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A Complete History of JJJJound's Footwear Colabs

JJJJound Collaborative History

JJJJound have had quite a journey since being founded by Justin R. Saunders in 2006. What started as a ‘digital mood board intended to examine the recurring patterns in timeless design’, as described by the brand, is now a leading collaborator in the sneakersphere.

In 2008, Saunders made a decision to focus his platform exclusively on imagery to present elevated, evocative visuals sans text, which at that stage, was far ahead of its time.

Saunders’ keen eye for curation soon vaulted him into the upper echelon of the global creative elite: he’s rubbed shoulders with Virgil Abloh, Heron Preston and Matthew M. Williams since the BEEN TRILL days, consulted for The New York Times T Magazine and worked with Kanye West, who famously quipped that he asked himself if things were ‘JJJJound-approved’ in a 2016 interview with Surface.

JJJJound put out its first physical product (a tote bag) in 2013, and since then has become known for its minimal, keenly crafted takes on essential items from hoodies to beanies to dryer balls and bikes, the ‘ideal versions’ of everyday staples. It was only a matter of time before JJJJound got into the world of footwear, and in January 2016, Saunders posted shots of a Victory Sportswear trainer, a Vans Style 36 LX and a New Balance 990v3 on his blog, foreshadowing JJJJound’s first three sneaker collaborations.

From its first effort in 2016 to the swath of collaborations it’s brought to market since, JJJJound’s simple, elegant and elevated sneakers, shoes and boots have landed on ‘Best Of’ lists year after year and skyrocketed in resell value as well. We're taking a look back at their collaborative footwear lineage.

Looking for more collaboration deep dives? Be sure to take a look at our jam-packed  features section.

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