PONY first approached me about a year and a half ago. Although I used to work with PONY back when I was the head buyer for David Z, I never knew the brand name was an acronym for “Product of New York." I had begun work on our forthcoming “New York Natives” Collection around this time, so being able to incorporate a New York-based product seemed like a perfect fit. They showed me a book that was a comprehensive archive of past and present silhouettes. Sifting through I saw one that piqued my interest - the M-110. I was caught by its OG colorway, which was a vibrant Miami Dolphins makeup. I closed the book without sharing which model I had mentally chosen, and asked them how they felt in regards to unarchiving a silhouette that would be exclusive to a collaboration between us. They were instantly receptive, which is when I shared my fondness for the M-110. They explained how Dan Marino was a PONY signature athlete during the late ‘80s, so a lot of colorways were rooted in a Dolphins-esque makeup.

I wanted to offer a completely different aesthetic than the OG to show the versatility of the silhouette. I strayed from tropical hues, and sought to use a very luxe palette. Upon receiving the first sample, I was hooked. The shape, and how sturdy it was really impressed me. I remember when I was growing up, a shoe’s value was judged by its weight. If it was heavy, it was quality. When I felt the weight and saw how vintage the silhouette was, I knew we had something special.

The sneaker is made from a thick red Italian leather with a tasteful snakeskin-deboss pattern seen at the PONY quarter panel logos and heel panel. The lateral collar features “Fieg”-branding hits in the same font as the OG PONY logo, which is located on the medial collar. “RF”-branding is also located on the tongue. The liner is made from a white calfskin leather, as are the custom-printed insoles. Fitting with the leather agenda, I chose tonal leather laces as the primary option, which really solidifies the entire appearance.

With how many collaborations release today, it is easy to get lost in the mix. Something I feel separates myself from the majority is attention to detail. This sneaker is accompanied by two additional lace options (tonal waxed and cotton), custom packaging, a custom calfskin leather dust bag, as well as custom engraved wooden shoe trees and shoe horn. What you buy is more than the shoe, its the entire package. I firmly believe that priced at $220 USD, we are offering a value that no one else in the industry is. No corners were cut, no aspects were left wanting. Everything matters. A very limited run of 500 pairs was created, each individually numbered on the white liner.

The Ronnie Fieg x PONY M-110 will release this Saturday, December 20th, at 11AM EST at the New KITH Shop 644 Broadway, KITH Brooklyn 233 Flatbush Ave, online at KithNYC.com and our KITH App. Retail is priced at $220 USD.