At SJ, we believe bold ideas deserve to be seen. That’s why we launched the SJ x SONS sneaker design contest. From September to November 2024, we invited dreamers and fearless creatives to share their most visionary sneaker concepts. More than 100 entries came in, each one a fresh take on what the future of footwear could hold. After careful deliberation, our jury narrowed it down to five finalists who dared to push boundaries.

Design journey through China

The creativity of our finalists was off the charts, so we made sure to give them an experience just as exceptional. These five rising talents earned access to two exclusive creative workshops with our design team and joined an unforgettable adventure to China.

Together with influencer and SJ ambassador Stien Edlund, they embarked on an inspiring adventure through the vibrant cities of Dongguan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. From stepping inside SJ headquarters to hunting unique materials in buzzing local markets, they fully immersed themselves in the sneaker world, soaking up inspiration every step of the way.

And there’s more! Each of the finalists’ designs have been shining at the Shoes Or No Shoes museum, showcased alongside some of the most iconic sneakers ever made!

Legend in the making

More than 3000 sneaker fans cast their votes between May and August 2025, and one design quickly stole the show. With its bold look and thoughtful details, Jente’s creation captured hearts and secured the win, earning a remarkable 1,346 votes!

Built on the Legend-last, the winning sneaker now proudly carries its new name Legend by Jente.

Meet the winner: Jente Claes

At just 22 years old, Jente Claes from Aartselaar is already shaping her own path. As a graduate in Graphic and Digital Media with a focus on Cross Media Design, she broadened her skills during a 2.5-month internship as a web designer in Kampot, Cambodia.

The design

For her design, Jente drew inspiration from playful, flowing shapes crafted in silver puffer material - a deliberate choice, as silver runs through her personal style, from jewelry to clothing. The result is a bold sneaker with daring texture and a sleek black rubber sole, balancing everyday comfort with a futuristic edge.

She started with sketches, refined them using AI, and didn’t let comments like “too complex” discourage her. On the contrary – she pushed forward, even cutting and stitching materials herself during production. Her creative vision and hands-on involvement made Legend by Jente one of the most technically challenging sneakers SJ has ever produced, and a true embodiment of the Freedom To Move philosophy.

Beyond the design

Now, Jente’s winning concept is becoming reality in a limited-edition drop of just 200 pairs. All earnings from the Legend Jente will directly support her chosen cause: Doctors Without Borders.

“I wanted to do more than design a sneaker that people love to wear. I wanted it to mean something, to make a small difference for those who need medical help the most.”

Torfs also supports the contest and helps make the sneaker sales possible. Thanks to Torfs and organizers SJ and Shoes Or No Shoes, a total of €19,800 will be donated to Doctors Without Borders.

Only 200 pairs worldwide. Will one be yours? Preorder Jente’s Legend now!

The SJ x SONS sneaker design contest proved that when creative ideas meet the right platform, incredible things happen. For Jente, it marks the start of a promising career. For us at SJ, it’s a proud moment, supporting rising talent and watching their ideas come alive.

And there’s more. A new contest kicks off in February 2026. Stay tuned and keep an eye on the Shoes Or No Shoes website for all the details!