Ah, 2021. The year Olivia Rodrigo turned heartbreak into chart-topping gold, #FreeBritney gave us all a reason to cheer, and NEIGHBORHOOD x Dr. Martens last graced our shoe racks. Three years later, the dynamic duo has reunited, proving that great things don’t just come to those who wait—they come wrapped in hairy suede and polished leather.
This third collaboration between the Japanese streetwear virtuosos and the British footwear titans isn’t just a collection; it’s a sartorial love letter to rebels with impeccable taste. With two new dress shoes on the menu, NEIGHBORHOOD and Dr. Martens are here to remind us why the perfect footwear partnership is worth its weight in welt stitches.
The Penton Loafer: A Fuzzy Affair
The Penton Loafer isn’t just a shoe—it’s a vibe. Cloaked in hairy black suede, it’s the footwear equivalent of that friend who waltzes into every room like they own it.
The texture?
Fuzzy enough to make you reconsider petting it. And like a fine leather jacket or a well-loved vinyl, this suede ages beautifully, softening with every wear.
A polished leather heel counter adds just the right amount of shine, like a wink from across the bar.
Stamped with NEIGHBORHOOD’s logo in crisp white, it’s a subtle flex that whispers, “I know fashion.” And let’s not ignore the stitching—Dr. Martens has swapped its signature sunny yellow threads for clean white, turning the classic Penton into a monochrome masterpiece.
The Smiths: Oxford, Remixed
For those who prefer their shoes with a little less fluff and a bit more edge, meet the 4-eye Smiths. These Oxfords are minimalistic on the surface but rich in detail—like the strong, silent type at a party who turns out to be an astrophysicist.
NEIGHBORHOOD’s branding takes pride of place on the toebox, serving as a constant reminder that your shoes are “crafted with pride” (and, let’s be honest, a little swagger). The Smiths are classic enough for the boardroom but cool enough for a downtown gallery opening—because why shouldn’t your shoes do double duty?
When Legends Collide
This isn’t just a collab; it’s a reunion tour. While NEIGHBORHOOD and Dr. Martens were doing their own thing—Dr. Martens crafting funky hybrids with MM6 Maison Margiela and NEIGHBORHOOD cooking up envy-inducing Clarks Wallabees—their individual projects felt like preludes to this harmonious encore.
Now, they’re back together, blending British grit and Japanese precision into shoes that are as timeless as they are trendsetting. It’s the kind of partnership that makes you wonder: Why aren’t all shoes this good?
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Neighborhood.