The culture of collaboration between shoe brands and music artists began in 1986, when rap group Run DMC came out with their hit track, “My Adidas.” Since then, we’ve seen some of the most iconic fashion collaborations. Thirty-five years later, the story and culture continue. Here are five singers with some of the most iconic shoe collaborations in history:
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- $300 Million Debt Settled
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- Minimum Debt $7,500
- $ 3 Billion Plus Debt Resolved
Iconic Shoe Collabs
1. Eminem
Perhaps one of the most famous collabs is Nike’s tie-up with famed rapper Eminem. Eminem has launched some of the most sought-after Air Jordan 4 sneakers in history, but his Eminem X Air Jordan 3 model has recently been resurrected, which allows fans to view the design that never actually made it to production.
A special feature of this shoe that truly stands out is its insoles, boasting a black-and-orange street map graphic overlaid with Eminem hits and the rapper’s signature backward E logo.
2. Missy Elliot
Celebrity Missy Elliot has had a long obsession with sneakers since she was young. After becoming famous, she teamed up with Adidas in 2005 to launch her own line called Respect M.E. by Adidas Originals x Missy Elliott.
Adidas made big plans for the Respect M.E. line and divided it into three divisions offering items such as sneakers, T-shirts, pants, sweatshirts, and accessories. The Respect M.E. line includes urban wear, camouflage prints, and bright colors.
3. Kanye West
In 2015, legendary rapper Kanye West worked with Adidas to creatively design and produce the world-famous top-selling Yeezy Boost 350 line. Ever since its introduction into the sneaker world, fans have gone crazy for each new addition to the line. Yeezy releases and rereleases, like the rumored Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Blue Tint colorway rerelease, are always highly anticipated by dedicated collectors and casual fans alike.
The iconic rapper has big plans for the future with Yeezys. West has set an ambitious $1.5 billion plan to bring back and expand the classic Yeezy sneakers line. Keep an eye out for what’s next!
4. Lil Wayne
In 2013, the cash money rapper Lil Wayne dropped his Spectre by Supra shoe line. Wayne has loved skateboarding since he was young and decided to team up and form a partnership with the world-renowned skateboard sneaker brand.
Wayne oversaw the design and made sure that it is a reflection of his style, music, and attitude. The collection comes in a full range, including low top, high top, and three different stylish colors.
5. Jay-Z
The renowned rapper Jay-Z has also been working as Puma’s creative director of basketball shoes. Jay-Z’s Wild Rider Layers By Puma brings a new feature to the usual trainer shoe design as it carries a cushioned base, details that run along the heel, and has suede and leather overlays that cover the upper portion.
This fresh design boasts layers of material with an edgy look, marrying wildness and urban style all in one.
Style Icons
The artist-sneaker collaboration has come a long way, and consumer response shows that it’s pretty much a recipe for success. While there are many other noteworthy collaborations out there, the five listed above are a few of our top picks. Keep your eyes peeled, as there are probably more partnerships in the works that could surprise us all.
