'Duck Dynasty' Sneakers Get Limited Crowdfunded Run
It was only a matter of time before “Duck Dynasty’s” notably untrendy stars got into the fashion game. A new line of running shoes inspired by the popular A&E reality show will feature — what else — camo-patterned sneakers.
Spira Footwear is making the sneakers, which feature Spira’s “WaveSpring Technology.” The shoes are only available for three months and can be purchased through online crowdfunding platform Rockethub.com.
The sneakers are a marriage of two of A&E brands, “Duck Dynasty” and “Project Startup,” an A&E program designed to showcase up-and-coming brands and new technologies. Through the program, A&E is hand-picking startups and providing them with seed money and promotional help.
Additionally, they are giving the small businesses a chance to spread their message.
"The biggest challenge for any entrepreneur is the opportunity to tell their story," said Andy Krafsur, CEO and co-founder of Spira. "We’re grateful to A&E Project Startup for discovering us and helping us along on our journey."
Krafsur said modeling a show after the Robertson family — which has built a multimillion-dollar sporting empire manufacturing duck calls — was a natural fit.
"Like the Robertson’s, our business is a family business," Krafsur said. "My wife, Holly, and I co-founded the company and work side-by-side."
Spira shoes are premised upon a patented technology called WaveSpring, a lightweight, laterally stable and compact spring that's placed in both the heel and forefoot. The WaveSpring not only cushions, but returns energy, allowing people to participate in the activities with far more comfort and less stress and strain than traditional footwear.
The "Duck Dynasty" shoes — offered in six different color schemes — are only available through November 14 via the crowdfunding project. Shoppers have the option of purchasing as little as one pair, for a $90 donation, or many as 200, for a $10,000 donation.
The project was launched today (Aug. 16), and within the first 12 hours more than 100 fans of the show had already donated in excess of $16,000. Once the project achieves its $100,000 funding goal, A&E will donate $20,000 to Wounded Veterans organizations.
Follow Chad Brooks on Twitter @cbrooks76 or BusinessNewsDaily @BNDarticles. We're also on Facebook & Google+.
Copyright 2013 LiveScience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
