Even after his passing six years ago, Mac Miller’s songs lives on in the hearts of his fans. To honour his incredible musical legacy, sneaker artist Bob Ng of @nobrainer.psd designed a collection of Nike sneakers inspired by his album and mixtape covers. Let’s take a closer look at these incredible Mac Miller sneakers.
“Balloonerism” Air Jordan 1 Low
Mac’s unpublished album, which was recorded between 2013 and 2014, served as the inspiration for this AJ1’s design. The blue, brown, and sail hues from the cover are included in the sneaker’s colourway, as well as its title on the midsole. While this sneaker may never be officially released, fans can still celebrate because the record itself is rumoured to finally see the light of day in 2025.
“Swimming” Air Jordan 4
The final studio album Miller would see to fruition before his tragic death in 2018 was the sombre but hopeful “Swimming”. Both the album’s cover and each song carry a lot of meaning behind them, and this AJ4 design pays tribute to that significance. The colour palette echoes the pink of his linen attire, the blue of the sky behind him, and the dark of the shadowy box he is seated in on the cover art. There is also a reference to his Self Care track and the yin-yang symbol that once again reflects that there is always a light to be found, even in times of struggle.
“Best Day Ever” Nike Dunk Low
Back in 2011, the rapper’s fifth mixtape was published by Rostrum Records under the title “Best Day Ever.” Miller’s silhouette, in a gradient of pink and blue, was featured in the album’s art. This stunning combination is mirrored on the sneaker’s base, while black overlays serve as a nod to the album’s backdrop. Despite the cover’s simplicity, the sneaker design is absolutely stunning.
“KIDS” Nike Dunk Low
Mac Miller’s fourth mixtape, “Kickin’ Incredibly Dope Sh*t”, served as the inspiration for this vibrant Nike Dunk Low design. Although the overlays are made of neutral-coloured suede, the sneaker’s base is a vivid palette of colours that are reminiscent of the mixtape’s “KIDS” text. It’s a well-thought-out and balanced design that gives the youthful feeling of this era of Mac Miller’s music.
How To Get Your Hands On These Incredible Sneakers
In case any of these designs catch your attention, be sure to follow Bob Ng on Instagram for his next shoe release. He occasionally makes a small selection of his designs available for purchase, and you don’t want to miss it.
In the meantime, consider exploring other sneakers inspired by great hip-hop/rap musicians. Check out the stylish Tupac and Biggie Nike Air Force 1s or the Biggie Nike Coogi Sneakers and don’t pass on these Eminem-inspired kicks. And don’t forget to follow Sneaker Fortress for more incredible custom and concept designs.
Which of these Mac Miller-inspired sneakers are your top picks, and which ones are a miss? Make sure to share your opinions with us in the comments section below!
