Satisfy doesn’t go with the grain. The Parisian running brand has spent the last few years quietly establishing itself as one of the most distinctive names in alternative performance wear, combining high-end design sensibilities with functional details that cater to a new wave of aesthetically minded runners. Now, after years of teasing, it’s finally ready to step into footwear with the launch of its first-ever in-house shoe – TheROCKER.
This isn’t just a trail shoe, though. It’s a deep dive into the mind of Satisfy’s founder Brice Partouche, a man with a well-documented obsession for American subcultures, countercultural references and, as it turns out, remote-controlled cars. That’s right – the design of TheROCKER is directly influenced by the chunky, all-terrain tire treads of RC racing vehicles. It’s a detail so specific it’s almost absurd, but Satisfy has made a habit of taking leftfield inspiration and translating it into something that somehow just works.
TheROCKER: Behind the design
To bring the concept to life, Satisfy enlisted Erik Arlen, founder of FOARMS, whose previous projects include designs for Salomon’s S/Lab Ultra Glide and much of Arc’teryx’s trail footwear line. With that kind of expertise, it’s safe to assume TheROCKER is more than just a design exercise.
The shoe itself is a meticulous blend of style and function. The outsole features Vibram’s Megagrip with Litebase technology, but instead of standard chevron lugs, Satisfy has gone with its own Vibram TuneLug system – a series of conical traction pods designed to shed mud and grip varied surfaces with equal ease. The midsole is a hybrid of EVA and PEBA foam, a combination aimed at delivering a balance of cushioning and stability without the need for a plate.
The upper is where Satisfy really leans into its usual tricks. Dubbed the Rippy 66, it’s made from a single monomesh sheet of Nylon 66, a tough but flexible thermoplastic material, while the lining inside is a premium Japanese microfiber. Then there’s the nod to The Velvet Underground & Nico’s banana album cover – a sweeping overlay that mirrors the record’s iconic artwork. Even Satisfy’s signature MothTech detailing makes an appearance, with the insole perforated to enhance breathability, and raised bumps in the heel for a more secure fit.
How to buy
TheROCKER will launch in three initial colourways – Falcon, Antique White, and Shadow – with two more set to drop around designated trail races. The first run of the shoe will come in special-edition RC car packaging, complete with peel-off decals and custom shoe covers.
Satisfy has never been about churning out products just for the sake of it, and TheROCKER is no exception. It’s a meticulous, thoughtful, borderline obsessive approach to footwear that is unmistakably in line with the brand’s ethos – one where style and performance go hand in hand, and running is about far more than just putting one foot in front of the other. TheROCKER is set to drop on July 1, retailing at $280.
Next up: Meet the alternative running brands reshaping the fitness industry.
