Collection: Clae 2 Products

In 2001, CLAE was launched out of the need for a new approach to footwear, which was to modernize the classic silhouettes to fit today’s active lifestyle. Versatile footwear that moves with you day to night, work to play that compliments a modern man’s wardrobe and life. Footwear that is designed for everyday living without sacrificing style or comfort.

CLAE’s commitment to innovation and design has yielded a distinct collection of smart essentials for modern life. Taking extra steps by using premium leathers and materials, and emphasizing uncommon comfort and versatility, CLAE creates footwear that evolves and endures.

History of the brand

Designer Sung Choi was the early driving force in the indie shoe market scene when he founded Clae as a boutique label in Los Angeles in 2001. He missed the natural aesthetic in the multipurpose shoe market, so he came up with something. Clae won the Sportswear International Fashion Award (SIFA) in 2003 for the Best Men's Footwear Collection. When the Clae brand was launched, there were not as many boutique shoe labels as there are today. Initially, things didn't quite work out as planned and the brand had to take a break before Clae, which is based in California, took off again in autumn 2007. The inspiration for the Clae brand comes from the clean and simple lines that were influential in the mid-20th century modern art and design movement, combined with the energy and joie de vivre of New Yorkers in the 1980s and 1990s. The designs are intended to appeal to all ages, as customers look for a combination of style, comfort and versatility in a straightforward good pair of men's shoes. Shoes that are versatile so you can wear them at any time of the day or night without sacrificing style or comfort. Clae is the footwear for this generation and beyond. The Clae label combines sporty casual style in a mix of shoe and sneaker and to this day has not sacrificed style at the expense of comfort. It can be seen that customer interest in Clae is increasing, and there is reason to believe that Clae is taking the lead in the sneakers business.

Influence on the fashion scene

Clae aims to redefine the shoe, appealing to men from every generation. Clae aims to reflect the values of the modern consumer. Men should also have fun wearing their shoes. Furthermore, they should have the choice to buy sneakers with exquisite design that they also like to wear. For a long time, men were at a disadvantage in the world of shoe fashion. Compared to women, men have a relatively small choice of options. This is about to change with Clae. Clae's style is new and yet timeless. It is meant to appeal to men who go through everyday life in an uncomplicated and relaxed way and enjoy good design paired with comfort and versatility. The sneakers by Clae look classy and are really versatile. Clae is probably one of the hottest shoe labels in the world of men's footwear at the moment and a question of good taste. The Clae sneakers can be combined and used everywhere from Büro, über school to club visits über.

Top models of the brand and their special features

The Bailey, Gregory, Ellington, Strayhorn and Zissou shoe models have become real classics from Clae. The Strayhorn model is a proven mid-cut sneaker with a minimalist design. The Ellington model is a low-cut sneaker with an absolutely classic shape. Minimalist design characterises this shoe, which can be combined in many ways.The upper is made of leather, which is partially perforated in the toe area. Leather lining with removable insole. As part of the Spring/Summer 2012 line, the Midnight Collection by Clae appears in midnight blue on the lines of classic Clae models such as the Gregory, Strayhorn, Hockney, Khan and Powell. The material of the models is leather in various variations.

Prominent Clae wearers

At the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, American R&B singer Ne-Yo was spotted wearing chic Clae Strayhorns. The Clae McQueen is named in memory of Steve McQueen, a Hollywood veteran who died in 1980.