Virat Kohli Launches one8 Shoes: Seam XVIII Signature Celebrates His Cricket Legacy
Virat Kohli has entered a new chapter beyond the cricket field with the launch of one8’s latest footwear collection. The brand was officially unveiled at the one8 Global Premiere on June 21, 2026, at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, where Kohli appeared in his new role as co-founder.
At the centre of the launch was the Seam XVIII Signature, a limited-edition lifestyle sneaker inspired by cricket and Kohli’s remarkable career. With its deep red finish, cricket-ball stitching and signature detailing, the shoe brings elements of the game into everyday footwear.
Virat Kohli Begins His Journey as a Co-Founder
For years, Virat Kohli has been associated with major sportswear campaigns. The new one8 chapter, however, places him in a more active position as a co-founder rather than only the public face of a brand.
Kohli partnered with Agilitas Sports as part of one8’s transformation into a homegrown high-performance sportswear business. He also invested ₹40 crore in Agilitas Sports and became involved in the brand’s creative and strategic development.
The partnership aims to build one8 across performance footwear, sports apparel, training products and sports-inspired lifestyle categories. India is the brand’s first major market, with longer-term plans for international expansion.
Seam XVIII Signature: A Sneaker Inspired by Cricket
The highlight of the launch was the one8 Seam XVIII Signature in Test Red and Pitch Brown.
One8 describes it as its first cricket-inspired lifestyle sneaker. The design draws inspiration from one of cricket’s most recognisable objects—the red leather ball.
The shoe features:
- A season-ball-inspired red upper
- Stitched detailing based on the six-row seam of a cricket ball
- A low-profile lifestyle sneaker silhouette
- A Pitch Brown outsole
- Premium soft inner lining
- Virat Kohli’s signature on the shoe
Rather than creating a conventional sports sneaker with only a logo connection to cricket, one8 has attempted to incorporate the visual identity of the game into the construction of the footwear.
Why Is the Shoe Priced at ₹9,230?
The Seam XVIII Signature was launched at ₹9,230, a price carrying a personal connection to Virat Kohli’s career.
Kohli completed his Test career with 9,230 runs, making the price a tribute to his contribution to Test cricket. The unusual pricing turns the sneaker into both a footwear product and a collectible linked to one of his most important career statistics.
The official one8 website listed the Test Red edition as sold out at the time of checking, indicating strong interest in the limited-edition launch.
More Than a Celebrity Merchandise Product
Celebrity-backed products often depend heavily on the popularity of the person promoting them. One8 is positioning the Seam XVIII Signature differently by building a complete product story around cricket heritage, footwear design and Indian manufacturing.
Kohli was reportedly closely involved in the development process, rejecting multiple prototypes before approving the final design. This suggests the brand wants one8 to be viewed as a serious sportswear business rather than a short-term celebrity merchandise line.
The Seam XVIII Signature is also listed as being manufactured in India, supporting one8’s wider ambition to build an Indian performance brand capable of competing in international sportswear markets.
What Other Shoes Are Available from one8?
The new one8 footwear portfolio extends beyond the limited-edition Signature sneaker.
Seam XVIII X
Priced at ₹6,999, the Seam XVIII X is inspired by the low-profile cricket shoes worn during the 1970s and 1980s. It features a toe-capped silhouette and stitched seam detailing influenced by a cricket ball.
Boom Rush
The Boom Rush, priced at ₹9,999, is designed as a multi-activity trainer for running, gym sessions and hybrid workouts. It uses a responsive Boom Foam midsole, a midfoot stabiliser and a Sonic Grip outsole for traction and control.
Cover Drive 18
For cricketers, one8 has introduced the Cover Drive 18 Pro and Cover Drive 18 X performance cricket shoes. The Cover Drive 18 X includes a breathable mesh upper, reinforced toe protection, heel-lock construction and a TPU shank for stability during batting movements.
Together, these products show that one8 is building across lifestyle sneakers, training shoes and sport-specific performance footwear.
A Launch Designed Around the Consumer
The one8 launch also used a different approach to conventional footwear releases.
Customers could pre-book one8 footwear through the District platform, with selected buyers receiving access to the Global Premiere in Delhi. This connected the product purchase with a live brand experience rather than treating the launch as a simple online sale.
The event brought together customers, athletes, creators and fans, helping one8 introduce itself as a community-driven sports and lifestyle brand.
Can one8 Compete With International Sportswear Brands?
One8 is entering a highly competitive market dominated by established global companies. Celebrity association may help the brand gain attention, but its long-term success will depend on product performance, comfort, durability, pricing and availability.
The brand’s advantage is its close connection to one of India’s most recognisable athletes, combined with Agilitas Sports’ footwear manufacturing and retail capabilities.
The Seam XVIII Signature provides one8 with a strong opening statement. It connects Indian cricket culture with modern sneaker design while giving consumers a product carrying a meaningful part of Kohli’s legacy.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s one8 footwear launch represents more than the introduction of another celebrity sneaker.
The Seam XVIII Signature, priced at ₹9,230, transforms Kohli’s Test cricket journey into a wearable product through its red cricket-ball finish, six-row seam detailing and personal signature.
Supported by lifestyle sneakers, hybrid training shoes and performance cricket footwear, one8 is positioning itself as an Indian sportswear brand with global ambitions.
For Kohli, the launch signals a transition from representing sports brands to helping build one of his own. For Indian sportswear, it could mark the beginning of a significant new homegrown competitor.