Diadora, Foot Locker, and Incorp[HER]ated Reveal Student-Designed Sneaker Rooted in Mental Wellness
Photos: Diadora
A deadly pandemic. Imminent global warming. Civil unrest. Housing shortages. Sky-high inflation rates. Let’s be frank: Gen Z has been through a lot. Add intense social, economic, and political stressors on top of the typical sources of teen strife— puberty, self discovery, family dynamics— and you get a recipe for widespread mental health deterioration. According to a 2022 report released by the CDC, more than 4 in 10 teens say they feel “persistently sad or hopeless,” and 1 in 5 say they have even contemplated suicide.
Despite living in a world that seems to be on fire 24/7, many resilient teens fight to stay grounded. In partnership with sneaker authority Foot Locker and diversity and inclusion agency Incorp[HER}ated, sneaker company Diadora handpicked four NYC high school students to design their own version of the brand’s N9002 sneaker. As part of the project, students Lucero Alvarez, 14, Bianca Coller, 16, Charles Johnson, 15, and Karina Quiridumbay, 16, got to participate in Foot Locker’s ‘Studio Next’ program. This three-week program gave students the tools to conceptualize and design the sneaker, all while learning about the sneaker industry’s ins-and-outs from industry professionals.
“We want to help teens understand that it’s okay to talk about your emotions. ”
The team landed on a one-of-a-kind concept that bridges mental wellness with the healing powers of nature. Titled ‘Walk With Me’, the students’ version of the N9002 likens our emotional wellbeing to vulnerable plants; both need a little TLC in order to thrive. According to 16-year-old high school student Karina Quiridumbay, the ‘Walk With Me’ design team hope their sneaker sends an uplifting message to struggling teens.
”We want to help teens understand that it’s okay to talk about your emotions and that there are tools out there to help you understand them and navigate them so that they’ll be even better at it in the future,” says Quiridumbay.
The ‘Walk With Me’ Diadora N9002 features an earthy mix of colors— greens, blues, and browns— that directly nod to the Mother Nature theme. Green plaid panels on the uppers add some vintage schoolhouse flair while bright white on the laces and midsoles keep things fresh. “Diadora” branding comes stitched on the tongues in brown thread, opposite white and blue Incorp[HER]ated logos on the heels. A small embroidered sprout on the outer heel reminds the wearer that “each step is an opportunity to grow.”
Check out official promo photos of the sneaks down below.
Where can I get the ‘Walk With’ Diadora N9002?
Stay grounded.
The ‘Walk With Me’ Diadora N9002 will be released at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 17 over on the Champs Sports site and in person at the Times Square Champs Store location. This shoe will be available in exclusively in men’s sizing with a $130 USD price tag.
Until then, check out Diadora’s other exclusive sneakers down below!