Art and sole

Twisted X designers Alex, Rowan, Isaac and Brianna

Twisted X partners with our patient artists to create a special line of shoes

“Twisted X is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community we serve, and Cook Children’s is a perfect partner for us. We know that little steps can make a big impact, and our hope is to raise awareness within the Western industry for the amazing care provided at Cook Children’s in order to give back to those who need it most. This collection is a true embodiment of comfort that gives back and brings so much joy to footwear design.” – Prasad Reddy, Twisted X CEO

Twisted X is in the business of making footwear. But it’s also in the business of giving help and hope.

In early 2022, the company approached Cook Children’s about designing a shoe that would change lives. The idea was to create a kids’ shoe using patient artwork, with 100 percent of wholesale proceeds from every pair sold being donated directly to Cook Children’s Creative Artist in Residence Programme. This program uses painting, music, writing, dance, theater and other artistic exploration to help patients and families at Cook Children’s connect the creative arts with the art of healing.

Nicole Rogers, then Cook Children’s resident artist, brought together four very talented patient artists for the project: Alex, Brianna, Isaac and Rowan. They spent an afternoon collaborating with Twisted X designer Tuan Le.

Each patient painted something that was meaningful to them and their medical journey. They poured their hearts into their art. And from it, four masterpieces were created. After meeting the artists and hearing the stories behind their art, Twisted X decided to make not one shoe, but an entire line of shoes, called Cook Children’s by Twisted X.

“Art was a huge part of Rowan’s joy in the hospital,” said her mom, Lilly. “I’m just so excited for her. I know she’s going to go to school rocking these and love telling people she designed them.”

In addition to donating the proceeds from the sale of these shoes, Twisted X reached out to its vendors, suppliers and partners. From the factory to the retailer, the entire supply chain came together in support of the collection to deliver the footwear at a reduced cost to maximize the donation.

The Cook Children’s by Twisted X line of shoes officially launched in January, and pairs are currently being sold in retail stores nationwide.

“It was incredible to see patients wearing their Twisted X shoes and to see how proud they were to have designed a shoe that is now available in stores. Opportunities like this allow patients to feel empowered through their art. I am so grateful for their partnership to raise money for the art program at the hospital to allow more children to have the therapeutic benefit of art during their stay.” – Sydney Peel, Cook Children’s Resident Artist