This is how Pokémon conquers the shoe and textile industry

It should come as no surprise that Pokémon, one of the most popular entertainment franchises of all time, has made the leap from screen to street. The iconic and acclaimed brand is best known for its colorful characters, including Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle, who paved the way for the brand’s successful entry into the apparel industry. With the rise of so-called “dopamine dressing,” more and more people are realizing that what we wear plays an important role in how we feel. And: There is also something magical about reviving favorite characters from childhood through clothing.

With fans of all ages worldwide seeking Pokémon-themed items, the franchise’s lineup expanded first to include accessories and then apparel. Over the years, established fashion labels like Balmain and Levi’s have collaborated with the brand to fulfill fans’ dreams of dressing head-to-toe in Pokémon.

Mathieu Galante, Licensing Director EMEA at The Pokémon Company International, says, “Pokémon has become a true fashion icon in recent years, and working with a wide range of clothing and footwear provides a great opportunity to engage our audience in new and diverse ways. Our rich heritage and colorful, well-loved characters provide designers with endless inspiration to create unique and surprising collections, while our broad global appeal and reputation for innovation attracts a wide range of high-profile partners, from retail brands to to designer labels, so there is something for every taste.”

With the growing demand for Pokémon apparel, the franchise branched out into footwear, collaborating with some of the biggest names in the global industry. Collections have been developed together with leading brands such as Converse, PUMA and Clarks. Each cooperation is carefully tailored to the wishes of the fans. Ranging from bold Pokémon prints to shoes for fans who want to make more subtle style choices but still carry the Pokémon spirit. Some of the more eye-catching collaborations include the PUMA x Pokémon collection, the Converse x Pokémon Original collection, and the Irregular Choice x Pokémon collection, which was all about the brand’s characters and slogans.

Pokémon x Clarks: For children and adults

For fans who prefer to express their love for Pokémon in a less obvious way, Pokémon has teamed up with retail brand Clarks. The first 10-piece collection for adults and children for Fall Winter 2022 brought some of the franchise’s most beloved characters and icons (like the Poké Ball) to life, with designs like the Clarks Originals Wallabee Boot, featuring subtle Pikachu embossing all over and the Clarks Kids Grip Pokémon sneaker with Playprint soles that leave a Pokéball imprint with every step. After the resounding success of the collection, a new cooperation is now coming to the shops. The back-to-school models and sneakers are again equipped with the comfortable, soft cushioning, the shock-absorbing soles and the easy on and off straps from Clarks and show playful Pokémon elements. Other models for everyday use and

2 Grip Pearl sneakers are already available in the new colors pink and teal, the new models Foxing Mist and Peak Go will follow in March.

Pokémon characters on classic designs at Puma and Converse

Inspired by the most iconic Pokémon characters, the PUMA x Pokémon Capsule Collection features fun graphics and colors of characters like Pikachu, Charmander and Squirtle on signature PUMA models such as the PUMA Slipstream, PUMA Suede Classic Sneaker and PUMA RS-X . Featuring a selection of youth and adult apparel, the collection inspires fans to be the best-dressed Pokémon trainer of all time. The Converse x Pokémon collection celebrated 25 years of Pokémon and featured original designs for customers of all ages, including the signature Converse All-Star models in four colorways that pay homage to the brand. An obvious choice for a Pokémon collaboration was quirky fashion brand Irregular Choice, which created an extensive collection of shoes and accessories featuring bright and colorful 3D Pokémon figures with cutouts.

From cult to couture: Pokémon interpreted by Crocs, Axel Arigato and Balmain

For the Pokémon collaboration with Crocs, the classic Crocs clogs have been reimagined with fun patterns and recognizable characters. In addition, Jibbitz, the typical Crocs badges, were created. These are inspired by the badges you get for defeating a Gym Leader in the video game.

In addition to collaborating with leading footwear brands, Pokémon also partners with leading designer labels to appeal to fans looking for something a little more exclusive. To do this, the first generation Pokémon characters, such as Meowth and Gengar, were applied to sneakers, hoodies, T-shirts and denim items from the Swedish brand Axel Arigato. Balmain Creative Director Oliver Rousteing and Pokémon share the same unusually bold and adventurous outlook on life, making them a perfect match for a collection together. Much of the Balmain x Pokémon collection featured new interpretations of Balmain classics, such as the brand’s casual hoodies and sleek sneakers, as well as the famous maze pattern.

Pokémon is ready to dress its fans from head to toe and help them shine through its many exciting shoe collaborations.