First Flight: The Official 2026 NC United Shoe

First Flight — 2026 NC United x Classified Creations

The wrestling community has spoken.

After 726 total visits and 344 votes cast, the First Flight design has officially been selected as the inaugural 2026 NC United custom wrestling shoe.

• First Flight – 184 votes
• Blue Ridge – 102 votes
• Cardinal – 58 votes

This wasn't just a design vote. It was the beginning of something bigger.

The Meaning Behind "First Flight"

North Carolina is known as the birthplace of aviation. The Wright brothers launched the first powered flight from our coast — proving that bold ideas, when backed by courage and community, can change everything.

The First Flight shoe represents:

• The launch of a new era for NC Wrestling
• The first officially community-selected shoe
• The beginning of a long-term partnership
• Elevating wrestling culture in North Carolina

This is not just footwear. It is a symbol.

The Partnership: Classified Creations

This release marks the official collaboration between NC United Wrestling and Classified Creations — a creative partner specializing in high-end custom athletic footwear.

Together, the goal is simple: Create meaningful, collectible, performance-ready wrestling shoes that represent North Carolina wrestling culture at the highest level.

Each pair is individually customized and finished. This is not mass production. This is craft.

Founding Pair Recipients

Three members of the community were randomly selected from voters to receive a complimentary Founding Pair:

• Garrison Raper
• Manny Lopez
• Zoe Kemler

These recipients represent the broader wrestling community — athletes, families, and supporters alike. This project belongs to all of us.

Limited Release: Only 25 Pairs

Only 25 total pairs of the First Flight shoe will be produced. Each pair will be individually numbered (1–25), making every release a collectible piece of NC wrestling history.

Once they are gone, they are gone. There will never be another First Flight run.

Availability & Pricing

The First Flight shoe will retail for $299 per pair. This includes:

• Nike Inflict 4 wrestling shoe
• Custom design execution
• Individual finishing
• Limited-edition numbering
• Premium packaging

Where the Proceeds Go

NC United Wrestling is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Proceeds from the First Flight release directly support:

• Athlete development initiatives
• College exposure opportunities
• Training resources
• Community programming
• Expansion of the NC United wrestling ecosystem

This release is not just about sneakers. It is about reinvesting back into the athletes and families who make North Carolina wrestling strong.

A Cultural Moment

This is more than a product launch. It is proof that:

• The community will engage
• The brand has momentum
• North Carolina wrestling is ready for elevated identity

First Flight is the beginning. And every pair released carries that meaning.