dwellers.
Wrapped in purple oiled suede with brown mesh, the shoe features what Spyplane’s Jonah Weiner describes as “Y2K David Cronenberg energy.”
Human connections, global reach
The limited-edition release is available at ultra-select retailers worldwide. And with Footwear News hailing it as the “perfect versatile hiking boot”, Obōz’ partnership with Blackbird Spyplane has taken off.
“At Obōz, quality and performance always comes first. But when Jonah and Erin expressed interest in partnering with us on an unique spin on our classic Sawtooth II, we saw a special opportunity branch out of our comfort zone to get new eyes on the brand through captivating storytelling and product,” says Otto. “This is collaboration at its best – pushing boundaries, tapping into new perspectives, and creating something that feels genuinely fresh.”
