Pringles x Crocs Designed A Pair of Playful Boots That Looks Like a Sore Thumb

Welcome to Sneaker Sunday on Yanko Design! Today, we’re diving into a wild and wacky collaboration that will make you smile. Crocs has teamed up with Pringles to create a collection that’s both fun and practical, guaranteed to get people talking. Let’s break down the design details and see what makes this collection pop.

Designers: Pringles x Crocs

First, let’s kick things off with the Pringles x Crocs boots. These boots are a playful mix of functionality and fun, designed to grab attention. The primary color is a versatile chill beige, which pairs well with almost anything in your wardrobe. But Crocs and Pringles didn’t stop there—they added bold red accents that scream, “Hey, look at me!” The Pringles logo is prominently displayed on the cuff and the side pocket, giving these boots a snack-tastic vibe. If you don’t mind sticking out like a sore thumb (pun intended), these boots are perfect for you!

PRINGLES X CROCS CLASSIC CRUSH BOOT

The structure of these boots is something else entirely. The chunky sole means business, ready to handle all your adventures while keeping you comfortable. And those signature Crocs holes on the upper? They’re perfect for breathability, ensuring your feet stay cool and comfy all day long. The materials used blend the classic cushy Crocs foam with a sturdier upper, giving you the best of both worlds—comfort and style.

Now, let’s talk about that quirky little pocket on the side, because it’s more than just for show. It’s actually practical, perfect for stashing small items or just adding a bit of playful flair to your look. The pocket is even designed to hold a can of Pringles, making it a functional and fun addition. The red cuff adds more than just a pop of color. It’s padded, ensuring your legs stay cozy and comfy, adding an extra layer of comfort and style.

Style-wise, these boots blend streetwear trends with Crocs’ casual comfort. They’re perfect for anyone who loves to make a bold impression while keeping things comfy. The neutral beige base keeps things versatile, while the red highlights ensure you’re not blending into the background. Whether running errands or hanging out with friends, these boots will ensure you do it in style.

Next, the Pringles x Crocs Classic Clog, which comes in mismatched pairs of bright green, blue, red, and orange. These colorways are perfect for those who can’t choose just one favorite flavor. The glossy finish on these clogs makes the colors pop, ensuring they catch everyone’s eye.

Pringles x Crocs Classic Clog

Each shoe is adorned with exclusive Pringles Jibbitz charms, including the iconic Pringles can and Mr. P’s mustache, adding a playful touch to the already vibrant design. With its shiny finish, the green clog gives off a refreshing vibe reminiscent of Pringles’ sour cream and onion flavor, while the blue one feels cool and bold, like the original flavor. The red and orange pairs are equally eye-catching, with the red clog giving off a spicy vibe, perhaps nodding to the hot and spicy Pringles, and the orange one being bright and lively, perfect for cheese lovers.

The puffy heel strap mimics Mr. P’s iconic mustache, offering a unique style feature while providing a secure fit. This detail adds to the fun aesthetic and enhances the functionality by ensuring the clogs stay securely on your feet. The black strap contrasts nicely with the bright colors, adding a bit of edge to the playful design.

These clogs are incredibly light and fun to wear. They are water-friendly, buoyant, and weigh only ounces, making them perfect for various activities. Ventilation ports add breathability and help shed water and debris, ensuring your feet stay comfortable and dry. Plus, they’re easy to clean and quick to dry, which is always a bonus.

The Classic Clogs feature Iconic Crocs Comfort with lightweight, flexible, 360-degree comfort. The mismatched colors and fun charms make a bold statement, perfect for showing off your snack style. Whether at a beach, a pool party, or just out for a casual stroll, these clogs ensure you do it in style.

But let’s not forget the design elements that tie this entire collection together. The consistent use of bold, playful design elements and the iconic Pringles branding makes each piece instantly recognizable. From the chunky-soled boots to the colorful clogs and monochrome slides, this collection incorporates the familiar Crocs comfort and functionality while adding a unique, snack-inspired twist. The bright colors, fun charms, and clever use of the Pringles logo create a cohesive and unified look that’s both fun and fashionable.

The Pringles x Crocs collection also stands out for its versatility. Whether you’re into vibrant colors or prefer a more understated look, there’s something here for everyone. The mismatched clogs allow you to mix and match your favorite flavors, while the monochrome slides offer a more subtle yet equally playful option. This versatility ensures that there’s a pair of Pringles x Crocs for every occasion and every style.

In terms of branding, the collection does an excellent job of integrating the iconic Pringles imagery with the classic Crocs design. Using the Pringles logo and Mr. P’s mustache is clever and adds a unique touch to each piece. This seamless integration of branding and design makes the collection feel cohesive and well-thought-out rather than just a gimmicky collaboration.

The Pringles x Crocs collection has an overall feel of playful, fun, and casual comfort. Both brands have put a lot of thought into creating a collection that’s not only stylish but also practical and comfortable. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Crocs, a lover of Pringles, or just someone who appreciates fun and unique collaborations, this collection has something to offer.

In conclusion, the Pringles x Crocs collection is a delightful blend of fun, bold design, and practical comfort. From the chunky-soled boots to the vibrant clogs and playful slides, each piece is designed to make a bold impression while keeping you comfortable. Bold colors, fun charms, and clever branding create a cohesive and instantly recognizable look that’s perfect for showing off your snack style. So, if you want to add a touch of whimsy to your wardrobe, the Pringles x Crocs collection is worth checking out.

The post Pringles x Crocs Designed A Pair of Playful Boots That Looks Like a Sore Thumb first appeared on Yanko Design.

A Masterpiece Emerges from the Collaboration Between John Mayer and Audemars Piguet

In crafting the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition, Audemars Piguet redefines the concept of special timepieces, creating a category entirely on its own. This collaboration with John Mayer enhances the watch’s allure, blending his artistic sensibility with the brand’s commitment to innovation, passion, and a profound respect for the craft of watchmaking. The result is a timepiece that transcends traditional boundaries, emerging as a unique collector’s item and a demonstration of meticulous craftsmanship and aesthetic perfection. This collaboration secures its place as an iconic piece in the world of luxury watches.

Designer: Audemars Piguet + John Mayer

John Mayer brings a unique perspective to this partnership, channeling his creative flair and imaginative intuition into the creation of the watch. His approach mirrors his music philosophy—each element must resonate with emotion and depth, akin to a chord striking a soulful note. Each component of the watch is designed to reverberate with feeling, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the timepiece. Mayer’s favorite watches are those where the dial is not just observed but experienced, a concept that deeply influenced the design of the “Crystal Sky” dial. Describing it, he likens the watch’s face to a picture window—one looks through it into another world. In this case, the dial is a portal to a moonless, starlit sky, vast and boundlessly deep, offering a sense of the infinite and the eternal. This deep link between the dial’s design and the natural world transforms the watch from simply measuring time to reflecting the timeless expanse of the universe.

The dial is a masterpiece of design, featuring an embossed motif resembling a spread of irregularly shaped crystals. This choice is intentional, echoing the natural crystalline forms found in rock formations and ice, elements that transform under the weight of time itself. The texture adds visual depth and a tactile dimension that begs to be touched and closely inspected. Audemars Piguet used a precise electroforming process to achieve this intricate detail that constructs the dial’s motif atom by atom, reflecting the brand’s dedication to micro-mechanical innovation.

Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak “John Mayer” Limited Edition dial detail and self-winding Calibre 5134 movement

The watch’s technical specifications are equally impressive. The heart of the timepiece is the Manufacture’s self-winding Calibre 5134, a movement that maintains a slim profile despite its complexity, measuring just 4.3 mm in thickness. This calibre is an evolution of the Calibre 2120/2800, first launched in 1978 during the quartz crisis—a pivotal moment when mechanical watchmaking proved its enduring value against the rising tide of quartz technology. The Calibre 5134 adapted to a larger 41 mm case size while keeping the streamlined elegance that the Royal Oak is known for. This movement also features a perpetual calendar, one of the most poetic complications in watchmaking, which measures the time in a way that needs no adjustment for months of varying lengths or even leap years.

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition case is crafted from 18-carat white gold, matched with a bracelet of the same material. The use of white gold not only enriches the watch with luxe sophistication but also serves as the perfect canvas to highlight the striking blue “Crystal Sky” dial. While this quarter-million-dollar watch boasts a water resistance of 20 meters, I’d say it’s more for peace of mind than for actual deep-sea diving. After all, who really plans to test those limits with such a masterpiece on their wrist?

18-carat white gold matching bracelet

John Mayer’s passion for this watch is clearly evident through his words and deep involvement in the design process. He views the watch as a portal to a deeper experience and an artistic expression that invites contemplation and connection. “My favorite watches have dials that you can stare endlessly at,” Mayer explains. “A great watch dial feels like a picture window—you look into it, not at it. In the case of this QP, it’s like looking up at a moonless sky. There is a true sense of nature in it.” This reflection captures the watch’s essence, showing it as a canvas that reflects Mayer’s profound appreciation for the nuanced artistry of watchmaking.

Mayer’s engagement was comprehensive; he was involved in every decision, from choosing materials to refining the dial’s specific finish, to ensure that every aspect of the watch aligned with his aesthetic sensibilities. This dedication underscores how the watch goes beyond its functional role to serve as a canvas that mirrors his deep appreciation for the nuanced artistry of watchmaking. Every element of its design, informed by Mayer’s keen artistic eye, invites those who seek not just to tell time but to tell a story.

Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak “John Mayer” Limited Edition

Only 200 pieces of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition will be crafted, making it a rare collectible item for watch enthusiasts and Mayer fans alike. Each piece is a tribute to the legacy of the Calibre 5134 and a celebration of Audemars Piguet’s enduring dedication to excellence in design and functionality. This watch is a masterful blend of precise engineering and striking design, serving as a pinnacle of technical skill and a vivid expression of beauty. It embodies the seamless integration of form and function, where every component measures time and tells a story of artistic excellence.

The post A Masterpiece Emerges from the Collaboration Between John Mayer and Audemars Piguet first appeared on Yanko Design.

HAY x Herman Miller Collection transforms eight Eames classics into contemporary colorful versions

An interesting collaboration that recently grabbed all my attention is the HAY x Herman Miller collection. In an ode to HAY’s 20th anniversary this year, Herman Miller invited Rolf and Mette Hay to reinterpret the classic mid-century Eames pieces. The Danish design label transformed eight of the iconic Eames designs into contemporary colorful versions- that feature not only new shades but fresh materials as well.

Designer: HAY x Herman Miller

This collab was extremely meaningful for Rolf and Mette Hay since they’re both major fans of Herman Miller, and have admired the brand and the designers, Charles and Ray Eames,  for a long time. Since both brands incorporate playfulness and a sense of curiosity, they both merged and melded together effortlessly.

“They were very experimental in taking advantage of new technologies. And they were having fun. Since the inception of Hay, our goal has been to provide our customers with access to works by the best designers in the world – designers who understand that if you want to create a high-quality industrial design for the many, then you need to find smart ways of producing,” said Rolf.

The HAY x Herman Miller collection includes eight pieces – all of them maintain the quintessential Herman Miller essence with a fun and modern twist. “Being very familiar with the existing color range, my intention was to focus on looking ahead, instead of looking too far back,” said Mette Hay. The collection includes the ‘Eames Molded Plastic Chair’ (both with and without arms), the ‘Wire Chair’, ‘Wire Base Low Table’, the ‘Universal Base Round Table’, and ‘Hang It All’ coat rack. They’ve all been created in a variety of mesmerizing colors – toffee, iron red, indigo, mint green, powder pink, and powder yellow. Also, the Eames Molded Plastic Chair has been crafted from 100% post-industrial recycled plastic. Cast-glass was also used in some of the pieces.

The HAY x Herman Miller collection combines the iconic Eames design language, new materials, and refreshing colors to provide an invigorating makeover to an already loved and adored brand and its designs.

The post HAY x Herman Miller Collection transforms eight Eames classics into contemporary colorful versions first appeared on Yanko Design.

7-Eleven Crocs: Convenience Store Colab

Multi-national convenience store giant 7-Eleven has teamed up with Crocs to produce a line of branded footwear sporting the store’s iconic (but not necessarily tasteful) orange, red, and green logo colors. Those…wow, those are really something. They definitely stand out.

The collab footwear will be available in three styles: the 7-Eleven x Crocs Mega Crush Clog ($110), the 7-Eleven x Crocs Classic Clog ($70), and the 7-Eleven x Crocs Classic Sandal ($50). Of course, because they’re all in such high demand, you have to enter a drawing in order to win the right to buy a pair. And here I thought they’d set the prices so high that only the people who really wanted them would buy a pair. Boy, was I wrong?

Hey, different strokes for different folks — that’s what I have to remind myself. Granted, I’m not sure whose stroke these are or why, but to each their own. I’m not here to judge; I’m just here for a Slurpee and a Slim Jim.

[via FoodAndWine]

Andy Warhol and Herschel Supply Collection features Pop artist’s most popular prints

Andy Warhol Herschel Collaboration 4

Andy Warhol is perhaps the most famous artist in the Pop Art scene. Most people can recognize his art everywhere because of its distinct characteristics and vibe. Warhol art is something you can’t take out of the pop culture scene as we believe the artist’s work will be used and displayed for the years to come.

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts has recently teamed up with Herschel to develop a new collection. This is the first Herschel collaboration we’re featuring here. It’s something artists and creatives will be happy to check out since it’s Andy Warhol.

Designers: Andy Warhol and Herschel Supply

Andy Warhol Herschel Supply Collaboration

Andy Warhol Herschel Supply Herschel Nova Backpack Mid-Volume 2

The Andy Warhol x Herschel Collection features three of the artist’s most iconic images: blooming hibiscus flowers, cows, and bananas. The images are used on four Herschel Supply’s signature bags: the Nova Mid-Volume Backpack, Little America Backpack,  Settlement Backpack, and the Seventeen Hip Pack. The hibiscus flowers are splashed onto a Settlement, Seventeen Hip Pack, a Nova Backpack, and a Little America Backpack. The bags feature the Flowers, one of Andy Warhol’s earliest entries into Pop art. The hibiscus flowers are set in vivid colors and high contrast that they look very vibrant even from afar. This particular pattern explores Warhol’s connection with nature, so this series may be something nature-lovers will enjoy.

Andy Warhol Herschel Little America BackpackAndy Warhol Herschel Little America Backpack 2

The Cow print was produced as wallpaper originally in 1966. The design is being used now on the Herschel bags but only on some parts of each bag. The famous print is applied against a black fabric for a nice contrast. The Banana, also from 1966, is a Pop art screen print that can be considered one of Warhol’s famous works. The yellow banana is set against black, joining a black-and-white striped print on some parts of the bags.

Andy Warhol Herschel Little America Backpack Standard

The bags come with 100% recycled fabric liner with Andy Warhol’s signature print. Most of them have a zippered front pocket with a waterproof zipper, except for the Little America Backpack. Herschel has made use of recycled webbing, as well as textured rubber straps with metal pin buckles and magnetic fastenings.

Andy Warhol said, “Art is what you can get away with, ” and with these bags, you can definitely get away to a new adventure wherever, whenever. The Andy Warhol x Herschel Supply products are now listed on Herschel.com. You can buy now so no need to wait for the release.

Andy Warhol Herschel Little America Backpack 2

The Andy Warhol x Herschel Nova Backpack Mid-Volume is $89.99. Herschel’s signature backpack, the Little America, costs $129.99. The Andy Warhol Herschel Settlement Backpack is $89.99, while the Andy Warhol x Herschel Supply Seventeen Hip Pack is $49.99. All models are now available online and in select retail stores.

Andy Warhol Herschel Collaboration

Andy Warhol Herschel Collaboration 3

The post Andy Warhol and Herschel Supply Collection features Pop artist’s most popular prints first appeared on Yanko Design.

Justin Bieber and Vespa joined forces to design a scooter with a monochromatic white finish and flame decals

Vespa joined forces with mega pop superstar Justin Bieber to design a scooter draped in an all-white finish with built-in smartphone fittings.

After launching a teaser video for a collaboration with mega pop superstar Justin Bieber, Vespa has finally released the final model of the long-awaited Justin Bieber-designed scooter. Wrapped in a monochromatic white finish, the Justin Bieber X Vespa collab is modeled after the brand’s Piaggio Sprint base.

Designer: Vespa X Justin Bieber

The collaboration with Vespa has been a longtime dream, Justin Bieber says, “The first time I rode a Vespa was somewhere in Europe, probably either London or Paris. I just remember seeing a Vespa and being like, ‘I want to ride one of those.’ And I had such a great time, just the wind flying through my hair, the freedom. It was fun.”

Treading on his own experience riding the iconic scooter, Bieber coated his design in optic white livery on the exterior panels and rims for a sleek look to go with the scooter’s feathery light frame. Then, he added his own bad boy flair with a flame decal that’s etched across the scooter’s body.

The Justin Bieber X Vespa scooter design is also available in 50, 100, and 100cc guises. Located right between the two handlebars, a full-color digital display syncs with the rider’s smartphone to play music and adjust the LED light’s brightness and color tones. Additionally, Bieber’s collaboration includes gloves, a driving bag, and a matching flame-printed helmet for riders to scoot in style.

While it’s not the first collaboration with a brand, this project with Vespa marks Bieber’s first-ever automotive collaboration. It makes sense that his first automotive collab was with Vespa as Bieber describes, “I love Vespa, and to partner with such a classic brand is so cool. Being able to express myself, whether it’s through art, music, visuals, or aesthetics, being able to create something from nothing – it’s a part of me. Ultimately the goal in creating and designing is always to put your own unique spin on things.”

The post Justin Bieber and Vespa joined forces to design a scooter with a monochromatic white finish and flame decals first appeared on Yanko Design.

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Moonswatch Collection ready for your mission to space

Swatch X Omega to the Planets

When two big brands team up and work on a collaboration, it usually means an exclusive release and a potential bestseller. We have lost count of such partnerships between two popular companies, but the recent we remember was between Jacob & Co and Bugatti, which delivered a mechanically impossible, million-dollar watch.

The Jacob & Co x Bugatti Chiron Blue Sapphire Crystal isn’t the first between the two companies, as there was the Jacob & Co Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon from before. Just recently, there was the Batman x Fossil collection that brought The Batman and The Riddler Watch. Today, two important names in the watch industry show us a new collection that we believe can sell fast.

Designers: Swatch and Omega

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission to Pluto

The Swiss watchmaker of trendy timepieces, Swatch, and Swiss luxury watchmaker, Omega, have inked a deal as they want to “reach for the planets.” There is the Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Moonswatch Collection, which is a modern and simpler version of the iconic Speedmaster Moonwatch from the luxury watch brand.

The obvious inspiration is the outer space for the eleven-piece BIOCERAMIC watch collection. Each one is named after a planetary body, making every timepiece a must-have for watch collectors. The BIOCERAMIC Moon-Swatch collection has been available since March 26 in select Swatch stores worldwide.

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Moonswatch Collection

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Moonswatch Series

The Swatch X Omega BIOCERAMIC Moon-Swatch Collection includes the following versions: Mission to the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. These watches are playful versions of the Sun, Moon, and the nine planets. All watches perfectly demonstrate what Swiss Watchmaking is all about. The collection combines the beauty of the legendary Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch and the Swatch BIOCERAMIC material.

Every element of the Speedmaster Moonwatch can be seen on the watches, including the subdials, the tachymeter scale, and the dot over ninety. The OMEGA X SWATCH co-branding is present in every dial. You can see the updated MoonSwatch and the Speedmaster logo. It may not be evident in the images, but there is a hidden ’S’ in the crystal glass center. The seconds hands, hours, minutes, and hour markers glow in the dark, thanks to the Super-LumiNova pigment used. In addition, the subdials and the outer ring feature a circular pattern, giving off a softer and refined touch that perfectly matches the smooth and sharp lugs.

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Moonswatch Mission to the Sun

On the case back of each watch, you will see this message: DREAM BIG – FLY HIGH – EXPLORE THE UNIVERSE – REACH FOR THE PLANETS. That is the mission text which is meant to inspire people. Reaching for the planets is possible in the future as space tourism is being pushed these days. Of course, it’s not common, affordable, and accessible to anyone yet, but you and I can dream. Perhaps we can start by wearing on our wrist a Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Moonswatch since it is affordable at only $260.

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Speedmaster Moonswatch Sun

The Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Moonswatch Collection is available in different colors depending on the planet or the celestial body. The Mission to the Sun is said to be the star of the show. There is no Star model in the collection because the sun is actually a star. The Sun version shines in sun yellow with its sun-brushed style dial. The white VELCRO strap makes the watch a clean version, while the orange color used in the hands and the tachymeter scale is a perfect contrast.

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission to the Moon

The Mission to the Moon version is perhaps the most minimalist with its black, white, and silver elements. It is the closest to the original Speedmaster Moonwatch. It comes in steel gray with a black velcro strap, white hands, and tachymeter scale. The Mission to Mercury is minimalist with the colorway: metallic grey velcro strap, intense deep grey dial, white hands and tachymeter scale, and black bezel background and subdials.

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission to Mercury

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission to Venus

The Swatch x Omega Mission to Venus looks pretty in powdery pastel pink and white strap. The subdials are oval with details like diamonds on the edges. This version offers feminine elegance, perfect for ladies who are not exactly fans of big watches.

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission on Earth

The Mission on Earth watch version is a celebration of our planet in blue and green. It is perfect for the eco-astronaut with its earthy green case and navy blue strap. The brown counter and chronograph hands are set in brown, while the subdials and tachymeter scale are white. The bezel background is blue, so it will really remind you of a little globe.

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission to Mars

The Mars model of the Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Moonswatch appears to be the fiercest among the collection in red tones. The white dial and velcro strap balance the look, while the red hands and subdial add a playful punch. The hours and minutes subdials are shaped like a spacecraft.

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission to Jupiter

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission to Saturn

Mission to Jupiter can be considered a classic with its beige tones, complemented by a black strap. The orange contrast on the hands and subdials is just perfect. The Mission to Saturn version is a close sibling with sandy and cool beige tones and a brown strap and dial. The seconds subdial is a tiny planet with Saturn’s rings.

Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission to Uranus

The Mission to Uranus is a pale blue tribute to the Greek god of the sky. The Neptune model reminds us of an ice giant in a freezing deep blue. Last but not least is the Mission to Pluto version, which is dedicated to the dwarf planet in burgundy and gray.

The post Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Moonswatch Collection ready for your mission to space first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nike x Swarovski Air Force Ones: Just Don’t Do It

Because questionable product collaborations come in all shapes and sizes, Nike and Swarovski have teamed up to produce these $450 crystal-accented Air Force Ones. Available in all black and all-white colorways, the sneakers are covered with Swarovski studded webbed panels, which are removable with an included Nike branded flathead screwdriver. Me? I just want the screwdriver.

At first glance, I really thought they were Christmas lights and not crystals, which made a lot more sense to me. Make them light up red and green and add some candy cane striped laces and you’ve got the perfect pair of sneakers to compliment an ugly Christmas sweater this holiday season.

Like my favorite substitute teacher in high school, Mrs. Gitland used to say, “Different strokes for different folks.” And maybe gaudy Swarovski studded Nikes are your stroke. I’m not here to judge you for your idea of design, I’m just here to wonder what your living room must look like.

[via Highsnobiety]

Remembering Kobe Bryant and his iconic sneaker collaboration with Nike

It’s around this time last year that the world woke up to the shocking news that Kobe Bryant had passed on. A legend in the basketball world, Kobe was often referred to as the Black Mamba for his stealthy style and powerful strike… a distinction that even made it into his sneaker collaboration with Nike over the Nike x Kobe ‘Fade To Black’ series.

Today, on the anniversary of his passing, we look at one of the most memorable sneakers from the collaboration, the Nike Zoom Kobe 3 “FTB”. The sneakers come encased in a box that sports the scales of a snake, pointing directly at the Mamba reference. Underneath the box lid are two white shoes that would complement Kobe’s black uniform beautifully, and a reverse diamond 3D texture that has an incredible allure when looked at against direct light. The texture continues on the entire upper surface of the shoe, making it even to the sole, with only a hint of a black panel at the base, paying tribute to the Black Mamba. The shoes, which are available in white and metallic grey, debuted in 2016 around Kobe’s retirement. One would argue that they look just as incredible even today!

Designers: Nike in collaboration with Kobe Bryant