Thirteen for the Land: Custom Cleveland Cavaliers Sneakers
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Anytime the Cleveland Cavaliers reach out with a new project, I know it’s going to be a good one! This time, they asked for a collection that felt refined, on-brand, and ready for wear. The brief started one way, then pivoted; “We’d love to hear your ideas on what you think looks best!” No problem! I developed a new concept and produced thirteen custom pairs that balanced elegance and story-telling: sleek black color blocking, wine-and-gold gradients, and purposeful accents that screamed Cavs.
The Design Ideas
- Black panels: Anchors the shoe so it works with anything, from the court to the street.
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Wine-and-gold swooshes: Gradients that deliver a sleek flash of color that feels premium.
- Extra detailing: Featured along the black panels, it ties everything together without crowding the silhouette.
- Classic mantra: “For the Love. For the Land.”; a line that captures the spirit of Cleveland basketball in six words.
It’s a reminder that a sneaker can tell a story while also staying wearable; that restraint can be a valuable design choice.
A Continuing Story with the Cavaliers
If you’ve been following my journey, you know this isn’t chapter one. Earlier projects with the organization include a Sneakers and Spirits Night event and sweepstakes for fans, and a player-exclusive pair of D.O.N. 5’s for Donovan Mitchell himself, followed by a pair crafted specifically for head coach Kenny Atkinson. Now, I’m on project 4 with the Cavaliers and excited to see the momentum continue. A relationship built on trust, respect, creativity, and pure Cleveland pride!
As someone who grew up in Northeast Ohio, working with a team I’ve known since childhood carries its own kind of pride. These aren’t just custom shoes, they represent a Cleveland staple; and getting to contribute to that ecosystem through my art is an honor that I’m incredibly grateful for.
This project reflects what I love most about brand collaborations: clear identity, refined execution, and pieces of art people can actually wear. It’s the Cavs wine and gold, distilled into a modern, minimal package- For the Love. For the Land.
Want a Custom Capsule for Your Team?
I create custom sneakers that tell your story while also being completely wearable; a walking billboard that gets people talking. Send me an email and let’s create something powerful together!