{Pre-order for May '26} The Rite Stuff x Papa Nui x John Lofgren Bootmaker Champion Sneakers (Amoskeag Denim)

It started with a conversation among three old friends who share a weakness for things made the right way. The result: a sneaker concept that stepped straight out of a New England mill town in the 1800s, crossed the Pacific, and landed in a Japanese workshop in search of perfection. It’s the first-ever triple collaboration from The Rite Stuff, Papa Nui, and John Lofgren Bootmaker: the Amoskeag Denim Champion Sneakers.

Established in 1873, Moonstar is legendary for keeping traditional ka ryu (kiln vulcanization) alive. Each pair of our collaborative sneakers is hand-assembled by master craftsmen in Moonstar's Kurume plant before being placed into a specialized kiln. The heat triggers a chemical reaction in the natural rubber, permanently bonding it to the heavy-duty upper.

If you wear standard canvas shoes, you're used to them losing their shape and wearing out in months. Moonstar builds shoes to the same rigorous standards as the finest Japanese heritage garments. This is a sneaker designed for people who hate flimsy sneakers.

The uppers are sewn from 10.5 oz indigo denim reproduced from 1800s Amoskeag cloth. The Amoskeag Manufacturing Company was once the world’s largest textile producer and supplied Levi’s with denim for their earliest workwear in the 19th century. This denim will fade, crease, and develop character with wear, exactly like your favorite jeans.

Each pair features double-thick vulcanized soles, reinforced edges, and double stitching at every stress point. 

If you've been looking for a hot-weather footwear alternative that doesn't sacrifice on heritage aesthetic or ethical production, this is it.

For A Good Cause

March 11, 2026 marks the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, which devastated the Tohoku region of Japan. John Lofgren’s company and store, Speedway, headquartered in Sendai, were very close to the epicenter.

To commemorate the 15th anniversary, $15 from every pair sold will be donated to the Hatachi Fund, a charity created after the disaster to support children affected by the earthquake and tsunami until they reach 20 years old. It’s our way of giving back to those whose lives were forever changed by this disaster.

Sizing

Choose your Converse size in the Champion sneakers.

Details:

-D width

-100% cotton Amoskeag reproduction 10.5 oz. denim uppers, milled in Japan

-Vulcanized double-layer rubber soles

-Eyelets and vents made in Japan

-Dense sponge insole

-100% cotton laces, made in Japan

-Made in Japan