Face Time: Sole Play’s TJ Bennett on Helping Create One of the Sneakers of the Year | OneFootball

The Sole Play x adidas “Press Play” Predator Sala is one of our favorite sneaker drops of the year. TJ Bennett, founder of Sole Play discusses what went into the one-of-a-kind drop in the triumphant return of our Face Time series.

Designing a sneaker is no easy feat. Building a community is even harder. TJ Bennett, founder of Atlanta-based Sole Play, has done both quite proficiently.

With Sole Play, Bennett created a series of unique brick and mortar stores that are way more than just sneaker shops. Embracing the worlds of gaming, comics, and anime, Sole Play is a place you can hang out and compete in addition to copping the latest and greatest in the world of streetwear.

After building Sole Play into an Atlanta institution, Bennett started turning some heads, eventually linking up with adidas for a collaboration. The result is the “Press Play” Predator Sala, a one-of-a-kind sneaker that merges gaming, soccer, and sneakers all into one.

Instead of going the easy route with an iconic silhouette like the Samba, Gazelle, or Handball Spezial, Bennett and his team opted for the road less traveled, selecting the Predator Sala as their model of choice.

The footy-inspired sneaker provided more customizability, including a removable tongue with five different color options, multiple laces, and a holographic play button on the back heel. Because real gamers need to be able to customize not just their characters, but their ‘fits as well.

The “Bold Green” colorway is also something you don’t see everyday, with red accenting stripes making for a striking contrast.

To discuss the sneaker of the year candidate, Bennett joins Urban Pitch Editor in Chief Ramsey Abushahla for a one-on-one conversation, reprising our Face Time series that was born out of the pandemic. The two discuss what went behind the design of the shoe, how Sole Play has become a staple of the Atlanta community, and the ATL’s vibrant soccer community.