Cover Image Credit: Kim Jayde | KJ Productions
As we anticipate the launch of the Grade 1s, also known as the GR-1s, we had the opportunity to chat with Zaid Osman, the creative mind behind this exciting new shoe brand, at the Grade store in Sandton, South Africa. Zaid shared his enthusiasm for this fresh drop, explaining that the inspiration for the GR-1s stems from the early 2000s skate culture.
“I grew up surrounded by the old-school DC shoes and grind shoes with plates underneath, so I wanted to capture that skater vibe,” Zaid reflected.
One striking feature of the GR-1s is the South African flag incorporated into the design. “It’s important for us to always showcase that our brand is proudly South African,” he emphasized. Zaid also mentioned his preference for functional design elements, stating, “I’ve always liked stashed pockets, so we included a zip stash pocket on the tongue, inspired by that early 2000s style.”
During our conversation, Zaid expressed his vision for inclusivity. “I wanted to create a sneaker that appeals to everyone—not just skaters or lifestyle enthusiasts. Whether you rock a Puma Suede or Adidas Samba, I want anyone to feel they can gravitate towards the GR-1s.” He noted that while the first drop of the GR-1s will be available in sizes UK 6-11, a second drop in early 2025 will include sizes 3-6 to further enhance inclusivity.
In terms of materials, Zaid shared, “We considered various options, such as synthetic leather, but we aimed for premium quality. The GR-1s feature premium suede all around, a mesh tongue, and a rubber outsole. I’m curious to see how they’ll look as they wear in, adding character to the suede.”
He believes the GR-1s represent the future of sneaker design. “As we elevate our brand, we’re excited to create even more innovative designs. This being our first sneaker, we wanted to play it safe and assess market reactions, but I truly believe there’s still room for innovation in sneaker design.”
The reception from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. “People are loving the GR-1s; I think they represent South African sneaker culture on a global scale,” Zaid shared. When discussing future collaborations, he mentioned, “We’re aiming for the GR-1s to reach a wide audience. We’re currently designing smaller and female sizes, and I am looking to forward to what collaborations with the GR-1 will look like. The possibilities are endless, and we’re excited about building unique IPs on our shoes—similar to how brands like Bape and Spider-Man create buzz.”
“The GR-1s are currently available for preorder on our website, priced at R2200, with shipping beginning at the end of November”. Zaid expressed his satisfaction with the product, saying, “I’m super happy with how the design turned out. It’s been a long journey of research and development—over six years of sampling. After visiting factories in China earlier this year and discussing the product details with them, I’m finally satisfied with the quality.”
He shared how important the aesthetic of the shoe is to him. “I’ve had feedback from some customers saying, ‘This is my life in a shoe; it really embodies who I am.’ I look forward to seeing the GR-1s on people around the streets; that will be the moment that truly hits home for me.”
The GR-1s come in three colorways: “Emerald Tide” (green), “Sunset Clay” (brown), and “Seaside Chalk” (white). Zaid explained the inspiration behind these colors: “The brown reminds me of the sunsets in Johannesburg and Cape Town, especially in Camps Bay, where the calming orange and pink skies are breathtaking. We’re even exploring different ice cream flavors to match the sneakers for the launch!”
Zaid also delved into the details behind each shoe’s inspiration. “The white Seaside Chalk draws inspiration from sand; if you notice, in many beach cities, the concrete turns white due to the wind direction of the sand, which I find fascinating. The green Emerald Tide reflects the green landscapes and winelands of Stellenbosch, filled with greenery. I played around with colors and mood boards, experimenting with different Pantones. Research and development is key in our process.”
Written by Sisipho Caroline Nyamela.
