Can-Am Kicks
What on earth could Can-Am and the high-end sneaker manufacturer The Shoe Surgeon have in common for them to organize a collaboration event at SRGN Studios in Los Angeles? As it turns out, The Shoe Surgeon, aka Dominic Ciambrone, is the custom designer of athletic footwear for the rich and famous. His client list includes Justin Bieber, Drake, LeBron James, DJ Khaled, and Will.I.Am. LeBron’s $100,000 sneakers, for example, featured crocodile skin, gold zippers, and diamond shoelace aglets. Among other collaborations, Heineken commissioned The Shoe Surgeon for a limited run of 32 sneakers with translucent midsoles filled with the company’s lager.
For Can-Am, Ciambrone fashioned three Rykers with distinct themes—Inclusivity, Brand Heritage, and Love of the Ride. He produced a matching pair of sneakers for each bike, taking design cues from the corresponding Rykers.
“My love for creating goes beyond sneakers. I love all powersports—whether it’s riding motorcycles, three-wheelers, off-roading, or on water,” said Ciambrone. “Partnering with Can-Am is an opportunity to put our touch on a different canvas.”
By using different leathers and colors, the Inclusivity theme is meant to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of riders. The theme also recognizes that embracing individuality and providing equal opportunities for all can result in a more vibrant environment for everyone involved in the motorcycling lifestyle.
The Brand Heritage theme for Can-Am is a tribute to the company’s 50-year history. The combination of premium leather, exotic and textural finish materials, along with the use of gold accents, dark tones, and hints of red, creates an elegant and distinct look that visually embodies Can-Am’s brand identity.
The Love of the Ride theme aims to capture the essence of the exhilarating riding experience while highlighting the unique design features that symbolize the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries in the world of recreational vehicles. By incorporating unconventional design elements, Can-Am seeks to create a distinct and memorable experience for riders, emphasizing their commitment to expanding boundaries and embracing artistic expression.
Even without The Shoe Surgeon customizations, the Can-Am Ryker has made a significant impact on the motorcycle industry since its launch in 2019. According to Can-Am, 50% of Ryker owners are new to riding, while nearly 35% of Ryker owners are women. This speaks to the appeal and accessibility of the Ryker.
“At Can-Am, we are passionate about creating new experiences and pushing boundaries to break down barriers and welcome more people to discover the open road, the thrill of the ride,” said Anne-Marie LaBerge, chief marketing officer at BRP. “This collaboration with The Shoe Surgeon is an example of our mission to change the face of riding. We are connecting two different communities by designing something unique to help transform a mindset and share our passion for riding.”