Spencer Badu’s First Hoka Shoe Tells a Bigger Story

Bold Debut

Spencer Badu’s first foray into footwear comes through a collaboration with Hoka on the Elevon X, a lifestyle-meets-performance silhouette. Known for his uniform-inspired fashion and design ethos that explores identity and mobility, Badu brings the same sensibilities to this project. The release is anchored in personal storytelling and cultural heritage, framed through design elements and an accompanying short film titled The Journey.

This Time It’s Personal

At the core of the shoe is symbolism. The yellow upper stands out, supported by a black mudguard and sole. Inside, red and green insoles round out the Ghanaian flag colors. Adornments include a cowrie shell — once currency in Ghana — and two Adinkra symbols: Fawohodie (freedom) and Nyame Dua (spiritual protection). These references root the sneaker in Badu’s Ghanaian lineage, reflecting themes of liberation, self-discovery, and physical and emotional movement.

Inside Dynamics

Technically, the shoe maintains the architecture of the original Elevon X, including a Pebax plate and features pulled from high-performance models like the Mach X 2, Tecton X 3, and Mafate X. It’s part of Hoka’s lifestyle lineup but bridges functionality and storytelling. For Badu, the sneaker marks a first — his debut in footwear —while offering Hoka a fresh lens through which to approach cultural collaboration.

The Rollout

Available at Hoka and select retailers on May 16, the rollout is supported by a short film shot between Ghana and Toronto, which gives viewers a deeper look at the narrative behind the project. For Badu, it’s more than just entering a new category—it’s about grounding that entry in something lasting.

You can shop the Spencer Badu x Hoka Elevon X for $225 at the link below.