The "Night Walker": A Symmetry of Architecture and Safety.
In early summer 2023, Daiki Suzuki approached Manabu Gaku Inada to collaborate on the Keen WK 400. Whether Daiki recalled Gaku’s long-standing passion for footwear design or not, the opportunity sparked an immediate outpouring of concept sketches.
The final vision centered on an asymmetrical arrangement inspired by the New York City skyline. These skyscrapers—a geometric fusion of Constructivism and Art Deco—were reimagined through the lens of contemporary graffiti and digital art.
Utilizing high-visibility reflective prints, the design caters to the lifestyle of New Yorkers who traverse long distances on foot, demanding a blend of safety and statement-making style. The result is a shoe that balances clever integration with a sharp, unexpected edge.
In early summer 2023, Daiki Suzuki approached Manabu Gaku Inada to collaborate on the Keen WK 400. Whether Daiki recalled Gaku’s long-standing passion for footwear design or not, the opportunity sparked an immediate outpouring of concept sketches.
The final vision centered on an asymmetrical arrangement inspired by the New York City skyline. These skyscrapers—a geometric fusion of Constructivism and Art Deco—were reimagined through the lens of contemporary graffiti and digital art.
Utilizing high-visibility reflective prints, the design caters to the lifestyle of New Yorkers who traverse long distances on foot, demanding a blend of safety and statement-making style. The result is a shoe that balances clever integration with a sharp, unexpected edge.
Nicknamed: "Night Walker"
Special Thanks: Daiki Suzuki (EG), Masaki Takagi, and Scott (Keen USA).
Article on Nepenthes Official site:
Engineered Garments x Keen Shoes – WK400 Day & Night Walker
JBpress: (Japanese site)
2024 Autumn Collaboration & 5 Bespoke Sneakers
Brand: Nepenthes America, Engineered Garments, Keen
Artist: Manabu Gaku Inada
Year: 2024
Special Thanks: Daiki Suzuki (EG), Masaki Takagi, and Scott (Keen USA).
Article on Nepenthes Official site:
Engineered Garments x Keen Shoes – WK400 Day & Night Walker
JBpress: (Japanese site)
2024 Autumn Collaboration & 5 Bespoke Sneakers
Brand: Nepenthes America, Engineered Garments, Keen
Artist: Manabu Gaku Inada
Year: 2024
This artwork is inspired by the fragments of everyday life, captured through the frames of city windows.
The skyscraper's silhouette is mirrored on the shoe's profile, striking a bold contrast against the glow of the setting sun.
The collaboration logo is elegantly anchored on the insole, complemented by distinctive artwork flanking each side of the shoe.
Illuminating the shadows: the reflective artwork stands in bold relief against the backdrop of a New York night.
Translating the 2D vision. Gaku applied printed overlays to the WK400 prototypes to evaluate the visual impact and flow of the design elements.
From canvas to production: Gaku delivered finalized artwork files, complete with meticulous layout and color standards, to the Keen development team.
