Hip hop and sneakers have gone hand in hand for a long time, but the hip hop sneakers on this list are the best of all time.
Hip Hop and sneakers go together like fries and coke. From Mac Miller’s “Nikes On My Feet” to Run DMC’s classic “My Adidas,” rappers are always showing their favorite kicks love.
You’ll find an endless stream of legendary hip hop sneakers, but we’ve rounded up the best for you. Here are the top 10 hip hop sneakers of all time.
1. Yeezy 700 Wave Runner
When we think of hip hop sneakers, the first artist that
comes to mind is Ye. His innovative sneaker designs have changed the game since
the beginning, in 2017.
Introducing the Wave Runner.
It may not be his signature shoe, but it is his most popular. This Yeezy creation features a mesh upper sole combination of gray and black suede. There are also premium leather and blue mesh underlays and easy to combine with matching apparel for your sneakers.
Adidas delivered this new-age technology to ensure the wearer is comfortable yet stylish. The Wave Runners also have added stability because of Adidas’s signature Boost technology on the midsole.
2. Jay-Z “Roc-a-Fella” Nike Air Force Ones
Nike’s Air Force Ones are a classic and don’t need much alteration. Even Nelly made a song about stompin’ in his Air Force Ones.
Jay-Z’s “Roc-a-Fella” Nike collaboration goes for $1,000 online, and it’s no surprise. They are crisp white except for Jay-Z’s request for a Roc logo on the heel. There was something so New York about Jay Z shoes, especially in the year 2000, when Air Force Lows were the craze.
3. Nike x Off-White Jordan 1 UNC
Rappers like Logic sport these flashy sneakers. This is a special collaboration between Virgil Abloh’s Italian fashion label Off-White and the Jordan brand. So far, we’ve seen three released – red, white, and blue.
Carolina Blue takes us back to Jordan’s college roots and paired with the orange Off-White tag, and the text label makes it an instant hit. These were released in 2018, and the collaboration is expected to cool down for a while, so don’t expect a new sneaker model anytime soon.
4. Pharell x Adidas NMD “Hu”
The Pharell and Adidas collaboration prove that Skateboard P is more than a musical genius. This is a low-cut sneaker that features a combination of Primeknit, Boost cushioning, a black shoelace cage, and stitched text that says HUMAN RACE over the upper.
This shoe made a global impact, and it’s no surprise; it is a memorable shoe.
5. Travis Scott Cactus Jordan 4
Travis Scott pays homage to his Houston roots and Houston Oilers, his favorite pro football team when he was a kid. The sneakers are blue, with black elements, and the inside is red. You’ll also find a Cactus Jack logo, of his label, and a Travis Scott tag on the inside of the sneaker’s tongue.
6. Nike Dunk SB High x Wu-Tang Clan
It’s no surprise that the Killa Bees have a killer collaboration. In the ‘90s, Nike re-released its “Be True” Dunk collection but reworked the colorway with yellow and black. And so the Wu-Tang Dunks were born.
There’s the “W” logo on the tongue and heel. Also, the Wu-Tang members and their friends only made 36 pairs of sneakers so it is impossible to land a set.
7. A Tribe Called Quest x Vans
Vans has paid tribute to ATCQ and their contribution to music and hip hop culture. All these sneakers feature elements of the group’s iconic album artwork and lyrics. These are the best looking rappers shoes due to the variety in styles.
The Slip-On is a nod to the 2016 album, We Got It From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service, whilst the Sk8-Hi has lyrics from the Tribe’s classic “Bonita Applebum” track.
8. Kendrick Lamar x Reebok
The Pulitzer-Prize winner’s creativity knows no bounds. K dot tried to unite the streets, the Bloods and Crips, through these sneakers. The shoes are beige with the red and blue elements on the heel and tongue, which refer to the gangs prevalent to his native Los Angeles.
Both colors intertwine on the striped laces which is his wish for the gangs to co-exist in harmony.
9. Cam’ron x Reebok Ventilator Fleebok 2
It’s a no-brainer that Killa Cam’s kicks would be drenched in baby pink. These sneakers are Cam’ron and Reebok’s second collaboration which show off his personality.
These rapper shoes are limited-edition premium suede trainers with camouflage print overlays. There is also hexalite technology for shock absorption so these kicks are suitable for running too. Further, a matching pair of Stance socks are also available to match these shoes.
If you’re after more hip hop-related sneakers, search online to view more.
10. Adidas Superstar x Run DMC
There’s no better brand ambassador than the iconic Run DMC. Adidas superstar famous footwear appeared in 1996 when this collaboration got people talking. Run DMC got a one-million-dollar endorsement deal from Adidas which was exorbitant for a musician at that time, let alone rappers.
Apart from their music, Run DMC is renowned for wearing Adidas black-and-white tracksuit and sporting Adidas sneakers. This was also because it was the first time that a basketball shoe became part of hip hop culture.
Which Are Your Favorite Hip Hop Sneakers?
Whenever celebrities dip their toes in the fashion world, people get excited. But there is nothing more inspirational than hip hop sneakers and having the chance to sport your favorite rapper’s creation on the daily. There’s a huge range from Run DMC’s classics to more contemporary artists like Kendrick Lamar, who has created meaningful yet fresh sneakers.
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