Following notable collaborations with Jeff Staple and Extra Butter, Brooks is further expanding its lifestyle reach by teaming up with Chicago’s RSVP Gallery, founded by icons Don C and Virgil Abloh. RSVP Gallery is set to release its first-ever Brooks sneaker on 15th August UK sneaker enthusiasts will be relieved to know that the London based sneaker store Sole will be launching the sneaker in-store soon. To build the hype, Don C recently teased the collaboration on his Instagram story and dropped limited pairs in Paris.
The Sneaker: A Trail Runner Meets High Fashion
While Brooks has been historically recognised for its high-performance running shoes, the Caldera 8 in this collaboration blurs the lines between trail runner functionality and fashion-forward design. The RSVP Gallery x Brooks Caldera 8 “Trench” boasts a fresh khaki ripstop base with hardware upgrades that elevate its aesthetic. The usual heel counter has been swapped out for a sleek fabric overlay featuring a black TPU accent branded with RSVP Gallery’s logo on the lateral side. The standout geometric midsole remains true to the Caldera 8’s ultra-cushioned roots, ensuring that performance isn’t compromised for style. Don C joined a Brooks panel at Paris Fashion Week on June 25th, where the sneaker was unveiled and we spoke with the team themselves.
Built for the Trails: Technology and Performance
While the Brooks Caldera 8 is primarily designed for rugged trails and technical terrain, many of its features also benefit city and lifestyle wearers. The plush, responsive DNA LOFT v3 midsole provides all-day cushioning and comfort for walking or standing on hard urban surfaces like concrete and pavement. Its breathable engineered mesh upper keeps feet cool during daily errands or casual outings, while the secure fit ensures stability during unpredictable city movements.
The aggressive TrailTrack outsole, although optimised for trails, offers reliable grip on slippery or uneven city sidewalks, wet streets, and grassy parks, reducing the risk of slips. The shoe’s supportive heel offset and widened base also promote stability during quick direction changes or navigating crowded spaces.
Additional lifestyle-friendly touches like the padded tongue, ankle cushioning, and convenient heel loop make the Caldera 8 easy to slip on and wear comfortably throughout the day. Though not designed as a dedicated urban shoe, its durability, comfort, and stability make it a versatile option for those who want something trail-ready but for everyday city wear.
Brooks’ Lifestyle Shift & RSVP Gallery’s Fashion Influence
Brooks has long been respected as a running brand focused on serious athletes, but thanks to their entrance into lifestyle this year, including their first release with Jeff Staple, the Brooks landscape is evolving. Inspired by the resurgence of retro runners Brooks entered the lifestyle space earlier this year with a relaunch of the Adrenaline GTS 4, including a celebrated collaboration with Jeff Staple. The RSVP Gallery project takes things to the next level by blending modern trail running technology with an undeniable fashion co-sign, authentically positioning Brooks for the sneaker consumer.
As Peter Verry, Brooks’ Lifestyle Marketing Manager, puts it:
“Working with a legend like Jeff Staple validated what we’re trying to accomplish in lifestyle. This RSVP Gallery collaboration does the same. What makes this collaboration particularly special is how Don C reimagined the Caldera 8, which is a modern performance trail running shoe, with undeniable fashion appeal. And in terms of impact, working with Don C authenticates Brooks to the fashionable, stylish sneaker consumer that we want to connect with through our lifestyle collection.”
As Matt Weiss, Brooks’ Director of Footwear Merchandising, told Fast Company in January:
“We could have done this four to five years ago, probably, but I think what’s exciting about this is the entire company and product engine is aligned to doing this the right way. For us it’s about, let’s get the customer really excited here, partner with the best retailers in the space to get them excited. It’s about giving a broader offering to our consumer so they can embrace our brand in different places and ways.”
Don C shared insights with us at the Paris launch:
“RSVP Gallery has always been proud of our people, collaborators, creators, and the team. While Larry Tcchogninou designed the sneaker for RSVP, we shared ideas and incorporated unique elements that set this Caldera apart. The jewel on the heel nods to 90s retro basketball sneakers, inspired by my love for that era. It’s all subtle. This release drops in August and will be available at RSVP Gallery’s website as well as select retailers like Sole in London. Shout out to all the good people in London from Chi-Town. I’m excited to connect with you all soon!”
Where to Cop & Final Thoughts
The RSVP Gallery x Brooks Caldera 8 “Trench” is standout because it perfectly embodies Brooks’ new lifestyle ambitions and RSVP Gallery’s forward-thinking design ethos. It’s a shoe that seamlessly blends trail-ready performance tech with an elevated street style. UK sneakerheads should keep an eye on Sole for the in-store launch. Internationally, RSVP Gallery’s website and other handpicked retailers will carry the release in August.
