Drip Footwear, the South African sneaker brand founded by Lekau Sehoana, has been making headlines recently due to its sudden closure. Known for its unique designs and inspiring journey from humble beginnings, Drip captured the local market’s attention since its launch in 2019, starting with only R4600. However, the brand has now been forced to shut down after a court ordered its liquidation over unpaid debts. While Drip Footwear’s story has taken an unexpected turn, here are 5 things you didn’t know about Drip:
1. Inspired by Recycled Materials
Drip’s concept dates back to 2003 when Lekau first used recycled materials to redesign a torn sneaker. He combined denim and polyurethane to give the shoe a fresh look, which became a local hit. This experience inspired him to develop his sneaker line, which continued to grow as the brand became more popular.
2. The first 26 pairs of Drip sneakers he got for FREE
The first 26 pairs of Drip sneakers were given for free as prototypes by the sneaker factory. This gave him a chance to experiment with his designs and test the market without incurring initial manufacturing costs. These early prototypes marked the beginning of Drip’s journey into the fashion industry.
3. Drip’s big break came online
Social media played a huge role in Drip’s rise. The brand used platforms like Twitter and radio interviews to create buzz around the brand. Drip’s efforts paid off when the brand secured a minimum order of 600 pairs through these online and media channels, helping Drip gain its first big push in sales.
4. “The Township Dream” Slogan
The first slogan of Drip was ‘The Township Dream’ then later in 2021 the brand rebranded and changed the slogan to ‘ Live Your Great’. The brand’s slogan, “The township dream,” reflects its origins and mission. It represents the idea that success can come from anywhere, no matter the challenges faced. Drip Footwear stands as a symbol of hope and ambition, especially for those from humble backgrounds.
5. Collaborations with Big Brands and Celebrity
A big part of Drips growth can be attributed to the collaborations they had with established brands. In June 2021, Drip announced a partnership with Hip Hop artist Cassper Nyovest. Cassper Nyovest and Drip announced a partnership worth R100 Million. The collaboration was through a new sneaker called Roots of Fame. In September 2021, fashion met motoring with Drip’s latest announcement of a store in the BMW Midrand dealership. This move dropped many jaws as no one expected the luxury car brand to open its doors to a proudly South African sneaker brand. Talk about steps into the fast lane. Heineken was also one of the brands that collaborated with Drip. In 2022, Drip produced exclusive sneakers for the ‘Heineken All Invitation’ campaign.
Despite its recent liquidation, Drip Footwear’s journey made a significant impact on the local sneaker industry, with collaborations that helped strengthen its market presence and broaden its appeal. Although the brand has been forced to close its doors, Lekau’s creative vision and determination left a huge mark, sharing his township dream with the world and inspiring many along the way.
Read more: Drip Footwear | BMW | Casper Nyovest | Pat on Brands
