Imagine knowing your path in life at a very young age, and being so certain that you turn that belief in yourself into an empowering movement that allows others to pursue their own dreams. Pensole Footwear Design Academy, borne under the direction of founder D’Wayne Edwards, pushes a “learn by doing” curriculum that teaches students the entire footwear design process: inspiration, concept-development, design process, problem solving, materials, prototyping, marketing, business, networking and branding. Every year, Pensole holds a World Sneaker Championship allowing their students to submit designs, one of which ultimately wins the opportunity to go from concept to reality, to market.

PENSOLE Master Class designers Brady Corum and Vince Lebon designed the GEL-180, giving nods to hip-hop, using colors and materials from turntables and graffiti. A mismatched green and blue ASICS logo adorns the lateral side of each shoe, coupled with mixed color outsoles. Colorful hits appear at the air pocket, toe, pull tab, sock liner, and finished off with a dignified gold tongue.

Foot Locker partners with PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy for the exclusive release of this ASICS GEL-180 “Fresh Up”, the latest iteration of the PENSOLE and Foot Locker collaboration that began in 2015. Take a look at Pensole’s design video episodes below and find the Pensole x Foot Locker x Asics GEL-180 “Fresh Up” online and at select Foot Locker Canada locations.