Ground Up and Walmart Release Wicked-Inspired Sneakers

Press release

Ground Up and Walmart Release Wicked-Inspired Sneakers
Just in Time for the Movie Premiere!

New York, NY – Ground Up International, a leader in creative footwear, has teamed up with Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, to launch the new Wicked film-inspired high-top sneakers. Inspired by the iconic characters Elphaba and Glinda from Universal Pictures' Wicked—coming to theaters this November—these exclusive sneakers offer fans a magical way to express their love for the film while adding a unique touch of style to their wardrobe.

Defy Gravity in Style: The Wicked high-top sneakers bring the adventure of the story right to your feet, featuring whimsical designs that channel the magic of Wicked. With silver sugar glitter under the glass and classic white twill laces for comfort, these sneakers are not only fashionable but also filled with enchanting details. The pink and green ombre design represents the contrasting personalities of the beloved characters—perfect for channeling the spirit of the film. Each shoe is adorned with a unique bumper message: “Defy Gravity” on the right shoe for Elphaba's fierce, rebellious spirit, and “Perfectly Pink” on the left for Glinda’s charming, glamorous side.

A Magical Connection to the Wicked Universe: With fans eagerly awaiting the release of the Wicked film, these sneakers are the perfect way to showcase fandom in style. Ground Up has once again proven itself a trendsetter, designing footwear that connects deeply with a beloved story and its characters. These high-tops will allow Wicked fans to carry a piece of the movie magic with them wherever they go.

The holidays are about to get Wicked. The record-shattering, Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon becomes a two-part, gravity-defying, generation-defining cinematic event. Wicked flies into theaters Nov. 22, 2024. Wicked Part Two lands Nov. 26, 2025.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a defiant social outcast who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande (Hairspray Live!, Don’t Look Up), as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

As the two women forge an unlikely sisterhood, they will empower each other in ways that neither foresees. But as dark forces of prejudice and oppression loom on the horizon, the choices they make will separate them, and will set them on different destinies that will change them, and Oz, for good.

The film stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Crazy Rich Asians) as Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Crashing) as Fiyero; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq; Marissa Bode, in her feature film debut, as Nessarose; and Emmy nominee and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic World franchise, The Grand Budapest Hotel) as The Wizard.

The all-star cast includes Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) as Pfannee, Bronwyn James (Harlots) as ShenShen and Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) as a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle.

Directed by electrifying filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked Part Two is the second chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural spectacular.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), and by Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.

Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Academy Award® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. he Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.