We are familiar with The Simpsons cartoon doing well in predicting the future. The animated series has had a knack for showcasing their prognostication powers, illustrating this again in 2022 with Queen Elizabeth’s death. However, in a change of pace, the show has inspired the next sneaker sensation. RETRO Clothing has brought the Assassin sneakers, seen in The Simpsons second season, to life.
RELATED: Big Red Boots: Cartoony Sneakers Might Be The Next Big Thing
Earlier this year, MSCHF kicked off a slew of cartoon shoes turned real-world replicas with its Big Red Boots, inspired by Astro Boy. This was quickly followed by Red Wing and its conversion of the Super Mario shoes from game to reality. It has sparked a sneaker battle among emerging brands pushing to create a name by offering these unique creations.
The concept of bringing popular sneakers to life is by no means a new concept. Nike‘s Back to the Future II sneakers (known as the Nike Mag) has long been synonymous with the idea. It held the crown for popular culture sneakers for decades. It may finally be getting a run for its money with the newly released RETRO (Rocking Everything That’s Reminicsed Of) Clothing Assassin sneakers.
The Assassin concept is based on the sneakers first worn by Ned Flanders in the second season of The Simpsons. Interestingly, the sneaker itself drew its inspiration from real-world sneakers.
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In fact, the sneaker was designed by cartoonists who took cues from the Nike Air Trainer SC worn by Bo Jackson, as well as heavy influence from the Reebok Pump released in 1989. Interestingly, both of these sneakers have achieved icon status, setting the bar for future sneaker concepts, including the redesign of the Reebok Pump Fury.
Most of the design concepts from the cartoon variant have been brought to life. This includes the bright colourway, Velcro straps and midsole. Additionally, there are some minor modifications to the design. Some of this is to avoid any copyright issues, such as the hidden Swoosh. This has been changed to an upside-down Swoosh near the ankle. The heel also doesn’t feature the custom nameplate. Instead, it is fitted with an embroidered “Homer” text in the classic The Simpsons font.
Unfortunately, it’s not the full-scale version of The Simpsons’ Assassins sneaker, missing out on the built-in pedometer, heart-rate monitor and water pump cushioning.
RELATED: Red Wing Is Bringing Mario’s Shoes To Reality
Interestingly, the episode of The Simpsons that parodied the Assassin sneaker took aim at the then-increasing sneaker culture and how outrageous it had become. If you owned either of those sneakers back in the day, it was almost a given that you had come from riches or you (or your parents) were willing to do anything to keep up with the latest trends, including reckless spending. In some respects, this again rings true in modern society. Ironically, the release of the Assassin sneaker just proves it.
What are your thoughts on the real-world The Simpsons Assassin sneaker?
The Simpsons Assassin sneakers are set to retail for $180. It is currently available for pre-order at RETRO.com. At the time the episode aired, the sneaker cost $125, which adjusts to roughly $200 after inflation. That’s almost on par.
Whether or not you’re a fan of converting cartoon shoes into reality, it appears a trend that is here to stay. The only question now is, “what is next”?
