Royal Oak Shoe Mimics Michigan Central Station 'Sole'

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Royal Oak sneaker boutique Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique has issued a new shoe that pays homage to one of Detroit’s most iconic, though dilapidated, structures.

The Burn Rubber X Puma Stepper attempts to recreate some of the splendor formerly associated with Michigan Central Station, taking its design cues from both the original concrete structure of the now abandoned train depot in Detroit’s historic Corktown District.

“The train station is one of Detroit’s most iconic landmarks,” Roland Coit, Burn Rubber co-founder, said in a news release. “Anyone who has ever been inside, or just driven by, can see the history and beauty of the building. It was important for us to capture that in the design.”

The Royal Oak company designed the shoe and partnered with the German shoemaker Puma to make it. The sneaker went on sale Oct. 31 and costs $140.

At one time, Michigan Central Station was the largest rail station in the world, serving as a central hub for passengers and for cargo exported from and imported into Detroit.

Featured massive marble and stone fixtures, Terrazzo flooring and other symbols of opulence, the train station has been closed since 1988 and is now dilapidated, eerie and “sort of a punchline to many,” the company said.

But it also represents strength and resilience to Detroiters who hope to bring it back to its position of glory, qualities Burn Rubber said are reflected in its new shoe,

» Photo via Burn Rubber Shoe Boutique Facebook page