Nike makes sexy all-white dress shoes with G-Dragon, the ‘King of K-Pop’

G-Dragon, often referred to as the “King of K-Pop”, and Nike have launched one of the most unique collaborative sneakers we’ve ever seen.

The Kwondo 1, a new silhouette made just for stylish Korean rappers, is basically a Swoosh branded shoe. Brogue met and SB Force 58 on leather wing-toed shoes, and not since Tom Sachs and Cole Haan very rare collaboration in 2012 we have seen smart shoes coming out of Nike. When an event calls for formal shoes but you have a hard time wearing anything other than sneakers, Kwondo 1 is the best of both worlds.

“I want to feel free with the way I wear and style clothes, in addition to everything else I do,” G-Dragon said in a press release for his collaboration. “I hope people can overcome stereotypes and feel free in their own way by wearing Kwondo 1.”

That statement might be a bit of an exaggeration for a shoe, but G-Dragon’s partnership with Nike has created a silhouette that opens up new possibilities for footwear that is deemed appropriate. Kwondo 1 may still not be suitable for black tie events, but you can definitely wear it in most other situations that require an upgrade from sneakers.

Neat details – In addition to the wingtip embellishments, the all-white leather Kwondo 1 features a tufted lace sheath with the Nike logo and mismatched K-Pop star brands. PEACEMINUSONE. On the heel, you’ll find sunflower embroidery — a return motif from G-Dragon’s Air Force released in 2019. The Kwondo 1’s midsole is stacked slightly higher than you’d normally see on sneakers, and the treadless outsole confirms that this are shoes unsuitable for activities more exhausting than chatting.

If you’re joining the Nike and G-Dragon sneaker-dress hybrid, which you should, be prepared for a December 3 release date via the SNKRS app and select other retailers. At $180, it’s a great deal for such a versatile shoe — provided you can beat the rabid fanbase of K-Pop fans lining up to support their king.