One-of-a-kind New Balance runners are being auctioned off as part of the ‘Sole Purpose: Sneakers for Change’ project, with all money raised going to Hutt St Centre, a homelessness charity based in Adelaide.

Thirteen South Australian artists have each transformed a pair of New Balance 624s, creating collectors’ items for sneaker enthusiasts while raising vital funds for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Each artist has brought their own style to their design, using spray paint, intricate fabric weaving and detailed acrylic paintwork to convey powerful stories of resilience, identity, strength and hope for the future.

“With close to $10,000 raised to date, every bid brings the campaign one step closer to its goal – giving art lovers, sneaker enthusiasts and generous donors the chance to own something unique while helping those in need take steps towards a better future,” says Chris Burns, Hutt St Centre CEO.

Some of the standout designs

Among the artists is Eddie Lynch, an emerging artists and Hutt St Centre client. After separating from his wife after 25 years of marriage, Lynch was without a home or access to the tools he needed to continue his 30-year career as a self-employed concreter. With the support of Hutt St Centre, he found a home and began rebuilding his life. He has since nurtured his talent for art through Hutt St Centre, which has become an important part of his journey.

“Hutt St opened up avenues for me that I didn’t even know existed – they helped with housing, the NDIS [National Disability Insurance Scheme] and anything I needed,” says Lynch. “They helped me with encouragement – they believed in me. I will do anything I can for Hutt St.”

Lynch’s design, Apollo 624 2026, features intergalactic-inspired hand-painted details. The kaleidoscopic art creates instant impact, almost too precious to wear.

Another featured artist is 16-year-old Joe Whale, aka ‘Doodle Boy’, who has already collaborated with the likes of Nike and Disney and been commissioned by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

For his pair of sneakers, he brought his signature doodle style to Nomad, a pair of bright green runners inspired by hiking and running through Belair National Park while training for soccer.

“I had thoughts of feeling completely free and not part of the increasing global issues that face us all,” says Whale. “I dreamed of everyone being unbounded and released from daily pressures – and what it would be like to be a completely free soul.”

Award-winning artist Erin Renfrey’s Putting Down Roots runners feature playful, hand-painted illustrations of beetroots and carrots, exploring homelessness through the human needs of belonging and nourishment and the belief that “everyone deserves a home and the chance to put down roots”.

The unique exhibition of all the shoes is on display in RunDNA stores at Fullarton and Hindmarsh. The runners can also be viewed online, where you can bid on your favourite pair.

Top image: ‘Fly Free’ and ‘Lifting the Spirits’ designs by Cheryl Bridgart.