Visionaries & Vibes: The Salehe Bembury Effect

Strap in for another spellbinding episode as Brax and
Phil, your dynamic duo from SneakerStrolls, dive deep into the
visionary world of Salehe Bembury, one of the most innovative
minds in sneaker design today. In this special episode, we unpack
the journey of a designer who’s redefined what it means to be
both a creator and a collector in the bustling streets of sneaker
culture.


From his early days in Tribeca, navigating the intricate
paths of industrial design at Syracuse University, to his roles
at Payless and Greats, Salehe’s story is nothing short of
inspirational. We reminisce about his transformative stint at
Yeezy, under the guidance of former Nike luminary Jeff Henderson,
and how this propelled him into sneaker stardom with iconic
designs for Versace’s Chain Reaction—igniting the ugly-chunky
sneaker craze. 


Fast forward to 2020, Salehe’s collaboration with New
Balance brought us the celebrated 2002R 'Peace Be The Journey',
marking just the beginning of a series of hits that reshaped
sneaker aesthetics and narratives. Each year, from the sandy
tones of the 'Sand Be The Time' to the fiery depths of the 'Heat
Be Hot Lava', Salehe has captivated enthusiasts and casuals
alike. No matter where he’s gone, he’s never let anyone stifle
his artistic beliefs and he’s taken the right steps to become one
of the greats.


In this episode, we also touch on his masterpieces with
Crocs, Anta, and Clarks, demonstrating his unparalleled ability
to blend high fashion with streetwear while staying true to his
outdoorsy self. Tune in as we discuss what makes Salehe a true
visionary—Is it his background, his bold self-expression, or just
his magical touch on materials and collaborations? No matter the
situation, he’s stayed true to himself and paved his own
path.


We’ll also explore his new role as the Creative Director
of the Crocs x Pollex Pod collection, set to debut with the
'Guava' on May 30, 2024. Plus, we discuss his playful yet
profound relationship with Action Bronson, and how personalities
like Virgil have paved the way for new-age designers.


So, lace up your favorite Salehe NBs, or maybe just slip
into some Pollex Crocs, and join us on this exhilarating journey
through the evolution of sneaker artistry with Salehe Bembury at
the helm. Let’s discover why everything he touches turns to
gold... or does it? Tune in to find out!