Just in time for the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs and Factory8384 have teamed up on a limited-edition collection of Nike Air Force 1s called “Legends of the Derby." The 13 sneaker styles pay homage to a highly exclusive and noteworthy group of Triple Crown winners, are meticulously handcrafted using premium materials and are inspired by each winner's jockey silks. "Legends of the Derby" are on display at the Louisville racetrack and will be available for individual purchase via silent auction throughout the weekend. The winning bidder of each shoe will receive a made-to-order pair in their chosen size. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Secretariat Foundation, a nonprofit that brings greater awareness to the many causes that help horses and the people who care for them.
Curtis Brown is co-founder of Factory8384, a high-end sneaker customization studio based in Los Angeles. The inspiration for “Legends of the Derby” comes from a deeply personal place for Brown who wanted to honor his late father Louis “Tige” Brown, a lifelong racing enthusiast. The collection is designed in the spirit of preserving their cherished memories spent as a family at the racetrack and, in particular, a trip to Louisville in 2015 where Brown and his younger brother experienced the energy of the Kentucky Derby firsthand.
Check out the 13 pairs below and if you're at Kentucky Derby this weekend and plan on bidding on a pair or two, good luck!
