RTFKT Designs Exclusive Sneaker Based on Lexus IS

Sneaker Collab

Lexus has long been known for the fact that it's willing to team up with people from all sorts of other industries to celebrate the art of design. Its most recent effort comes from a collaboration with the sneakerheads at RTFKT, who recently sat down to draw up a shoe inspired by the design of the refreshed 2021 Lexus IS. 

Unique Company

RTFKT itself is unique in that it is the first sneaker brand born from gaming culture. Over 150 artists collaborate to create its unique designs, which set it apart from other shoemakers. The company churns out a number of limited-edition shoes constructed from futuristic materials, as well as digital-only collections.

>>Join the conversation about the RTFKT Lexus IS sneakers right here in the ClubLexus forum.

One of One

The Lexus IS-inspired shoe is a true one-of-one and is based on the IS 350 F Sport Dynamic Handling Package. The artists at RTFKT were inspired by the car's athletic stance, slimmer headlights, carbon fiber spoiler, and bold color schemes, and thus created a matching shoe that is partly constructed using materials from the vehicle itself.

>>Join the conversation about the RTFKT Lexus IS sneakers right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Neckbreaker

"We wanted to make sure when the audience looks at the sneaker they instantly know it is the IS," said Chris Le, creative director and co-founder of RTFKT. "All the intricate design elements come together, and at a first glance it's a neck breaker," added Steven Zaptio, CEO and co-founder of RTFKT. "RTFKT put the same passion into developing this one-of-a-kind shoe that we did in developing the new 2021 Lexus IS," said Vinay Shahani, vice president of Lexus marketing. "Steven and Chris delivered a head-turning sneaker that unmistakably mirrors the bold design and impressive performance of the IS."

>>Join the conversation about the RTFKT Lexus IS sneakers right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Similar Sihouette

The RTFKT team first selected a base with a sole closely resembling a tire for their custom silhouette. Features on the front are shaped like the vehicle's signature spindle grille, with 3D printed material imitating the carbon fiber spoiler of the car. The sides of the sneaker showcase Black NuLuxe with light gray stitching from the seats, with a middle silver stripe inspired by the details of the headlights. The team added an F Sport branded tag on the side and a Lexus badge covering the top Velcro strap. Lastly, they selected a vibrant blue hue for the sneaker that most closely resembles Grecian Water, a new color for Lexus in 2021.

>>Join the conversation about the RTFKT Lexus IS sneakers right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Three-Part Series

RTFKT and entertainment media company Complex documented the sneaker creation process in a three-part video series, "Rubber & Sole," which is now live on Complex.com. In the first episode, the team is challenged to create a bespoke shoe inspired by the 2021 Lexus IS. Zaptio and Le take notes, from its newly designed spindle grill down to its NuLuxe interior, using the vehicle as their muse. The second video shows the ideation of the sneaker, from sketching designs to prototyping and materials sourcing. The third and final episode showcases the final details of the sneaker and explains how it is derived from the IS.

>>Join the conversation about the RTFKT Lexus IS sneakers right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Broader Campaign

Unfortunately, this one-off shoe is not for sale, but it is cool to look at, anyway. The partnership is also part of the Lexus' "All In" ad campaign for the new 2021 Lexus IS, where the automaker celebrates those who fully embrace their passions while showcasing its own obsession: an unapologetically pure sport sedan.

>>Join the conversation about the RTFKT Lexus IS sneakers right here in the ClubLexus forum.

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