Players on Immortals esports teams are getting customized kicks, thanks to a partnership with K-Swiss to develop the first-ever sneaker designed specifically for professional gamers.

The Los Angeles-based footwear company is designing both a lifestyle shoe, due to be released in December 2018 for $110, and a high performance model that will be developed over the next year with input from gamers, and is slated for early 2019.

“Esports is the new frontier of sports and entertainment, and this is another way for K-Swiss to contribute to culture in a progressive and modern way,” Barney Waters, K-Swiss brand president, said in a statement.

Founded in 1966, the company is known for making the first leather tennis shoe, which debuted at Wimbledon, and is currently expanding under knew leadership. The Immortals lifestyle shoe is based on K-Swiss’ Kompass design that boasts cutting-edge technology and a sleek aesthetic. It features the Immortals’ signature colors of cyan and black and the organization’s warrior helmet logo, along with K-Swiss’ signature five stripes.

The shoe is designed to be flexible and breathable, with mesh that emulates a sock, modling to the foot, and a lightweight sole with pillow-like cushioning to alleviate weight on the heel.

Meanwhile, K-Swiss will develop its high-performance sneaker over the next year, based on feedback from players with Immortals’ esports teams Dota 2, Arena of Valor, Clash Royale, and Super Smash Bros.

The company will visit the Los Angeles training facility to research the gamers’ technical performance needs, such as the rising temperature in a shoe and movement of feet during a match.

“Like any professional athlete, esports competitors look for any advantage they can use against their opponents,” said Noah Whinston, CEO, Immortals. “By wearing a uniquely designed shoe specifically created for our esports players with their input, they know that they have an immediate advantage—both physically and psychologically.”

The two companies will also document the whole process for fans by sharing on social media everything from design meetings and testing, to team-building dinners with Immortals’ pro players.

“The announcement of this partnership between K-Swiss and Immortals is the first step on a long journey that we believe will result in the design and creation of targeted, premium lifestyle and performance apparel for esports players and fans around the globe,” said Ari Segal, President and COO, Immortals.

[Photo Credit: Immortals x K-Swiss]

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