Nike released a new version of the Air Force 1s which features an emblazoned image of Colin Kaepernick on the heel.
The brand didn't let a little detail like their own partnership with the NFL stop their stride or collection of coins with the release of the shoe on December 23.
The sneaker was made with premium black leather and features the letter K on the tongue of the sneaker. Kaepernick's image is seen on the heel of the shoe.
The date "08 14 16" is also placed on the sole. The date signifies the first time the football player and activist kneeled in protest of police brutality and racism in the United States. His powerful gesture occurred during a preseason game between the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers.
"Nike partnered with a collective of collaborators to design an AF1 that connects to their life personally. Colin was identified because we believe his voice and perspective inspire many generations on and off the field," a Nike spokesperson told CNN.
The sneakers sold out immediately and are currently not available on Nike's website or the SNKRS app.
Apparently, pop icon Janet Jackson was able to cop a pair in support of the collaboration.
"Thank you CK for my sneaks. I love’em," the icon captioned with a kissy face emoji.
Kaepernick responded with a Black fist and black heart emojis.
Jackson has been an advocate herself, speaking out against sexual violence, police brutality and HIV/AIDS awareness.
"I believe for all our challenges, we live at a glorious moment in history. It's a moment when, at long last, women have made it clear that we will no longer be controlled, manipulated, or abused. I stand with those women and with those men equally outraged who support us in heart and mind. This is also a moment when our public discourse is loud and harsh," she said during her acceptance speech at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.
Kaepernick repped his collaboration with the sneaker giant and posted a few images of the sneaker on his Instagram page.
Since 2016, Kaepernick has been a free agent due to his refusal to stand during the national anthem.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder," Kaepernick said.
"This is not something that I am going to run by anybody. I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed," Kaepernick added. "If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right."
Last month, Kaepernick attempted to mend the rift between him and the NFL by joining some players during an NFL workout. However, talks quickly soured as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league has moved on, as Blavity previously reported.
Kaepernick continues to speak out against injustice while remaining an unsigned player.
