#KicksStalker: Is a Filipino signature shoe on the horizon?

Kiefer Ravena in action. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

National team stars Gabe Norwood and Kiefer Ravena were among those who took part in the trial run of the Nike Hyperdunk 2017 Flyknit Monday at Titan Love Court in Bonifacio Global City.

Their presence helped launch the newest model of the Hyperdunk and both gamely took part in games with media people who also gave the shoe a test.

Which now begs the question: When will the first Filipino signature line come?

Filipino sneaker fans are always quick to lap up sneakers with the slightest hint of national culture in them. Thus the popularity of Kobe’s 9 EM, which featured the image of the local “tsinelas” (flip-flops), and LeBron James’ “Agimat,” which had Filipino phrases engraved in the shoe.

A Filipino signature line would drive the country’s passionate sneakerheads crazy.

But while that remains a pipe dream, Filipino fans can still sit in the sidelines as their favorite stars go out and do trial runs of upcoming releases, listening to their views on the shoe.

And for the Hyperdunk 2017 Flyknit, it looks like the reviews are good.

“It’s just a bit more flexible, the couple previous Hyperdunks for me are harder on the sole,” said Norwood. “Just the flexibility of it, I can move a lot better even if it’s not a typical low-cut shoe.”

Gabe Norwood. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The 2017 Hyperdunk debuted the React that Nike described as “offers soft and ultra responsive cushioning with every step which ensures players a consistent energy uplift every minute, every game.”

Previous Hyperdunks made us of either the Zoom or Air cushioning systems.

Ravena said the new Hyperdunk also provides ample cushioning that will prevent knee pains after games.

“There’s no problem in the knees, and it’s especially suited for my style of play where I try to be active, I jump, rebound, go up and down the court,” said Ravena. “It’s a pretty solid shoe for me, there’s the comfort and the durability.”

Both Ravena and Norwood are known sneakerheads and should be leading favorites if ever shoe brands decide on finally unveiling a Filipino signature line.