KING of Kicks, winner Siyabonga Zondo, unlocked a R300 000 sneaker vault stacked with some of the rarest and most coveted sneakers in the country.
The Jabulani- Soweto born had to face-off with two ladies to crack the vault as part of Russian Bear’s long-standing influence in mzansi’s street and hip-hop culture.
The three- months campaign with YFM was to ignite sneaker culture nationwide, and according to the bubbly Siya, he entered the competition after purchasing a bottle of a Russian Bear and scanned the barcode to enter and from then onwards, the rest his history.
“It’s a bit surreal to accept I’ve won this arduous competition, considering I love sneakers. They’re expensive and its gonna take a while to wear some of them, but eventually I will,” remarked the jubilant chap from Jabulani, who thanked sponsors for their unheard of campaign.
The vault, a museum-worthy archive creatively curated by premium sneaker, collectibles and apparel consignment store in Cape Town – Story – featured limited-edition drops, cultural artefacts, timeless icons and modern grails, including: (what he won)
● Jordan 4 Retro “Bred” Reimagined
● Nike Air Force 1 Low Supreme
● Adidas Forum ’84 Low Bape 30th Anniversary
● Jordan 3 Retro OG SP A Ma Maniére “While You Were Sleeping”
● Adidas Yeezy 500
● Nike Air Max 180 Vortex by A.P.C. Records
● Jordan Travis Scott Jumpman Jack TR
● New Balance 990 v3
● Jordan 1 Retro Low OG SP Travis Scott
● Nike SB Dunk Low Futura Laboratories
● Nike Air Yeezy 1 ‘Blink’ – valued at R119,000
● Jordan 1 Retro High Off-White “Chicago” – valued at approximately R135,000
Siviwe Mgolodela, Senior Brand Manager: Russian Bear said: “Russian Bear continues to push culture forward by creating platforms that celebrate creativity, confidence and individuality.
King of Kicks is our way of honouring South Africa’s sneaker community – a culture that defines next-level energy. We celebrated the passion, the style and the bold spirit that make sneakerheads true kings.”
Sneaker lovers came in large numbers, clad in their latest designs at LevelThree, Sandton to experience a night in Russian Bear’s throne room, where a single vault stood at the centre, as finalists battled it out over two challenges to be crowned the ultimate King of Kicks after they were given the code to unlock the vault.
Lizeanne Tessendorf, Head of Snell Portfolio and Innovation at Edward Snell Co., added, “A big congratulations to Siyabonga Zondo, our King of Kicks, and to our remarkable finalists who brought their A-game every single week.
A massive thank you to our partners, YFM and Story, for their passion and contribution. We cannot wait to take King of Kicks to even greater heights next year.”
Image supplied (2025 King of Kicks winner Siyabonga Zondo- middle, sandwiched by other two contestants, recorded at the finale held at LevelThree, Sandton).
