Born 5,500 Years Ago
Our core model, the Areni Flat, is inspired by the oldest known leather shoe in the world (discovered in the Areni Cave in Armenia and dating back over 5,500 years).
For Armenians, this is not just an archaeological artefact. It reflects a footwear technique that was preserved, developed and worn in everyday life for generations. As recently as the 1990s, similar shoes could still be found in rural areas, where skilled craftsmen were known as the best masters of this form, a knowledge passed down through time. If you speak to the older generation, many still remember these shoes as part of daily life, especially in villages.
In the past decade, however, this tradition has slowly faded, becoming part of history or traditional costume, at risk of being forgotten by younger generations.
Koshik was created with the intention to bring this heritage back as something wearable in contemporary life, while sharing Armenian culture with a wider audience.
At the heart of the design is the lacing system, the defining element that holds the shoe together. Without it, the structure would fall apart. We reinterpret this idea through a modern silhouette, preserving its function while elevating its form.
Historically, laces were also a way of personal expression, with different colours used to style the shoe. We bring this detail back, allowing you to create your own version of the Areni Flat through interchangeable lace variations.
