Chris Klemens and the Martine Rose x Nike Shox MR4 – HYPEBEAST
Sun 27 Aug
By Dylan Kelly
You might know Chris Klemens as the social media persona who struck comedy gold with a viral series of street interviews across American cities, or, perhaps, you’re more familiar with him as the podcast host of Unhinged With Chris Klemens, a self-described “off the rails, no seat belts ride” where he gives his blunt takes on relevant topics. Here, at Hypebeast, however, we know Klemens as the Sole Mates subject whose dog ate his homework.
After learning of the fashion devotee’s appreciation for the Martine Rose x Nike Shox collaboration, and amidst our plans to put together this feature, devastating news hit our inbox: “Chris needs to order a new pair, unfortunately, because his dog literally destroyed the ones he has yesterday,” read an email from his agent. His beloved pitbull, Booger, had relentlessly chowed down on the sneaker while in a New York hotel, leaving her scrappy leftovers in place of what once was Klemens’ pristine, top-shelf shoe. Fuming, he repurchased them.
"When I’m taking a step in my Martine Rose x Nike Shox I feel empowered."
Chris Klemens
When did the Martine Rose x Nike Shox MR4 “Black Comet Red” come into the picture?
On my Explore Page on Instagram, I saw a picture of someone wearing them and I was like, “What are these?” They were so weird, and there have obviously been so many sneaker collabs and a lot of them just sort of feel … I know people are going to f*cking hate what I’m about to say, but with Aimé Leon Dore’s New Balance collabs, for example, all they did was pick some colors and throw their logo onto the design. I like the Martine Rose x Nike Shox collab because it feels like a picture-perfect definition of what a collab should be. It has this very iconic silhouette of a Nike Shox, but then Martine Rose brought in their own unique perspective on it and made it a mule with a pointed toe.
You can really dress the shoe up, and you can really dress it down. This is going to sound sh*tty, but I love that it’s not for everyone. I love that it’s a way for people who gravitate toward that kind of style to really elevate.
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Why are sneakers important to you?
Sneakers are so important for me because, without them, we’d have to be in boots all the time [laughs]. I love the endless possibilities there are with sneakers. It sounds so stupid to be talking so limitlessly about something like a sneaker, but I know when I’m taking a step in my Martine Rose x Nike Shox I feel empowered. I love the literal foundation of my outfit and the way it feels when I walk. If I didn’t have sneakers tomorrow, my life would still go on. But I think it’s just such a fun way to express yourself.