Get to Know Alma Mater, Alex Rodriguez's New Favourite Sneaker

Sneakerheads were no-doubt looking towards Alex Rodriguez’s feet amid his recent proposal to Jennifer Lopez — so what were those super-fresh joints A-Rod was rocking? Founded by 25-year industry veteran Eric Sarin, LA-based Alma Mater Footwear is a start-up premium sneaker brand merging old-world craftsmanship with authentic American styling.

Still in the early phases of its development, the label has been thrusted into the limelight thanks to A-Rod’s high-profile engagement. After a chance meeting, Sarin gifted Rodriguez a pair of his creations, and they’ve been a regular in his rotation ever since — so much so, he chose to wear them for his special moment.

Regarded as an industry pioneer, Sarin joined in 1995 during the brand’s grand resurgence, before becoming a founding member of the adidas Originals business unit. Retroing and re-issuing wasn’t a thing back then, and Sarin’s vision helped turn the Three Stripes’ archival releases into a billion-dollar business. He’s since gone on to work for in Boston, Le Coq Sportif in Paris, and K-Swiss in LA, transforming their unique histories into modern retail success by telling stories and embracing consumer passion.

Safe to say, Sarin’s seen it all, but he’s now bringing that storied experience to his own passion project: Alma Mater. Blending European handcrafted footwear with distinctively American styling that is rooted in sport, the luxe sneakers come through with a unique combination of quality and authentic sneaker feel.

Now, for the first time, Alma Mater’s GAMMA sneaker is available to the public in very limited quantities, with a broader launch planned for later this year. Don’t strike-out on this one — peep the styles below and secure your pair!