It's hard not to see golf's newfound popularity among millennials and Gen Z through the lens of nostalgia, especially given that for many people the sport's charm lies in its detox from technology, a return to the days when Tiger Woods was just arriving on the scene. And few indie labels in the space are as well positioned to capture that essence as Whim Golf, a brand that's as much a design studio and an art practice as it is a clothing brand.
For its latest project, Whim has teamed up with sportswear giants Reebok to deliver a custom and conceptual take on the 80s-inspired Classic Leather sneaker. Not a golf shoe in the conventional sense, Whim aims to speak to the game through form rather than function. Its midsole, soft suede toe and heel guards are doused in a light blue that's reminiscent of a clear morning sky, conveying the idea of first flight, or the first time a beginning golfer gets a ball airborne. Always striving to introduce new players to the game, the choice was inspired by the brand's Free Golf meetups at city driving ranges where first-time golfers learn the fundaments of the golf swing. "This first-ball-in-flight beginner golfer experience represents a universal moment in life - the first small success which feels huge after the trial and error that comes with trying something new," commented Whim.
Whim continues to put its stamp on the sneakers through branding, as its block letter logo appears on the tongues, heels, insoles, lace ends and special packaging. The Whim Golf x Reebok Classic Leather will release for $130 USD on July 25 exclusively through Whim, and then on July 26 via Reebok and select retailers.
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