Meet the Finalists in "The Next Sneaker Design Star" Competition

Last week we introduced you to the "The Next Sneaker Design Star” contest, which will place a talented young designer in a multi-day apprenticeship at shoe company Creative Recreation. Today we’re giving you the chance to meet the five finalists and check out their work.

Starting tomorrow, June 14, you will be able to vote online for your favorite design. By voting in the competition, you’ll be entered to win prizes like new kicks or a $250 Karmaloop gift card. We’ll let you know the minute voting is open, so stay tuned!

Kyle Hodge is a New Jersey native, currently studying marketing and graphic design at Philadelphia University. He is the co-founder of the fashion blog "House of Cloud" (set to launch soon), and an aspiring fashion designer.

Anthony Collins launched his fashion line goodXfortune in late 2011 on the Florida A & M University and Florida State University campuses, and based on that success, he’s already had requests to ship to Miami, Chicago, and New York. The goodXfortune brand stands for obtaining success and prosperity with drive and righteous living.

Bryan Espiritu & Andy Oliver

Bryan Espiritu is a self-taught artist and designer, and owner of Toronto-based streetwear brand The Legends League. As an artist, he's shown next to Sam Flores, Hydro 74 and Mike Giant, and has designed for clients including LiveStock Canada, Drake, and Nike Sportswear.

Andy Oliver is a consultant, mobile developer, and the founder of KicksDeals.com. Residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, this sneaker lover has worked in various capacities for clients such as Kith, Nice Kicks, and Livestock. Andy also works as a freelance writer for various technology and sneaker culture publications.

Jesse Sosa was born and raised on the island of Trinidad, and showed signs of natural artistic talent from a very early age. When he was 16 years old, he moved to New York, where he would finish high school and go on to earn a degree in fashion design.

Jonas Guerrero has been in love with sneakers for as long as he can remember, starting with his first pair of Jordans and other classics of the era, like British Knights and the Grant Hill and Jerry Stackhouse Fila models. Passionate about every aspect of sneaker culture, Guerrero views sneakers as more than just leather and rubber – they are a form of creativity, and an expression of individuality.