Matt Varga While Oakley footwear of the 1990s had its own vintage cult following preceding their efforts, Brain Dead and their Oakley Factory Team project are largely responsible for bringing those styles back to the fore. When the venture was first announced, though, it’d be hard to project just how far it’d stretch. As the Oakley Factory Team closes out its third year, they’re making one final splash with their “Drop 3” Fall/Winter delivery, ushering the brand-new Ibex silhouette in the process.
The quarter of the shoe is really the standout section, creating a neutral-network-like design via branching panels of synthetics and paracording joinery that bridge one to the net. This “exoskeleton” ensures full-foot lockdown, highlighting how performance features aren’t sacrificed in the name of style with the Ibex. Oakley’s patented “O-Grip” outsole carries the traction underfoot, joining with an Ortholite insole for all-day comfort. For this initial delivery, two colorways are on tap, the fiery “Camelia Glaze” and the nocturnal “Eclipse.”
While this is chiefly a showcase of the Oakley Ibex, two well-established models also make an appearance. The Flesh Sandal keeps up its metronome-like momentum with another stealthy appearance here, while the Edge Boot, a rookie from the last Fall/Winter Drop, mints its third colorway, a lightning-struck oceanic edition.
The full collection will drop via Brain Dead and Oakley channels (in-store & online) on December 17th at 10 AM PST. Get a closer look at each style via the campaign imagery included throughout this piece.
