Jae Tips’ Saucony Grid Azura 2000 is one of the consensus frontrunners for best sneaker of 2023, but before the year is out the two collaborators will return with another pair of kicks rich in color and texture.
The Grid Shadow 2 “What’s the Occassion?” marks Jae Tips‘ second Saucony collaboration after its debut at ComplexCon. His signature smorgasbord of color sees the model take on two colorways: pink, green, brown, tan and off-white; and shades of blue and pink with sand — both of which utilize suede, leather, and mesh.
Where the Grid Shadow 2 deviates from his first collaboration, as well as a famous pair of bespoke Air Force 1s the musician had made in 2019, is in its lack of prints. The sneaker does, however, continue to show his love of florals with a Takashi Murakami-esque arrangement of petals on the mustache. Jae Tips‘ flourishes almost entirely replace Saucony‘s branding, including the word “Forever” where Saucony’s logo usually appears on the toe, “Savior” on the lower heel, and Jae Tips’ name along with another floral mark on the tongue.
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Jae Tips has been teasing his second Saucony collaboration since summer on Instagram, and his posts have suggested the possibility of three colorways for the Grid Shadow 2 releasing in total. Only two pairs dropped at ComplexCon, not including the pair with shades of pink and a neon yellow midsole that Jae Tips had been teasing throughout the year. Each of the three features a midsole that tips the colorways’ intended occasion. Together, the insoles read, “Wear to Dinner,” “Wear to a Date,” and “Wear to a Party.”
“For us, Jae represents a new creative force, truly connected to the people. Community is very important with our collaborations,” Jason Faustino, Saucony senior brand manager, said in a press release. “We align with our partners on telling unique stories that allow consumers to resonate deeper with.”
The Jae Tips x Saucony Grid Shadow 2 “What’s the Ocassion” debuted at ComplexCon over the past weekend. Asics has confirmed a global release will follow and will be announced at a later date. Retail is set at $150.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
