Volta Classic

Whereas in the past, brands have been kept in the shade by the big guns, now with trends taking a slightly sharper turn, there's been what seems to be a Grand Canyon sized opening in the market for smaller brands. Clae and Pointer have been doing some sterling work, and Volta are a new addition to the marketplace that's born from a meeting-of-minds between Italy's Soda Studio and Twentyfourseven. Rather than leaping in even deeper feet-first with a mini-collection of new designs, they've created one silhouette for their inaugural season - the 'Instant Classic.'

That's a pretty bold statement to throw around, but the end result of this approach is a particularly distinctive silhouette that brings to mind classic crossovers from Clarks, Ballys and even a spot of Viking, Bally and British Walker, with some unique nylon detailing on the tongue and collar that's reminiscent of classic runners and basketball models. Premium leathers and suedes, plus Romanian build (which as some adi heads of old can testify, is a positive), with details kept to the footbed, tongue and stud-branded heeltab, and a thin custom-built sole unit in white rubber or gum makes these superior quality to the usual releases. A memorable introduction.