HOLO Footwear February 14, 2024.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A minority-owned footwear company signed its first contract with an NBA player this year, making the West Michigan company eligible for future professional sports contracts.
HOLO Footwear moved its headquarters from Portland, Oregon to Grand Rapids less than two years ago. The company, which has a showroom downtown, focuses on creating stylish and sustainable footwear using recycled materials.
“We are sustainable, achievable and all-terrain capable,” said Joseph Malone, vice president of operations. “That's not a common thing anymore. And if you find one that's environmentally friendly, it's going to cost an exorbitant price of $160 or more.”
Malone said an investor helped connect the business with Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Isaac Okoro. Okoro signed with HOLO earlier this year and has since worn a number of colorful basketball shoes that the company plans to release to the public this fall.
“He likes bright, exciting colors, and we're all about color,” Malone said. “We're all about being creative with color, standing out, going against the grain, and zigging when others are zigging.”
Malone told News 8 that HOLO Footwear's first design with Okoro was “a very technical shoe made for playing basketball.” He said he could not discuss the terms of the deal, but Okoro received a stake in Shoes.
“This is not a one-year or two-year contract. This is a lifelong relationship,” he said.
HOLO shoes cost about $100. These are sold online and at various stores including Von Maur, Nordstrom, REI, and Meijer.
