‘Nothing but greatness.’ Miramar man’s award-winning shoe business takes off
Miramar resident and graphic designer Michael Stover is the creator of Tunez Footwear, which you may have seen on the feet of city officials.
“It’s been nothing but greatness since we’ve been here,” Stover told the Miramar News on Feb. 26.
Two years ago, Stover’s battle with diabetes required a part of one of his toes to be amputated. He would have to wear orthopedic shoes for the majority of his life — shoes that are not known to be at the height of fashion.
With the help of his doctor, he learned the medical requirements for the sneakers and designed his own shoe — one that resembles a basketball sneaker that he can stand in for up to 15 hours.
“I took that information and did some more research. Three months later I had a prototype, and about 14 to 15 months later I had an investment of about $120,000,” Stover said.
Now, he is forging a partnership with Kent State University, his alma mater, to do future clinical trials, preparing Tunez Footwear for medicaid eligibility.
Stover says Miramar Mayor Wayne M. Messam has been behind the shoes since the prototype stage and promoted them at his First Fridays: Network and Chill events.
“Even the commissioners with the line dance [class]. Commissioner [Avril] Cherasard, she invited me out to that and let me speak at the event. … She wears my shoes,” Stover said.
On Feb. 15, Stover won a business award from the City of Miramar for his work with Tunez Footwear. The Business Awards and Fireside Chat were part of the city’s Black History Month celebration, highlighting the excellence, leadership and innovation from four businesses.
The other winners were Dr. Anita L. Petteway-Tyler and her medical office, Anthony Brunson P.A. and Dr. Nicole Lamb of Sienna Dental.
Stover recently was recognized as a Black Excellence Standout in Business by the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, and is planning a Panthers sneaker colorway.
He also has a colorway specific to Jamaica, and another for Haiti that’s available for preorder.
Though his talent is design, making a 3D product isn’t easy.
Stover has integrated generative AI into his work, taking his designs and bringing them to life with technology that can make 3D models. His interest in technology has led him to pursue a doctorate in information systems and technology.
“I built my whole orthopedic sneaker line using AI,” he said.
ChatGPT, the AI chatbot, brought up a YouTube video that helped connect him to a manufacturer.
Stover, an army veteran, was also a businessman with an idea before losing part of the toe. This situation gave him the opportunity to start something new.
In the future, he plans to open a factory in the Miramar or Miami Gardens area.
“And they feel like walking on a pillow. That’s the best thing. I haven’t worn another pair of shoes in the last two years,” Stover said.
This story was originally published February 27, 2026 at 3:48 PM.
