MOBS Footwear’s Alex Benaim On The New “Grid Phase TR,” Comfortable Shoes & More
Founded by Alexandre “Alex” Benaim, the shoes produced by MOBS Footwear manage to be simultaneously chic, fashionable, affordable and functional. MOBS has been tagged as being based on “mobility, optimism, beauty and soul,” but just as interesting to this writer is that MOBS Footwear’s current collection of shoes is fully unisex. MOBS makes slip-on styles, in addition to boots, low treads and high tops of various materials. In turn, there is something for everyone from MOBS.
The latest from MOBS Footwear is the Grid Phase TR, which features a knit and leather upper, in addition to a leather lining and a plush foam sock-liner that make them extra comfortable. Furthermore, its EVA midsole provides lightweight cushioning and flexibility while the off-road, trail inspired rubber outsole delivers traction. The Grid Phase TR comes in 3 colors and costs $225.
On behalf of The Hype Magazine, I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Mr. Benaim himself about the past, present and future of MOBS Footwear, which was designed by former associates of from Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, and Nike. More on the acclaimed brand can be found at www.mobsdesign.com.
The Grid Phase TR aims to be both chic and sporty. Where did the name come from?
Alex Benaim: The Grid Phase TR name comes from the grid outline that shapes major metropolitan cities around the world. Each pair of MOBS was designed to be worn while exploring urban jungles and trekking through city blocks, and the Grid Phase TR offers the comfort and style that encourages just that.
How far in advance does MOBS come up with product lines? Or at least, how far in advance is the company working ahead?
Alex Benaim: The team at MOBS is always keeping an eye out for upcoming trends. We start exploring new materials, colors, and designs a year out from the launch of each new season. We’re inspired particularly by human migration patterns, contemporary design, and global exploration.
Do you have a favorite of the MOBS styles available?
Alex Benaim: My favorite MOBS style is the Grid Phase TR. It’s really representative of the MOBS brand — designed specifically for urban exploration using an adaptive stretch fit upper and the highest-quality leathers.
What is coming up for MOBS in the coming months? Any new products or campaigns?
Alex Benaim: We’re launching our Fall 2018 campaign in October. Ambra Gutierrez and Ian Mellencamp are the faces of the campaign and we’re thrilled to be working with them. We’re also dropping three new styles this season: Tread Maquis, Grid Phase TR, and Grid Alpine TR. Stay tuned!
What do you wish more people knew about MOBS as a brand?
Alex Benaim: I’d like more people to know the meaning behind MOBS acronym: Mobility, Optimism, Beauty and Soul. It encompasses the brand values and provides us with a lens through which we approach everything: from our internal operations to the design of our products.
What is the most challenging part of your work?
Alex Benaim: The MOBS team is made up entirely of “shoe people” having come from some of the world’s top performing footwear and luxury fashion brands. The work is inspiring and exciting more than anything else. We love that we have the opportunity to share our passion for shoes with our customers.
As a music-centric publication, I must ask: What was the last concert you attended for fun?
Alex Benaim: I saw The Killers at the Paléo Festival Nyon in Switzerland this past July. Their performance was magnificent!
Finally, Alex, any last words for the kids?
Alex Benaim: Exploration is the key to true modern discovery.
About the Author
Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."
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