The long-standing rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has recently come to a head. Both have been embroiled in a war of words that has escalated to the point of involving a series of really intense diss tracks. But what about the real, pressing issue at stake: Who has the better kicks? Lamar has come out with some killer collaborations that deliver sought-after sneakers with a range of different brands. On the other side, you’ve got Drake, the unabashed sneakerhead who’s best known for his association with Jordan Brand and Nike. Forget their rap beef—who’s the ultimate winner in the battle of the sneakers, Drake vs Kendrick Lamar?
Drake’s Air Jordan 10 Retro OVO
In 2015, the Jordan Brand and Drake united for a sneaker collaboration that took the sneaker world by storm. They made the Air Jordan 10 Retro OVO. This sneaker includes a special kind of faux-stingray leather, and some bling on the branding, to amp up the appeal. To learn more about these amazing sneakers: Sneakers Worn by Drake in Public
Kendrick Lamar’s pgLang Pro Leather
The brand PgLang, founded by Kendrick Lamar, collaborated with Converse in 2022 on creative interpretations of the Pro Leather. Lamar’s artistic vision is imprinted on the reimagined designs. They enshrine not only his statement style as an artist, but also the very identity of short-form entertainment—music videos, poetry, sculptures, and spoken word pieces—that he has in some part made, and in some part re-envisioned, since he first stepped onto the scene.
Drake’s Air Jordan 12 Retro “OVO White”
In 2016, Drake came up with a few exclusive sneaker designs for Jordan Brand. But the one sneakerheads did get to bag is his luxury reflective Air Jordan 12 “OVO White.” The elegant tonal white tumbled leather and faux stingray leather really make the shoe pop, while the hidden reflective effect adds that element of surprise sure to catch onlookers’ eyes.
Kendrick Lamar’s Nike Cortez Kenny 1
The Kendrick Lamar x Nike Cortez Kenny 1 was not your average Cortez. Sure, its main colors were black and white, but it otherwise had some real flair—a detail not typically associated with the Cortez—that set it apart. For one, it had red stitching that gave it some serious pop. And while I can’t quite put my finger on it, the shoe had an attitude that made it feel just a little bit like a Swoosh-branded Bodega.
Drake’s Air Jordan 12 Retro OVO Black
Another chapter in Drake’s sneaker game unfolded in 2017. He began by introducing an all-black version of the Air Jordan 12 Retro OVO. This was Drake’s first kick of 2017. The all-black ‘12’ came in a smooth black nubuck with stingray overlays, for lack of a better term. (I don’t work for Jordan Brand, and I’m not an expert in exotic leathers or what half the stuff that gets used on shoes really means.) And then there was the elephant in the room.
Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Classic Leather
Lamar partnered with Reebok to release a line of Classic Leather designs that echoed the peace and unity message from the preceding year. His version of the Classic Leather, with its split design, mirrored the divided yet rival gangs that exist in Kendrick’s old neighborhood. The shoe’s midfoot window also showcases the letter “K” for Kendrick, and further personalizes the shoe’s design.
Drake’s ‘Splatter’ Air Jordan 4
The ‘Splatter’ Air Jordan 4 was one of the most hyped Drake shoes of 2016. It wasn’t released at retail, though; a sample was sold at auction in 2020 through Sotheby’s. It fetched a staggering $32,000 USD! To learn more: Drake’s Splatter Air Jordan 4
Reebok Classic x Kendrick Lamar Club C
A unique Reebok Club C sneaker designed by Kendrick Lamar was released in 2017. This shoe, made to promote equality, featured a base of denim that was washed to an outstanding black-and-white finish, with bright red parts that really popped. This was the last sneaker that Lamar designed with Reebok.
Drake’s ‘God’s Plan’ Jordan 14
Another of 2018’s creations that were legitimately challenging to acquire was the ‘God’s Plan’ Jordan 14. Another sneaker in Drake’s lineup that was not officially released, you can still find this rare beauty on FlightClub, where it retails for over $60,000.
Kendrick Lamar x Nike React Element 55
The yin and yang motif is represented in these sneakers, which showcase a split marble graphic on the upper. Kung Fu Kenny is the persona Lamar takes on in these shoes, and they’re a logical next step after the Classic Leather ‘Perfect Split’ series that Reebok launched in 2016. To see the winner of our Drake vs Kendrick Lamar sneaker battle, visit: Sneaker Fortress
Our favourites. Available now at Nike.com
