Rykä Partners with Chanel Miller on New Courage Sneaker

Rykä, a women’s athletic shoe company, has teamed up with Chanel Miller, author of “Know My Name,” on the Courage Sneaker, a limited-edition shoe release. The Rykä’s top-performing Dynamic Pro style features original illustrations by Chanel.  

Introduced to the world as Emily Doe in the victim impact statement she wrote following her assault on Stanford University’s campus, Chanel has since shared her name and her experience publicly, prompting change to California law and inspiring thousands of fellow survivors to come forward and share their stories. Her illustrations tell a story of courage, love and self-acceptance. The main character, the lion, is a symbol of courage, while the graphic treatment of the text is spread like a mantra throughout the upper print. Inside, there is a special message for the wearer on the insole from Chanel: “Love is where courage is born.” The design is accented with Chanel’s favorite color, cherry blossom pink. 

“I love that this sneaker will serve as a foundation for your body,” says Chanel. “That even if there’s chaos in your mind, you can take a moment to feel solid wherever you are standing.” 

“Futures Without Violence is the perfect organization for us to partner with on our first-ever charitable collaboration,” says Debbie Krivelow, senior vice president and general manager, Rykä. “Upon our initial conversation, they immediately connected with our brand story and believed we could share their important mission through this unlikely vehicle (shoes). It is a big responsibility and honor that we are proud to stand behind.” 

Rykä will donate $25,000 of the shoe’s proceeds to the Futures Without Violence Courage Museum – an immersive learning experience that will encourage visitors to imagine and work toward a world without violence, hate and discrimination. 

“We are so proud to collaborate with Chanel Miller and Rykä on this innovative cause-marketing program to raise funds and awareness for the Courage Museum,” says Rachael Smith Fals, senior vice president, Futures Without Violence. “It is a bold and beautiful reminder that each of us has the power to harness courage for ourselves and each other in all that we do, to create safer and more equitable homes and communities for everyone.” 

The Courage Sneaker is available exclusively on Rykä.com while supplies last.