Sneaker News 
In launching their new silhouette, the Zoku Runner, Reebok Classics took us on a journey to London to for a full “Zoku” experience which included time in the Shoreditch area, a concert with Future along with an interview with Future. For the interview, Reebok Classics put us along with a small group of media on a private jet from London back to New York. Future broke down his personal style and gave us the inside scoop on what inspired him growing up and what inspires him now.
For those up on Sneaker News, you may have already read about the Zoku Runner, Reebok Classic’s newest entry featuring ULTRAKNIT. The sneaker takes elements from the past including Aztec from the ’70’s, the Classic Leather from the ’80’s and the Dual Pump Runner from the ’90’s. Most noticeable on the Zoku Runner is TPU crosscheck which was originally created as a symbol of movement and momentum but also references bird wings. For more on the Zoku Runner take a look at our unveiling post and on the official Reebok Zoku Runner site.
Take a read through our interview and check out our vlog from the trip.
You are known for expressing yourself through your style, as a trendsetter, what are some of your go to brands that you pick?
There’s a bunch of brands I’m into but a few off the top of my head: Stella McCartney, Neil Barrett, Tackma, Tom Ford, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy and Gucci.
As a teen in Atlanta, what was the inspiration for your style? Was it a who or did magazines or blogs?
Actually movies and TV shows inspired me a lot, the movies Cooley High and Beat Street and the TV shows Happy Days. I also spent a lot of time just going outside and seeing how people is dressed.
You also mentioned the drug dealers and kids in your neighborhood. How much did they influence you?
The kids on the corner had the best sneakers. They kept me in the loop on the hottest trends in sneakers when I was young.
As you matured, how did that change? What and who inspires you now in terms of style and fashion?
Going to runway shows and seeing what’s coming from different designers is the biggest change. To see what’s gonna be hot for next Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, I feel a bit more ahead of the curve now. Also being able to connect with different designers and of course being a tight with Armani.
Do you still seek out the neighborhood kids? Do you still go back to your old neighborhood and see what’s happening there?
You gotta always watch the neighborhood kids ‘case they gonna tell you what’s new and what’s hot.
Are there any pieces that you constantly go back to? Something you always keep in your luggage?
My luggage, obviously [Laughs]. Nice shades. You always need nice shades for any occasion.
In a recent Instagram post you posted a picture of a line up of sneakers you can captioned “A few bad habits.” How important are sneakers to your dress code?
I’ve gotta have a fresh pair of clean sneakers every occasion. Whether it’s a simple lunch, nice dinner or just to meet up with some friends. Even some business meetings, I feel whole when I have a fresh pair of kicks on.
In signing with Reebok, what was it about the partnership that excited you?
I like the collaborative efforts of the Reebok team and for me to take the relationship to the next left, that’s what excited me.
Going back to Armani, last August your profile by GQ in a meeting with Giorgio Armani and in September you released your first capsule collection with Reebok, how did that meeting influence you?
Giorgio really taught me a lot. He said to me “Just stay at it, just stay creative and stay thinking outside the box when it comes to designing.” I use a lot of what he said to me for any project I’m working on.
Footwear seems to be one of the most important staples, can you see yourself designing your own signature model with Reebok?
Later on down the line I feel like we’re going to have something special to give the fans.
