BTS's RM and Suga sport AKME boots at World Cup halftime show
BTS made headlines recently, not just for boycotting the 2026 Grammys over a new "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category, but also for their philanthropic efforts. A pair of boot-like sneakers worn by RM during this month’s World Cup halftime show fetched nearly $20,000 at auction. This sum contributed to a larger fundraising initiative by Global Citizen, FIFA, and Christie’s, supporting global educational opportunities and football access for children. The auction featured other celebrity items, underscoring the widespread impact of the event.
The boots, designed by the Los Angeles-based footwear brand AKME, gained unexpected global recognition through RM’s appearance. Riko Uchida, AKME’s founder, expressed her surprise and delight, initially learning that a BTS member had purchased her shoes from a Seoul boutique, and later seeing them on such a prominent international stage. This exposure brought significant attention to the independent brand, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of celebrity endorsements, especially from a globally renowned group like BTS.
AKME's Journey to Global Recognition
AKME, a footwear brand rooted in Los Angeles, achieved an unexpected surge in global visibility when its distinctive boots were featured during the World Cup halftime show. This remarkable moment saw BTS members RM and Suga sporting AKME designs, a development that surprised even the brand's founder, Riko Uchida. Initially, Uchida was simply thrilled to discover a BTS member had acquired a pair of her shoes from a local Seoul streetwear shop. However, seeing her creations on such a monumental international platform, worn by a band with immense global appeal, was an unprecedented milestone for the independent label. This high-profile exposure instantly propelled AKME into the international fashion spotlight, showcasing its unique aesthetic to millions worldwide.
The journey to the World Cup stage for AKME's boots began when BTS's long-standing stylists, Hardstyle – the creative duo of Peri Rosenzweig and Nick Roya – specifically requested a shoe fitting for the band. This led to RM selecting the "Untitled-03" model and Suga opting for the "Low Top Boot," both becoming integral parts of their iconic halftime performance ensembles. Uchida envisions AKME's footwear as reimagined classics, blending familiar elements with avant-garde distortions. RM's "Untitled-03," for instance, melds the ruggedness of a work boot with athletic and technical attributes, featuring a durable Vibram rubber sole, robust leather uppers, and a convenient zip-front closure. The shoe's distinctive geometric and foam details, along with its four-way stretch material, draw inspiration from the imaginative world of Studio Ghibli's film "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind." This fusion of practicality, artistry, and cultural inspiration perfectly embodies AKME's innovative design philosophy and its newfound global appeal.
Philanthropy and Fashion: BTS's Impact Beyond Music
Beyond their musical prowess, BTS has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to philanthropy, leveraging their global platform to support various charitable causes. This dedication was evident when RM's distinctive AKME "Untitled-03" boots, worn during the World Cup halftime show, were auctioned off for a substantial sum of nearly $20,000. This contribution was part of a larger, impactful auction organized by Global Citizen, FIFA, and Christie's, which collectively raised over $650,000. These funds were specifically allocated to initiatives focused on expanding access to education and football for children worldwide, showcasing the band's tangible influence in driving positive social change and underscoring their role as global humanitarians.
The World Cup halftime performance not only amplified BTS's philanthropic endeavors but also served as a significant moment for independent fashion. The band's stylists made a conscious choice to feature a range of indie brands in their outfits, with several pieces, including the AKME boots, being subsequently included in the Christie's auction. This strategic selection not only highlighted emerging designers but also underscored the band's influence in the fashion world. For AKME founder Riko Uchida, this moment was a validation of her brand's ethos: "As an independent brand, the dedication we pour into every product, and the consistent sacrifices we make to keep creating something great, are what make moments like this feel worth it." The exposure on such a grand stage was invaluable, demonstrating how BTS's choices resonate globally, offering a platform for smaller brands and contributing to meaningful charitable causes. For fans inspired by RM's style, the "Untitled-03" boots are available for purchase, made to order at a more accessible price, reflecting AKME's commitment to quality and unique design.
