ANTA and Kyrie Irving proudly introduce the latest addition to the KAI 1 line, the
KAI 1 Speed Pass the Torch. Released globally today, this exclusive drop celebrates a deeply personal narrative of growth, legacy, and family. The design honors Kyrie’s defining moment of triumph over his father, Dred, in a pivotal one-on-one game, symbolizing the passing of the torch between generations. This shoe represents hard work, perseverance, and the enduring bonds of family.
The ANTA and Kyrie Irving KAI 1 Speed Pass the Torch is rich in storytelling and symbolism. Its gray speckled upper reflects the textured pavement of the Irving family’s driveway, where Kyrie spent countless hours perfecting his game. This driveway became the stage for countless battles with his father, culminating in Kyrie’s first victory, a milestone that encapsulated the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and the life lessons shared through basketball.
Further enhancing the design, vibrant red, yellow, and orange accents mimic a torch’s flame, capturing the passion, energy, and drive that have defined Kyrie’s career. These fiery tones echo the theme of passing the torch, symbolizing the transmission of wisdom, inspiration, and resilience from one generation to the next.
"This drop isn't just about the shoe — it's about the moments that define us and the people who shape us," said Kyrie Irving. "'Pass the Torch' is a tribute to my father and all the lessons he's passed down. It's an honor to share this story with the world through the KAI 1."
More than just footwear, the ANTA and Kyrie Irving
KAI 1 Speed Pass the Torch offers fans a unique blend of performance and personal storytelling. Available exclusively through
www.ANTA.com and at select Foot Locker locations across the U.S., Europe, and Canada, this release is a celebration of basketball history and a tribute to family legacy.
On Saturday, June 1st, Merrell, renowned as the world’s leading outdoor footwear brand, partnered with Parks Project, a lifestyle brand committed to national park conservation, hosted a park clean-up in Los Angeles. This collaboration also welcomed a limited edition,
groundbreaking plant-inspired collection. This collaboration showcases a special edition of the Merrell Moab 3, the world’s best-selling hiking boot, alongside a limited-edition assortment of apparel and accessories.
Central to the collection is the
Merrell x Parks Project Moab 3, innovatively designed with HyphaLite, a revolutionary mushroom-based material. HyphaLite serves as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic, being 100% biobased and biodegradable, made from natural latex and FSC-certified regenerated cellulose fibers. The shoe's design is inspired by the vibrant and diverse colors of national parks, reflecting a commitment to preserving these natural treasures and encouraging the next generation of park advocates.
“Our innovative collaboration with Parks Project symbolizes our dedication to sustainability, environmental stewardship and revolutionizing what is considered outdoor fashion,” said Merrell Chief Marketing Officer Pallav Tamaskar. “As a leading footwear brand, our goals are to modernize the activity of hiking while preserving nature for future generations to enjoy and designing styles for them to look cool while doing so. Together, we’re not just creating products, but also paving the way for positive changes within the industry and leaving the world a better place.”
This collection, is now available while supplies last at
www.merrell.com,
www.parksproject.com, and at key retailers such as URBN, FREE PEOPLE, PACSUN, Backcountry, REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Scheels, The Toggery, Seed People, Proof People, and SAKS, reflects a synergy between fashion and environmental stewardship. It not only provides high-quality, sustainable outdoor gear but also supports initiatives that protect and enhance the natural landscapes we cherish.
This partnership marks a significant step towards integrating sustainability into outdoor recreation, embodying a shared vision of safeguarding our planet’s natural beauty for future generations.
"We're thrilled to collaborate with Merrell, as we both share a commitment to pushing boundaries," said Parks Project CEO Keith Eshelman. "In making products together, we're not just crafting an exceptional assortment; we're two businesses committed to redefining the role of corporations. We are emphasizing the importance of a larger purpose, rallying around our mission to ‘Leave It Better’ and restore habitats in our parks.”
Beyond product creation, Merrell and Parks Project have also demonstrated their dedication to park conservation through a joint donation of $9,000 to the LA County Parks Foundation. Furthermore, they are organizing a volunteer clean-up event in Los Angeles, aimed at supporting local park initiatives and fostering community engagement.
Saucony, a leading name in global performance-running lifestyle apparel, has unveiled its inaugural collaboration of the year, teaming up with the esteemed curator of fashion and streetwear, Bodega. The result? The exclusive Bodega x Saucony Grid Shadow 2 ‘Jaunt Woven’ Sneaker – a laid-back style that's a fusion of innovative materials and design inspired by the spirit of spontaneous exploration.
Crafted from a blend of stone-washed 18oz canvas, hemp, and cotton, with rope laces anchoring the aesthetic, the Bodega x Saucony Grid Shadow 2 'Jaunt Woven' Sneaker embraces a motif of aimless adventure. Earth tones and organic textures dominate the color palette, punctuated by flashes of Acid Lime and Red Alert, catering to the modern-day free spirit.
“We took a signature Saucony design that has only previously been sold in athletic shoe materilizations and focused on a connection to the earth using all natural materials,”said Saucony Senior Brand Marketing Manager Jason Faustino. “The design journey was aimed at mellowing out and breaking away from the stress and pressure of footwear design set by a long lineage of collaborations with Bodega, resulting in a premium release for free spirits.”
At the heart of the sneaker lies its woven hemp construction, with subtle variations in weave providing visual intrigue. From the airy toe and mid-foot weave to the intricate cellular overlays and straightforward tongue, each detail contributes to the shoe's distinct character.
Embracing sustainability without sacrificing style, the collaboration features environmentally conscious design elements. A molded EVA midsole, speckled like ocean waves, offers cushioning, while a recycled gum rubber outsole ensures traction with a reduced environmental footprint. Recycled mesh accents and a brushed Nylex footbed cover enhance comfort and eco-friendliness.
“We’re excited to kick off our first footwear collaboration of 2024 with our friends at Saucony,” said Bodega. “Given the storied history and creativity between the brands, it’s fitting to return to the essence of our partnership, building our Grid Shadow 2 ‘Jaunt Woven’ from the Earth up.
The laid-back aesthetic and focus on materials solidifies the ‘Jaunt Woven’ as the next chapter in our collaborative story that we think will become a favorite in any sneaker lover’s collection.”
This release represents another chapter in the successful partnership between Saucony and Bodega, leveraging Bodega's expertise in curating premium fashion since 2006. To explore the collection further, enthusiasts can visit www.bdgastore.com and www.saucony.com, where the Bodega x Saucony Grid Shadow 2 ‘Jaunt Woven’ awaits its next adventure.
Photos courtesy of Saucony x Bodega
Wolverine, the iconic 140-year-old boot maker, has unveiled an exciting collaboration with the adrenaline-fueled Red Bull Scramble Series. This limited-edition partnership introduces the
Wolverine x Red Bull Scramble Series Rush UltraSpring Boot, a symbol of perseverance, toughness, and camaraderie shared by participants and course crew alike in the thrilling Side by Side (SXS) off-road races.
Available now on wolverine.com, the collection captures the essence of the Series, blending it seamlessly with Wolverine's renowned craftsmanship. The Rush UltraSpring Boot, alongside a stylish hoody and trucker hat, embodies the dedication and spirit of both motorsport enthusiasts and skilled tradespeople.
Crafted with precision and passion, the Rush UltraSpring Boot boasts features tailored for demanding terrains and rigorous activities. Drawing from the vibrant hues of the Red Bull Scramble Series, its design resonates with motorsport aficionados while delivering the comfort and durability synonymous with Wolverine. Each boot is equipped with a custom Red Bull Scramble Series woven tongue label, an UltraSpring™ midsole for exceptional energy return, a CarbonMAX® composite toe for enhanced protection, and a breathable WaterproofPlus membrane with moisture-wicking mesh lining.
Beyond the boots, the collaboration extends to a zip hoody and
trucker hat, allowing fans to embrace the Series' ethos in every facet of their wardrobe.
Whether navigating treacherous landscapes or conquering challenging work environments, the Wolverine x Red Bull Scramble Series collection empowers individuals to push boundaries and embrace adventure.
For those eager to experience the thrill firsthand or explore more about Wolverine and the Red Bull Scramble Series, visit
www.wolverine.com and
www.redbull.com. Embrace the rush, embrace the spirit – with Wolverine and Red Bull Scramble Series.
In an era where sustainability is at the forefront of conscious living, making eco-friendly choices extends beyond everyday practices to the very shoes we wear. 8000Kicks, a trailblazer in sustainable footwear, introduces men's hemp shoes that seamlessly blend style with environmental responsibility. For those seeking more sustainable gift-giving, 8000Kicks has exactly what you're looking for.
Crafted from industrial hemp, a Sativa branch distinct from its more infamous cousin, marijuana, these shoes embody a commitment to sustainability. Industrial hemp boasts a rich history dating back to 8000 BC, offering antibacterial properties, requiring minimal water and fertilizers for cultivation, and contributing to soil restoration. Renowned for its strength, hemp even found its way into automotive history when Henry Ford built a car using this resilient fiber.
The flagship model, the
Explorer V2 for Men featured above, signifies 8000Kicks' dedication to creating eco-friendly, durable, and comfortable sneakers. Designed and engineered in Portugal, these minimalist yet stylish shoes are suitable for any occasion, indoors or outdoors.
The
8000Kicks Seeker, an everyday office casual model, combines a recycled rubber bottom with a sleek hemp upper, featuring an anti-bacterial and antimicrobial hemp insole that adapts to your feet.
For warm-weather enthusiasts (and those who live in warm weather locations year' round), the
SunSlide Slip-On offers a lightweight slip-on solution with a collapsible heel, blending on-and-off convenience with sustainability. From the beach to the city, from outdoor adventures to comfortable traveling, the Sunslide is your go-to choice.
The
Crossover Hemp Chelsea for Men takes hemp footwear to new heights, introducing the first waterproof hemp Chelsea boots with a premium hemp upper, vegan construction, and a rugged sole for diverse terrains.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the
Weedo Limited Edition Weed Shoes emerged from a partnership between 8000Kicks, Royal Queen Seeds, and Nisiseltor Studio. Handcrafted with up to 200g of premium CBD weed, each pair undergoes a meticulous process, making them unique collector's items that evolve in appearance over time.
This holiday season, 8000Kicks invites you to embrace sustainable style, offering the gift of eco-friendly footwear that leaves a positive footprint on both fashion and the environment.
Moolah Kicks, the renowned brand in women's basketball shoes, has unveiled an exciting collaboration today with MK Ambassador and Chicago Sky Guard, Courtney Williams, to launch a special version of the
Neovolt Pro. As the leading brand in creating performance sneakers tailored to female ballers, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in their commitment to empowering women in sports.
The player-exclusive shoes were meticulously designed to pay tribute to Courtney Williams' time as a basketball player at the University of South Florida, proudly showcasing her personal logo. The colorway of the
Moolah Kicks Neovolt Pro reflects the essence of her college experience, highlighting the pivotal role the university played in her basketball journey. Williams, who joined Moolah Kicks as an ambassador in November 2022, comes with an impressive background in the sport, including a recent appearance in the WNBA Finals with the Connecticut Sun and over 2,600 career WNBA points. Her talent and dedication have earned her a spot in the All-Star lineup in 2021 and an impressive 16th position on the Athletes Unlimited leaderboard in 2023.
In discussing her collaboration with Moolah Kicks, Courtney Williams expressed her excitement and gratitude, stating that the shoes hold a special place in her heart due to their connection with her college days. She acknowledges the crucial role the University of South Florida and its basketball program played in shaping her career, making this collaboration all the more meaningful.
Natalie White, the Founder and CEO of Moolah Kicks, expressed her enthusiasm for debuting their first P.E. pair of shoes with Courtney Williams. She praised Williams for her outstanding performance on the court and emphasized the brand's anticipation of seeing her in action while donning the custom-designed shoes.
For fans and sneaker enthusiasts, a limited size and quantity of Courtney Williams' P.E. shoes are available for purchase exclusively through the Moolah Kicks website. This collaboration not only celebrates Williams' achievements but also reinforces Moolah Kicks' commitment to empowering female athletes and providing them with performance sneakers tailored to their needs and preferences.
As Moolah Kicks continues to make strides in the world of women's basketball shoes, this collaboration with Courtney Williams marks an exciting chapter in their journey of championing women in sports.
Duvin Design Co. and PUMA Golf have once again joined forces with PGA Tour Pro Rickie Fowler to unveil their second collaboration, the "Purveyors of Leisure" capsule collection. Building on the success of their previous venture, this vibrant summer collection offers a fusion of style and performance suitable for both golfers and beach enthusiasts.
Today, we're highlighting the PUMA Golf x Duvin Limited Edition
Duvin GS-FAST Golf Shoes.
Inspired by lively 1980's photos of Hobie Cat sailboats, the five-piece collection boasts a signature shoe co-designed by Duvin, a performance quarter-zip, shorts, a golf polo, and a reversible bucket hat. The color palette takes on pastel-infused nautical hues, while a striking print featuring sails and palm trees.
The collaboration between Fowler and Duvin's co-founder, Shaun O'Meara, stems from their personal relationship developed both on and off the golf course. With Fowler being a long-time athlete for PUMA, it was only natural to merge their worlds and create unique golf apparel. The collection showcases Duvin's retro-inspired prints on garments crafted with PUMA's highest-performing materials and expertise.
This year's additions to the collection include a spikeless golf shoe, drawing inspiration from PUMA's popular RS Fast running shoe, and a performance quarter-zip with color-blocked panels, offering full stretch and quick-dry capabilities for maximum comfort and performance.
The capsule collection reflects the growing influence of golf in resort wear, catering to individuals seeking to combine their love for surf, golf, and leisure in one vacation. Whether for a day trip or a week-long escape, the Duvin x PUMA Golf collection provides the perfect attire for those embracing a relaxed and sun-soaked lifestyle.
With prices ranging from $35.00 to $150.00 (the latter being for the sneakers), the collection is available for purchase starting tomorrow, June 21st, exclusively on
www.pumagolf.com and
www.duvindesign.com. Golfers and beachgoers alike can enjoy the unique blend of style, innovation, and leisure provided by this exciting collaboration between Duvin Design Co., PUMA Golf, and Rickie Fowler.
Vans has joined together with renowned marine life artist Wyland and the Wyland Foundation for their latest classic Slip-On sneaker collaboration designed to inspire people everywhere about the beauty of the ocean. The Wyland Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting ocean conservation and education.
The new
Vans x Wyland limited edition "Kraken" sneakers design features a vibrant underwater scene with a large octopus (the "Kraken") as the focal point, surrounded by colorful coral reefs and various sea creatures.
The collaboration aims to raise awareness of the importance of a healthier ocean and to inspire people to take action to protect marine life and their habitats. All proceeds from your purchase will benefit the foundation’s local, regional and national efforts for cleaner waterways and healthier oceans.
The "Kraken" sneakers are made with sustainable materials, including organic cotton canvas and recycled rubber, to reduce the environmental impact of their production. The design also incorporates Wyland's signature style of marine art, which has long been recognized for its ability to inspire people to care about the oceans and the creatures that inhabit them.
The
Vans x Wyland "Kraken" sneakers are not only stylish and comfortable but also serve as a reminder of the importance of ocean conservation. By supporting this collaboration, customers can make a positive impact on the environment while wearing a unique and eye-catching pair of shoes. All proceeds from the new collaboration directly to support Wyland Foundation efforts for clean water and healthier oceans.
If you look at the classic colors of fall work boots, you will notice one or two look exactly like the color of a good bourbon whiskey. It's something we've always said of many boots that boats rich, deep reddish-brown colors. So when we heard that Wolverine and Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery were collaborating on a second batch of limited edition boots, the thought immediately came to mind (along with, where were we for the first batch). The brands come back together with a rugged, timeless design that features a wood heel handcrafted from the bourbon barrels that held this year's release of the Old Rip Van Winkle 10-Year bourbon.
Bourbon lovers and boot lovers are sure to rejoice in the new, limited-edition, Wolverine 1000 Mile boot. The new boot has a distinct look to distinguish from last year's batch, perfect for collectors looking to celebrate boots and bourbon still created largely the same way they were more than a century ago.
Batch 2 of the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle collaboration draws inspiration from the barrels that house the legendary Old Rip Van Winkle bourbons for 10 to 23 years. Made in the USA, this year's boot features a classic moc toe design and is made with Horween Whiskey Predator leather – a rugged leather meant to stand the test of time that only gets better with age. The heels are handcrafted from the wood of the bourbon barrels that held this year's release of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year bourbon. The boots are finished with a hand-numbered, textile tongue tag that reflects the individual craftsmanship put into each pair.
"This collaboration celebrates and supports the hard-working people behind our products," said Devon Vanoostveen, brand representative for Wolverine. "These rugged boots and fine bourbons would not be possible without the skills and dedication of so many blue-collar workers; farmers, coopers, carpenters, distillery workers, truck drivers, and shoemakers, to name a few."
"We're thrilled to once again partner with Wolverine, a company that puts as much passion and care into creating their boots as we do our bourbon," said Preston Van Winkle, fourth generation business owner of Old Rip Van Winkle. "Together, we're able to honor our shared commitment to craft while also supporting America's future workforce, inspiring a new generation to take pride in working with their hands."
Pre-order is available starting today, ahead of the release date of October 14, 2021, for $400 at
www.wolverine.com/oldrip. Once again, 100% of the revenue from the sale of these boots will go to the mikeroweWORKS Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship Program to help support the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
Happy day of love. If you're single, join us in celebrating our love of shoes. We're completely in love (we won't go the pun route and say head over heels) with these absolutely gorgeous Aminah Abdul-Jillil V-Day Limited Edition Bow Sandals. If you read our footwear blog, then you already know of our obsession with this brand, so today's drooling should come as no surprise. Aminah's signature bow heels gets a love makeover with an all-over tine white heart on red print in rich suede.
This obsession-worthy, limited edition heels features what you love about the Bow Sandals, the attention-getting, decorative bow, adjustable ankle straps, open toe, and the 4 1/" stiletto heel with 1/2" hidden platform. Get these luxury, dream heels while they last for $415.00 on www.aminahabduljillil.com.
Who ever said doing charity work isn't rock and roll? The nonprofit of heavy metal band Metallica, All Within My Hands (AWMH), has partnered with a 137-year-old boot brand, Wolverine, to help support the future of the workforce in the United States. Together, these two forces intend to provide trade school students with scholarship funding. They plan to do this by launching two special edition boots inspired by none other than Metallica.
When you order a pair of the Wolverine x Metallica Scholars 1000 Mile Axel boots or the Wolverine x Metallica Scholars Hellcat Ultraspring™ boots, 100% of the proceeds will go to AWMH to help support students learning skilled trades. These trades are essential in keeping our society running, but often go underappreciated. Tradesmen include people like metal fabricators, who are responsible for creating metal for manufacturing and need to undergo safety training as part of their documented quality control programs because the job can be dangerous. Skilled trades often present some form of danger to those working in them, yet don't receive much support to help tradesmen work safely.
Wolverine and AWMH hope to change all of that. Metallica guitarist James Hetfield says that this partnership is driven by the same vision the band had when they created the Metallica Scholars Initiative. That vision is to build and sustain a strong American workforce. To do this, they aim to help trade school students achieve their dreams through the workforce education programs that community colleges around the country offer.
Three community college trade programs will benefit from this particular partnership. Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Lone Star College in Houston, Texas, and WSU Tech in Wichita, Kansas will each receive a $100,000 joint grant from Wolverine and Metallica Scholars. Each school will also receive Wolverine boots to give students a jumpstart in their careers. Whether a student becomes a part of the 84% of contractors who use modular construction processes on projects or they become a welder who builds the parts for that construction process, they need sturdy boots to work in. Wolverine boots are just that.
The limited-edition Wolverine x Metallica Scholars 1000 Mile Axel boot features Metallica-inspired details and is based on the popular Wolverine 1000 Mile boot silhouette. The specialized features include metal-tipped laces, a metal guitar pick tag, a metal heel plate inspired by the Metallica Key, and an AWMH metal toe kicker. This boot is made of Chicago-based Horween Chromexcel leather, silver hardware, and a classic Vibram® lugged outsole.
The second limited-edition release, the Wolverine x Metallica Scholars Hellcat UltraSpring™ boot, represents a delicate combination. This boot has both a traditional work boot's durability and the modern Wolverine UltraSpring™ cushioning. Stitched onto the boot is a custom-molded Metallica Key logo, making it unlike any other boot Wolverine sells. It also has a custom metal Metallica Scholars guitar pick tag.
Both boots are now for sale on Wolverine's website. All of the proceeds from these boots will be donated directly to provide funding for the 2021 Metallica Scholars recipients. By purchasing a pair of these boots, you could help a student who will one day operate manufacturing mechanical equipment that's made with some
16% of the world's steel or a student who will eventually build solar panels for farms pay for school to learn the special skills they need to succeed.
"By ensuring community colleges and trade programs across the country have the resources they need, we can support students who are choosing to join the skilled trades and together be one step closer to closing the gap," said Tom Kennedy, the global brand president for Wolverine.
To learn more about the partnership between Wolverine and AWMH and their initiative, visit Wolverine.com/projectbootstrap.
