Available now is the collaborative XT-Whisper, which was released alongside the Kith Women Spring 2025 collection. Kith created two colorways of the unisex shoe with Salomon: one executed in Delicioso and Dark Citron hues, and the other dressed in Vanilla and Transparent Yellow.

To further stamp the collaboration, both colorways feature Kit branding on the heels, tongues and sockliners, and they come packaged in a co-branded box.

The XT-Whisper is built with mesh uppers with synthetic leather overlays, as well as the brand’s Sensifit application, which was added for both hold and comfort. It also features Salomon’s Quicklace system, Contagrip rubber outsoles and TPU toecap and heel chassis.

The two Kith for Salomon XT-Whisper colorways can be shopped at all Kith shops, as well as via Kith.com, CA.Kith.com, EU.Kith.com and the Kith App. The shoes are a unisex product offered in men’s sizing and retail for $150.

The Salomon XT-Whisper is a trail runner from 2000, specifically introduced as a women’s version of the XT-Hawk. The brand revived the silhouette in December 2024 and now sits in its Sportstyle category.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

Mac McClung, who plays for the Osceola Magic in the NBA G League, won his third-straight NBA AT&T Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday, which was held at the Chase Center in San Francisco. One of the highlights thus far of NBA All-Star Weekend, the hooper — who scored a perfect 50 for each of his four dunks in the contest — got the crowd on its feet while wearing the Puma All-Pro Nitro.

McClung’s pair of the court-ready basketball shoe was dressed in the brand’s white, Yellow Alert and Pink Alert hues.

In terms of tech, the Puma All-Pro Nitro features the brand’s Nitro midsole cushioning that’s specifically engineered for basketball underfoot, as well as a TPU wielded Formstrip for support, high abrasion rubber outsoles for traction and breathable engineered mesh uppers that also includes textile and synthetic suedes.

This pair that McClung wore can be shopped now via Puma.com in both men’s and women’s sizing. The shoe retails for $130.

McClung has been a Puma athlete since 2023, with news of his deal breaking shortly before he won his first-ever AT&T NBA Slam Dunk Contest. For his first win, McClung wore the Puma Rise Nitro basketball shoe.

There’s one more day of events remaining for NBA All-Star Weekend 2025. The G League Up Next Game presented by AT&T will take place at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, followed by the 74th NBA All-Star Game, which will air live on TNT and TruTV at 8 p.m. ET.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

As part of its NBA All-Star Weekend festivities, Nike hosted its Future Game experience in Oakland. During the game, AJ Dybantsa — who signed a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with the brand in January 2024 — debuted the Nike G.T. Future. The hooper, who is ranked No. 1 in the class of 2025 by ESPN, hit the court in an all black pair.

The sneaker was also spotted on the feet of rapper Wale in another colorway.

Though little information of the shoe is available, in a statement sent to FN, the brand said “the Nike G.T. Future is geared for those players who use their bounce to take over the game, like AJ.”

Nike also confirmed with FN that the shoe is slated for a holiday 2025 release. No additional release information was provided.

Nike revealed its G.T. series — which stands for “Greater Than” — in 2021. The basketball shoe series, the brand explained at the time, was created to “focus on a specific aspect of the game” in order to give players “a performance boost where they need it most.” Current Nike G.T. basketball shoe models that can be purchased via Nike.com include the G.T. Cut 3 and the G.T. Cut Academy, the G.T. Hustle 3, the G.T. Jump 2 and the G.T. Jump Academy.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

At an exclusive event during NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, the athletic powerhouse — with help from Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry — revealed a collaboration with renowned German luxury car customizer Mansory. Leading this collaboration is a new sportswear sneaker from Under Armour, the Echo.

The Echo, according to Under Armour, blurs the lines between sport and lifestyle, and features the same technology it uses in performance silhouettes. For instance, the shoe features plush energy-returning Hovr midsole cushioning underfoot.

The colorway the four-time NBA champion had on foot was yellow and black, which Under Armour said was specially designed to honor his legacy “in his own backyard.”

“The Echo footwear is the first launch as part of Under Armour’s new sportswear strategy, signaling a bold shift in how we approach design and innovation,” Under Armour chief product officer and general manager Yassine Saidi said in a statement. “By blending cutting-edge technology with forward-thinking design, it redefines the balance of style and functionality for today’s athlete.”

Though Curry and Under Armour revealed the Echo, the shoe won’t debut until April in a colorway the brand described as “bold” and “attention-grabbing.” The look Curry debuted at the event will not be available for retail.

The shoe wasn’t the only thing revealed at the event. Curry wore Under Armour Icon Heavy Weight Fleece apparel, and a stunning car tying the collaboration together was front-and-center, the Le Mansory Ford GT. Under Armour described the Le Mansory Ford GT — valued at 2.5 million euros (or $2.6 million at the current exchange rate — as “the epitome of performance-driven luxury.”

Though this is their first collaboration, Saidi confirmed there’s more to come.

“Together, we’re collaborating on projects that will shape the direction of our Team Sports and Sportswear categories, with multiple drops planned for 2025,” Saidi said in a statement. “By merging Mansory’s luxury craftsmanship with Under Armour’s expertise in performance innovation, we’re creating a new sportswear experience — leveraging unique materials, bold color palettes and elevated design to push the boundaries of what’s possible for the next generation of athletes.”

Under Armour stated the event “marks a defining moment” for the brand, and underscores its position “as a frontrunner in both athletic excellence and luxury.” The brand also stated this Mansory collaboration “is a statement of intent,” showcasing its “evolution into the world of luxury while maintaining its strong foundation in performance gear.”

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

However, that appears to be changing.

NBA All-Star Weekend 2025 has descended upon San Francisco, the home of the Golden State Warriors, and brands and retailers alike have pulled out all stops.

For instance, Foot Locker is hosting a multibrand activation from Feb. 13-16 at 150 Powell St., a two-story experience that will include sneaker drops, NBA player appearances, interactive games and prizes, product customization and more. Also, New Balance revealed its two-shoe “A Different Bounce” collaboration with Bricks & Wood at an exclusive pop-up, located at 166 Maiden Lane.

“We are finally getting back to large scale activations that we used to see pre-COVID,” content creator and host Tamara Dhia told FN. “Jordan Brand has really steamrolled, in the best way, the marketing space over the past few months with their incredible ‘Banned’ campaign, which celebrates 40 years of the Jordan 1. All-Star weekend is just starting and they already have a drone show in San Francisco highlighting the brand and the sneaker release. I think other brands are following suit and turning up the volume on their own releases.”

Jamiersen Green, who also is a host within the industry, added, “It’s in a major city again, with a very popular NBA team in the Warriors and a new stadium recently built. And warmer weather makes this weekend more desirable than weekends in the past. Also the infrastructure of the city, there’s much more real estate to build out activations, experiences and special events. With the smaller cities, businesses close earlier, restaurants, city traffic that can’t handle the influx of people. I remember being stuck in Indianapolis traffic for 30 minutes to go 1.2 miles. It was crazy.”

The Release Race

In terms of sneaker releases, brands are bringing the heat, whether its retros of undeniable classics (Nike Air Foamposite One “Galaxy,” Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”) or newcomers that are shaking up the game (Anta Kai 1 Speed “Bag Work”). What’s more, in a literal sense, Nike tapped into the event with the Kobe 6 Protro “All-Star 2.0” release, as well as a Dunk Low and an Air Force 1 Low celebrating the beloved “We Believe” Golden State Warriors, which had a historic 2006–07 season.

The renewed buzz around basketball silhouettes has ramped up, albeit slowly, in recent years. Though retro runners are still in favor, basketball shoes — mostly signature looks from the sport’s younger stars — have become a part of people’s rotations.

For instance, performance basketball shoes started to heat up on StockX in 2023, with shoppers seeking out several signature shoes from the game’s rising stars (Anthony Edwards’ Adidas AE 1, LaMelo Ball’s Puma MB.02, Ja Morant’s Nike Ja 1) as well as the first look from an NBA veteran (Devin Booker’s Nike Book 1) and another from an undeniable icon (LeBron James’ Nike LeBron 20).

And in 2024, Anta — led by Kyrie Irving’s shoe, the Kai 1 — was the year’s fastest-growing sneaker brand on StockX, with 1,901 percent year-over-year trade growth.

“Basketball shoes aren’t just meant for function anymore, they are fashion,” said Dhia, naming the AE 1 and Irving’s work with Anta as examples. “These athletes are more than just basketball players, they are tastemakers.”

Green noted, “Fashion, style, sneakers and culture all move in a cycle, and it’s time for basketball shoes to come back into the forefront of fashion. It helps that companies have been designing with a more on-off court perspective in recent years. I think they found that performance footwear leaning too far performance in design aesthetic alienated people who are fans of the game but may not play.”

He further stated that looks including the Adidas AE 1, the Nike Book 1 and the Adidas Harden 9 are now being worn with “everyday ‘fits,” which reminds him of the era when Nike released the LeBron 9 “South Beach” and the KD 4 “Nerf.”

The Bigger Business Picture

Spurwink River advisor Matt Powell, however, isn’t sold on this year’s All-Star Weekend efforts.

“The performance basketball business, up until the last 18 or 24 months, has been negative since 2015,” said Powell, who is also a senior advisor at BCE Consulting. “This is a Hail Mary pass [from brands and retailers]. Let’s go out and really over invest to try to get this back.”

The insider also isn’t confident that basketball shoes will return to the forefront any time soon.

“In dollars and cents terms, the performance basketball shoe business — while it’s in better shape than it has been in a decade — it’s still a relatively small business, and it’s mostly around scholastic sports as opposed to streetwear,” Powell explained. “That’s where basketball lost all of its allure over the last 10 years, and it has not gained it back yet. You’re speaking to a much smaller audience than you were 10 years ago.”

He continued, “Durant and LeBron are long in the tooth, and Curry is not getting the excitement around merchandise sales that he once was. The inflection point could be that some of these new guys are going to bring in energy to the business — but that remains to be seen. The AE 1 was his first shoe, and that always gets some attention. But it was Yeezy-like, I think that was intentional. Other younger players, Zion Williamson as an example, the guy has never done anything in terms of merchandise sales. Ja Morant has been OK, but he has not lit it up. It’s complicated. It’s not as simple as you get a compelling young guy and he brings big business. Those days are are behind us.”

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

In a joint letter, chief executive officer Eric Artz and president Mary Beth Laughton reaffirmed the outdoor specialty retailer’s diversity-focused mission.

“We were founded in 1938 on a core set of values, focused on expanding access to outdoor places for more people,” the letter read. “These values have been integral to who we are, how we do business and to our success over the years.”

It continued, “Living up to our purpose — to inspire and enable a life outside for everyone — requires us to stand firm in our commitment to building a co-op that is welcoming, affirming and inclusive for our employees, members and broader communities. Honoring and celebrating a diversity of experiences, perspectives and contributions makes this co-op stronger.”

Though the letter announced REI would not stray from its mission, the retailer did not reveal any new efforts or initiatives.

In recent years, REI has made several investments to ensure equity was at the forefront of everything it does. For instance, in July 2020 — just two months removed from the murder of George Floyd — the retailer revealed a list of commitments to work toward racial equity, both internally and consumer-facing.

From there, the retailer launched the REI Cooperative Action Fund in October 2021 to fund organizations promoting justice, equity and belonging in the outdoors, as well as Path Ahead Ventures, which was an investment of $30 million in 300 founders of color as they start and scale their businesses. (In April 2024, REI celebrated 16 emerging companies that completed its Embark program, a three-month curriculum that is part of Path Ahead Ventures that helps turn early-stage ideas into viable businesses.)

While it continues to be known for its inclusive-centric policies, REI has faced some pushback from employees, as a growing union effort has taken root across some of its key stores in recent years.

REI’s latest statement around inclusivity comes at a time when some retail behemoths have opted to move in the opposite direction. For instance, in November 2024, with pressure mounting, Walmart Inc. confirmed it would not extend its five-year, $100 million commitment to the Racial Equity Center, among several other policy rollbacks.

And in January 2025, Target Corp. announced it was concluding its Racial Equity Action and Change initiatives this year, as planned, and will stop all external diversity-focused surveys, including the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

After 27 years without running an ad during the Super Bowl, Nike debuted its “So Win” campaign, a women-led effort that celebrates the power of sport and encourages athletes “to block out the noise, dig in and let their hard work speak for itself.” The star-studded spot featured A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, Sha’Carri Richardson and several others.

Two days later, Adidas revealed “You Got This,” a continuation of its ongoing efforts to disarm the negative pressures of sport that began in February 2024. Though some of the brand’s superstar athletes appear in the clip, such as Anthony Edwards, Aliyah Boston and Trinity Rodman, it’s the everyday athletes featured that take the lead.

The executions of the ads, with one led solely by megastar women athletes and the other pairing everyday athletes with its brightest professional stars, could leave some to believe the messages are different. However, one industry insider believes their messages are complementary.

Spurwink River advisor and BCE Consulting senior advisor Matt Powell — who admitted Nike and Adidas did a great job with each of their efforts — believes both inherently are about motivating athletes to persevere in the face of adversity.

“The Adidas commercial was much more about athletes, not necessarily superstars. The Nike spot was much more about really well known stars, but Nike focused solely on women, and to some extent, they were also making a statement politically as well,” Powell told FN. “Frankly, Nike could have absolutely run the Adidas spot and put Nike at the end of it, and it would have been pretty consistent with their message as well.”

Though both campaigns have been celebrated, Marc Beckman, chief executive officer of marketing agency DMA United, believes Nike’s ad has the edge when it comes to the message that was delivered.

“I believe it effectively elevates one on the brand’s core values: overcoming adversity,” Beckman said. “The creators of the campaign did a masterful job at highlighting what every athlete confronts every single day: the power of your mind.”

He continued, “Nike did a great job and addressing this issue: the individual competing with herself to overcome mental obstacles. I love it.”

The most glaring difference between the two is casting, with Nike opting for an all-woman cast of renowned athletes and a voiceover by Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii, and Adidas including both men and women throughout.

Despite this, Powell believes both actually hit a wide range of consumers.

“The Adidas spot was great, they took a much broader view. In the case of Nike, they’re trying to uplift women specifically. And l think they’re also trying to make, in a sense, a political statement in a time when women are probably going to see more rights taken away and there’s a general attitude that women are somehow inferior to men,” Powell explained. “I [also] think the demographic [for Nike’s ad] extends well beyond women. My son has two daughters and this matters a lot to him, what happens of women in sports, as an example. It’s broader than just women.”

Though both ads were well received, Beckman did question the timing of Nike’s reveal.

“Not sure why Nike would launch this campaign featuring elite female athletes during the NFL main event. It would make more sense during the NBA All-Star Weekend,” he said. “Predictably, Nike purchased media for NBA All-Star, too.”

Powell, however, believes both Nike and Adidas nailed it.

“I think Nike was sending a very clear statement that we’re back. Nike’s message was, ‘We’re back on offense.’ And I think that’s an important message for them to be sending right now. Those Super Bowl spots are millions and millions of dollars, but they get a ton of attention. The mentions of that spot over the last couple of days, and even before the Super Bowl, the spot was getting mentions. There’s a tremendous amount of PR value to being on the Super Bowl.”

He continued, “In the case of Adidas, we’re sort of in a quiet time just before the [NBA] All-Star Game. It’s a great time to come out with something in a relative lull in the marketing that seems to be incessant. It sets them up well for All-Star, which is not the event that it used to be, but is still important.”

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

Feb. 12, 2025: Children’s shoe brand Jbrds has announced the formation of an advisory board, welcoming industry leaders Michael Browne, Phil MacMillan, and Becca Brown. According to Jbrds, Browne’s 25 years of experience at Adidas will be used to help bolster its efforts to streamline operations and enhance the company’s ability to deliver high-quality products to customers worldwide. As for MacMillan, his expertise spans industries from retail to consumer goods and in making homegrown brands like Herschel into household names. Brown is the former co-founder of Solemates, a global leader in footwear accessories featured on “Shark Tank.” She is an expert in building product-focused businesses that resonate with consumers. “As Jbrds enters a new phase of growth, we are honored to welcome industry leaders Michael, Phil, and Becca to our advisory board,” Mike Gugat, co-founder and chief executive officer of Jbrds, said. “Their combined expertise and proven leadership will convert to invaluable advice that will drive progress as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings to meet the needs of modern parents and their children.”

Feb. 5, 2025: Drew Villani has joined Timberland as global creative director of marketing.  In this role, Timberland said that Villani will be responsible for bringing the footwear brand’s creative vision to life across all aspects of brand marketing, including art direction, photography, store design, styling, and video production.  Villani brings extensive experience and creativity to this role, having worked with several luxury fashion brands—most recently as senior director of global creative at Calvin Klein.

Feb. 4, 2025: Cotopaxi has made a pair of leadership hires. Craig Rowley is now the company’s chief marketing officer and Sara Westbrook has been named senior vice president of product and merchandising. In his role, Rowley — who previously worked for REI Co-op — will be tasked with for steering its marketing strategy, according to Cotopaxi, “with a sharp focus on elevating the brand’s presence across all consumer touchpoints. As for Westbrook — whose experience includes Marine Layer, J. Crew and Athleta — she will lead its product strategy, “guiding the development of innovative, unique outdoor gear and apparel that reflects the brand’s purpose and its customers’ evolving needs.” Aside from the new hires, Cotopaxi announced founder Stephan Jacob — who has held the chief operating officer and chief technology officer roles for the past 10 years — is transitioning into a chief global/business development officer role. The company stated he will oversee its growth in Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America, as well as corporate and marketplace channels.

Jan. 31, 2025: OrthoLite has named Pankaj Kumar its commercial director for OrthoLite India. The industry leading insole manufacturer stated Kumar will promote and expand OrthoLite India’s commercial activity “with a focus on providing comfort solutions and delivering OrthoLite’s high standards” to its global brand partners manufacturing in India. “Throughout Pankaj’s career, he has delivered outstanding results with renowned organizations such as Coats, 3M and ICI. We look forward to the invaluable contributions he will make in his new role as Commercial Director at OrthoLite India,” OrthoLite India general manager Vikash Bajargyan said in a statement.

Jan. 21, 2025: Birkenstock has named Ivica Krolo as chief financial officer of the Birkenstock Group, effective Feb. 1. He will succeed Dr. Erik Massmann, who will step down from his duties as of Jan. 31 and will actively support the handover process to ensure a seamless transition, the company said. What’s more, Birkenstock noted that Massmann and Krolo will jointly present the first fiscal quarter 2025 financial results during the conference call scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20. Krolo joins the Birkenstock Group from EMH Partners, a growth investment firm that invests in owner-managed technology companies, where he has served as partner and CFO since 2015. Prior to this, Krolo was a certified public auditor and manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he focused on auditing and advising listed and mid-sized companies, and, before that, an audit manager and tax consultant at Mazars, a global professional services network providing audit and assurance, tax, advisory and consulting services.

Jan. 8, 2025: Genesco, the parent company of Journeys and Schuh, has named Kyle Polischuk as its new chief human resources officer. In this newly created role, Polischuk will oversee Genesco’s HR initiatives, including talent management and recruitment, leadership development, performance management, employee engagement and total rewards. Polischuk will report to Mimi Vaughn, Genesco’s board chair, president and chief executive officer, and will serve on the company’s executive management committee. Polischuk joins Genesco from Rue Gilt Group, where she was responsible for the company’s people and talent strategy and its connection to business goals. Prior to Rue Gilt, she held various leadership roles, including as chief human resources officer, at J. Jill. “Kyle’s strategic leadership and exceptional track record building dynamic organizations, developing talent, and promoting strong cultures will make a tremendous impact to Genesco,” Vaughn said. “Her rich knowledge of retail and digital commerce, along with her ability to cultivate innovative and results driven teams will support our growth strategies and help drive shareholder value.”

Nov. 25, 2024: Hari Mari has hired Kate White as its new chief merchandising officer. In this newly created position, White will help lead Hari Mari’s launch of its spring 2025 line, including new styles and categories of sandals, apparel and accessories, starting in February. Hari Mari’s expanding its retail presence in 2025 to include notable store names like Nordstrom, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Free People, among many. Prior to joining Hari Mari, White worked as the head of commercial merchandising for North America and Europe at Fossil Group, where she led cross-functional teams in shaping product strategies and executing go-to-market initiatives for brands like Armani, Diesel, Fossil, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors and Tory Burch. “I’m thrilled about the opportunity to contribute to Hari Mari’s mission of delivering premium materials, bold designs, and unparalleled comfort,” White said in a statement. “Collaborating with the talented team to drive continued product innovation is an exciting prospect, and I look forward to elevating the brand’s impact in the market and ensuring each step forward is a memorable one.”

Oct. 18, 2024: Baffin has hired Austin Sedlbauer as its new lead designer. Sedlbauer joins Baffin after a successful tenure as lead designer at Cougar Shoes, which was just acquired by Pajar Canada. With extensive experience in footwear design and a strong understanding of materials and consumer preferences, Sedlbauer is set to elevate Baffin’s already robust product line. His role will be pivotal in refining the brand’s design philosophy and ensuring that Baffin remains at the forefront of technical advancements and market trends. “Welcoming Austin to our team is not just a strategic move; his historical ties reinforce our legacy,” Mark Hubner, senior vice-president at Baffin, said. “The experience and innovative vision he brings will lend a fresh perspective to our product offerings, strengthening our market position. We are excited to see how his leadership will drive technical advancements and elevate our design aesthetics as we look to the future.”

Oct. 15, 2024: Footasylum has made two executive moves. The UK-based retailer appointed Will Van Rensburg as chief commercial officer and Glen Wilkinson as senior buying director. These appointments follow the arrival of David Pujolar as CEO in March 2024. Since joining, Pujolar has realigned the organization and strengthened its executive leadership team. Van Rensburg brings a wealth of experience from key leadership roles at prominent retailers, including Clarks Ltd, Under Armour, PVH, and Aldi. With extensive expertise in both international and UK omnichannel retailing, Van Rensburg is well-versed in all retail channels, including stores, e-commerce, wholesale, and franchising. He has also successfully implemented loyalty programs in previous roles. In his position as chief commercial officer, he will oversee the commercial operations of the business and play a pivotal role in executing the company’s strategy to drive future growth and development. Wilkinson brings over 25 years of industry knowledge, having held senior roles at companies including New Balance, Reebok, and most recently AW LAB. With extensive international expertise and a proven track record in the USA, UK, Netherlands, and Italy, Wilkinson will play a crucial role in advancing Footasylum’s buying strategy in collaboration with the company’s chief product officer.

Sept. 13, 2024: JD Sports Fashion Plc has appointed Prama Bhatt as a non-executive director on its board, effective Sept. 23, 2024. Bhatt, who spent several years at companies Kenneth Cole Productions, Toys R Us and Ulta Beauty Inc., will join the nominations committee and the remuneration committee. “Following the acquisition of Hibbett Inc. earlier this year and recommendations made as part of the Board’s recent external evaluation, the Board undertook a thorough search process, led by the Nominations Committee and using an external search firm, to recruit a US based Non-Executive Director to add that perspective and insight to Board discussions,” said board chair Andrew Higginson in a statement. “Prama brings a wealth of relevant experience to the Board and, in particular, a deep understanding of the U.S. retail landscape. “

Aug. 13, 2024: Nonprofit relief organization Soles4Souls has named Joe Njoroge as its new chief financial officer. He replaces Robert Adams-Ghee, who passed away in March after a sudden illness. Njoroge previously served as CFO of nonprofit Climate Central, Inc. and CFO of American Friends Service Committee. “After an intense, nationwide search where hundreds of talented people applied for the CFO role, we believe Joe is the right person at the right time,” said Soles4Souls president and chief executive officer Buddy Teaster. “As we grow to serve more people to achieve our $1 billion of economic impact goal, Joe’s global perspective and deep financial expertise will ensure we do that in the most responsible, effective way possible. He’s going to be an amazing addition to the S4S team!”

Aug. 7, 2024: Designer Brands Inc. has named John W. Atkinson to its board of directors, effective Aug. 1, 2024. He was a member of the audit committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee and is a retired audit partner from KPMG’s Cincinnati office. “John will be a valuable addition to the Designer Brands Board, and our leadership team looks forward to his insights,” said DBI chief executive officer Doug Howe in a statement. “We remain fully focused on continuous improvement, both in our organization’s agility and in the profitability of our overall business. John brings deep retail and financial expertise that we expect to deliver quick and lasting impact on those goals.”

Aug. 5, 2024: Adidas executive board member for global operations Martin Shankland is leaving the company after 27 years, effective Aug. 10, 2024. Senior vice president of sourcing Hoa Ly will oversee sourcing operations at Adidas and chief financial officer Harm Ohlmeyer will oversee supply chain and tech. “On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I would like to congratulate Martin on his career at our company and thank him for his passion, commitment, and leadership throughout the past 27 years. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors,” said Thomas Rabe, chairman of the supervisory board of Adidas.

July 24, 2024: Recovery footwear company Oofos has tapped Erin Flynn to serve as its new head of sales. A 20-year footwear veteran, Flynn has worked at companies such as Adidas, Fila and Saucony. “By pioneering a category that’s disrupting the footwear industry, setting the standard for product innovation to fuel active recovery for athletes and the broader population, and living a brand ethos that positively impacts millions of lives through initiatives such as Project Pink and the Pan Mass Challenge, Oofos demonstrates every day that profits and purpose truly can co-exist,” said Flynn in a statement.

July 18, 2024: Allbirds has named Jason Israel as its vice president of design, reporting to chief design officer Adrian Nyman. Israel most recently worked at Salomon as global creative director. Both Israel and Nyman will work with color and materials leader Ailsa Cordon-Michell, who also recently joined the sustainable shoe company. “We are thrilled to have Jason join our design team at this pivotal time for Allbirds, when product and storytelling are paramount to our return to growth,” said Allbirds chief executive officer Joe Vernachio in a statement. “He is already bringing a passion for beautiful and innovative design to the business. We look forward to benefiting from his expertise as we focus on our new product strategy that builds upon Allbirds’ core product franchises.”

July 2, 2024: Authentic Brands Group has named Jeff Daggett as its senior vice president, head of Japan. In this role, Daggett will bolster the brand house’s presence and growth in the Japanese market. He previously worked brands such as Gap, Levi’s, Nike and Vodafone. “Jeff’s extensive industry experience and proven track record make him an ideal leader to drive Authentic’s expansion across Japan,” said Authentic’s regional president, APAC, Wesley Chu. “We are excited to welcome his strategic vision and comprehensive understanding of the market, which will not only enhance the visibility of our brands, but also fuel significant growth across this pivotal market.”

May 2, 2024: Columbia Sportswear Co. has hired Michael Minter as the vice president of brand for Sorel. Minter began assumed the role on April 29. Most recently, Minter served as the chief marketing officer at Reef, according to his LinkedIn. Minter has roughly 20 years of industry experience, including stops at Sanuk, Billabong, Keen and DC.

May 2, 2024: Authentic Brands Group has named Bruno Pedroso de Almeida as vice president, head of Brazil. In his new role, Pedroso de Almeida will spearhead and drive the execution of the brand’s go-to-market strategies throughout the region, accelerating growth and expanding Authentic’s footprint in Brazil. Pedroso de Almeida brings a wealth of experience in brand development and distribution, with an impressive track record spanning more than 20 years. Prior to joining Authentic, he held key leadership roles, most recently at VF Central and South America, where he played a pivotal role in devising and executing strategic distribution partnerships that enhanced the company’s presence across various markets and channels.

May 2, 2024: Resale marketplace Thredup has hired Florin Filote as its new general manager of Europe overseeing European business operations. He succeeds Dan DeMeyere, who will now oversee the U.S. business as chief product and technology officer after running the international business for two years. Filote held several leadership roles at Baltics and Pigu Hobby Hall Group before joining Thredup.

April 30, 2024: K-Swiss is continuing to add to its talent roster as the company works to execute its turnaround plan under Barney Waters, who returned to the brand as brand president at the end of 2023. The talent joining K-Swiss’ roster is Ain Smith as the new senior director of marketing, Joe Guido as the new VP of operations, and Sameer Walia, Tim Keehan, and Lisa Palma as new wholesale representatives for the West Coast, Southeast, and Northeast regions. “With 60 K-Swiss stores in China, and counting, our owners XTEP are bringing their extensive resources to the product table, so we are seeing huge leaps in product design and innovation,” Waters said. “Product and people are the keys to our growth, and so these recent hires will ensure we have the right team to bring the new product to life.”

April 30, 2024: Wolverine Worldwide has tapped Dave Latchana as chief legal officer and corporate secretary. In this role, he will have oversight of the company’s legal, compliance, corporate communications, risk management, ESG and security and loss prevention functions. Latchana has been at Wolverine Worldwide for nearly 16 years, joining the company in 2008 as corporate counsel. He then served as associate general counsel and assistant secretary, working closely with the company’s management team and board of directors across a broad range of legal and business issues. Latchana next spent three years as vice president of executive compensation, global benefits and corporate communications from 2021 to 2024, and since January 2024 he has been interim general counsel. “I am honored to be named chief legal officer and corporate secretary at such an important time, and to continue growing my career here at Wolverine Worldwide,” Latchana said in a statement. “We have an outstanding portfolio of brands and a high-performance, collaborative culture, with exceptional teams and best in class centers of excellence.”

March 21, 2024: Kenneth Cole Productions has promoted Samantha Cohen to chief marketing and social impact officer. Cohen’s extensive experience overseeing communications, social impact, influencer marketing, collaborations, social strategy, and paid media positions her perfectly to spearhead the brand’s mission forward, the company said in a statement. “Sam’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental at Kenneth Cole for over 20-plus years,” the company said. “She is someone who embodies the spirit of a brand that has stood for social impact as much as fashion for 40 years. She has already led the team at Kenneth Cole through countless milestone projects including product category launches, book tours, fashion shows, major social impact campaigns and the launch of the Mental Health Coalition, to name just a few. We are truly inspired by her vision to foster brand growth and make a positive impact on the world.”

March 19, 2024: Academy Sports and Outdoors has appointed Google executive Monique Picou to its board of directors, effective immediately. With this change, Academy’s board now comprises ten directors. Picou has over 30 years of supply chain, logistics, strategic planning, operations digital/technology, and engineering experience. She currently serves as global executive vice president of Google Cloud supply chain and operations at Alphabet, Inc. Prior to Alphabet, Picou served in leadership positions at Walmart, Inc., Voyant Beauty, LLC and Procter & Gamble Company. “We are pleased to have Monique join our board,” Ken Hicks, Executive chairman of Academy, said in a statement. “Monique brings extensive experience in supply chain, logistics, and strategic planning at large technology, retail and manufacturing companies. Her expertise will be a great asset as we leverage and scale our supply chain to enable industry-leading growth.”

March 18, 2024: Fleet Feet has announced a series of new hires, expanded roles and promotions. Stuart Williams, who previously served as vice president and chief information officer of grocery chain The Fresh Market, joined the retailer as its vice president of IT, a newly created role. Also, Melissa Gabriele, whose prior experience includes Gap Inc. and American Eagle Outfitters, was named director of apparel and accessories, another newly created role. Aside from the new hires, Fleet Feet expanded the role of John Moloznik, vice president of business development, to include franchise operations. Lastly, Tiffany Lee, formerly the director of marketing and media, was promoted to senior director of performance marketing and partnerships, and Sarah Holden was promoted to director of human resources, an expansion of her prior role of senior manager of human resources.

March 15, 2024: Industry veteran Clyde Edwards, who is approaching 8 years at Puma, has transitioned into a new role, the brand confirmed with FN. Edwards is now its director of marketing — brand energy and partnerships, a newly created role. His career started at Puma as its senior manager of marketing for city specialty in September 2016.

March 13, 2024: Foot Locker Inc. has announced Cindy Carlisle has its next executive vice president and chief human resources officer. According to Foot Locker, Carlisle will be tasked with developing and executing its global human resources strategy in support of the its Lace Up Plan, which is “a transformation designed to drive the organization’s next phase of growth and create value for all stakeholders.” Prior to Foot Locker, Carlisle served as the group vice president of human resources at Stryker Corporation. She has also held leadership positions at Roche Group and Johnson & Johnson.

March 8, 2024: Giovanna Ceolini was confirmed as president of Assocalzaturifici, the national association representing Italian shoemakers, until June 2027 on Thursday. According to Ceolini, she will be focused on sustainability, digitalization, innovation, made in Italy, and tertiary as drivers for the development of the sector, with a focus on training to make footwear an attractive sector for young people. Other objectives include the enhancement of third-party companies, better known as CDMOs (contract development and manufacturing organizations). Support will also be given to trade fair policies starting with MICAM Milan. “We have a challenging job ahead of us,” Ceolini said. “We have to respond to a conjuncture that is not easy, in a geopolitical framework dominated by uncertainty, with initiatives and projects that support our companies in international markets. Today, more than ever, it is important to put the interests of the industry, and therefore our association, back at the center. We can do this by returning to frank and constructive dialogue and confrontation. In this I will not be alone but supported by a team composed of professionals of undoubted value.”

March 5, 2024: UK-based footwear retailer Schuh has tapped Stephanie Legg as chief marketing officer and Justin Lodge as chief digital officer with immediate effect. According to the Genesco-owned retailer, these new additions to the leadership team will be “pivotal” in Schuh’s ambition to be an “unrivalled destination” for socially conscious students, Gen-Z and the next Generation Alpha. After spending ten years at Arcadia leading the digital marketing and brand marketing teams, Legg has more recently sat on the leadership teams at innovative digital platforms Laybuy, Threads Styling and Collagerie. In her role, she will lead the marketing, partnerships and PR departments at Schuh. Lodge’s previous roles include chief marketing officer at Superdry, where he was responsible for the strategy and execution of digital channels, and international director at Boohoo.com, where he expanded the Boohoo Group brand into international markets. Lodge’s remit at Schuh includes digital marketing, CRM, digital trading and UX. Both Legg and Lodge join the existing five members of the Schuh leadership team, including Schuh president Colin Temple.

Feb. 8, 2024: Luxury resale marketplace RealReal has tapped Ajay Gopal as its chief financial officer, effective March 18. Gopal most recently served as the CFO of Outside Interactive and has also served in the top financial role at Good Eggs, Helix and StubHub. The RealReal has also named board member Karen Katz, the former chief executive officer of Neiman Marcus Group, as its new chairperson of its board of directors, effective Feb. 20. “I’m thrilled to welcome Ajay to The RealReal,” said John Koryl, CEO of The RealReal in a statement. “Not only does Ajay have robust experience in high-growth and transformative businesses, but his diverse background and experience across eCommerce and two-sided marketplaces is invaluable as The RealReal continues its drive toward profitability.”

Feb. 8, 2024: Manolo Blahnik has named Jodie Blake as chief marketing officer, effective immediately. In her new role, Blake will be responsible for delivering and executing the global communications strategy for the brand under the direction of Manolo Blahnik himself and CEO, Kristina Blahnik. Blake joined Manolo Blahnik in 2019 as head of marketing and communications. During this time, she was responsible for overseeing the London head office communications department comprising of content, marketing and events, and press and VIP divisions. She worked closely with former CMO, Carla Filmer, on the planning and execution of brand strategy and on creative activations in global territories excluding North America and Canada. Prior to her time at Manolo Blahnik, Blake held the position of head of marketing and communications at Self-Portrait, the contemporary womenswear brand based in London. Her previous roles included senior account director at the luxury communications agency, The Communications Store, where she led the UK and global PR strategies for brands including Erdem, Emilia Wickstead, Max Mara, Oscar de la Renta, Pinterest, and The Conran Shop.

Feb. 8, 2024: Puma has named Julie Legrand as its senior director of global brand strategy. The 20-year brand management and marketing veteran most recently served as H&M’s global brand director. The appointment comes as Puma looks to shift its global marketing function from Boston to its headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany. “With Julie, we have found an experienced leader to head up PUMA’s global brand strategy,” said Puma’s vice president of brand and marketing Richard Teyssier. “She will define and execute our strategy to drive higher brand visibility and strengthen the PUMA brand and its perception around the world.”

Feb. 7, 2024: Italian outdoor footwear brand Olang has named Davide Calcagnotto as its new general manager. In his new role, Calcagnotto will support the founder, Armando Sartor, with the aim of outlining a strategic development plan for the next few years. Calcagnotto joins Olang from fellow outdoor shoe brand Garmont International, where he served as chief operating officer since 2021. “I accepted this new challenge with enthusiasm, convinced by Olang’s potential,” Calcagnotto said in a statement. “The product is a leader in the winter season, but I am sure there will be important growth opportunities in terms of new markets, range and distribution channels. I thank the Sartor family for their trust, and I look forward to working with the team to achieve ambitious goals.” Sartor added: “Despite the passion and creativity being the same as always, my age required decisions, bringing Davide into the company to facilitate the generational transition was the natural plan. The family will remain involved at the forefront of management with my daughters Micaela and Francesca and my brother Ferruccio, but we have chosen to forward the company towards the future by entrusting new leadership. Continuity, evolution and expansion will be the cornerstones of the project.”

Feb. 2, 2024: Under Armour has named Kevin Ross as its new senior vice president, managing director of Europe, Middle East and Africa. He joins from Yeti, where he served as managing director of international since 2021. Before that, he spent nine years at Under Armour in various roles, culminating as vice president of global product creation. “We are thrilled to welcome Kevin back to Under Armour. His experience leading growth strategy and business operations in the region gives me great confidence that he will continue to harness the momentum that we’ve been able to establish in EMEA,” said Stephanie Linnartz, chief executive officer and president of Under Armour.

Jan. 26, 2024: Two Ten Footwear Foundation has named a new board chair and vice chair. President and CEO of New Balance Joe Preston succeeds president and CEO of Birkenstock USA David Kahan as board chair. President of Aldo product services Jonathan Frankel has become board vice chair. Two Ten also welcomed six new board members in the back half of 2023. They are: Zappos.com senior director of merchandising Kathy Forstadt, Skechers VP of sales Christina Gigante, SVP and GMM of Finish Line at Macy’s Ronnie Jefferson, EVP and GMM of Nordstrom shoes and kids apparel Tacey Powers, chairman and CEO of Steve Madden Ed Rosenfeld and Jennet Chow, founder and Co-CEO of Evolution Design Lab and Jellypop Shoes.

Jan. 23, 2024: Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) has named Seth Stern as the company’s SVP of sales. In this role, Stern will be responsible for overseeing the APL wholesale channel globally. Stern brings over 20 years of sales executive experience in the footwear industry with major brands such as Vans, Toms and several other footwear companies. In this new role at APL, he will help develop the wholesale channel both in the USA and internationally as part of the overall APL global strategy utilizing direct-to-consumer, company-owned retail flagship stores and wholesale distribution to drive growth. “We are thrilled to welcome Seth to the APL team and look forward to our curated expansion within the wholesale channel, in addition to our exceptional direct-to-consumer online and retail flagship store business,” Adam and Ryan Goldston, co-founders and co-CEOs of APL, said in a joint statement.

Jan. 18, 2024: Michael Fiddelke, Target’s CFO since 2019, has been announced as the company’s new chief operating officer, effective Feb. 4. He will continue to serve as CFO until a successor is named. Target also announced that its chief legal and compliance officer Don Liu will be retiring. The company said it will share details regarding its search for a replacement later this year. Once a successor is named, Liu will serve as a strategic advisor with Target through 2025.

Jan. 17, 2024: Perry Ellis International has tapped Michael Miille as its new creative director. In this role, Miille will spearhead the design and creative vision for Perry Ellis and Original Penguin by Munsingwear brands. Prior to joining Perry Ellis International, Miille held key positions at PVH and Ralph Lauren to name a few, where he successfully led creative teams. “Michael’s passion for design and his ability to capture the essence of modern style align perfectly with the values and vision of Perry Ellis International,” Oscar Feldenkreis, president and CEO of Perry Ellis International, said in a statement. “We are confident that his unique perspective will elevate both brands and resonate with a diverse audience.”

Jan. 16, 2024: Academy Sports and Outdoors has named Chad Fox to a newly created role of executive vice president and chief customer officer. In this role, Fox will oversee omnichannel, marketing, customer insights, and customer care. Fox will report directly to Steve Lawrence, CEO of the company. Before joining Academy, Fox served as SVP and chief marketing officer at Dollar General, where he led the brand strategy, marketing, media and digital teams and was responsible for strengthening the voice of the customer, generating increased traffic, improving customer engagement, and leading the in-house retail media network. Prior to Dollar General, Fox was VP of retail marketing with Walmart, where he guided marketing and media activities across all merchandising categories, seasonal events, and digital products and services. Fox also held leadership roles at Tyson Foods and The Richards Group.

Jan. 11, 2024: The Columbia Sportswear Co. board of directors has appointed Charles Denson to serve as a director and member of its audit committee. Denson is the president and CEO of advisory and consulting firm Anini Vista Advisors, and he held various positions at Nike Inc. from 1979-2014, including president of the Nike brand from 2001 to 2014. Currently, Denson is the chairman of the board of directors of Funko Inc., a role he has held since 2017, and serves as director of FAH LLC.

Jan. 4, 2023: After 13 years away from the brand, Gabriel Rodriguez has returned to Brooks. Rodriguez, who previously worked for Brooks from 2007-2010 as a field marketing representative, has been named its new VP of apparel and accessories. In the role, Rodriguez will be tasked with leading apparel and accessories design, development, product management and merchandising for Brooks’ global business. Rodriguez has spent the last 13 years at Under Armour, holding several leadership positions, most recently serving as the director of apparel for run.

Jan. 4, 2024: Luís Onofre has been re-elected president of APICCAPS (Portuguese Footwear, Components, Leather Goods Manufacturers’ Association) for a new three-year term. The businessman heads a single list, made up of a team of 26 businessmen, who will be in charge – for the next three years – of the national business association, based in Porto and founded in 1975, that represents the entire footwear sector in Portugal (footwear industry, footwear components industry, leather goods industry and trade of equipment for the industries). Joaquim Moreira will chair the general meeting and Domingos Ferreira the supervisory board. In the next term, “we will have a strengthened team of businessmen leading APICCAPS,” emphasized Onofre. “Together, we will try to implement what we have proposed in the strategic plan, with a focus on actions related to the internationalization of our companies. At a time when global economies are still experiencing very modest economic growth, our ability to reach new markets and customers and move into higher value-added segments will be critical.”

Nineteen years ago, Derek Curry opened his first Sneaker Politics store in the Louisiana city. Now, with multiple locations both within the state and in Texas, the storeowner has decided to elevate the experience in the place where his business started.

“We wanted to give something back to the city that has done so much for me,” Curry told FN. “I have been planning this new location for the last three years and it’s so amazing to see it finally come to life.”

Sneaker Politics has opened a new Lafayette store, which is located at 4533 Johnston St. The store is located in The Forum, an 8.44-acre commercial mixed-use and multifamily development, which was also founded by Curry. (Sneaker Politics has now closed its previous Lafayette store.)

The new Sneaker Politics store spans two floors and consumes 3,300 square feet of real estate. In store, consumers can expect the curated selection of footwear that Sneaker Politics has become known for, as well as its inline apparel collections for men, women and kids.

The new store features concrete plaster and blackened metal throughout, and was created with “a monolithic design aesthetic” from the facade to the interior, which the retailer stated “creates a powerful sense of unity and seamlessness.” This consistent design language not only creates a sense of discovery for customers, according to the retailer, but it also the minimalist backdrop also allows for the merchandise “to take center stage.”

Also, the store’s acoustical cloud ceiling has two purposes. Not only does it manage sound reverberation during events and when music is played every day, Sneaker Politics stated with the integration of linear LED lighting, there is a “depth and visual interest” that is created, as well as a “visual guidance” that draws consumer eyes toward key areas or product categories.

The store opening was made possible by consistent sales growth over the years. In 2024, despite industry-wide economic headwinds, Curry confirmed Sneaker Politics saw a 6 percent year-over-year increase.

“The state of retail is in a strange place currently, but our team has been making changes to still have wins in this climate,” Curry said. “[2024 was] our slowest growing year, but in the economy we were operating in, I was extremely happy with that number.”

Although this is the newest Sneaker Politics door, expansion is in the works. Curry confirmed with FN that a Houston location will debut this summer, and he is hoping to break ground “in the next month” on its Dallas headquarters.

“It’s a very exciting year for the brand,” he said.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

Jordan Brand confirmed with FN that Mache designed the “Unbannable” Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Bred” cleats that Hurts wore before the start of Super Bowl 2025.

“It’s big for me, given how many guys in the league I’ve been fortunate enough to work with during the regular season. But when it comes to the Super Bowl, you’re given the opportunity to have your work be seen in the biggest stage possible,” Mache told FN. “Jordan Brand came to me with two minutes left in the fourth quarter to help them continue this ‘You Can’t Ban Greatness’ campaign with one of the most popular football players on their roster and I was beyond ready. Just gives me one more opportunity to prove I belong here.”

Mache told FN that Jordan Brand chief design officer Jason Mayden contacted him roughly two weeks ago for a “quick turnaround custom” that carried the “Unbannable” story through the Super Bowl. “The main challenge was trying to figure out how to make these different for the big moment since they’ve released ‘Bred’ Jordan 1 cleats in the past,” Mache explained.

Breaking down the cleat’s design, Mache said he opted for a glossy “Banned” bar over the Swoosh branding for contrast “you could see from afar.” These black rectangles are reminiscent of Nike’s “Banned” Air Jordan 1 marketing that dates back to 1985. Also, Mache stated Jordan Brand came up with the “Unbannable” graphic for the heels, and that he added “You Can’t Ban Greatness” to the sockliners.

Mache has customized sneakers for more than 20 years, and his client list includes The Rock, Jay-Z, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Curry, LeBron James and countless others. In July 2020, Mache revealed the first-ever shoe of his own design, the Mache Runner. And in June 2023, he revealed his second shoe, the Mache Runner v2.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.