Is Jeff Staple x Airwalk a good fit?
Posted by Nick Engvall | Jul 23, 2009 If Drake has enough buzz to sell blank discs, then the sneaker equivalent has to be Jeff Staple selling Airwalks. The fruits of labor from the partnership of Staple Design and Airwalk, that has had the sneaker community buzzing for a number of months now, has finally ripened. The double labeled kicks have started to arrive at Payless Shoe Stores, is anyone lined up?
As someone who grew up in the era that saw the pinnacle of Airwalk’s popularity, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to see someone like Jeff lend a hand to the struggling footwear company. Aside from those feelings, I admire Staple for stepping outside the cultural glass box that seems to restrain the creativity of so many people in the streetwear and sneaker industries. I’ve never had any doubts in his abilities to succeed in this partnership. I can also completely understand why Airwalk was the perfect fit, the challenge. |
It makes perfect sense, Jeff, like most of us in the age group, was most likely a fan of Airwalk’s growing up. So first off, there is a personal connection. Secondly, when you have accomplished what Jeff has in this industry, sticking with the norm becomes tiring to say the least. Not there is anything wrong with sticking with what works, but there is a lack of gratification when it comes to repetition. The challenge of making Airwalk into a successful brand again, regardless of whether it is sold in Payless stores, or the highest of high-end boutiques, would be equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest in those very Airwalk shoes.
With the shoes releasing at a price point of $50 and under, Jeff accomplishes two things. He makes them attainable to the masses, which is essential in an economy like this. In addition, the price point is right at that spot where, if quality is up to par, sneakerheads will likely consider it an option. It’s not too cheap, i.e. Starbury’s and Protege, yet it’s not at the typical Staple Design prices. Add to these points, the marketing power of Staple to have Airwalks in the USA Today with prime placement, the buzz created by Jeff merely announcing the partnership, and success is eminent.
Daps to Jeff for going against the grain, and to others immersed in the culture, a simple reminder: If you allow the cultural glass box to exist, it will inevitably suffocate you.
Sep 2, 2009 at 10:26 am
mm i got vans chukka boots alredy?
Aug 16, 2009 at 7:44 pm
They look hot..
Aug 3, 2009 at 10:03 pm
I like the idea alot. I will be coppin a pair!
Jul 31, 2009 at 11:16 am
Call it hate but I felt to give the less than ass kissing review of this collaboration.
The sneaker is boring and uninspired. If your going to revamp a dying brand only to release a DECENT shoe you’ve failed. Innovation? None. Revamping an old brand isn’t innovative its LAZY. Real innovation was the Yeezys..as sad as I’m to say. A completely new type of shoe for a new type of market. Even though I hate them..ha
A challenge? Maybe. But at what cost? This attempted design has made me lose faith in the creativity of the Staple design team. No one was expecting ANOTHER collab with Nike, but damn THIS is what you release. I’m sure its based on the limitations of Airwalk…nope wait…the Starter release was just as boring. With competition (Nike, Supra, Converse) doing so much more to collaborate and step up the game, this release is almost laughable.
Reality is the glass box already existed and Jeff Staple just threw a BRICK at it. Now where’s Nike/Supra/Converse with that broom?
Jul 27, 2009 at 5:27 pm
I’m into them. As far as good looking kicks go, there’s not a whole hell of a lot you can get for 50 bucks.
Jul 26, 2009 at 10:02 am
boring
Jul 26, 2009 at 1:31 am
ewk..dont put thoss in payless..i likk thoss sneakers..but i dont rock freaking airwalks
Jul 24, 2009 at 3:32 pm
“sticking with the norm becomes tiring to say the least.”
Jeff finally got tired of recycling the pigeon colorway and putting it on different shoes?
Jul 24, 2009 at 1:30 pm
its all about the quality of materials
if there up to par then i may cop some of the other models
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:18 pm
i respect what he’s doing, but a definite no cop for me
Jul 24, 2009 at 10:37 am
GOSH YOU GUYS ARE SUCH IDIOTIC DOUCHE BAGS! THIS IS WHY I LOVE SNEAKERS BUT HAVE GROWN TO
HATE SNEAKER CULTURE. YOU HAVE THESE YOUNG SNOBBISH KIDS (AND IMMATURE ADULTSWHO HAVE NOW IDEA ABOUT THE
HISTORY AND SOMEHOW EQUATE PRICE AND HYPE TO QUALITY AND CREATIVITY. THE SHOES ARE
DECENT. NEED THAT PIGEON THOUGH!
Jul 24, 2009 at 10:04 am
Very Nice, and everyone doesnt have $1000 to drop on some Pigeon Dunks. Why could you people say this is a wack idea? Now the people who can’t afford expensive kicks can go to Paylees and pick these up.
Jul 24, 2009 at 9:30 am
i’d have to inspect ‘em in person. staple should do something with the 19oz. series, while he’s at it.
Jul 24, 2009 at 8:20 am
i would buy his shoes
Jul 24, 2009 at 6:00 am
Anybody hating is too young to understand how “BIG” Airwalk once was. They were the NIKE SB of the late 80’s early 90’s. For some reason everybody hates on Staple no matter what he does or what he comes out with. So I’m not suprised with the lack of appreciation for collabing’ with a company to make an “affordable” shoe. I guess all of you haters would rather have him collab with NIKE again and make a limited shoe that you can get if lucky for 250 or ebay for 2500? Also, why would is everyone suprised that he is trying to revamp a company that once had prominence and fell off? He did the same thing with STARTER. STARTER was the “BIGGGGEEEESSSTTT” label in the early to mid 90’s, thanks in most part to “KRIS KROSS”. But everyone had the jackets/hats/button down shirts. Staple is going against the grain and trying to do big things for the industry, so please STOP HATING THE MAN.
Jul 24, 2009 at 4:54 am
Jeff Staple and Airwalks don’t MIX Airwalks are PAYLESS shoes I don’t even call them kicks they aren’t worthy
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:58 am
way to jerk off jeff staple, nick
Jul 23, 2009 at 9:47 pm
If these had Supra all over them peeps would be all about em. I think they’re hot definitely beaters to me wouldn’t start a collection.
Jul 23, 2009 at 9:38 pm
im copping fo work (Fo Shiggity)
Jul 23, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Nice new design Jeff !
Oh wait those look exactly like the chukkas with different print.
I’m sure Jeff could done a way better job with these, if air walk want to copy vans the. They should leave Jeff Staple out of it.
Jul 23, 2009 at 9:21 pm
I think what Nice Kicks really wanted to ask is “Is Jeff Staple x Airwalk a good LOOK?”
Only time will tell….
Jul 23, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Detrimental-causing damage or harm.
Jul 23, 2009 at 7:52 pm
probaly will cop a couple of the shoes
Jul 23, 2009 at 7:52 pm
he’s a good guy , for putting shoes in payless,
he want it 2 be affordable for ppl
I must admit, i rather cop shaq b4 i get these
Jul 23, 2009 at 7:46 pm
this is a good thing in my eyes… People who are stuck in the i only wear nikes and jordan box wont be able to appreciate airwalk or anything that is sold at payless. If airwalk were able to get these in a foot locker or the equivalent i can guarantee they would catch on, but not too many heads are going anywhere near a payless. This shoe isnt doing it for me but the one from the other post caught my eye. I might consider copping.
Jul 23, 2009 at 6:39 pm
i don’t think detrimental means what you think detrimental means.
Jul 23, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Keep hating on dude hes gettin paid and doin his own thing. I wouldn’t cop these, but you got to take risks. I can Respect that
Jul 23, 2009 at 6:00 pm
If he can make something that opens the eye… its a wrap. Staple succeeds.
Jul 23, 2009 at 5:55 pm
detrimental means harmful, dude
Jeff Staple could’ve made this work but I don’t like what I’ve seen so far.
Jul 23, 2009 at 5:52 pm
let him make that paper
Jul 23, 2009 at 5:30 pm
nahh jeff staple just sold himself out
Jul 23, 2009 at 5:23 pm
I saw some nice Diadora’s for 20 at Payless. They [cheap shoes] could be on the come up
Jul 23, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I like the slip ons I saw on another site quite a bit. I also like the colorway on a few of the others, but they look like they’d be too bulky on my feet. I’ll actually keep an open mind on the releases though as Airwalks hold a nice spot in my heart, from the 86s to the NTS2 they held up well and were really comfortable.
Jul 23, 2009 at 4:56 pm
First…..YUCK!
These should be scrapped with the evidence destroyed!