A-Fit and Unapologetic: How DDK is changing the sneaker game
In 1587—33 years before Plymouth Rock—Filipino sailors became the first Asians to set foot in what is now the United States. This is the inspiration behind 1587 sneakers' bold mission: to celebrate AAPI heritage unapologetically, and engineer sneakers that actually fit the feet of Asian Americans!
1587 x Daniel Dae Kim: More Than a Partnership—A Movement
Award-winning actor, entrepreneur, and AAPI activist Daniel Dae Kim has joined 1587 as an equity partner, bringing his cultural voice and creative vision to the forefront of product design and storytelling.
“I’m proud of what the team at 1587 has accomplished through their exceptional footwear and powerful message,” says Kim. “Working with them seems like a natural extension of our common interests.”
Kim, known for his boundary-breaking work in entertainment and advocacy, will help steer product development, marketing, and partnerships—solidifying 1587’s position as a brand rooted in purpose and community.
The First Sneaker Engineered for the Asian American Foot
Let’s face it: most sneakers on the market weren’t made with Asian feet in mind. That’s why 1587 created A-Fit—a premium sneaker specifically crafted for lower arches and wider forefeet, two characteristics more common among Asian Americans.
This isn’t just a marketing angle. It’s science-backed design paired with top-tier materials, including leather that costs 3x more than the industry standard and natural rubber that wears in—not out.
While other brands paint plastic to mimic quality leather, 1587 goes straight to the source.
Representation Isn’t a Trend—It’s a Responsibility
Despite making up just 7% of the U.S. population, Asian Americans account for 15% of sneaker sales and spend 67% more on apparel than the national average. Yet major sneaker brands continue to overlook this powerful and diverse consumer group.
1587 is changing that narrative.
Founded by industry veteran Adam King, the brand was born from years of being told that AAPI culture wasn’t “cool enough” to lead. So the team built something that didn’t exist: a sneaker brand that tells authentic stories, celebrates identity, and invites everyone in.
“We’ve been here 400+ years,” says King. " And we're not going anywhere!"
Designed for All. Rooted in AAPI History.
The name 1587 is a nod to resilience, pride, and the deep roots of the Asian American experience. But this brand isn’t just for the AAPI community—it’s for anyone who believes in authenticity, being unapologetically yourself, and craftsmanship.
Whether you’re Korean American, Filipino, mixed race, or just someone who believes in cultural equity, 1587 was built with you in mind.
Giving Back, Month After Month
Authenticity doesn’t stop at storytelling—it shows up in action. Every month, 1587 releases a limited shirt drop and donates a portion of proceeds to AAPI nonprofits like:
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Asian American Journalists Association
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Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
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Welcome to Chinatown
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Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network
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Apex for Youth
While other brands may exploit cultural aesthetics, 1587 puts its profits where its purpose is.
Where Streetwear Meets Soul
From its feature on Shark Tank to coverage in the Boston Globe and MSNBC, 1587 is attracting attention for all the right reasons. But beyond the headlines, this is a brand on a mission—to reshape how sneakers fit, look, and represent the people who wear them.
Ready to wear the future of footwear?
Explore the A-Fit and become part of a movement rooted in culture, built on community, and designed for everyone.
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We Stepped Into the Tank