In 2024, sneaker artists from all over the world created a number of stunning concept sneaker designs. From pairs inspired by the year’s biggest sneaker trends to those drawing from pop culture or nature and even designs that breathe new life into old favourites, it’s clear that the creativity in the custom and concept sneaker world has been truly remarkable these past few years. So, let’s look at some of the best concept sneakers in 2024 and all time.
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. 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.
“Bruce Lee” Off White Satin Air Jordan 1 Lux
John Trottier of @johnnyskicks is known for creating some of the most unique and sought-after sneaker designs in the industry. Draped in satin befitting an Asian emperor, the Bruce Lee Off White Satin AJ1 Lux sneaker pays homage to the iconic martial artist with its bold yellow and black colour scheme. This colourway is reminiscent of Lee’s famous jumpsuit in the movie “Game of Death,” which became synonymous with his image.
Air Jordan 11 ‘Purple Rain’
The Air Jordan 11 “Purple Rain” showcases Prince’s iconic colour on a sneaker design that has stood the test of time. Most of the sneaker features sleek white leather, matched to perfection with crisp white lace tabs and laces. To contrast this, the inner lining is drenched in a radiant magenta hue, which is replicated on the metallic Jumpman logo and poised on the heel of the shoe. To learn more: Air Jordan 11 Purple Rain
Nike “Yaba Daba” Dunk Low
Cartoons are entering the sneaker chat, and the latest design, the Nike “Yaba Daba” Dunk Lows, are inspired by The Flintstones. Adding a playful touch, the sneakers boast a pattern showcasing Fred’s animal print loincloth (think bright orange with black triangles). The laces and inner are also a light shade of orange, maintaining a cohesive look. At the same time, the midsole and outsole are contrasting shades of orange, adding a dynamic element to the overall design.
Nike SB Dunk Low x Grateful Dead “Panda Bears”
The shoe’s base stands out with its shaggy white fur, echoing the distinctive fuzzy, bear-like vibe of “Grateful Dead Bears.” The contrasting black suede overlays then enhance the visual texture and colour interplay. Interestingly, the Swoosh breaks away from convention. Typically black on “Panda” colourways, it features here in crisp white with frayed outlines. The jagged black edges pay homage to the “Bear” theme, adding a distinct flair to the design.
Air Jordan 4 “Deadpool”
These Air Jordan 4 “Deadpool” concept sneakers showcase a flashy twist on the Marvel anti-hero’s signature colours. The details are just as striking, with inky black shades gracing the laces, eyelets, and signature netting. However, vibrant bursts of red on the wing tabs and inner lining ensure all of Deadpool’s iconic colours are well-represented. The design is rounded off with a predominantly red sole unit, accented with hints of black at the heel. And what’s a themed sneaker without a nod to its muse? Enter a Deadpool logo on the tongue and on the insoles as well. To learn more: Air Jordan 4 “Deadpool”
Air Jordan 4 “Darth Vader”
Like the infamous villain himself, the Star Wars shoe features a sleek, predominantly black colourway. But to give the shoes a sleek and glossy look akin to their muse, Brathwaite covers nearly all of the design in black patent leather. The sneaker artist also keeps the inner lining, netting and laces all in the same shade for a unified appearance.
Air Jordan 3 “Jurassic Park”
Yes, that’s a Velociraptor eye. This stunning custom concept is the perfect combination of practicality and style, not removing anything from the functionality we love about the Air Jordan 3 silhouette while adding something we have never seen before to the collection. The usually clear window into the air unit in the sole is the perfect place to hide the mosquito stuck in amber that started it all. We love this subtle hint at the origin of the dinosaurs. To learn more: Air Jordan 3 “Jurassic Park”
Air Jordan 11 “Airwolf”
Combining the iconic design of the Air Jordan 11 with the sleek aesthetic of the Airwolf helicopter, this concept sneaker design is a heartfelt homage to the beloved show from the ’80s. A black patent leather upper wraps around the bottom half of the sneaker, creating a sleek and modern look. Of course, this shiny black material pays homage to the iconic black helicopter Hawke and Santini flew in the show. The tongue and top half of the upper then boast a stunning matte suede finish in the perfect shade of grey. The colour choice is reminiscent of the underbelly of the Airwolf and the grey pilot suits the characters wore. To learn more: Airwolf Jordan 11s
Air Jordan 3 “Knight Rider”
The iconic talking car from Knight Rider, KITT, has been transformed into a pair of sleek Air Jordan 3 sneakers. Starting on the bottom, the outsole has a matte black rubber with an in-set LED strip in the front in place of the stitching, bringing the laser light into the front of KITT’s Pontiac Trans Am bonnet. In contrast to the outsole, the midsole is a shinier black rubber instead, with its own LED element, as seen with the window into the Air unit in the heel, which has a stunning red LED implanted in it. To learn more: Air Jordan 3 “Knight Rider”
RoboCop Air Jordan 9
Step into the future with this really cool RoboCop Air Jordan 9 Nike sneaker concept. Of course, the uppers are covered in silver leather, but there’s also a slight touch of blue at the toe that captures the metallic sheen of the cyborg’s armour. From there, the shoe features a red and black interplay on the mudguard, inspired by RoboCop’s visor, while the red detailing continues in the mudguard’s stitching details. To learn more: RoboCop Air Jordan 9
Stranger Things x Air Jordan 6
While we eagerly await Stranger Things 5, we invite you to indulge in the exclusivity of these stunning custom Air Jordan 6 sneakers, a unique creation inspired by the beloved Netflix series. For the colourway, we have gone with white, chrome metallic red, and blue, not just blue. The blue sections of the sneakers are made to be a soft gradient with white speckles through them, making them look like the Milky Way visible in the night sky over Hawkins. To learn more: Stranger Things x Air Jordan 6
Airwolf Air Jordan 11 V2
These Air Jordan 11 concept sneakers also pay tribute to the legendary ‘80s helicopter series Airwolf. First up is the black patent leather mudguard that wraps around the bottom of the shoe. This element is a somewhat obvious nod to the helicopter’s slick black upper, but a detail we still believe every Airwolf-inspired sneaker should have. Next, nubuck adorns the tongue and upper half of the shoe, presented in a faded black/ash grey shade. Also included on the uppers are vivid red details that can be found on the decorative stitching, laces, and lace tabs, which reference the Airwolf logo from the opening sequences of the first three seasons. To learn more: Airwolf Air Jordan 11 V2
Air Jordan 4 “The Beekeeper”
As any gorgeous pair of sneakers inspired by bees would, the colourway of these sneakers includes a honey-like yellow, a touch of white, and a beautiful pitch black. Starting from the bottom, the sneakers’ outsole is opaque honey yellow, shiny black rubber, and semi-translucent yellow with specks and bubbles floating in it. The speckles and bubbles convey the idea of organic honey. To learn more: Air Jordan 4 “The Beekeeper”
Knight Rider Air Jordan 11 V3
Starting from the bottom, the outsole is a semi-translucent gum that reveals the black midsole, giving the outsole and midsole a really excellent effect that adds depth to the pair’s look. The seamless patent leather that wraps around the whole bottom half of the sneaker’s upper is a metallic red that perfectly matches the red light that we know to be KITT’s signature colour other than black, represented on the rest of the sneaker. The metallic red patent leather perfectly represents the sleekness of the 1982 Pontiac Trans Am, and it will make you wish that KITT was red and not black. To learn more: Knight Rider Air Jordan 11 V3
