Running shoes have long been a coveted fashion item for millions, with celeb endorsements, pop-up stores, endless lines, and crazy prices for what is essentially casual streetwear. But “sneakerheads” are devoted to their footwear. And given the high cost of equestrian sport, is it any wonder that designer sneakers would be popping up in the horse world? And of course, we mean sneakers for the horses…
Enter the brand Horse Kicks, what must be the first-ever sneaker designed for our equine partners (although hoof boots have been around for yonks). Based in Lexington, Kentucky, they are the creation of designer and sneakerhead Marcus Floyd, who studied the art of “decon/recon” at The Shoe Surgeon’s SRGM Academy.
These horseshoes are made by deconstructing and reconstructing custom footwear for the horse using branded shoes that Horse Kicks owns. Floyd works to repurpose shoes from iconic brands such as Nike, and New Balance, to turn them into stylish shoes that slip over the hoof.
Like designer sneaks for humans, the equine version isn’t cheap: Custom Horse Kicks will set you back $1,200 USD and can be ordered soon via the Horse Kicks website. But there is a charitable component, with 10% of sales benefiting Sneaker Ball Lex and its charitable endeavors and the collection will be on view at the Sneaker Ball Lex gala on November 12. And Breeders’ Cup World Championships attendees can visit the Horse Kicks pop-up shop in Kentucky, November 4-5.