Design

The Shoe Surgeon and Heineken unveil sneakers with beer-injected soles

Anna Skrebels

Los Angeles designer The Shoe Surgeon has collaborated with Dutch beer brand Heineken to create the Heinekicks trainers, which have transparent soles filled with beer.

The limited edition sneakers were created by The Shoe Surgeon, whose real name is Dominic Ciambrone, to mark the launch of the beer brand’s Heineken Silver beer.

In total 32 pairs of trainers were made with transparent soles filled with Heineken Silver allowing users to “walk on beer”.

A close-up photograph of Heinekicks sneakers with a transparent sole filled with beer
Heineken has unveiled the Heinekicks sneakers

The beer was injected into the sole using a surgical method so the alcohol is securely trapped, while a transparent tube that runs across the upper exterior of the shoe is also filled with beer.

According to Heineken, the sole was designed to create a smooth walking experience that mirrors the smooth taste of Heineken Silver.

“Partnering with Heineken for their new beer was a fun challenge,” said Ciambrone. “We both share a passion for innovation and pushing boundaries and created a design to reflect that.”

“The shoe not only embodies the energy of Heineken Silver but literally carries it,” he continued.

Dominic Cambrione holding up his beer-injected shoes
They were designed by Dominic Ciambrone

The custom sneakers also include design elements informed by the appearance of Heineken’s beer bottle. Its exterior features its colourways – red, green and silver – while the laces and interior are red.

The tongue of the shoe includes a removable metal bottle opener, which allows users to enjoy a beverage “whenever the occasion arises”.

A photograph of someone holding a pair of red, white and green Heinekicks sneakers with a transparent sole filled with beer
The design allows users to “walk on beer”

“Heineken has always been passionate about brewing innovation that aligns with the culture and taste profile of drinkers,” said Heineken brand director Rajeev Sathyesh.

“Heineken Silver does just that, with a smooth and perfectly balanced taste profile that matches the more informal social occasions of today,” he continued. “Being able to represent that through an exclusive collaboration with The Shoe Surgeon is a fantastic project and a great manifestation of the purpose of Heineken Silver.”

A photograph of someone holding up a bottle opener which is part of the shoe's design
The tongue of the sneaker includes a removable metal bottle opener

Ciambrone is known for creating unusual sneakers and his clients include musicians LeBron James, DJ Khaled and Drake.

More sneaker designs include HySpeed trainers by McLaren and Athletic Propulsion Labs that are informed by the brand’s supercar design and Satan Shoes by American musician Lil Nas X and Brooklyn brand MSCHF, which were customised with human blood.

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