Over the years, we’ve seen hundreds of collabs between musicians and sneaker brands. It’s part of the culture, making fans happy while filling the pockets of many satisfied retailers. When done right, some of these partnerships have resulted in unique and highly sought-after shoes that celebrate the artist’s individuality and connect with their fans on a deeper level. So, beyond just the ringing of tills and ever-growing bank accounts, the shoes develop their own lore – the owners can tell the story of how they were able to snag a pair of something iconic and unique. Thanks to Dariyn Enriquez (aka dope_don_designs), we may have one such collaboration on our hands with the Insano x Nike Dunk Low SB sneaker, a shoe inspired by legendary rapper Kid Cudi’s latest album, “Insano.”
Cover Art Inspiration
Kid Cudi has been in the game for years, and his impact on hip-hop culture is undisputed. So great is his cachet that several artists have drawn significant inspiration from him, including frequent Nike and Jordan Brand collaborator Jacques Bermon Webster II, whose stage name, Travis Scott, borrows the ‘Scott’ from Kid Cudi’s first (‘government’) name.
As we look at the sneaker, it’s clear that the Insano x Nike Dunk Low SB draws heavily from the visual identity of Kid Cudi’s latest album cover, which is a captivating work of art featuring a swirling vortex of vibrant colours and abstract shapes. The shoe translates this masterfully in a vibrant and equally colourful way, starting at its base with an off-white base adorned with shockingly bright pink Nike Swooshes on the sides. The white laces and midsoles provide contrast to the flamboyant design. As one might expect from a hip-hop-influenced piece, the tongue of the shoe is labelled with black text, reading “Parental Advisory” (we know what that’s about). Rounding off things in the looks and aesthetics department, the shoe has a black outsole and a black inner lining.
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Insano x Nike Dunk Low Shows Kid Cudi’s Love For Skate Culture
There’s been a fantastic resurgence of interest in skateboarding shoes recently. Nike has a big part to play in that. For decades, Nike SB Dunk Low shoes have been a staple in the skateboarding world, loved for their durability, performance and overall style. The Nike brand’s association with skateboarding began in the late 1970s and has only grown. Sure, there’ve been dips in popularity here and there as things have changed, but overall, Nike SB is still going strong. It’s embraced not only by skaters but also by fashion enthusiasts and streetwear collectors. Speaking of which, it was reported that Kid Cudi has taken an interest in skateboarding and has enlisted the help of a heavy hitter, Tony Hawk. How about that?
Kid Cudi’s Vision Brought To Life
The Insano x Nike SB Dunk Low sneaker is a true and faithful celebration of Kid Cudi’s artistic vision and impact on pop culture. The shoe’s design thoughtfully incorporates elements from the “Insano” album cover, creating a visually striking and thematically cohesive piece. As we write this post, it remains a concept shoe, dreamt up by the creative mind of one of our faves, @dope_don_designs, on Instagram. However, judging from the number of likes the image of the concept shoe has on his account, it’s clear that fans want to see the Kid Cudi Insano x Nike SB Dunk Low come to life. So, come on, custom sneaker makers, make people’s dreams come true. They’ll love you for it, and so will we.
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