What started as a curiosity during the pandemic has grown into one of the most intriguing up-and-coming sneaker and clothing companies in the country. Kizo Kicks, founded by friends Jake Polino and Zuki, is building its brand from the ground up, driven by creativity, quality, and the kind of perseverance that defines true entrepreneurship.
“We’re a sneaker company. We’re both sneakerheads, and we make the shoes for sneakerheads,” said Polino. Kizo’s core identity lies in its devotion to quality, artistic design, and accessible pricing. “Our quality is on par with the best, but we’re not charging an arm and a leg like other people do.”
A big part of what makes Kizo stand out is their signature emblem: the rose. Featured prominently on many of their shoes, the rose is more than just a design—it’s a symbol of their story.
“It just felt good, it looked good, and it kind of embodies us as a brand. It’s both elegant, but it’s still strong, because if you touch it the wrong way, it’ll poke you,” Polino said.
The journey hasn’t been smooth, though. The two founders first connected while living in different states.
“We met each other three years ago,” said Zuki. “I was in Tennessee, he was in Boston, and we were trying to make the business work going back and forth, and we had to settle on somewhere to actually do the business and through trials and tribulations, like we actually landed in Florida, and that’s kind of like where we ended up starting the business, but it’s been great.”
Eventually, they landed in Florida, where they now operate from their own warehouse.
“Starting your own business is not for the faint of heart,” Polino said. “It’s a very tough process that’ll make you doubt yourself at every single turn … but you just have to keep pushing through.”
Despite the challenges, Kizo continues to grow—and give back. With each drop, they’ve made it a point to do giveaways, offering dozens of free pairs to fans, influencers, and supporters.
“We’ve given away a shoe on every single drop since we started … probably 20 to 30 pairs each time,” said Polino.
And their upcoming drop? A Halloween-themed release called the Ectoplasms, featuring glow-in-the-dark elements and high-quality suede. It’s a testament to the hands-on approach they take in refining every detail of their products.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, their message is simple but powerful: “The biggest step is to get the ball actually moving.”
With vision, grit, and a deep love for sneakers, Jake and Zuki are proving that Kizo isn’t just a brand to watch, it’s one to believe in.
You can follow their journey on Instagram at @kizokicks or on TikTok at @kizo.kicks.
