SOLDIER Reworks Timberland’s 6-Inch Zipper Boot

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Instead of viewing strength as a raw power, SOLDIER sees it more as an openness or permeability within himself. This approach is gentle and exploratory, driven by his imagination, vulnerability, and purpose. Over the past few years, this Lagos-born, London-based artist has made a global impact with mixed-media artworks that serve as a medium for introspection and societal critique. He aims to inspire fellow creatives who share similar values and aspirations. His work is deeply grounded in transformation: personal transformation, spatial transformation, and the way we interact with our surroundings.

Currently, he is collaborating again with Timberland for their second creative endeavor. He brings his artistic perspective to their renowned 6-Inch Zipper Boot which is now known as The Tiger. This design is inspired by SOLDIER’s unique application of camouflage as a symbol against the mainstream, showcasing daring striped patterns that hint at both streetwear and military heritage. The shoe also reflects the popular “beef and broccoli” color scheme, a staple in New York City street style, thereby connecting it to cultural roots while updating the boot’s appearance and feel.

Similar to his revamped Yellow Boot and his overall approach, The Tiger symbolizes a tribute to defiance, individuality, and venturing away from the ordinary. During the development of this project, we had a chance to chat with SOLDIER about the aesthetics of camouflage, the motivations behind the boot design, and art’s ability to mirror and transform reality. Here is the full interview below.


‘What is a symbol that embodies my memories, who I am and what I want to represent?’ Camouflage came to mind… it meant reclaiming something that could be turned into something beautiful.

What’s it been coming together with Timberlands for The Tiger?

In the past year, Timberland’s lace-ups were exceptionally popular, which makes me delighted to carry on this successful collaboration. Inspired by our success, I wanted to aim higher and it has been rewarding brainstorming concepts, designing apparel, and witnessing people engage with my work in a new way.

Can you walk us through the design and name some inspirations for the boots?

Without playing on words, The Tiger shoes are untamed in essence. While Timberland is famously associated with lace-up or hiking footwear, our initial design stood out distinctly from the start. At first, it was a struggle for me to grasp its aesthetic and texture, but eventually, I embraced this challenge and crafted something exclusive and exceptionally rare.

Beef and Broccoli” is an original style that carries strong influences from New York, even though I wasn’t brought up in America. The green and brown colors are particularly reminiscent of this influence. As a child, I would listen to Tupac while getting my haircut at salons in Lagos. At the time, I didn’t know much about him as my English was limited. So, in essence, this shoe represents a blend of those cultural influences.

What role does camouflage play in your practice as a whole?

As a passionate gamer with an artistic streak, I’ve often found myself delving into the concept of camouflage as a symbolic representation in my creations. My skateboarding journey began in the bustling city of Lagos, where WAFFLESNCREAM and our collective Motherlan made waves as pioneers in the scene. The intricate camouflage patterns on our pants and decks caught my eye initially, but I soon discovered that civilians were barred from wearing such disguises in Lagos. One fateful day, I found myself on the receiving end of an army stop and learned a valuable lesson about the city’s unique fashion rules.

Reflecting on the journey of obtaining a scholarship to study in London amidst COVID-19, I pondered over a symbol that encapsulated my past, identity, and aspirations. Camouflage emerged as an ideal choice for several reasons: A) due to my unique experiences, B) as I hold strong anti-war sentiments, and C) because it represented the transformation of something initially unattractive into something aesthetically pleasing. Floral camouflage, with its functional roots rather than war connotations, became my symbol of choice.

Your art style incorporates various locations globally, suggesting a fluidity and comfort in navigating these diverse environments, often employing camouflage techniques.

Everyone is not merely defined by their birthplace; rather, they are shaped by the diverse experiences they gather throughout their lives, regardless of where those experiences originate. For instance, I hail from Lagos, but my identity transcends geographical boundaries as I’ve been influenced by various global encounters. It’s essential that people have the freedom to explore, travel, and amass these life-changing experiences since they can lead to extraordinary discoveries and personal growth.

How would you imagine the new boots being introduced, with a vibe reminiscent of an artistic release? Picture them out in the public sphere instead.

As a collector, I’ve always dreamt of owning something exclusive, something coveted by few – a one-of-a-kind piece that would stand out among the rest. In our case, I envisioned creating just 50 of these masterpieces, making them scarcely available and adding to their allure. Just like a precious limited-edition print, each one carries the essence of rarity, making it an exceptional addition to any art collection.

When crafting this shoe, I yearned to steer clear of the typical urban aesthetic and instead, design something that exuded a sense of being less tied to civilization and more at home in uncharted territories. Imagine donning these shoes and finding yourself on a farm, lost in the world or simply embarking on an adventure – that’s exactly the feeling I’ve been experiencing lately: immersed in reality, with a touch of wildness. My workshop is nestled beside a river, so I find myself deeply entwined in nature most of the time. There’s a part of me longing for off-grid living, a desire to escape the pressures of city life, social media, and immerse myself in the serenity that the shoe embodies.


There’s a part of me that wants to go off the grid, that wants to get away from the stress of the city and social media and the boot embodies that feeling.
Since your first time working with Timberland, how have you seen your practice evolve?

At age 23, my work was still quite raw and hands-on. However, as I’ve progressed, there’s been a noticeable increase in sophistication that is evident in The Tiger. My aim now is to maintain the emotional depth while striving for even greater refinement.

What is the impact or message you aim to convey through your artistic creations or fashion designs? As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to recognize a lack of representation in the artwork I encounter. For some time, it felt almost unattainable, like an expensive toy out of reach. However, in music and fashion, there are numerous individuals who engage and participate actively. Unfortunately, this sense of immersion was less common in art.

I aim to share all the lessons I’ve gathered from my life journey. I want to create something that serves as a sanctuary for younger individuals, much like myself, who might find inspiration in my work. It serves as a means for me to grasp and interpret the reality around me, and to articulate it effectively. My work can be utilized for political purposes, to take a stance, or even to influence others’ perspectives – this is what my craft represents to me.

I strongly value aesthetic appeal, as I think that the world could benefit from more beauty given the prevalence of unsightly systems. I find solace in returning home to appreciate beautiful artworks or the sight of lilacs nestled among woods, which softens the harshness of everyday life. Overall, I appreciate and admire the aesthetics of everything around me.

Have any advice for young artists?

As a passionate admirer, allow me to share my perspective: Sometimes, others may not grant you the chance to express yourself openly, so it’s crucial to discover your unique voice. I chose the path of an artist, fully aware of its hardships, but if you can find that one thing that stirs your soul deeply and cling to it fiercely, no one can ever snatch it from you.

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2025-08-08 21:26