Italian brand DIADORA has once again partnered with New York-based agency Incorp[HER]ated to design an exclusive pair of sneakers. Teenagers between 14 and 16 years old have let their imagination run wild on the silhouette of the N9002.
In February 2021, DIADORA already offered us a Duratech Elite “Limitless” made by a group of middle and high school students from Incorp[HER]ated’s 2019 « Straight to Feet » workshop. The sneaker was intended to speak out against discrimination and advocate for equality and unity.
This new collaborative project is part of Incorp[HER]ated and Foot Locker’s « Studio Next » program, designed to promote inclusivity and awareness of opportunities in the sneaker industry through hands-on activities, a training program and conversations with industry professionals.
The special N9002 ‘Walk With’ was created to develop the desire to allow others to think and speak healthily about their emotions. It was created by four New York City high school students : Lucero Alvarez (14 years old), Bianca Coller (16 years old), Charles Johnson (15 years old) and Karina Quiridumbay (16 years old).
This shoe refers to both nature and mental well-being. It promotes the idea that everyone, especially teenagers, need to take care of their emotional needs in order to be healthy, happy and fulfilled. The students agreed that nature was a common element that sustained them all. They emphasized the importance of the outdoors as a way to maintain good mental health.
The sneaker features an earthy color palette that is inspired by nature and pays homage to New York’s outdoor spaces. Made mostly of suede to promote comfort, it appears in a combination of white, brown, blue, beige and green that symbolizes the earth, water and grass. The embroidery of a germinating seed on the side heel illustrates blossoming. Charles Johnson, one of the young designers, commented : « We added a plant because if you take care of it, it will bloom, and if you take care of yourself, you will bloom ». To complete the look, part of the quarter panel is dressed in a checkered print, brown DIADORA branding adorns the white tongue and ‘Inc. Her’ embellishes the back of the heel. A comfortable white midsole and gum outsole add the final touch to the design.
Of the collaborative project, Incorp[HER]ated co-founder Khiana Lowe said, « Our entire team was beyond impressed with what our students put together; they put so much effort into thinking through every detail of their design and being intentional with every decision. »
The Incorp[HER]ated x Diadora N9002 ‘Walk With’ is released on December 17, 2022 for $130 at Champs Sports Store in Time Square New York and online on champssports.com.
