Gear: Mini Releases Union Jack Sneaker

From time to time, we come across cool products that can be used to enhance the driving experience (driving gloves and shoes, helpful gadgets, etc.) or that simply appeal to our inner car geek (team apparel, books, model cars, the Formula D board game, etc.). Either way they are things we want, or that would appeal to certain enthusiasts out there. “Gear” articles are our new way of sharing the things we find that catch our eye.

Mini’s Lifestyle Collection has expanded to include the Union Jack Sneakers. These high-top canvas shoes are trimmed with the pattern of the British Flag, and even feature the Union Jack in the tread on the sole. The right shoe features the words "Beat The Street" in the insole.

While not racing gear, the Mini Union Jack Sneakers appear to be comfortable enough for casual motoring, and are a unique way for diehard fans of the marque to accessorize with their car.

Mini will be selling the shoes online and in select Mini dealers starting in September. So, would you?

Scroll down for the official press release from Mini.

Get a firm grip with the Union Jack Sneakers by MINI. British shoe cult for the streetsmart.

    * 07.06.2011

Munich. The new sneakers from the MINI Lifestyle Collection bring the Union Jack look onto the pavement in true British style. These sports shoes come with an unmistakable MINI signature and are set to delight not only inveterate fans of the brand. In May, sports shoe enthusiasts were able to glean a first-hand impression of this unique model at the SNEAKERNESS in Cologne, Europe’s biggest sneaker convention.

The MINI Union Jack Sneakers are hi-tops covering his or her ankles. They come in classic blue with soles and laces in contrasting white. Fashionable Union Jack details add attractive highlights, with the flag printed on the heel cap and along the shoelace eyelets. The Union Jack profile at the front and back of the sole ensures that these sneakers will leave behind a distinctly British footprint: MINI was here!

The upper material is water-repellent canvas, guaranteeing dry feet should the weather put a damper on things, while the silver eyelets for the laces lend the sneakers a retro look. Discreet branding reflects the hallmark MINI understatement, with MINI logos on the outside of the left shoe, the back of the sole and the inside of the tongue. “Beat the street” lettering on the insole of the right shoe adds another catchy detail.

The MINI Union Jack Sneakers will be available from September 2011 on the internet at www.MINI.de/shop and from select MINI dealers. Those keen to size up the shoes before then will have an opportunity to do so at the upcoming SNEAKERNESS conventions in Zurich on 18 June and in Amsterdam on 27 August. Printable photo material is available in the BMW Group Press Club at www.press.bmwgroup.com.

MINI at the 2011 SNEAKERNESS.

The SNEAKERNESS convention is the most comprehensive sneaker event in Europe. It is an international stage for sneaker culture, a meeting place for sneakerheads as well as the interested public, and an authentic forum for manufacturers. The event provides MINI with the perfect platform to present its Union Jack Sneakers to a select public. MINI is an Official Partner of the SNEAKERNESS and presents some of the highlights of its Lifestyle Collection in the context of the fair. For further information on the convention go to www.sneakerness.com