jeffstaple had many heads scratching their heads when his partnership with Payless Shoes owned Airwalk was announced late last year. Though there has been a recent trend of highly respected designers working on lower cost lines, it had yet to be done in the sneaker world.
With limited collaborations, the entry price of obtaining a Staple Design product or “pigeon” product has been far out of reach of many, but with the recent price reduction of several STPL x Airwalk shoes, most should be able to obtain a pair. Full size runs are currently available for $10 a pair at Payless.
There has been much talk and debate about Jeff Staple’s move to work with Airwalk on a line of products sold at Payless Shoes, but all feelings and emotions aside the shoes are available now at Payless stores nationwide and online at Payless.com. The collection showcases some familiar silhouettes of Airwalk brought back with touches and colors selected by the careful curation of Staple Design.
While Staple and the infamous pigeon is usually associated with “unattainable” whether it be for extremely limited quantities, selective distribution, or a far reaching price, one can purchase the shoes from the Staple x Airwalk collection starting at only $29.99.
The Staple Design x Airwalk line was unveiled last night at a launch party. Hundreds of people gathered in New York City to celebrate the release of their sneaker collaboration. The product line offers a price point and availability that is normally not attainable with most Staple Design products.
One of the classics being brought to life by the Staple Design x Airwalk collaboration is the Jim Shoe.
The Staple Design x Airwalk Jim Shoe is a silhouette that some of the old schoolers will instantly recognize from the late 80’s/early 90’s. This white colorway features light grey accents, and comes with both white and grey laces. In addition, the box, tongue tag, and the shoes themselves, share the Staple Design x Airwalk branding.
You can relive some of your youth, by picking up a pair, as these will be available soon at Payless Shoe Stores for $39.99.
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.
The STPL x Airwalk Terrain may hit retailers later this year. Priced at around $50, these will be sold exclusively through Payless Shoes. No surprise, as we predicted that we would see Payless exclusives last year when news broke that Jeff was teaming up with Airwalk. Many of you predicted ridicule to those camping outside of Payless. Now let’s hope those of you ridiculing, won’t be pointing and laughing at yourself in line.
This year Airwalk will celebrate twenty years of the 540 silhouette with some new colorways. The classic skate shoe is being reworked in premium materials to celebrate the anniversary.
The Airwalk Fall 2009 Preview gives us a look at not only the 540, but a number of other silhouettes as well. The Velocity, Fahrenheit, Revert, Vic Velcro, and Canvas Hi will all see new life this coming fall. Airwalk uses a number of materials and color combos in the collection, a practice that will surely boost sales numbers.
Click here to see the rest of the upcoming fall releases.
jeffstaple had many heads scratching their heads when his partnership with Payless Shoes owned Airwalk was announced late last year. Though there has been a recent trend of highly respected designers working on lower cost lines, it had yet to be done in the sneaker world.
