Maple Magic: Denny’s Unveils “Sticky Kicks” — Sneakers Made with Real Syrup

Intermediate | December 24, 2025

✨ 혼자서 기사를 소리 내어 읽거나 튜터를 따라 각 단락을 반복해서 읽으세요. 레벨...

Breakfast Meets Streetwear

Denny’s just blended breakfast culture with streetwear by unveiling a wild product: “Sticky Kicks,” limited-edition high-top sneakers that literally include real Denny’s syrup inside the shoe. The campaign was first reported by Yahoo Finance, which highlighted how the brand leaned fully into humor and shock value to grab attention during the holiday season. (Coverage: Yahoo Finance | Press release: Denny’s Newsroom))

What Makes These Shoes “Sticky”?

Each pair has a clear, sealed panel that displays real syrup inside—more like wearable diner art than normal sneakers. The design also includes syrup-colored patent leather, yellow accents, and Denny’s branding. (Details: GlobeNewswire)

The Collab Behind the Hype

Denny’s created Sticky Kicks with footwear artist Mache (designer Dan Gamache), known for bold custom sneaker work. Denny’s own brand team even called the shoes “impractical” and “over the top”—and that’s the point. It’s a fun, attention-grabbing campaign. (Coverage: People | Industry details: WWD)

When Can You Buy Them?

Denny’s said the shoes will drop on National Maple Syrup Day (December 17, 2025) at 12 p.m. EST on DinerDrip.com, with Denny’s Rewards members getting early access about an hour before everyone else. (Drop info: GlobeNewswire)

Price, Sizes, and the Real Goal of Denny’s Sticky Kicks

Denny’s Sticky Kicks are listed at $195 and come in adult men’s sizes 8–13. But the bigger goal isn’t footwear sales—it’s brand buzz. Marketing analysts quoted by lifestyle and fashion outlets note that novelty products like this are designed to dominate social feeds, not closets. If people laugh, share it, and talk about Denny’s, the campaign has already succeeded. (Pricing/sizes: WWD | Commentary: People))

Why This Campaign Matters

According to branding experts, unexpected collaborations help legacy brands stay relevant with younger audiences who value shareability and personality over traditional advertising. Business analysts point out that even if only a small number of people buy Sticky Kicks, millions may still see the brand through reposts, memes, and news coverage. In today’s attention economy, that visibility can be more valuable than direct sales. (Analysis: Business Insider | Trend context: WWD)

Vocabulary

Unveil (verb) – to reveal something new.
Example: Denny’s unveiled its new sneakers online.
Limited-edition (adjective) – available for a short time or in small numbers.
Example: The shoes were released as a limited-edition product.
Sealed (adjective) – closed tightly so nothing can get in or out.
Example: The syrup sits inside a sealed panel.
Collaboration (noun) – working together to create something.
Example: The shoes were made through a collaboration with a sneaker artist.
Branding (noun) – how a company presents itself.
Example: The branding feels playful and modern.
Drop (noun/verb) – a product release (often limited).
Example: The shoe drop happens on December 17.
Exclusively (adverb) – only available in one place.
Example: The sneakers launch exclusively online.
Bespoke (adjective) – custom-made.
Example: The sneakers were designed as a bespoke collector item.
Hype (noun) – excitement and attention.
Example: Social media hype spread quickly.
Buzz (noun) – public excitement or talk.
Example: The launch created major buzz.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why do you think Denny’s chose sneakers for this campaign?
What details made Sticky Kicks feel “viral” or shareable?
Would you call this smart marketing or a waste of effort? Why?
How does “limited-edition” change how people behave?
What kind of customer do you think Denny’s wants to attract with this?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Have you seen other brands sell strange or funny products? Which ones?
Why do companies use collaborations with artists or influencers?
What makes a marketing campaign feel authentic instead of forced?
Do you think “viral marketing” still works the same way today? Why or why not?
If you ran a restaurant brand, what unusual product would you launch?

Related Idiom

“Steal the spotlight” – to get most of the attention.
Example: Sticky Kicks stole the spotlight online.

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This article was inspired by: Yahoo Finance and Denny’s official release.