Are we all sleeping on Diemme's sleek sneakers? It’s time to wake up and take notice. While the Italian brand, established in 1992, is renowned for its rugged hiking boots—a favorite among menswear giants like C.P. Company, Stone Island, BEAMS, Kith, and Advisory Board Crystals—its sneaker game deserves just as much attention. But here's where it gets controversial: why isn’t Diemme’s sneaker line as celebrated as its boots? Let’s dive in.
Diemme’s ability to seamlessly blend craftsmanship with modern style has made it a go-to collaborator for brands across the globe. What’s surprising, though, is that this slow-made Italian shoemaker is churning out collaborations at a pace we’d expect from sportswear giants. And this week alone, two sneaker collaborations are dropping—neither of them boots. First up is the JJJJound x Diemme Movida sneaker, a masterclass in subtle refinement. Crafted from pebbled black leather with silver metal eyelets and a debossed JJJJound logo on the suede heel, it’s a minimalist’s dream. These small yet impactful details elevate the shoe from rugged to elegant, proving that less is indeed more. But is this enough to steal the spotlight from Diemme’s iconic boots? That’s up for debate.
Two days later, Japanese retailer Coverchord—known for its hard-to-find footwear gems—unveils the Grappa Hiker. This chunky sneaker blends dark grey and black with a bold grass-green suede heel and laces, offering a playful contrast to JJJJound’s understated design. Both sneakers are undeniably wearable and urbane, leaving us wondering: Why aren’t Diemme sneakers as ubiquitous as their boots? And this is the part most people miss—Diemme’s sneaker collaborations, though fewer, have always been exceptional. Take Pas Normal Studio’s Movida 92 or TRÈS BIEN’s recent release, for example. They’re proof that Diemme’s expertise extends beyond boots.
So, why the disparity? Is it because hiking boots align more naturally with Diemme’s outdoorsy roots? Or are we simply not giving their sneakers the attention they deserve? One thing’s for sure: with collaborations like these, it’s only a matter of time before Diemme sneakers gain the same cultural cachet as their boots. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Do Diemme’s sneakers need to break away from the brand’s hiking heritage to truly shine, or is that heritage exactly what makes them special? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears.
