ept and POGGY collaborate on new driving shoe collection

Footwear brand ept (East Pacific Trade) has announced a new collaboration with fashion curator POGGY to release the ‘CHECKMATE DRIVER IN POGGY’S COLORWAY’. The collection is scheduled for release in Japan on August 28, 2026.

The collaboration utilizes the ‘CHECKMATE DRIVER’ model as a base, blending car culture with traditional shoemaking. The design aims to balance functional beauty with modern lifestyle needs, making the shoes suitable for both driving and daily wear. The collection features two primary colorways: ‘POGGY GREY’, inspired by vintage outdoor footwear with earth tones and red or orange accents, and ‘POGGY BROWN’. Both models are priced at 22,000 yen.

A special visual campaign titled ‘THE JOY OF DRIVING’ features racing driver Maya Orito. The campaign includes a special movie directed by Akira Rambo, exploring the relationship between driving, lifestyle, and fashion.