The Forbes family and Reebok have announced the return of the infamous SneAKA, AKA’s limited edition sneaker released in 2019. The SneAKA 2.0 will pay tribute to the original collaboration between AKA and Reebok, while celebrating his enduring legacy.
The SneAKA 2.0 retains the design of the original, featuring the Classic Leather silhouette in chalk-colored garment leather, with the bold cheetah-print insole, white sole, and red heel stub that first set this sneaker apart. However, this new iteration incorporates two significant updates that were close to AKA’s heart: for the first time, the South African flag replaces the traditional Union Jack, making The SneAKA 2.0 the first Reebok sneaker to carry another nation’s flag. Additionally, AKA’s handwritten initials, “KJF,” are embroidered on the rear left heel, alongside pops of 3M reflective material, representing the energy and light he brought into the world.
Kiernan’s family and close collaborators have been instrumental in bringing this release to life, ensuring it remains a true reflection of his spirit. The SneAKA 2.0 is more than just a sneaker; it’s a tribute to AKA’s passion for South Africa, his authenticity, and his deep connection to Reebok. Tony Forbes, Kiernan’s father, reflected on the collaboration: “When Reebok and Kiernan came together, it wasn’t just about a product. There was a shared ethos of pushing boundaries, and I see The SneAKA 2.0 as a continuation of that, honouring the work he did and the vision he had.”
After AKA went public with the details of his Reebok deal in 2020, the brand sought to clarify the controversy, saying, “Kiernan was paid a substantial retainer, not a royalty, which was part of the original deal. Despite the noise around it, Kiernan and Reebok worked out their differences, and we had committed to future collaborations before his tragic passing.“
All profits from The SneAKA 2.0 will go directly to the Forbes family to support the upbringing of Kiernan’s daughter, Kairo, and a portion will be allocated to the Kiernan Forbes Foundation, a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting up-and-coming South African talent. Lynn Forbes, Kiernan’s mother, shared her thoughts on this tribute: “This is a beautiful celebration of Kiernan’s life and legacy. He would have been incredibly proud of this release, and I know Kairo will look back one day and feel that pride, too.”
The launch will be supported by a series of seven mini-episodes rolled out across social media, offering intimate insights into the creative process behind The SneAKA 2.0. Featuring interviews with Kiernan’s family, friends, and collaborators, the series will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of the sneaker and the enduring impact of AKA’s vision.
The SneAKA 2.0 will be available on November 16, 2024, with a limited-edition release of just 1,000 pairs
at Reebok.co.za. The drop will also be available at Reebok Canal Walk and Archive, Shesha, Sneaker District, Sportscene and Studio 88, for R2,799.
