Portuguese footwear brand JAK has dropped its latest must-have: the Atlas Low II — a refined and elevated take on their best-selling Atlas model. Priced at £225, The Royal sneaker doesn’t just live up to its name in design and comfort; it represents a new gold standard in sustainable craftsmanship, understated style, and top-tier material quality.
Clean Lines, Portuguese Craft
Designed in Lisbon and handcrafted in Portugal, the new Atlas Low II blends timeless minimalism with premium engineering. Aesthetically, it retains the clean, versatile silhouette fans love. But beneath the surface lies a technical upgrade: a completely revamped last for improved fit, paired with all-new natural rubber soles sourced locally in Portugal. Every pair is built using high-grade Italian and Portuguese full-grain calf leathers, offering durability, breathability, and a luxurious feel.
Inside, things get even more refined. Ultra-soft calf leather lining ensures all-day comfort, while removable shock-proof insoles allow wearers to customise fit and feel. JAK even includes an extra set of slim insoles for those who prefer a looser fit. Add natural cotton laces (with coloured tips for a subtle pop), and a branded cotton travel bag, and you have a package that screams premium without ever having to raise its voice.
A Sneaker With Substance
The Atlas Low II is more than a style upgrade — it’s a material revolution. JAK’s commitment to sustainability and thoughtful design is evident in every pair. The sneaker features:
- Full grain calf leather upper
- Calf leather lining
- Full leather midsoles
- 90% natural rubber sole
- Cemented and stitched construction for long-lasting wear
- Removable, shock-proof inner soles
- Optional slim insoles for adjustable comfort
- Coloured-tipped laces and spare pair
- Cotton transport bag
Available in a range of hues including Dust Blue, White/Nude, White/Aqua, and Tan/White, this is a sneaker that complements everything from tailored trousers to relaxed denim.
Rooted in Responsibility
JAK’s forward-thinking ethos extends beyond aesthetics. Since launching in 2014, the brand has been on a mission to craft sneakers that look good, feel good — and do good. Every material choice is intentional, from sustainable AppleSkin™ (a bio-based leather alternative made from leftover apple waste) to vegetable-tanned leather midsoles and organic cottons.
Their manufacturing partners? Family-owned factories in Portugal. Their leathers? Responsibly sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group. Their rubber soles? Often made using up to 70% recycled content. JAK doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to sustainability — they’re literally walking it.
Other standout materials used across their collections include:
- AppleSkin™: A vegan-friendly material made with apple waste near Florence, Italy
- onSteam® Microfibre: A hypoallergenic, ultra-breathable vegan lining material sourced from Spain
- Organic Cotton Canvas & Knit: GOTS-certified, low-impact cotton textiles used for vegan styles and apparel
- Cork: Renewable, recyclable and naturally antimicrobial — used in the base of all JAK sneakers
- SBR ECO Rubber: Recycled soles with exceptional flexibility and durability
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the Atlas Low II, JAK continues to build a lifestyle brand rooted in modern values, offering premium sneakers like The Royal (£190) and apparel crafted with the same attention to detail. The brand’s transparency about their suppliers and factories underscores their integrity. You can even explore their partner workshops via an open directory on their website.
Final Thoughts:
The Atlas Low II is the type of sneaker that quietly steals the show. Whether you’re styling it up with chinos and an overshirt or dressing it down with vintage denim and a tee, its minimalist design and ethical build quality make it a worthy investment. Sleek, sustainable, and built to last, this is slow fashion done right.
Explore the full Atlas collection and The Royal sneaker at: fromjak.com