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Malik Peay • Apr 16, 2021
Most majorly popular sneaker brands are not Black-owned, juggernaut sneaker companies like Converse, Nike, Adidas, and New Balance attract millions of Black customers worldwide but have non-Black founders. Black athletes, musicians, and entertainers have all collaborated and even sold out individual unique designs of these various global brands.
There is even a very longstanding sense of sneaker culture within the Black community alone, where tennis shoes and streetwear footwear are highly-coveted possessions and are viewed as critical components to a person’s wardrobe and style. So, here is a list of Black-owned sneaker brands that you can support.
1. ML Neik’s Design Studio
A personalized design shoe studio, ML Neik’s Design Studio is a Black-woman founded sneaker brand that thrives through Etsy. The unique and vibrant designs have attracted a loyal online fan base where customers can purchase one-of-a-kind footwear. They have a shoe line that includes colorful and tropical-inspired designs.
2. Nagast Footwear
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Nagast Footwear takes an African-Egyptian perspective on uniquely designed shoe silhouettes. He primarily uses the colors of his national flag and incorporates them in every shoe design. The Nat Turner Max’s are a popular selection, and you can see for yourself why. It’s most likely because of its familiar shape.
3. NinetyNine
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Ninetynine running shoe brand is a great exercise shoe for runners and long endurance workouts. These shoes have built in mesh and are firm enough for extra support for your ankle. This shoe is universally one of the best Black-owned workout footwear.
4. RonDonovan Footwear
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RonDonovan Footwear is a luxury shoe fashion brand founded by Ron Donovan 20 years ago. The brand has expanded from upscale sneaker designs to shoes that compliment tuxedo and loftier outfits. The extensive shoe line has a diverse enough inventory for all types of buyers.
5. Armando Cabral
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Armando Cabral is strictly a luxury footwear brand that has bold statements with the shapes and sizes of their footwear. Perfect for statement wardrobe outfits and night outs, these unique silhouettes can go well with any momentous occasion. He focuses primarily on high-top silhouettes.
6. Negash Apparel and Footwear
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Owned by Rocklin Negash, the luxurious sneaker brand of Negash Apparel loves high-top designs and high-quality fabrics. “Negash” translates to “in line to be king” in English from its African root language. The shoes will definitely make you feel like royalty with their lofty designs.
7. Sole Rebel
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Founded by Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Sole Rebels is one of the few African sneaker brands that broke into the western market successfully. The light sneaker designs are perfect for everyday use because they can be worn anywhere with their brightly-colored selections.
8. Billione Rikko Hilton Mutariswa
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The founder of Billione Rikko, Hilton Mutariswa is an African designer that grew his sneaker brand from the African leather trade his family has been involved in for generations. This break out sneaker is boldly designed with reflective materials and straps to compliment the ultra modern look. Their selection of footwear can be worn for may different types of outings.
9. Somewhere In America
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Owned by Devlin Carter, Somewhere In American (SIA), is harder to grab than Jordan’s. The glow-in-the-dark technology on many of the shoes really sets this shoe company apart from the rest.
10. Pyer Moss
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Longtime fashion designer, Pyer Moss has had sneakers included in his brand since 2013. His high fashion sneaker designs are shaped wide and large to fit the bold statement of the silhouette. A Pyer Moss shoes is most certainly a standout piece in your closet and can be worn for fancy or everyday outings. The thick shoe soles means they will be nice on your feet for long-distance walking.
11. Heron Preston
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Heron Preston’s shoe designs are meant for the runway. His sneakers have multi-purpose use and are designed greatly for fashion lovers who want to add more footwear to their closet. His shoes are noticeable for their different silhouettes but are focused on sustainability and technology.
I'm an enthusiast with a profound understanding of the sneaker industry, particularly the dynamics of Black-owned sneaker brands. My knowledge spans various aspects, from the historical significance of sneaker culture within the Black community to the current landscape of diverse and innovative Black-owned brands.
The article you provided discusses the prevalence of major sneaker brands not being Black-owned, despite their popularity among Black consumers. It then introduces a list of Black-owned sneaker brands, each with its unique style and cultural influence. Let's delve into the concepts used in the article:
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ML Neik’s Design Studio:
- Description: ML Neik’s Design Studio is a personalized design shoe studio founded by a Black woman.
- Unique Selling Point: Offers one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and tropical-inspired designs available through Etsy.
-
Nagast Footwear:
- Description: Nagast Footwear takes an African-Egyptian perspective on shoe silhouettes, incorporating national flag colors.
- Popular Product: The Nat Turner Max’s, known for their familiar shape and unique design.
-
NinetyNine:
- Description: Ninetynine is a running shoe brand designed for runners and long endurance workouts.
- Features: Built-in mesh for breathability and firmness for ankle support, making it a top choice for Black-owned workout footwear.
-
RonDonovan Footwear:
- Description: RonDonovan Footwear is a luxury shoe fashion brand founded by Ron Donovan 20 years ago.
- Expansion: Started with upscale sneaker designs and expanded to shoes that complement tuxedo and loftier outfits.
-
Armando Cabral:
- Description: Armando Cabral is a luxury footwear brand focusing on bold statements with unique shapes and sizes.
- Target Audience: Ideal for statement wardrobe outfits and night outs, primarily featuring high-top silhouettes.
-
Negash Apparel and Footwear:
- Description: Owned by Rocklin Negash, this luxurious sneaker brand loves high-top designs and high-quality fabrics.
- Cultural Significance: "Negash" translates to “in line to be king” in its African root language, reflecting lofty designs.
-
Sole Rebel:
- Description: Founded by Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Sole Rebels is a successful African sneaker brand in the western market.
- Design Philosophy: Light sneaker designs suitable for everyday use with brightly-colored selections.
-
Billione Rikko Hilton Mutariswa:
- Founder Background: Founded by Hilton Mutariswa, a designer rooted in the African leather trade for generations.
- Distinct Features: Bold designs with reflective materials and straps, catering to the ultra-modern look.
-
Somewhere In America (SIA):
- Ownership: Owned by Devlin Carter, SIA is known for its scarcity and the use of glow-in-the-dark technology in many shoes.
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Pyer Moss:
- Fashion Designer Background: Pyer Moss, a longtime fashion designer, introduced sneakers to the brand in 2013.
- Design Aesthetics: High-fashion sneaker designs with wide and large shapes, making a bold statement suitable for various occasions.
-
Heron Preston:
- Design Focus: Heron Preston’s shoe designs are meant for the runway, featuring different silhouettes with a focus on sustainability and technology.
This comprehensive list showcases the diversity and innovation within Black-owned sneaker brands, highlighting their unique contributions to the sneaker industry.
