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Home Trending

Drake vs. Kendrick: Who’s the Real Sneaker GOAT?

Caryn Ganess by Caryn Ganess
February 24, 2025
in Trending
Drake vs Kendrick Sneakers

Custom image created by Jarrod Saunders for Sneaker Fortress

This post includes references to products from some of our advertisers. We may earn compensation when you click on links to these products. The opinions and information provided on this site are the original editorial content of Sneaker Fortress.

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

Drake Air Jordan 10 Retro OVO
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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

Kendrick Lamar's pgLang Pro Leather
Image Credit: Converse

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”

Air Jordan 12 “White OVO”
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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

Nike Cortez Kenny 1
Image Credit: Nike

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

Air Jordan 12 Retro OVO black
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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

kendrick lamar x reebok classic leather
Image Credit: Reebok

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

Drake x Air Jordan 4 Ovo Splatter PE
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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

kendrick lamar Club C sneaker reebok
Image Credit: Reebok

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

Drake God’s Plan Jordan 14
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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

Kendrick Lamar x Nike React Element 55
Image Credit: Nike

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

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Caryn Ganess

Caryn Ganess

Caryn Ganess is a South African writer and pop culture commentator with a razor-sharp eye for sneaker trends and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling. Originally from the windy shores of Port Elizabeth, Caryn graduated cum laude with an Honours Degree in Psychology — a background that now fuels her captivating explorations of human behavior, fashion, and fandom. Whether she’s unpacking the cultural legacy of the Nike Cortez, breaking down the enduring cool of the Air Jordan 11, or analysing the psychological depth of your favourite movie villain, Caryn blends academic insight with real-world relevance. Her writing doesn’t just cover sneakers, film, gaming, and comics — it dissects them with precision, flair, and a personal touch that resonates with readers. An accomplished contributor to Fortress of Solitude, Sneaker Fortress, 23 Jumpman Street and Lifestyle Fortress, Caryn has become known for her ability to connect the dots between psychology and pop culture. As a full-time mother, she brings an added layer of empathy and lived experience to her work, offering a refreshing perspective on the emotional power of entertainment and storytelling. From retro kicks to psychological thrillers, Caryn tells the stories behind what we wear and what we watch — one article (and one sole) at a time.

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