In Episode 122 I introduce you to the company We Are Underdogs. This video is a part of the From Sneakerhead to Boss series. WAU takes ideas and makes them reality for sneaker designers. It’s an incredible concept that could change the way the footwear industry works. It’s actually a potentially disruptive force if people begin to visit the site and take a chance on the footwear. The handmade footwear is truly premium and their next release features a Portugal native son’s new design. In this video I also show you a potential AHN x WAU collaboration. Check out the press release for the next shoe from WAU below.
Press Release
We Are Underdogs keeps focused on talent and this time it didn’t go far to find it. METAMORPH was designed by the Portuguese Daniel Gonçalves and will be available for purchase on the October 11th.
Young talented designers have now a chance to show their innovative styles to the world, by challenging an industry where minorities don’t always have equal access to opportunities. The partnership was established with PENSOLE, known for bringing talent to the industry.
METAMORPH was first presented in the last edition of PENSOLE World Sneaker Championship, achieving a Top 16 ranking. Representing a free “wave” for everyone to follow, the style is an exclusive edition of 99 numbered pairs handcrafted by Portuguese shoemakers.
After launching INITIUM and FAST BREAK, We Are Underdogs is keeping the promise of releasing a new style every four weeks, at www.weareunderdogs.com.
The sneaker
METAMORPH was designed to resemble a prototype under construction, by overlaying patterns and stitches until they are finally conceptualised. The curved lines offer dynamism to the sneaker. The OG Moss Green is a low top sneaker with cut out panels, displayed asymmetrically in different textures. The style has three colours with hexagonal pattern mesh lining, lace-up fastening with double pull-tab and it is padded for comfort. Composed by soft split suede, nappa calf leather and polyester mesh, the sneaker has round laces, hotstamp details and a padded tongue and cuf. The white chunky outsole is made of real rubber.
The designer
Daniel Gonçalves is a Portuguese Product and Footwear Designer, born and raised in the small city of Rebordosa, in Paredes. At the age of 27, he has working as freelancer in the industry. With a bachelor’s degree in Product Design at Escola Superior de Artes e Design of Matosinhos, he also completed a course of Footwear Design at Lisbon School of Design.
In 2017, Daniel Gonçalves won the Best Footwear Collection per Country and the Best Overall Collection Award in the 2017 Porto.ModaPortugal. He was one of the eight winners of the 2015 Kinder Surprise project, of Ferrero, for his Concept Development.
About We Are Underdogs
We Are Underdogs has the mission to bring to life new concepts of sneakers from young talented designers with a fresh approach. Every month, the creative platform launches online a new style from a different designer, in an exclusive edition of 99 numbered pairs, handcrafted in Portugal.
The project has been developed in partnership with PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy, the first and most important academy in the field around the world, founded by D’Wayne Edwards (former creative director of Nike and Jordan). Every year organizes the PENSOLE World Sneaker Championship, getting in touch with hundreds of innovative drawings and concepts.
The designers can helm their own brands, act as ambassadors and receive royalties on the sales from their styles. Also PENSOLE receives royalties to continue giving to design students an opportunity to learn from the best in the industry, regardless of socioeconomic background.
Many of the alumni and runner ups of the contests will now have the chance of having their concepts manufactured and sold, as the pinnacle of the learn by doing method.
