4 ICONIC DESIGNER SNEAKER COLLABORATIONS

Sneakers will always find a place in consumer closets ⁠— whether you’re a luxury shoeaholic or a loafer-obsessed yuppie. However, while sneakers are mainly used for athletic and everyday wear, sneakers are now everyone’s go-to shoe as they come in different styles and can fit practically any event or setting.

In recent years, humble sneakers have become the darling of the high-fashion world. Streetwear and luxury continue to intersect, with huge fashion houses such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton releasing their own line of luxury kicks. Indeed, sneaker culture has become a worldwide phenomenon, and Grand View Research projects that the sneaker industry will reach $95.14 billion by 2025 as a result.

In this post, we’ll look at some of the most iconic designer sneaker collaborations.

Jeremy Scott and Adidas Originals JS Wings 2.0

The Moschino creative director has designed one of the most popular sneakers in the early 2010s. With his eccentric, but eye-catching designs, Jeremy Scott created some of the most unforgettable Adidas shoes like the JS Bears with actual teddy bear heads, as well as the JS Wings. The JS Wings 2.0 is undeniably one of the best Adidas shoes to come out of this collaboration and was adored by celebrities like Lil Wayne and Cara Delevigne.

Dior and Air Jordan 1 High

The limited edition Air Dior Jordan 1 Highs release got the fashion world in a frenzy last year mainly due to the shoes costing $2,000. Only 8,500 pairs were available to buy worldwide, and the demand was indisputably as real as the hype. The Dior fashion house is known for its well-crafted and haute couture pieces, and its design philosophy translated well to the iconic Air Jordan 1. Featuring a Dior Oblique patterned Swoosh, both high-fashion junkies and sneakerheads went crazy for these collaboration sneakers. Despite the limited number of pairs sold all over the world, it’s still possible to pick up a pair of the Air Dior Jordan 1 Highs, as long as you have $11,320 lying around.

Maison Margiela and Reebok Instapump Fury

The Margiela tabi shoes are probably one of the most known pieces from this French fashion house. Various styles have taken on the iconic Margiela tabi silhouette, from ballet flats to boots. However, a new kind of Margiela tabi variation appeared on the Maison Margiela Artisanal Spring 2020 runway ⁠— one that took on the design of the Reebok Instapump Fury sneaker from 1994. This is also the brand’s first collaboration since John Galliano first joined the label in 2014, so you may find it difficult to get your hands on a pair.

JW Anderson and Converse

For those who want an affordable designer sneaker collab, JW Anderson’s partnership with Converse fits the bill perfectly. The British designer has released a ton of sneakers in collaboration with Converse, from chunky Run Star Hikes to the classic Chuck Taylors. If you’re a fan of JW Anderson’s work, you’re going to love the traditional Chuck 70 High Tops featuring the JW Anderson script logo in a grid layout.

More and more designers are partnering up with various sports brands to release one-of-a-kind sneaker designs. For more fashion inspo, styling guide, and new releases, be sure to check our blog here on AKINGS.