What started out as the solution to an age-old problem of just about every sneakerhead, spurred the start of a revolutionary invention, SNKR GLOVE. In 2019, while in Arizona, Anthony Duran found himself homeless due to a series of unfortunate life events which ultimately resulted in him relocating to Louisville, Kentucky to stay with his brother. It was in Louisville, where Anthony made the decision to follow his passion and love for sneakers by creating SNKR GLOVE. Created in his brother’s garage, Anthony came up with the prototype of a premium shoe cleaning glove. SNKR GLOVE is now known today as the original dual sided, double action premium shoe cleaning glove for sneakers, shoes, boots and cleats.
From beginning as a former Footlocker employee, Anthony always had a passion for sneakers and the care of his footwear. The idea of creating a glove to clean and protect footwear was brought to tuition with hard work and sacrifice. Anthony and his business partner Brian began operation on the premise of building the brand by using the brick and mortar method. From visiting sneaker conventions around the world, to establishing relationships with retailers, Anthony Duran worked and networked his brand by word of mouth.
Unfortunately, in August 2022, Anthony Duran passed away. The legacy, the brand and identity of SNKR GLOVE found itself without its leader and founder. Anthony’s brother Manuel Duran aka Manny, picked up the mantle and along with Brian Averbuch, the mission of committed excellence for SNKR GLOVE continues. Manuel Duran, an IT Engineer, struggled with his brother’s passing; however, he knew that the best way to honor Anthony’s legacy was to keep the vision going. The very best of friends, Manuel was always involved with SNKR GLOVE in relation to ideas and concepts. Manuel thinks back at Anthony’s first pop-up event, and remembers the excitement and passion his brother had for SNKR GLOVE.
“Anthony’s vision and mission for SNKR GLOVE was the commitment to excellence, and the value of self-care, innovation, reliability and authenticity.” “Through giving back and creating a sense of community, making a difference by building relationships”.
Manuel Duran
Today, sneakerheads across the nation are in debt to Anthony’s legendary invention. The SNKR GLOVE has revolutionized the way people care for not only sneakers, but dress shoes and boots alike. The two-sided glove is amazingly convenient for keeping footwear spotless. Several key influencers, celebrities and athletes have raved about the SNKR GLOVE. The first influencer, Keith “Youngin” George II, formerly known as DJ Younin Beatz remembers Anthony vividly. “He believed in SNKR GLOVE, and would often travel city to city promoting and demonstrating the importance of feeling good about the look of footwear apparel”, states Youngin. Anthony was a fun-loving individual who had a dire desire to succeed and was passionate about what he believed in. Through his brother Manny, the legacy will live on and be remembered as an invention by a man who believed in the power of endurance.
One of the many ways Manny and Brian Averbuch are continuing the legacy Anthony created in SNKR GLOVE, is the development process of manufacturing and warehousing the SNKR GLOVE. The patented glove is in a class of its own. Currently in 85 stores nationwide, the future Is wide open with the potential of licensing opportunities in the near future. In addition to further growth and expansion, the SNKR GLOVE brand has several color variations and sizes in development. The SNKR GLOVE recently joined the reselling marketplace app, Whatnot, which enables the brand to sell and offers live auctions on the SNKR GLOVE. In tradition of Anthony’s legacy, the SNKR GLOVE brand continues with plans to standardize and become a global entity in the shoe-glove industry. Through Self-love, being Namaste, and Empowering in an Authentic way, SNKR GLOVE hopes to spread Knowledge and Energy. Respect!! (SNKRGLOVE – Anthony Duran Mission Statement written 2020)
This method is the best way to deep clean your sneakers. Here’s an example of how quick and effective the SNKRGLOVE can be. Simply add soap + water, work into lather and scrub. Safe and effective with sensitive materials including suede, leather, prime knit, nubuck, canvas, mesh, rubber, patent leather AND MORE! Washer/dryer safe ✅ Waterproof ✅. Watch the video below to see how it’s done!
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