Cadillac sneakers to cost $11k 

If the launch of the first Cadillac – in late 2024 – can’t come soon enough, you might be able to get your hands on some fresh Caddy-inspired sneakers while you wait.  

A soon-to-be-available collection of 20 pairs of sneakers – comprising just five styles aptly named after each of Cadillac’s four electric vehicles – are set to be available from September 8, 2024.  

Designed in part by Los Angeles custom shoe designer, Dominic Ciambrone, also known as ‘The Sneaker Surgeon’, they’ll set you back a whopping $7487 USD, or just over $11,000 AUD. 

The collection came to life at the US car-maker’s Design Center in Michigan, where a team from Ciambrone's outfit worked alongside Cadillac designers to create the batch of shoes. 

Said to incorporate elements from the General Motors-owned premium brand’s electric cars, including the Escalade IQ, Optiq, Celestiq, and Lyriq – the latter of which will spearhead the official return of Cadillac in Australia when it arrives later this year – the footwear feature plenty of car-like materials. 

You won't find wheels on these sneakers but the interior leathers and upholstery patterns, textiles, and stitching techniques used in the cars are featured on the shoes.  

The colour schemes – an array of red, blue, black, and a hint of green – are also heavily influenced by interior and exterior hues found on Cadillac models. 

“Collaboration and craftsmanship are at the forefront of what we do at Surgeon. With our unique, custom designs, we strive to push boundaries and inspire,” said shoemaker Ciambrone. 

“We are excited to team up with Cadillac for a collaboration inspired by their products that have also pushed boundaries with their authentic, American luxury designs,” he added. 

The sneaker designer has also redesigned a pair of Nike Air Jordan 1s for Cadillac (and Nike) ambassador and tennis ace Frances Tiafoe. Adding intrigue to the collaboration is that Surgeon's company, SRGN Studios, is facing a $60m USD lawsuit Nike for allegedly counterfeit shoes. 

The one-off pair of green and blue kicks are set to be auctioned off by CharityBuzz.com in support of USTA Foundation’s Frances Tiafoe Fund, which uses tennis to help under-resourced youths.