An exciting update for sneakerheads comes from the high-tech lifestyle startup, Endstate, which just announced its first-of-a-kind NIL (name, image, likeness) collaboration with six elite athletes from Boston College. 

“Endstate U: New Heights” features Zay Flowers, Cayla Barnes, DeMarr Langford, Christian Mahogany, and Marne Sullivan – all of whom have designed their own luxury, signature sneaker for the drop that celebrates growth through images of each athlete in a 1980’s yearbook setting. 

“It’s fun to travel back in time because so much has developed in our culture since then,” said Endstate co-founder Stephanie Howard. “Until last year, the notion that a college athlete could have their own signature shoe deal was plainly against the rules. Playing professionally after they graduate should not be the only way for college athletes to achieve success.”

For over 25 years, Howard has designed sneakers, pushing the boundaries of what it means to design products for an emerging future that captures and embodies an accessible and heartwarming story of growth and evolution. 

Those familiar with Howard’s work may remember her as having created some of the most talked about sneakers of the ‘90s and early ‘00s – including the New Balance 850, Reebok Trail DMX6, and original Air Max Verona. 

Launched in 2021 by Howard and co-founder Bennett Collen, the Massachusetts-based Web3 sneaker company embeds an NFC chip into the tongue of every sneaker, which is also tied to a digital collectible. 

Collen is the former founder and CEO of Cognate, which was acquired by GoDaddy in 2018 for its pioneering use of smart contracts and NFTs to represent trademark rights. 

Each New Heights sneaker is equipped with an NFC chip that unlocks unique experiences specific to that particular athlete, in addition to a paired physical autographed photo that is available separately for purchase.

“Endstate flexes who I am and what’s important to me through my shoe,” exclaimed Cayla Barnes, star hockey player for Boston College, former Olympian for the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team, and now a signature athlete in the Endstate U: New Heights sneaker collection. 

The NIL athlete drop follows Endstate’s successful partnership with its first signature athlete – DeVonta Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Smith worked with Endstate’s renowned designers to create his signature sneaker, the Honey Drip. 

“I’ve always been the type of guy to do my own thing, be in my own lane. Knowing that I was going to be [Endstate’s] first signature athlete, it was a no brainer for me,” Smith stated.

Throughout the season, his fans received a cheesesteak for any receptions of 41+ yards, hitting their inboxes immediately after the play. When he eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards, customers who bought his sneaker earned a limited edition football card. The crowning event was an in-person meet-and-greet where DeVonta’s fans got to meet their idol the month before he played in his first Super Bowl, by virtue of owning his shoes.

In other news, Manifold announced its ‘burn’ system overhaul as Open Edition hype dies down.