Reviewed & updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA
Sneakers have always been a huge part of popular culture, and for as long as a lot of us can remember, rap music and sneakers have been closely intertwined. We’re taking a look back at some of the best rapper/sneaker collaborations of all time – read on to find out more.
10. MF Doom x Nike Dunk High
Year of Release: 2007
Originally Launched At: Nike
Buy Similar At: eBay
Way back in 2007, when Dunk SB’s we’re still all the rage, Nike teamed up with legendary rapper MF Doom to release these black and grey Dunk’s. Doom has a pretty cult following, and is regarded as one of the most talented lyrical geniuses in the world. It was to no surprise that when these kicks released, both sneakerheads and hip-hop fans alike queued for hours to get their hands on a pair.
9. Pharrell Williams x Adidas Human Race NMD’s
Year of Release: 2016
Originally Launched At: Adidas
Buy Similar At: eBay
Pharrell Williams has a lifetime of knowledge in the sneaker/streetwear world behind him, and when he teamed up with Adidas to release his extremely limited Human Race NMD sneakers, they were a huge success. With fans still hyped over the NMD silhouette in general, what better time was there to release a limited edition collaboration version? Both Pharrell and Adidas knew exactly what they were doing, and it worked a treat.
8. Drake/OVO x Nike Air Jordan XII
Year of Release: 2016
Originally Launched At: Nike
Buy Similar At: eBay
As one of the most successful rappers in the world, Drake’s first sneaker collaboration was always going to be a big one. Although, it wasn’t actually a direct Drake collaboration. Nike teamed up with the star’s clothing label – OVO (October’s Very Own). The model of choice was the Air Jordan XII, and it released in a cleaner than ever white and gold colourway. A triple black version was also released shortly after.
7. Skepta x Nike Air Max 97 SkAir
Year of Release: 2017
Originally Launched At: Nike
Buy Similar At: eBay
As one of the most influential names in UK Grime, it was only a matter of time before Skepta got an official Nike collaboration. After a high budget launch event hosted in East London, the star launched a pair of Air Max 97’s. They were inspired by Marrakesh (his favourite retreat) and the Air Tuned Max, reportedly the first pair of sneakers that Skepta bought with his own money as a teenager.
6. Pusha T x Adidas EQT Running Guidance 93
Year of Release: 2016
Originally Launched At: Adidas
Buy Similar At: eBay
Pusha T is another huge name in the rap game, and his brand of choice is Adidas. Releasing in both triple black and all over cream colourways and featuring the stars signature snakeskin detailing, these were a huge success. However, these sneakers made headlines when many pairs actually ended up in Adidas retail outlets, for way below the RRP. Sneakerheads across the globe rushed to their nearest outlet destination to try and pick up a bargain.
5. Kanye West x Nike Air Yeezy 2
Year of Release: 2012
Originally Launched At: Nike
Buy Similar At: eBay
Before the days of Kanye’s Adidas partnership, he was once on the Nike side. After the success of his first Air Yeezy, it was time for Mr West and Nike to launch their second silhouette, and the hype was bigger than ever. The initial two colourway included “Pure Platinum” and “Solar Red”, and were followed closely by the “Red October”. For many people, the Air Yeezy 2 still remains the ultimate holy grail.
4. DJ Khaled x Nike Air Jordan 3 “We The Best”
Year of Release: 2017
Originally Launched At: N/A
Buy Similar At: Flight Club
DJ Khaled has shot to fame in recent years and to celebrate the launch of his latest album “Grateful”, Nike gave him the chance to produce a very limited run of Air Jordan 3’s. So limited in fact, they were only given to friends and family of Mr Khaled, and to a select few winners of a promotional competition. Pairs now fetch crazily high prices via resell websites such as Flight Club.
3. Eminem x Carhartt x Nike Air Jordan IV
Year of Release: 2015
Originally Launched At: N/A
Buy Similar At: Flight Club
Without a doubt, Eminem is one of the largest names in rap worldwide. He’s had a heap of Nike collaborations, and none of them have been easy to obtain. However the most coveted of them all has to be this epic three way collaboration with Carhartt and the Jordan Brand, where just ten pairs were auctioned off, with all proceeds going to charity. If you want a pair now, you’ll have to turn to resellers, and expect to pay a hefty sum.
2. Wu Tang Clan x Nike Dunk SB High
Year of Release: 1999
Originally Launched At: N/A
Buy Similar At: eBay
Possibly one of the rarest and most expensive to buy pair of Nike Dunk’s out there is this Wu-Tang-Clan collaboration from 1999. They were a friends and family only release, featuring a striking yellow and black colourway, signifying the rap collective’s iconic logo. The logo itself is actually featured on the rear of the sneakers. All we will say is, good luck finding a pair of these for sale – it’s a pretty rare sight.
1. Kanye West x Adidas Yeezy 350 Boost
Year of Release: 2015
Originally Launched At: Adidas
Buy Similar At: eBay
In 2015, Kanye jumped ship to Adidas and totally changed the sneaker game. The release of the original Yeezy 350 Boost Turtle Dove started an insane hype, and Kanye followed on by releasing several different colourways. Even two years on, the hype is still there. The Yeezy 350 Boost v2 has now also launched, and created a similar following. Kanye’s partnership with Adidas is ongoing, with fans eagerly awaiting the launch of the Wave Runner 700.
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