Nike has launched a platform called SneakerLab, an innovation focused group that is described as “a small group of passionate designers, technologists and sneaker freaks who are always looking for new ways to make shoes more personal and meaningful. We specialize in bringing new technologies to life in the sneaker market, leveraging our 50+ years of experience in footwear, fashion and technology.”
The group’s first project is titled “5 x 5,” which speaks to the five individuals SneakerLab has partnered with on five shoe designs each. The first round of people tapped for the project are creative director Ruba Abu-Nimah, entrepreneur Saada Ahmed, creative director Gene Lu, illustrator Kevin Lyons and Leon Witherow each of which has designed five shoes reflective of their backgrounds and passions.
One of Ahmed’s shoes (above), for example, is a Nike Air Force 1 “Black Power.” On the shoe, Ahmed said, “I wanted to create a shoe that celebrated the black diaspora. In the current climate, “black power” is seen as an aggressive front, when it’s really about positivity. My design reflects that.”
Each shoe is available for purchase, but the catch is that the purchase must be made, you guessed it, within five days of the launch. And yes, the site includes a countdown clock.
Check out our favorite shoe for each designer below and view more at sneaker-lab.com
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