Spencer Badu’s eponymous menswear label is best known for its elevated, subversive, uniform-inspired clothing, beloved by the likes of Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky. The Toronto-based, Ghana-born designer is now making his official entry into the world of footwear with his very first sneaker collab, teaming up with HOKA on the Elevon X silhouette.
“Your first shoe comes with a lot of pressure,” says Spencer Badu. “I wanted to create something that reflected the story behind my brand. We design for movement, physical and emotional, and this collaboration captures that. It’s a representation of the journey we take to understand ourselves and our roots.”
Badu brings a deeply personal narrative to the collaboration, one rooted in diaspora, discovery, and the journey to self. The shoe’s striking yellow upper is paired with a black mudguard and sole, rounded out by red and green accents on the insoles to complete the colors of the Ghanaian flag. Meanwhile, the cowrie shell charm nods to currency once used along the Gold Coast of Ghana. Along with Spencer Badu branding, the shoe is adorned with two Adinkra symbols: Fawohodie (Freedom) and Nyame Dua (Tree of God), representing spiritual protection and personal liberation.
“This partnership captures the pure spirit of a successful collaborative engagement: authenticity, motion, and meaning,” says Thomas Cykana, Senior Director of Global Collaborations and Partnerships at HOKA. “Spencer brought a vision to the table that aligns deeply with our values, and together we’ve created a moment that tells a powerful story through his eyes.”
The announcement is accompanied by a short film titled The Journey, directed and produced by Badu. Shot between Ghana and Toronto, the piece captures moments of introspection and movement—from bustling scenes in Accra’s Makola Market to quiet, personal vignettes in the designer’s studio.
The Spencer Badu x HOKA Elevon X launches May 15th on SpencerBadu.com and at select boutiques, followed by a wider release on May 16th via HOKA.com and exclusive retail partners worldwide. Check out the short film and campaign imagery below.
Spencer Badu x HOKA Elevon X
Release Date: May 15, 2025 (Spencer Badu)
Release Date: May 16, 2025 (Global)
