Offering the latest men’s sneaker designs wrapped in timeless elegance and made for everyday luxury, Biruki is the UAE’s first independent sneaker label taking its products straight to consumers via their website, biruki.com. The cultured sneaker brand, based in Dubai, was launched this month by co founders who believe in limiting waste produced in the fashion industry through a slow-fashion mindset. “We wanted to create a label that spread positivity and disrupted the current market norms.”
The debut collection of mens sneakers consists of six styles in two or three colorways each, crafted with premium 100% cowhide leather, suede detailing and a durable rubber sole. Biruki collections are not sold through traditional sales channels and distributors, but rather they are sold directly to customers keeping the price lower than many of their competitors without sacrificing the quality promised as a premium sneaker brand.
‘Made for Everyday Luxury’
Both co-founders were raised in the UAE and realized prices of sneakers were very inflated compared to the actual quality of the finished product. Together they decided to create a brand focused on giving customers value for their money. The idea was to create a specialized leather sneaker brand that offered expert craftsmanship and unparalleled quality at a price point known previously only for lesser quality, faux leather products. Hence, giving every customer a piece of luxury everyday.
Having worked in the footwear industry for several years, they were experienced in the craft of shoe design and manufacturing. A unique niche skill that helped them come up with a distinct design concept.
Taking pride in the way the shoes were designed, Saad Khalid, CEO and Cofounder of Biruki said, “We had to make sure our brand had a unique identity to differentiate ourselves from any other footwear brand out there. The concept was to redefine the classic sneaker, making it trendy enough for luxurious style expression while maintaining a timeless silhouette to be worn for years.”
In addition to maintaining a market-redefining price for leather sneakers, they wanted to incorporate the concept of slow-fashion. Using unique production methods, Biruki produces in low waste quantities minimizing their impact on the environment, while encouraging the responsible consumption of sneakers.
“If we responsibly make a more comfortable, better quality sneaker that lasts longer, we prolong the use of that product and the value it adds to everyday life.“
The Name
The name Biruki stems from the root word “Barakah” which means “blessing” or “to be blessed” in Arabic. This root word belongs to a group of Semitic languages that have been used throughout the history of the UAE and Gulf region. Each of the six designs launched in September are also named according to the meaning behind the word Biruki; to take everything as a blessing and manifest positive energy. “Just as we do with individual’s names, each design is named uniquely - ultimately giving each step taken with Biruki sneakers meaning and purpose.”
Discover Biruki’s first six collections of redefined classics and their unique meanings, now available at : https://biruki.com/collections/all