Stories Behind the Shoes: Nike Air Max Plus “Labor Der Liebe”
At KICKXOTIC, custom footwear is more than design—its storytelling made tangible. It’s not about fleeting trends or fashion for the masses. It’s about creating something deeply personal, something uniquely yours. To step into a pair of KICKXOTIC is to step into a reminder of your values, your purpose, and your legacy. Every project we undertake is an opportunity to merge artistry with identity, crafting pieces so distinct they become a part of who you are.
With permission from Chef Jan Hartwig, we are honored to share one of our most extraordinary collaborations: the Nike Air Max Plus “Labor Der Liebe.”
Chef Jan Hartwig is a name synonymous with precision, artistry, and innovation. A three-Michelin-star chef and a visionary in haute cuisine, Jan approached us not to simply design a shoe, but to create something deeply meaningful. He wanted bespoke footwear that would honor his achievements, reflect the understated elegance of his restaurant, Jan, in Munich, and capture a story uniquely his own.
This kind of one-of-one project isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who understand the value of turning vision into reality—those who seek something no one else in the world can have.
Jan chose the Nike Air Max Plus as the foundation for his bespoke design, a silhouette he grew up loving for its comfort and style. From there, the journey began. We named the project “Labor Der Liebe,” German for “Labor of Love,” a perfect reflection of both the ethos of his restaurant and what this collaboration represented—a fusion of pride, passion, and relentless attention to detail.
The design drew inspiration from Jan’s restaurant, with muted tones of navy, beige, and subtle pink mirroring its refined interior. Yet, what truly set these sneakers apart wasn’t the color palette—it was the craftsmanship. We sourced luxurious Italian calfskin leather and vegetable-tanned nubuck to elevate the design, pairing them with embossed leather tags bearing “Labor Der Liebe” and hot foil-stamped stars, a nod to Jan’s Michelin-starred achievements. And, of course, the KICKXOTIC skull logo took its rightful place on the tongue, embodying our commitment to mastery and storytelling.
Crafting the Nike Air Max Plus “Labor Der Liebe” took over 60 hours of meticulous work. Every moment demanded technical skill, patience, and emotional investment. The intricate overlays of the Air Max Plus required precision, and the process couldn’t be rushed—that’s the essence of bespoke. By the time the sneakers were complete, they weren’t just footwear—they were a legacy, embodying the shared values of excellence and artistry between Chef Jan and KICKXOTIC.
When Jan saw the final creation, his reaction was everything. For someone who spends his life in the pursuit of perfection, seeing his journey captured in bespoke sneakers was a proud moment of celebration.
Projects like this aren’t readily available, and that’s intentional. With overwhelming demand and overflowing requests, KICKXOTIC creations require patience and perseverance. That’s what makes them special. We don’t chase hype, and we don’t measure success by how many shoes we sell. Instead, we focus on creating something that resonates deeply—something truly yours, never to be replicated.
At KICKXOTIC, we celebrate your stories by devoting ourselves to what we love. This isn’t about appealing to everyone, and we’re fine with that. Our process is slow, deliberate, and focused on the few who understand the meaning of wearing a pair of KICKXOTIC. True luxury isn’t about having what everyone else has—it’s about owning what no one else can.
If you’re ready to tell your story, to create something that stands for something, we’ll be here. But know this—this isn’t for everyone.
