Oakley’s recent partnership with Los Angeles-based Brain Dead is now releasing its first products with the Flesh Shoe. And we’ve got the first look.
Plus all the details about the Oakley Factory Team, including what it could mean for the future of Oakley!
Oakley Factory Team x Brain Dead Partnership
Announced in April 2022, Oakley partnered with Brain Dead to launch the “Oakley Factory Team.”
“Acting as the Research & Development division for the highest form of conceptual design and experimentation, the Oakley Factory Team will push the limits of our collective mission via product and multi-media storytelling mediums.”
Press Release
Who is Brain Dead?
Founded by Kyle Ng, Brain Dead is a Los Angeles-based “creative collective of artists and designers, as well as a streetwear brand.” And if you haven’t heard of Brain Dead, this will likely be the first time of many in the near future.
Surging onto the streetwear scene, Brain Dead has quickly taken the world by storm with focused releases and partnerships that stay true to the brand.
Brian Takumi, who is VP of Product at Oakley (amongst an array of responsibilities), was quoted saying:
“Like anything, there’s always going to be the original. And at the same time, there is always an opportunity to evolve. That creative exploration of pulling something rare from the archives and reimagining what it could be for today is a process we are thrilled to be doing with Brain Dead. At Oakley, we are equal parts scientists and engineers as we are designers. So, with every product, each element is carefully considered. The result is a fresh interpretation of Flesh with a neo-futuristic aesthetic that symbolizes evolution and progression.”
Brian Takumi, Oakley Press Release
What Does it Mean for Oakley?
We’re excited to not only see this partnership but to see it releasing new products so soon. The Oakley Factory Team seems to be reviving the disruptive design that put Oakley on the map in its early days. And we’re looking forward to seeing more updated revivals and all-new designs that continue to challenge the status quo.
Now let’s take a look at the Factory Team Flesh Shoe!
Oakley Factory Team Flesh Shoe
Now this partnership has produced its first results with the Oakley Factory Team Flesh Shoe. Based on the original Flesh shoe released in 2000, the updated design features a new silhouette that pushes the Flesh into 2022 (Full pictures below).
Upgrades and New Design
The Factory Team flesh features the original rubber midsole with a phylon layer, making Flesh lighter for easier day-to-day wear. Pylon is typically made of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam pellets that are compressed, expanded with heat, and then cooled into a mold, in this case, the midsole.
The Oakley design team also kept the open chamber in the sole, allowing easier compression and cushion when walking. The upper has also been modified via applied oval gels that give this shoe a futuristic look.
Available Colorways and Availability
The initial launch on Oakley’s website is the Factory Team flesh is a “Sand/Blue” colorway (Product Link), but BrainDead released two other colorways Ice (Product Link) and Lime/Blue (Product Link). This is based on Oakley’s press release that specifically mentions these colorways.
Unfortunately, the Factory Team Flesh in Sand/Blue has already sold out online at Oakley’s website, but it may be worth it to keep an eye on the site. Oakley has been known to restock inventory as orders are canceled/returned (though we wouldn’t bet on it for such a hyped release).
And Oakley’s website isn’t your only option. You can also find the Flesh available for sale at the below stores and online outlets:
Oakley Stores
- Marina Sands, Singapore
- Shibuya, Japan
- Cadorna, Milan, Italy
- Covent Gardens, London, UK
- 5th Avenue, New York, US
- 3rd Street Santa Monica, CA, US
Online Outlets
- Brain Dead
- DSMLA
- DSMNY
- DSML
- DSMG
- Hypebeast
- Bodega
- SSENSE
- SneakernStuff
- Slam Jam
- End Clothing
- Goodhood
- Pilgrim Surf+Supply
Check out the full pictures of the Oakley Factory Flesh below:
Want More?
Looking for more info on new Oakley releases, including the Flesh Shoe? Or have a question? Join the largest online Oakley community and let us know in the comments below.
