Perhaps those in the camp knew Ye was a ticking time bomb and the Yeezy brand was a sinking ship. But presumptions aside, former head of Yeezy-adidas Innovation Lab Omar Bailey silenced the cacophony, and along with Wall Street executive Abhishek Som started FCTRY LAb.

The goal of the Los Angeles-based footwear prototyping lab is to help independent designers cut down the time it takes for their work to reach production; from the usual 18 months down to 3. They’ve been teasing their project since mid-2022 and in the last few weeks, a more vivid and holistic look at their maiden effort. Introducing: the FCTRY LAb Knight RNR.

Although the images that’ve surfaced are leaks, they’re more than sufficient to whet appetites. The titular shoe is depicted in a uniform white but an alternate black has been seen on their Instagram as well. The model taps into the trend of easy-to-wear, foam-based slip-ons. Considering his role with Yeezy in the past, the design may inevitably draw comparisons to the Foam RNNR. From the profile, it’s also reminiscent of the Crazy 1, the basketball shoes formerly known as the Kobes.

Its make is comprised of a singular EVA foam with perforations placed on the sidewall. Contoured lining, the semi-open heel, and the serrated traction pattern give the shoe a futuristic look; much like the design language adopted in Bailey’s previous tenure. In addition, its housing deviates from the standard rectangular box, opting instead for a hexagon.

The pair is still in incubation with no official images nor information out in the light. When a release date, price point, and the such and such do emerge, expect an update at this very page so stay tuned!

Till then, consider a look at SNEEZE Magazine’s adidas Superskate.