He’s changing the world of footwear!
Dr. D’Wayne Edwards is a name synonymous with innovation, design, and empowerment. A trailblazer in the footwear industry and a visionary educator, he has shattered barriers and paved new lanes in the footwear and design industry.
Edwards’ journey began with a passion for design and a keen eye for detail. His work for renowned brands like Nike and Adidas solidified his reputation as a master craftsman, earning him numerous accolades and more than 50 patents. But beyond his impressive career, Edwards’ true impact lies in his commitment to fostering the next generation of designers.
Earlier this year, he reopened the Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC), the first HBCU focused on design and the only one in the state of Michigan. In 2022, Edwards founded one of the first Black-owned athletic footwear factories in the U.S., releasing the first shoe line from the factory the year prior. The HBCU president is dedicated to providing a platform for students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue their creative passions. Now, he has collaborated with Target to release the ÜNOS by Sz collection, a new adjustable footwear line.
“For a long time, it’s always been my goal to do something that was much more affordable for people who could afford everyday things. I just felt like everyday things, if they had the same intentionality put into them as some of those more elevated, expensive items, I think you could make something special, and so what we did with ÜNOS by Sz is we created this technology that allows the shoe to grow with your foot,” Edwards told AfroTech.
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The innovator said the idea for the show came from a business issue that many shoe stores run into – inventory space. Because of the varying sizes of shoes, they take up more space in the back of the store and on the floor. ÜNOS stands for “U Need One Size,” utilizing a patented technology that enables shoes to grow up to one full size for both children’s and adults’ shoes. The product killed two birds with one stone, creating fewer shoes that clog up inventory and creating a stylish and affordable product for growing families, priced at $50 or less per shoe.
That type of innovation is the sort of foundational knowledge Edwards tries to instill in his design students. What’s good for the most underserved populations is most likely good for everyone as a whole. The new shoe is proof of that, offering more than 15 options for children’s and adult-sized shoes.
“It’s just problem-solving. Part of what we try to do is help our students understand the power that they have. For instance, if you remove Black people from sports, sports is going to be different. If you remove Black people from entertainment, entertainment is different. If you remove Black people from fashion, fashion is different. So, our impact on culture and in society is much greater than we’re all given credit for,” said Edwards.
The new ÜNOS by SZ shoes by Dr. D’Wayne Edwards are available at Target stores nationwide now.
Cover photo: HBCU President & Renowned Shoe Designer Partners With Target to Release New Adjustable Footwear Line/Photo credit: John Paul Howard/AfroTech