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Making a Connection By Bob McGee A new, global, kids-only footwear brand will make its debut in five Beijing, China stores later this year before debuting in the U.S. for Spring 2019. Robokix is the creation of former Skechers children's footwear designer Patrick Warren, and Chinese factory group, Apex International. "The DNA of our brand is inspired by all the things that children are enthused by — electronics, the future, video games, robots and spaceships," says an enthusiastic Warren, who has also spent time during his design career in China working for Xtep Footwear. "Today, a two-year-old knows how to work an iPhone and an iPad. High school students participate in robotics competi- tions. Kids can program a robot to dance through a mobile app. Kids are more connected to this than we realize," adds Warren. "That's why I think this brand and its overall DNA is going to speak to them." With its array of colorful styles that includes every- t h i n g f r o m s a n d a l s a n d slip-ons to shoes with lights and a rechargeable model, Robokix will aim to plug into the upper-middle segment of the children's footwear market with retail prices ranging from $40 to $65 and a target demographic of 3-to- 11-year olds. The company utilized 3D scanning of kids' feet to build the lasts for 30 styles, a process designed to ensure a more natural fit for its young wearers. When he was still a child himself, 12 to be exact, Warren first got excited about shoes and designing them during an art class project. Intent on following the cor- rect educational path to his dream job, Warren typed out letters to executives at Nike, Adidas and L.A. Gear seeking advice. His only response came from the office of Robert Y. Greenberg, who would later create and develop the Skechers "I think he and I (Greenberg) have always had a connection since he was the first person to steer me into indus- trial design," says Warren, who spent a dozen years designing children's styles for Skechers. After designing the entire first Robokix line himself, Warren now oversees the brand's design team charged with incorporating a fun, modern trend/ look into every style. O Former Skechers Designer Teams with Chinese Company on New Kid's Brand. NEW BRAND To listen to a podcast chat with Patrick Warren of Robokix, visit SportsInsightExtra.com Patrick Warren yoursole.com Great for your feet, easy on the planet. The perfect post-run recovery flip. Styles shown above available Spring 2019. 24 • Footwear Insight ~ July/August 2018 footwearinsight.com