Five of the Best Celebrity Sneaker Collaborations

Celebrity sneaker collaborations have brought sneaker culture to life in fashion, sports and music. Sure, they’re clever marketing moves. But they’re also so much more - they reflect the personal style and creative vision of the celebrities involved.

From hip-hop legends and pop icons to NBA superstars and top designers, these partnerships have pushed boundaries, set trends and given us some of the most iconic sneakers ever! Here are five standout collabs we think deserve a shoutout.

Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1

Travis Scott’s rise in the fashion world was cemented with the 2019 release of the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Cactus Jack.” This wasn’t just another celebrity-branded sneaker - it flipped the script. From the daring reversed Swoosh to premium materials and a hidden stash pocket inspired by Scott’s love for vintage workwear, every detail oozed personality.

The Cactus Jack branding on the heel and tongue added even more of Scott’s unique touch, a rare move for a brand like Nike. The cultural impact was instant. The sneaker sold out immediately, became a must-have for collectors, and now commands over $1,500. It’s no wonder this collab is considered one of the most influential of the past decade.

Find Travis Scott x Nike in Travis Scott on HypeDrop.

Michael Jordan x Nike

How could we not mention the GOAT? Michael Jordan’s collab with Nike is the most iconic partnership in sports and fashion history. Back in 1984, rookie MJ had his sights set on Adidas, but they couldn’t deliver. Nike swooped in with an unheard-of deal - $500k a year for five years and his own signature sneaker line, a first for any rookie.

In 1985, the Air Jordan 1 dropped and the game changed forever. The NBA banned the original “Bred” colorway for breaking uniform rules, fining MJ $5,000 every time he wore them. Nike happily paid up and turned the controversy into marketing gold with the unforgettable tagline - “The NBA threw them out of the game. Fortunately, the NBA can’t stop you from wearing them.”

The Jordan Brand now makes $5 Billion every year in sales, whilst thanks to the royalties deal, MJ gets to check in $150 million, more than his entire NBA salary. 

Find Michael Jordan x Nike in Air Jordan on HypeDrop.

Kendrick Lamar x Reebok 

With sales on the decline, Reebok needed a quick comeback. So, they took a page from Nike’s playbook by teaming up with a hip-hop icon. By 2014, Kendrick Lamar was a household name after dropping his critically acclaimed album good kid, m.A.A.d city, making him the perfect choice to revamp Reebok’s image.

Kendrick’s collab wasn’t just about style; it carried a powerful message. The Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Ventilator sneakers featured red accents on one shoe and blue on the other, symbolizing unity between rival gangs, the Bloods and Crips. With the hidden word “Neutral” on the heel, the design promoted peace and change beyond fashion.

Although Reebok struggled to maintain momentum after Kendrick’s departure, the partnership left a lasting legacy of using sneakers as a platform for social impact.

Serena Williams x Nike

The tennis legend. The icon. Serena Williams’ game-changing partnership with Nike, which began in 2003, stands as one of the greatest athlete-brand collaborations ever. But it wasn’t just about sneakers and sportswear - it sparked initiatives to empower women and uplift Black designers.

Nike saw Serena as more than an athlete. She was a cultural force who could redefine women’s sportswear and inspire generations. Her $55 million deal in 2003, the largest ever for a female athlete at the time, marked a turning point. Together, they created sneakers that embodied Serena’s dominance, like the NikeCourt Flare and the highly coveted Serena Williams x Off-White x Nike “Queen” Pack.

Find Nike sneakers in Nike on HypeDrop.

Virgil Abloh x Nike

Virgil Abloh, founder of Off-White, redefined sneaker culture through his groundbreaking collaboration with Nike. Blending deconstructed, industrial aesthetics with Nike’s iconic designs, Abloh created sneakers that bridged the gap between high fashion and streetwear, pulling sneakerheads into the luxury fashion world.

In 2017, Nike and Abloh dropped “The Ten,” a game-changing collection that reimagined ten classic Nike silhouettes. The Revealing Pack featured bold, deconstructed designs of the Air Jordan 1, Air Presto, Air Max 90, Blazer Mid and Air VaporMax. Meanwhile, the Ghosting Pack took a futuristic spin on the Air Force 1, React Hyperdunk, Zoom Fly SP, Air Max 97 and Converse Chuck Taylor All Star.

Abloh’s work with Nike continued to produce iconic releases until his tragic death in 2021.

Find Off-White sneakers in Off-White x Nike on HypeDrop.

Celebrity sneaker collabs are the backbone of sneaker culture, blending creativity and culture to take brands to the next level. 

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