Sneaker culture and hip-hop culture have always been closely intertwined. In fact, some of the most memorable and iconic sneaker collaborations have come from rappers with endless creativity and a keen eye for style. While we could debate who the rappers with the best sneakers are, there are a few names that would consistently come up in the conversation. Let’s take a look at some of the top contenders in the rap and sneaker game.
Run-DMC
There’s no way to compile a list of rappers who have the best sneakers without mentioning Run-DMC. Adidas and the Queensgroup made the shell-toed Superstar silhouette the hip-hop sneaker of the ’80s. They were the first hip-hop group to secure a clothing deal, and really the reason why every other rapper on this list had a sneaker collaboration after.
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan didn’t need a long queue of sneaker collabs to create one of the most legendary collaborations in hip-hop history. Their 1999 limited-edition black and yellow Nike Dunk Highs are one of the rarest and most collectable sneakers in the world. But that doesn’t mean they were one and done. In 2016, the brand also released a yellow and black Nike Air Foamposite One design, which has sold just as well on resale sites.
G-Unit
There was a time in the not-so-distant past when everyone wanted to rock a pair of G-Unit x Reebok sneakers. The group sold a record number of shoes for the Boston-based brand, even rumoured to outsell the One-Take Hov a.k.a Jay-Z. While most of the designs are pretty simple, 50 Cent and his crew paved the way for the flood of hip-hop sneaker collaborations we see today.
Drake
Champagne Papi is one of the rappers in the Swoosh camp that can say he has his own signature sneaker to his name. But before there was the Nocta x Nike Hot Step Air Terra or Hot Step 2, the Canadian musician enjoyed considerable success with his range of OVO x Jordan sneakers. The best of the lot were arguably his white OVO 12s, Drake/Raptors 4s, and Black OVO 10s, but there’s plenty more where that came from.
Kendrick Lamar
What we appreciate most about Kendrick’s sneaker collabs is that he uses every opportunity he can to tell a story. Whether it’s his Reebok designs focused on unity between rival gangs and equality in society, or his Nike React Element 55 exploring the back-and-forth of real-world living, or even his Converse Chuck 70s that encourage inquisitive exploration, there’s always been some meaning attached to his sneakers, as with much of his other work.
Tyler, The Creator
If there’s any artist who knows how to make every sneaker he puts out his own, it’s the California-born rapper, Tyler, The Creator. While he started off his sneaker collabs adding flair to the Vans skating brand lineup, he has since moved on to having his own signature line with Converse that feels so, well, very much like him; preppy yet playful.
Eminem
Thanks to his relationship with Nike and the Jordan Brand, Eminem has a slew of exclusive and, naturally, coveted sneakers with his name on them. While his Jordan 4 sneaker collabs are at the top of the crop (especially the three-way team-up with Carhartt), he also has beautiful Jordan 2s, Air Max designs, and Air Force 1s in his illustrious lineup.
Pharrell Williams
Like most on this list, Pharrell has had his share of hits and misses in both the music world and his sneaker collabs. Still, his overall body of work speaks for itself. Whether you’ve loved his collabs since his colourful BBC Ice Cream line with Reebok, his simple yet striking Nike Dunk High design, or his ongoing work with adidas, it’s always been clear that the multi-talented artist is a powerful creative force.
Travis Scott
La Flame may have had a few sneaker collaborations with other brands, but the ones we all remember and talk about are his Nike and Jordan pairs. DIY-style Air Force 1s, bandana-covered Dunks, Jordan 6s with stash pockets, some of the most beautiful Jordan 4s we’ve ever seen, and what feels like an unending stream of Jordan 1 collabs. Now he’s even added his own signature shoes with both the Swoosh Label and the Jumpman Team to the roster. Pretty impressive.
Kanye West
As controversial as Ye can be (and he can be pretty controversial), few would deny his impact on the sneaker game. From adding his signature bear graphic to his early collab with Bape on the Bape Sta Low “College Dropout” to creating brand new silhouettes with Jordan and adidas, and now selling footwear for a mere $20 USD under his very own brand, there’s nothing he has put out that doesn’t stir up conversation and sell like hotcakes. So, naturally, he earns a top spot among rappers with the best sneakers.
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