Celebrating Black History Month
This Black History Month, we celebrate the Black creators, athletes, and innovators whose influence continues to shape sneaker culture and style worldwide. We’re committed to honoring that legacy by championing diversity, creativity, and opportunity in everything we do.
Scroll to see the history of black influence.
Scroll to see the history of black influence.
Jan Ernst Matzeliger
Born Sept. 15, 1852 - Died Aug. 24, 1889
Jan Matzeliger invented the automatic shoe-lasting machine, mechanizing the complex process of joining a shoe sole to its upper, and revolutionizing the shoe industry.
At age 19, Matzeliger began working as a sailor on a merchant ship. In 1873, he settled in Philadelphia, and by 1877 he had moved to Lynn, Massachusetts, where he became an apprentice in a shoe factory.At the time, shoes were usually made by hand.
The process required custom molds of a customer’s feet using lasts made of wood or stone to ensure a proper fit. Having earned a patent for his device in 1883, Matzeliger continued improving upon his invention until it could produce 700 pairs of shoes per day. This was a dramatic increase over the 50 pairs a skilled laster could make by hand each day.
At age 19, Matzeliger began working as a sailor on a merchant ship. In 1873, he settled in Philadelphia, and by 1877 he had moved to Lynn, Massachusetts, where he became an apprentice in a shoe factory.At the time, shoes were usually made by hand.
The process required custom molds of a customer’s feet using lasts made of wood or stone to ensure a proper fit. Having earned a patent for his device in 1883, Matzeliger continued improving upon his invention until it could produce 700 pairs of shoes per day. This was a dramatic increase over the 50 pairs a skilled laster could make by hand each day.
Sheryl Swoopes
Born March 25, 1971
Legend doesn’t even begin to cover it. Sheryl Swoopes didn’t just play the game, she changed it. From redefining women’s basketball to becoming the first athlete signed to Nike before a WNBA season ever tipped off, her influence lives far beyond the court. A trailblazer, a champion, and a cultural icon.
Learn the story behind the legacy.
Learn the story behind the legacy.
Vashtie Kola
Born April 23, 1981
Creator. Director. Cultural architect. Vashtie Kola carved her own lane and invited the world to follow. From shaping streetwear and nightlife culture to becoming the first woman to design a Jordan sneaker, she’s proof that originality is power. Vashtie didn’t wait for permission, she made space.
Discover how she continues to move culture forward.
Discover how she continues to move culture forward.
Joseph “Joe Fresh Goods” Robinson
Born October 7, 1986
Community-first. Story-driven. Purpose-led. Joe Fresh Goods built a brand rooted in authenticity, Midwest pride, and giving back. Through fashion and footwear, he tells stories that honor where he’s from while inspiring what’s next. His work reminds us that impact hits harder when it’s personal.
Dive into the vision behind the brand.
Dive into the vision behind the brand.
Dr. D’Wayne Edwards
Born December 13th, 1969
The future of footwear starts here. Dr. D’Wayne Edwards has shaped generations of designers, launching careers and opening doors through education, mentorship, and innovation. As a designer, educator, and founder of Pensole Lewis College, his legacy is built on creating access and changing the industry from the inside out.
Learn how he’s building what’s next.
Learn how he’s building what’s next.
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