Lexus UX Gets Fancy Nike Air Force 1 Inspired White Tires Designed By John Elliott

The Lexus UX is aimed at younger consumers and this has sparked a unique partnership with designer John Elliott.

While Elliott isn’t exactly a household name, he’s responsible for high-end footwear such as the $150 (£116 / €133) John Elliott x Nike Air Force 1 (AF1) shoe and the $198 (£154 / €175) Suicoke Motor sandal.

The idea of a three figure sandal is a bit perplexing, but Elliott’s partnership with Lexus had him trying to capture the “sole of the UX.” Since the crossover doesn’t wear shoes, Lexus settled a set on bespoke tires.

The tires drawn inspiration from the aforementioned shoe and attempt to recreate their “classic silhouette” while also “embodying the spirit of clean, purposeful, and modern design.”

That sounds like a lot of nonsense, but the tires feature an eye-catching white design as well as “double-stitched leather and a stepped metal air valve evocative of his stacked metal lace tip.” The tires are fitted to a white UX which features two-tone wheels with contrasting white lug nuts.

The tires don’t sound very durable, but Lexus noted the UX was “crafted for the city” and is built for the “modern urban explorer” who is seeking a fresh and contemporary luxury vehicle.

The Sole of the UX will make appearances at a number of events later this year and Elliott said “It’s fun to partner with brands that typically live outside the fashion community because it allows us to evolve and continue to push our own boundaries.”

The Lexus UX is currently on sale and pricing starts at $32,000. The entry-level UX 200 features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 169 hp (126 kW / 171 PS) and 151 lb-ft (204 Nm) of torque. Customers can also order a hybridized 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a combined output of 181 hp (135 kW / 183 PS).