Now internationally recognized, Montreal bagels see their notoriety consolidated in a sports shoe signed Nike. The announcement, which has generated great excitement on social networks, suggests that aficionados of sneakers many are willing to pay to have sesame seeds on their feet.
Displayed for a few days by various retailers on their social networks, the “Montreal Bagel” is the new model of shoes of the “Dunk Low” type, an iconic style of Nike. In a color that will appeal to “carb lovers” (beige, of course), the shoe is covered in a 3D print of sesame seeds, equipped with a wood-patterned insole and white laces evoking the cream cheese. By adorning it with its famous logo, in blue version, “a tip of the hat [shout-out] additional to the city of the beautiful province”, specifies Nike on its website, the company avoids the wrath that its competitor Adidas had attracted in 2020 when launching a red Ultraboost model, which was intended as a tribute rather discreet in Montreal.
The “Montreal Bagel” Dunk Low PRM is more than a shoe, notes the team at the Off The Hook (OTH) store, which was commissioned by Nike to organize the launch of this new model. There is, according to Theodore Wong, community manager at OTH, a real desire to put Montreal on the map. That Nike has chosen to dedicate one of its models to their city is a major event for fans of sneakers Montrealers, he points out.
In the past, Nike has paid tribute to Boston, with its Lobster Dunks, as well as Paris. Produced in extremely limited quantities in 2002, Paris Dunks sell for around $100,000 a pair today.
The “Montreal Bagel” will go on sale officially on January 17 at a few retailers in the province, but OTH will offer them first to the general public, in store only, starting Friday at 11 a.m., for $160.
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY OFF THE HOOK
The visual of the box, designed by artist Felipe Arriagada-Nunez, alias Chien Champion, brings together iconic places and objects from Montreal.
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY OFF THE HOOK
The shoes are sprinkled with sesame seeds and embellished with the blue Swoosh.
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY OFF THE HOOK
The translucent rubber sole is reminiscent of the honey water dip that gives Montreal bagels their sweet touch.
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A very special box
Designed by Montreal artist Felipe Arriagada-Nunez, aka Chien Champion, the shoe box, which features the Olympic Stadium, Mount Royal, Chinatown, an orange cone and a bagel, also looks like a collectible item. It will accompany the pairs of “Montreal Bagel” that will be purchased in stores in Canada.
In anticipation of the launch, the Off The Hook team transformed the third floor of its boutique on Sainte-Catherine Street West to incorporate the visual created by Chien Champion. A “Bagel Dunk” street truck will also be parked in front of the store to offer bagels to customers, and Café Olimpico, another Mile End classic, will be present to offer caffeinated drinks. A video that captures the spirit of this neighborhood was produced by Alexis Boudrias and OTH with another Mile End icon: Kelly Yee, alias Mister Montreal.
Canadian retailer having received the largest batch of this model offered in limited quantities, OTH expects strong enthusiasm. Many collectors, Montreal lovers and even expats have already contacted the boutique, hoping to get their hands on a pair beforehand.
In an interview granted to the Global television channel, the co-owner of St-Viateur Bagel, Robert Morena, was delighted to witness this improbable marriage between bagel and shoes.
Fairmount or St-Viateur? So far, Nike hasn’t taken sides.