We’re big fans of slip-ons that use leather for the upper, since they retain the casual feel of canvas slip-ons while looking just a little more dressed up. If you’re looking for leather slip-ons that are a little different from the norm, you just might want to check out the Viberg Slip-On Hyperlapse.
At first glance, it doesn’t look all that unique. It looks nice and it looks comfy – the kind of shoes you’ll wear with some casual pants for an afternoon out in the city. Until, of course, you inspect it closer and realize just how thin the leather is.
The Viberg Slip-On Hyperlapse uses a uniquely lightweight and durable leather called Hyperlapse, which ranges in thickness between 0.4mm and 0.6mm. Traditionally, using hides this thin for a shoe will lead to a pair of kicks that lose shape and, eventually, tear after just a few uses. This cowhide, however, has been bonded to Dyneema Composite Fabric, a material that’s 15 times stronger than steel, making it a popular option for use in motorcycle suits and similar protective garments. Once combined, the blended material is milled, tumbled, and finished to make the leather’s natural qualities stand out.
The shoe design is based on the canvas slip-ons with rubber soles that first became widely popular in the 70s and 80s, so the aesthetics are, pretty much, like those classic Vans slip-ons, albeit with leather uppers. Features include a tonal elastic gusset, padded collar, stitched construction for the side walls, and a heavy leather insole.
The Viberg Slip-On Hyperlapse is available now.