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Known for his lyrical prowess behind the mic, Pusha T is certainly no stranger to the world of sneakers. Having teamed up with adidas, the self-proclaimed “only dopeboy quotable” took to the classic EQT Running Guidance ’93 for his premium “King Push” collab. While in New York to celebrate the upcoming release of his kicks, we caught up with the G.O.O.D Music MC to discuss the inspiration behind the design, what the collaboration means to him and how he chose to use the EQT Running Guidance ’93.
Nice Kicks: What was the inspiration behind the collaboration?
Pusha T: Basically, I just wanted the shoe to be synonymous with my music and everything I give off in my music. I looked at how adidas had collaborated and became one with Run DMC. I wanted that type of synergy from my music to the shoe.
Nice Kicks: What do you think the shoe says about you?
Pusha T: That I’m the only dopeboy quotable.
Nice Kicks: What’s your favorite aspect of the shoe?
Pusha T: I’m gonna have to say the fish scales.
Nice Kicks: What does this collaboration with adidas mean to you?
Pusha T: I look at adidas as a very big brand that has always keyed in and had its hand on the pulse of what was going on in hip-hop. To be honest, it’s a stat to me. Personally it’s like, “Yo, it’s adidas. Run DMC? I used to be them in talent shows.” So yes, I’m gonna do this.
Nice Kicks: Out of all the classic adidas silhouettes, how did you decide on using the EQT Running Guidance ’93?
Pusha T: I felt it was more lifestyle oriented. There’s not one day I thought about this shoe and didn’t think about the whole outfit of it. That was the biggest thing. I wanted it to be functional as hell. I wanted people to put it on and know it’s in tune and in line with what’s going on. That was the biggest part of it to me.
Nice Kicks: Is this the first of many collabs with adidas?
Pusha T: I don’t know, this sh*t was hard. I don’t come from a design background. People like myself come with these grandiose ideas and even that has to be scaled back because we don’t have the reality of what it really takes.
Nice Kicks: So you had a heavy influence in the creative process?
Pusha T: Yeah, totally. It came out really damn good. I’m really happy about it.
Read on for a look at some of the action, and look for the adidas EQT Running Guidance ’93 “King Push” to arrive at adidas.com and select adidas Originals retailers December 23rd.
