Update, Aug. 15 at 9:45 a.m.: Whataburger announced today that fans will get to pick who wins those custom Dank & Co. shoes. Judges received more than 2,000 entries, which they narrowed down to 10 finalists based on creativity (25 percent) and taste (75 percent). Head over to the Fan Voting Page via this link, and vote for your favorite, now through noon on Friday, Aug. 18.
Here's our original story, published on July 25:
Newsflash: There's a guy in San Antonio named Jake Danklefs who makes one-of-a-kind sneakers in his home studio. We're not talking run-of-the-mill, mass-produced kicks from Foot Locker. Dank & Co. shoes are like little works of pop art for your feet.
Know what looks really nice on his shoes? Orange and white stripes, baby.
Whataburger, Texas' fast food joint with a rabid cult following, has partnered with Dank & Co. to create three unique pairs of Whataburger branded sneakers. They're not available for purchase, but you can win them.
The company kicked off its #WhataThoseContest today, and all you have to do to enter is create a post on social media -- Twitter, Instagram or Facebook -- describing your favorite custom Whataburger order before Aug. 6.
Don't skimp on your specifications. Winners will be chosen based on originality (70 percent) and clarity/quality of detail in [their] submission (30 percent).
That could mean angling for perfect lighting in a pic of your "Number 4, cut the onions, extra pickles, easy on the mustard, with onion rings, a Strawberry Fanta and a chocolate shake." Or, perhaps letting the world in on how you do it Ron Swanson-style. (A.k.a. ordering two Number 3 Triple Meat Whataburgers and stacking them together, six patties high.)
Whatever way you like it, be sure to tag @Whataburger and #WhataThoseContest on your post.
While you're at it, double-check the official rules to make sure you meet age and location requirements and to browse other important legal info.
Winners will be announced on Whataburger social media accounts by Aug. 18, the rules state.
So, why would you want shoes dedicated to a burger chain?
If you have to ask, we can't explain Whataburger's place in Texan culture to you in fewer than 10,000 words. Instead, check out our entire page dedicated to important Whataburger news.
Then, hit up @Whataburger on Twitter. We've called it one of 3 clever accounts every Dallasite should follow.
Now, an easier question: Why would you want a free pair of Dank & Co. shoes?
First, the ultra-chic designs are made by a Texan. Points in that column.
Secondly, they've amassed serious star power. LeBron James was Danklefs' first really famous client; the NBA superstar had Danklefs surprise him with a design to commemorate his second championship with the Miami Heat, and when he posted a photo of them on Instagram in 2013, people had to know where he got them. To date, that post has more than 198,000 likes.
Exclusivity is the key.
Danklefs won't duplicate or copy, even his own work. He'll take input from clients, but each design "needs to be a fresh new idea," his website says. What you're getting is handmade with meticulous attention to detail. Most projects take between 6 and 10 hours, San Antonio Express News reported in 2014.
But, that was back when the wait list was only 6 months. These days, most customers will wait a full year, Whataburger says.
And, a Dank deal will cost you a pretty penny. Back in the day, shortly after James wore his pair on the cover of Sports Illustrated, a custom design started around $1,000. We've put in a line to see if that's still ballpark close, but it's a safe bet prices haven't gone down.
They're so beautiful, let's see them again.
Scroll through for a closer look at the three unique designs up for grabs.
