John Kim 
Supra has left a lasting ripple effect on the sneaker industry since it first made waves in 2007 with the original Skytop. Since then, the California-based brand has released a series of pro models for its top-tier athletes with an unprecedented level of style, and this July, a new model called the Supra Estaban will be added to the honored collection. The sneaker is for one of the brand’s premier riders Stevie Williams – an influential figure in the world of skateboarding and the culture that surrounds the internationally popular sport.
Stevie took some time to chat with us about his upcoming Estaban sneaker, which will launch on July 1st in three dazzling colorways. He talks about the respect he has for the brand, the synergy between he and the designers, and much more that have contributed to the Estaban production. Read on below for the full interview as well as an exclusive detailed gallery, and stay tuned to Sneaker News for the latest in Supra footwear.
The Supra Estaban will launch on July 1st at select retailers worldwide.
Sneaker News: You grew up in the eighties and nineties when sneaker culture was first becoming big – how into sneakers were you growing up?
Stevie Williams: Being from the inner city, wearing the right sneakers was always important. Of course, it still is. For me growing up, it always came down to money. I didn’t really get into sneakers until I could afford them. That was early 2000. Always been into footwear though.
SN: How did the opportunity to work with Supra come about? Can you tell us more about the partnership?
SW: First and foremost, Supra is a skate brand, but it’s also a lifestyle brand. Our partnership brings both those together. I skate for Supra, but also think my lifestyle works well with what they have going on. We compliment each other.
SN: What attracts you to the Supra brand? And what was it like designing a lifestyle shoe with them?
SW: What first attracted me to Supra was the originality and quality. Supra is always doing what you least expect. They’re fearless. Always trying to shake it up. Out there with new things. I’ve always been a fan of the skate team too. When I had a opportunity to partner with Supra, I didn’t pass it up. They know what they’re doing. Definitely think as far as skate, this is one of the best shoe teams ever created.
SN: What did you want in the Estaban shoe?
SW: I think that the Estabans are about creating something that reflects me that is stylish that you can skate in. The Estaban is me through the eyes of Supra. They did an amazing job.
SN: Did any of your favorite sneakers in-part inspire the design of the Estaban?
SW: The truth? Not really. I saw the design, loved the sample, and we were ready to go from there. A few small changes, but nothing major. I’ve known the guys over at Supra for a while now. We get each other. What I care about most is quality and design. Both are on point with the Estaban.
SN: The wide lacing is something you don’t usually see on a skate-shoe. What’s the functional benefit of that structure?
SW: That’s the best feature about the shoe to me. It’s a mad different way to lace a shoe up. When I was young, I remember having wide laces like that and getting busy with them before I went to school. I think the benefit comes with the way you lace the shoe and how creative you can get. I think kids and fans will have a great time coming up with new ways to lace them up.
SN: What is your favorite colorway of the Estaban?
SW: The all black ones look serious! All business. I like them all though. The solid colors really work well with my gear and the gray ones are just great to skate in.
SN: Any other words for the sneaker world?
SW: Thank you for the love and support. You guys are great. Hope you like what we did with the Estaban.
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Many thanks to Supra and Stevie. The Supra Estaban releases on July 1st in three colorways: Black ($100), Red ($100), and Glow in the Dark ($120).
Continue on for more detailed photos.
