When you say Levi’s®, 98% of the time, everyone knows what you’re talking about. What people mostly relate the brand to is jeans, and why wouldn’t they? Levi’s® is a, if not the big name on campus when it comes to denim, but did you also know that the Bay-area-born brand has footwear in its repertoire too?
September 1975 saw Levi’s® officially enter the footwear market with a new collection of shoes and sneakers called Levi’s® for Feet. The twelve-piece collection, which the press release described as 'styled for a young, rugged, casual look,' bore all the details and influence of the '70s and '80s — classic structure, moc-toe, and of course, sturdy worker-friendly material.
With the growing popularity of '70s and '80s trends in contemporary fashion — think bell bottoms, oversized jackets, and crochet everything, it seemed like a perfect fit for Levi’s® to bring back its first-ever foray into footwear. As of FW22, the brand re-launched Levi’s® for Feet, which saw two of the original twelve styles hit the market. Levi’s® for Feet has collaborated with the likes of Clarks Originals and New Balance before, so you might be familiar with the label, but this drop, in particular, is 110% Levi’s® through and through.
Sticking to the 'young, rugged, and casual look' that made them so popular a few decades ago, the two models, the RVN 75 and RVN 75 Low, are pretty much based entirely off of the original 1975 models from the archives, with a leveled-up construction and material just for good measure.
We all know the shoe scene is oversaturated with sneakers, so re-releasing other options is a tactical move from Levi’s®, who are hoping to shift the paradigm of the footwear world slightly.
The RVN 75 (originally called the Raven) is a sneaker hybrid that features the staple moc toe with a mid-ankle and gum rubber sole, the perfect pairing with some vintage 501®s.
With its high-quality suede coming fresh from the Steads tannery in Leeds, England (one of the most prestigious in the UK), the RVN 75 and RVN 75 Low tick the box when it comes to comfort.
An added touch that sets the RNV 75's apart is the trademark Levi’s® Orange Tab that can be found on the right shoe, which matches the orange tab on the right pocket of Levi’s® Orange Tab jeans.
From dark blue and brown to light pink and off-white, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to matching the RVN 75s with your crisp Spring fits.
Shop the two styles here and in select Levi’s® stores.
