The spooky season might have passed, but there’s no reason why you can’t celebrate your favourite horror icons (like Freddy Krueger and Pennywise the Clown) all year long – especially since the trailer for IT: Welcome to Derry just recently dropped. Over the years, Nike, Reebok, PUMA and adidas have released sneakers that embrace the culture. Here are some of the best horror-themed sneakers around. The list consists of official releases, customs and concepts we’d love to see.
Nike Ja 2 “Nightmare”
When you lay eyes on the Nike Ja 2 “Nightmare”, it’s hard not to think of Michael Jackson’s legendary Thriller music video. The striking red upper with black detailing evokes MJ’s iconic leather jacket from the video. Then, there are the werewolf-inspired touches like the black furry fabric on the heels, the signature “Morant” teeth lace dubraes, and an embroidered cat eye that harks back to the eerie werewolf transformation scene.
Air Jordan 1 High “Freddy Krueger” Sneakers
Similar to the 2007 version that was never officially released, this Air Jordan 1 High “Freddy Krueger” sneaker highlights Freddy Krueger’s distinctive attire. Two-toned textile fabric is used to replicate the character’s signature striped sweater on the shoe’s base, while red splatters stain the beige leather overlays that represent his gloves.
“Pennywise” Nike Dunk
The sinister design of the Nike Dunk “Pennywise” is based on the sewer-dwelling clown from Stephen King’s It novel, or more accurately, the movie adaptation of the character brought to life by Bill Skarsgård. It’s one of the most beautiful Halloween-themed sneakers we’ve seen.
Air Jordan 6 x Child’s Play
As the name implies, this playful design is based on Chucky, one of the scariest dolls ever featured in horror film history. Although we have seen numerous sneaker models dressed in the likeness of the possessed doll, this happens to be our first Jordan 6 sighting.
Reebok x Universal Monsters Collection
The Reebok Universal Monsters Collection features several stylish designs inspired by iconic horror film monsters, including Dracula, the Wolfman, Frankenstein, the Bride of Frankenstein, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Air Force 1 Low “Jason Mask”
This Jason Voorhees-inspired AF1 is unquestionably on the bland and uninteresting side of the Halloween shoe spectrum. Just changing up the ventilation holes on the toe box and calling it a “Jason Mask” is simply lazy work. The sneaker was released in October 2024.
Beetlejuice x Freddy Krueger Nike Dunk Low Pack
Two of the most renowned characters in horror are the inspiration for the designs from this Halloween Nike Dunk Low Pack: Beetlejuice and Freddy Krueger. Find out more about them here: Sneaker Fortress
PUMA x Netflix Squid Game
Netflix has partnered with renowned sportswear brand PUMA for the PUMA x Netflix Squid Game collection, featuring a mix of sneakers, apparel and tie-in accessories. There are two sneakers that make up the collection, both of which feature unique themes from the show’s games.
Saw X x Air Jordan 3
Step into the twisted world of Saw with these terrifyingly stylish Nike Air Jordan 3 sneakers, inspired by the infamous Jigsaw puppet.
Michael Jackson’s Thriller Nike Sneakers
These Thriller Nike sneakers pay homage to one of the most iconic Michael Jackson music videos of all time. Introducing the “Werewolf” Nike Air Jordan 1 and the “Zombie” Nike Dunk Low. To learn more: Sneaker Fortress
“Freddy Krueger” Air Jordan 3
These “Freddy Krueger” Jordan 3 sneakers will haunt your dreams if you don’t get your hands on a pair asap. The base is made of off-white tumbled leather covered in dark red paint splatters, while the toe, heel, eyelets and collar all wear the green and red stripes synonymous with Freddy’s trademark jumper. The design also includes silver patent leather swooshes that replicate the villain’s metal claws (and are a feature on the original SB Dunk design), as well as green tongues and laces to complete the look. Find out more about the “Freddy Krueger” Jordan 3.
Travis Scott Jordan 1 Low “Nightmare Before Christmas”
The sneaker’s base is made of light brown canvas, which you must admit is the perfect nod to Oogie Boogie’s burlap sack look. The design’s real standout feature, though, is its overlays. A gorgeous, vibrant, and intricate collage effect is created when several movie characters—Major, Lock, and Barrel, to mention a few—are printed onto leather material. Extra references to characters like Jack, Sally, and Zero are, of course, painted onto the shoe’s heel and attached as small hang tags to the laces. See more details about the Travis Scott Jordan 1 Low “Nightmare Before Christmas”.
Courage the Cowardly Dog Nike Dunks
If you’re among the countless Courage the Cowardly Dog enthusiasts eager to own a pair of these stylish Nike Dunk sneakers, you may be in luck! The base of this design features a fuzzy pink material, possibly hairy suede, scattered with dark spots that replicate the distinct pattern found on Courage. From there, the incorporation of a blend of brown and black colours on the shoe’s heel tab perfectly emulates Courage’s nose, while the hairy black suede Swooshes gracing the sides bear an uncanny resemblance to his ears. Find out more about the Courage the Cowardly Dog Nike Dunks.
Nike Air Force 1 Chucky
The majority of the upper of the sneaker matches the outfit that the infamous Chucky doll wears, from the quarter of the sneakers matching the rainbow-striped shirt and the overlays throughout the sneakers, from the tip and mudguard up the lace stays and even around the heel counter match the blue denim colour of Chucky’s overalls, represented in smooth denim coloured leather. The inner lining of the sneakers is a dark red that matches the neck collar of Chucky’s shirt, and the laces are a bright orange that matches Chucky’s hair. Find out more about these awesome Chucky sneakers.
“Corpse Bride” Nike SB Dunk Low
This custom pair features a split shoe design perfectly capturing the two main characters from the Tim Burton film, Victor and Emily. Victor’s design features a sail base with grey shading to depict his pale face. The overlays then highlight the dark grey colour of his suit, along with the dark edging and ankle studs, to imitate every element on the jacket. Emily’s design, on the other hand, features shades of blue on the base as a nod to her ethereal and ghostly appearance, while the colours on the front overlays and the lace graphic/detailing on the ankle flap are inspired by her wedding dress. More details on the “Corpse Bride” Nike SB Dunk Low.
“Paranorman” Air Jordan 1 High
In homage to the aesthetics of both the movie and the Air Foamposite One, this incredible concept showcases the Air Jordan 1 silhouette with Vot-coloured flames set against a sinister black upper. However, to mimic the glossy look of the Foamposite One’s shell design, John Trottier imagined a glossy patent leather finish for the entire upper, including the Swoosh logos on the shoe’s side. More details on the “Paranorman” Air Jordan 1 High here.
Nike Dunk High Oogie Boogie
The sneaker’s base is covered in a tan-hued burlap that we associate with Oogie Boogie. The design even mimics the character’s, well, rather voluptuous physique, with lumps and bumps detailed on the toe box. But let’s talk about the glow – yes, this material actually glows in the dark! When placed in low lighting, the toe box, quarter panels, and collar project an unsettlingly green gleam. See more on the Nike Dunk High Oogie Boogie.
Mystery Machine Nike Dunks
Andrew C has done it again with a stunning custom concept, “The Mystery Machine” Nike Dunk Low sneakers, perfect for Halloween. In the traditional @andu.c fashion, the colours of the inspiration have been carried over. However, the usual electric blue, bright greens, and yellows of the cartoon inspiration have been traded out for a slightly more muted look, one that succeeds in its attempt to make the sneakers look a little older and really feeding into the nostalgia that people will get from seeing these sneakers. See more about the Mystery Machine Nike Dunks.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro X-Ray
The Kobe 5 Protro “X-Ray” pays a subtle homage to the 2011 campaign by showcasing a similar X-ray design imprinted on the sneaker’s deep royal blue upper. However, this time, it features a skeletal foot instead of a hand. It doesn’t carry the Championship rings—understandably so. However, the inspiration behind the design is still strongly reflected. See more details on the Nike Kobe 5 Protro X-Ray.
‘Fuel Force’ Air Force 1
What is the recurrent theme of these Air Force 1 “Fuel Force” designs? The medial and lateral sides of the shoe always feature a skeleton-like design intended to resemble the foot of a fossilised dinosaur. The skeleton design on the side somewhat reminds us of Nike’s Halloween-themed AF1 releases. Read more about them here.
