The Bondi 7 is Guwop-approved.
Over the weekend, the Alabama-born rapper appeared in a Foot Locker campaign centered on the popular HOKA silhouette.
Fans who have followed Gucci since his 2009 breakthrough single Lemonade might be surprised to see Guwop iced out in a pair of running sneakers. Certainly, a lot has changed since the rapper posed next to the ever-iconic yellow Lamborghini. That much is also true of HOKA’s transition into lifestyle wear.
First released in 2020, the Bondi 7 was HOKA’s attempt at maximum cushioning. For runners, the Bondi series, especially the Bondi 7, became so popular because of its reliability. The shoe promised the best cushioning possible for long runs and recovery days. It delivered on that promise.
To this day, the Bondi 7 is regarded by runners as one of HOKA’s biggest hits. The reliability and almost gateway entry point accessibility for a running shoe created a true success. It took years, but eventually the Bondi 7 transitioned from the track to casual wear.
Now, more than ever, this is true about running shoes, too. Though the Y2K aesthetic has helped vintage-inspired sneakers to essentially take over the market, it is sneakers like the Bondi 7 that are transitioning into the world of fashion as well.
Whether it be your favorite Instagram account or your favorite Japanese denim brand, the fashion world loves HOKA. This, of course, makes the return of the Bondi 7 so important.
The Bondi 7’s comeback aims to crossover into the world of fashion via HOKA
The sneaker that previously provided reliability on the track is now aiming to provide reliability on the runway. Or, perhaps frequently, all over your favorite fashion accounts’ feed. The colorways, like Gucci’s choice in Black/Stardust colorway, are now sleeker and more minimal. This is intentional. HOKA wants the shoe to be more accessible for casual wear- and for the shoe to be experimented with by people of all ages and of all senses of style.
The Bondi 7’s return is strategic. It shows that HOKA is well aware of how their running sneakers have crossed over into the world of fashion. Through this latest Foot Locker campaign starring Gucci Mane, we can see that transition in real time. The shoe shines through the colorway, but it is the ever-popular comfort of the Bondi 7 that will allow it continue to grow in popularity.
You can grab the Bondi 7 in this special Stardust colorway, as well as a few others, from Foot Locker.
Photos courtesy of Foot Locker
