TORONTO — "The 6" is getting its own shoe.
The nickname assigned to Toronto by hometown hip-hop star Drake has been stamped on new Nike shoes designed by Canadian Erin Cochrane.
Many believe "The 6" is a reference to Toronto's 416 and 647 area codes, but the footwear giant says the name of the Air Max 1 shoes refers to Toronto's six pre-amalgamation boroughs.
Nike says Toronto has experienced a "cultural renaissance" spanning sports and entertainment and the company wanted to celebrate the success with a shoe "Torontonians can call their own."
The shoe's signature Canadian touches include sock liners inspired by the Northern Lights, as well as a graphic featuring Toronto's iconic CN Tower.
The shoes will be available in Canada on Dec. 6 and in the U.S. on Dec. 17.