With the Novesta x HHV German Army Trainer, Novesta and HHV are paying homage to a silhouette that is firmly rooted in European sneaker history.
The model is based on the classic BW indoor sneaker, also known as the GAT, and comes directly from the brand’s archives.
Novesta has always stood for timeless sneaker designs produced exclusively in Europe. For the brand, it’s not just about the design, but also about the manufacturing process.
Production adheres to high ecological standards, with a conscious focus on sustainable materials such as natural rubber, untreated cotton, and natural canvas.
All materials used are certified, and each pair is handcrafted. This is also how the characteristic rubber strip around the outsole—a hallmark of many Novesta models—is created.
The history of the German Army Trainer almost seems like a small Cold War paradox. The model’s origins lie in the classic German Armed Forces indoor gym shoe, which was once also produced in what was then Czechoslovakia.
For the German Armed Forces and the production structures of the time, this contradiction apparently posed no problem.
Now, the Novesta GAT is returning to its historic production site. The version by Novesta and HHV draws on this history and reinterprets it in a contemporary context.
The Novesta x HHV German Army Trainer combines an upper made of smooth and suede leather with a soft, breathable textile lining and a leather lining.
A foam footbed ensures comfort, while the high-grip sole made of molded rubber with a treaded pattern provides the model with a sturdy base.
The co-branding details from Novesta and HHV on the tongue and insole clearly indicate this collaborative release. The shoe is rounded out by embroidered Novesta branding on the heel patch.
The Novesta x HHV German Army Trainer is available exclusively at HHV starting today.
Photos via HHV
