Miller Lite and New Balance have teamed up to make a gift that captures the very specific ethos of the suburban dad: a koozie made out of a New Balance sneaker.
The limited-edition “Shoezie,” which combines the beer-cooling functionality of a koozie with the fashion statement delivered by the utilitarian New Balance 624 Trainer, was designed to celebrate Father’s Day, a staple holiday for both brands.
“The Original Light Beer and the originator of the ‘Dad Shoe’ coming together to celebrate Father’s Day makes perfect sense,” says Allison Wallin, marketing manager for Miller Lite. “Both brands are classics, beloved by dads and aren’t afraid to have fun.”
Crafted using genuine New Balance materials, the “Shoezie” boasts a rubber sole and breathable leather, designed to keep beer “cold, supported, and comfortable when dads need it the most,” Wallin says.
White with gray and blue accents, the koozies bear logos from both brands: New Balance’s signature “N” logo and Miller Lite’s stylized “Lite.”
The quirky, self-aware stunt already has generated hype by media outlets, including the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Barstool Sports, Hypebeast and Food & Wine, the latter of which opined that Miller Lite and New Balance “hit it out of the park” with the collaboration.
Like any modern-day sneaker drop, quantities are limited. Miller Lite fans can try to get their hands on a Shoezie by visiting TheShoezie.com on Father’s Day, June 20, at 9 a.m. CT to be entered to win.
“Miller Lite is a beer’s beer, and that means celebrating the people who drink beer, like dads,” Wallin says. “That’s why we cast real dads, including one we found at the local hardware store, and chose to highlight classic occasions where you’d catch dad holding a beer, like hanging by the grill or watering the lawn. Or my personal favorite, standing in front of the TV for no reason at all.”