I THINK we should have renamed this years’ Kings of Kicks to ‘Queens of Kicks’ quipped Siviwe Mgolodela, Senior Brand Manager, Russian Bear, with tongue-in-cheek.
Thanks to the winners- Angel Mosiamedi who won R200 000 sneaker vault, and Nonkosi Paul, who went home with R20 000 worth of sneakers.
Both are females hence the call to have coined this years’ edition ‘Queens of Kicks’.
Entering its second instalment the popular campaign celebrates the individuality, creativity and next-level energy that continues to shape mzansi’s street culture.
Angel from Protea Glen, says entering the competition was a not a fluke as her name suggest.
“I entered after purchasing a bottle of Russian Bear for multiple times. I told my family I feel this would come my way, and guess tonight I’m walking away with sneakers of top range worth R200 000”, she exclaimed.
“I grew up loving sneakers and when this opportunity presented itself, I told myself cometh the moment, cometh the lady,” as she embraced her fellow sister Nonkosi.
Strangely, the two met during the competition and from then on, decided shall share prizes amongst each other, they both told this reporter at the finale reveal announcement held at Braamfontein, Jozi, recently.
“It’s unbelievable that we became more than friends; to such an extent we concluded shall share the prizes. It’s unheard of,” says Nonkosi accompanied by a huge smile- in her designer sunglasses.
The West Rand born, who is a daughter of a domestic worker- Nonkosi, remarked her love for sneakers was as a result of her Mom buying shoes with no name at young age, as she could not afford well-known brands.
“Look at me now, she’s proud of my achievements and the hours invested in the competition bore fruits, though I did not win a major prize, but my sister has, and we will have fun this festive.”
After weeks of participation and competition, two finalists emerged from the campaign’s entry pathways, each bringing their own sneaker story, personality and passion to the race for the crown.
At the finale, the finalists faced off in a series of challenges designed to test their sneaker knowledge.
“Sneaker culture has always been about more than the shoes – it’s about identity, originality and the confidence to stand out.
With King of Kicks, Russian Bear celebrates the people who live and breathe that culture, giving them a platform to showcase what makes them unique.
This year’s competition has been a powerful reminder of the passion and creativity within Mzansi’s sneaker community.
Congratulations to our new King of Kicks 2026 – this is what elevating culture looks like,” says Mgolodela, as YFM who are partners in the campaign, kept guests entertained.
Our call is to encourage everyone to enter next year’s competition as it grows by lips and bounds, affirmed Mgolodela with a cold-one in tow.
‘The angel has not fallen- but took off to the skies’.
Image SLM (And the winner is. Angel Mosiamedi recorded inside the vault packed with designer sneakers to the value of R200 000.)
