@djaycue recently published an Instagram post highlighting Martin Payne’s rotation during the much-loved 90s sitcom, Martin. It’s since blown up, with hundreds of sneakerheads jumping into the comment section to reminisce about their favorite pairs:
@el.copacetic: “Martin & Fresh Prince probably had the coldest sneaker game on TV 🔥”
@de_reed: “The reason why I love the Taxi 12s now.”
@hariawan_wibisono: “90’s kicks are 🔥”
Despite never winning any official wardrobe awards, the sitcom was well known for its 90s streetwear. While each Roscoe, Jerome, and even Sheneneh brought their own swag to the table, it was Martin Payne’s sneaker game that truly stole the show.
Here are nine of our favorite pairs, ranked from solid to completely unforgettable.
9. Air Jordan 2 ‘Chicago’
Released: Originally in 1986. Payne wears a 1994 retro
Episode: #83, “Kill Him With Kindness”
Martin rocks the AJ2s mid-argument with his crew in the park, fully convinced Gina’s plotting a life-insurance scheme against him.
Given the Pistons’ bitter rivalry with the Jordan Bulls, a Detroit loyalist repping Chicago colorways didn’t go unnoticed. As @nanak.kab put it in the comments: “Repping Chicago that hard while being in Detroit must’ve been hard 😂.”
Availability: The Jordan 2 gets regular retro releases, available through the Nike SNKRS App, Jordan Brand retailers, and resale platforms like StockX.
8. Nike Air Flight Mid
Released: Early to mid-90s
Episode: Various (exact episode not confirmed)
The Flight Mid is a lower-profile pick compared to some of the flashier pairs on this list. But we’ve included it as it’s exactly the kind of everyday sneaker Martin needed for moving between the studio and the court.
Availability: Original Flight Mid pairs are harder to track down than Jordan retros. Your best bet is checking resale platforms like eBay or StockX for deadstock or used pairs.
7. Nike Air Diamond Turf ‘Ravens’
Released: 1993
Episode: #37 “Fat Like Dat”
Episode #37 is known amongst sneakerheads for its ‘Air Wacks’ gag. But it’s also the episode in which Deion Sanders’ cross-trainer makes an appearance.
They’re seen as Martin starts getting serious at the gym (after Gina convinces him he’s put on some weight). Since the Diamond Turfs were built for actual athletes, it’s a fitting choice.
Availability: Nike revived the Diamond Turf line in 2025 as part of a renewed Deion Sanders partnership. The ‘Ravens’ colorway typically retails for $155 through Nike and select retailers.
6. Nike Air Flight 1 NRG ‘Orlando’
Released: 1995
Episode: #85 and #89
In Season 4, we see Martin trading in his usual basketball trainers for this Orlando Magic-inspired colorway. A sneaker with a fair amount of history.
Even though it’s not Hardaway’s official signature shoe, it was heavily championed by the NBA in the 90s. Michael Jordan himself famously borrowed a pair from Penny mid-game, which was the only time in his career he wore a shoe that wasn’t from his own signature line.
Availability: Nike has retroed the ‘Orlando’ colorway more than once, most recently in 2012 as an NRG release. Pairs regularly turn up on GOAT and StockX.
5. Nike Air Max Penny 1 ‘Orlando’
Released: 1995
Episode: #92 and #100
Martin stays loyal to Penny with the actual signature model this time around. Sneakerheads instantly clocked the pair in the show’s 100th episode, when Martin wore them while acting alongside Chris Rock (playing Sheneneh’s love interest).
Availability: The OG ‘Orlando’ colorway made a real comeback in 2022, with pairs widely available through Nike, retro drops, and various resale platforms.
4. Air Jordan 7 Raptors ‘Black/True Red’
Released: 1992
Episode: #2 “Gift Rapper” and #6 “Forever Sheneneh”
Detroit loyalty aside, it was clear thatMartin loved Jordan from the very beginning. He rocks the AJ7s while last-minute gift shopping for Gina, then again while trying to rescue Kid from a disastrous date with Sheneneh.
Availability: The ‘Black/True Red’ colorway isn’t retroed as often as more popular AJ7s, but pairs do surface periodically through Jordan Brand releases and resale platforms.
3. Air Jordan 11 IE Low ‘Bred’
Released: 1996
Episode: #110 “Back in Trouble”
In the show’s fifth (and final) season, the ‘Bred’s are the very first sneakers we see Martin wearing. And they definitely set the scene. It isn’t the flashier ‘Concord’ AJ11 colorway that made this shoe famous, but it’s iconic nonetheless.
Availability: The Bred IE has seen multiple retro releases over the years. Cop them through Jordan Brand drops and resale platforms.
2. Air Jordan 12 ‘Taxi’
Released: 1996
Episode: #115, “The Life You Save May Make You Rich” and #118, “Scrooge”
After saving a prince’s life, Martin gets showered with gifts, which include a brand-new pair of Air Jordan 12 ‘Taxi’s.
A few episodes later, he gives them away to a kid. It’s definitely one of the series’ most heartfelt moments. As @rydah.gee.567 put it in the comments: “He gave the taxi’s away remember, Watch the Christmas episode. 💯”
Availability: The Taxi 12 is one of Jordan Brand’s most consistently retroed colorways. They are pretty easy to find through Nike SNKRS, Jordan Brand retailers, and resale platforms.
1. Air Jordan 11 ‘Concord’
Released: 1995
Episode: #102 “Homeo & Juliet”
We’re going all in and naming this the most iconic pair in Martin’s on-screen rotation. And yes, you are free to disagree.
Martin breaks out the Concords to go full gentleman-caller on Gina, but things don’t go according to plan. By the end of the episode, Martin has flipped the script from charming suitor to full-blown cat-caller.
Say what you want about the script; the Concords look flawless in every scene.
Availability: If you want to pick up a pair for yourself, you’re in luck. The ‘Concord’ is one of the most frequently retroed Jordans ever made. So just keep an eye on the Nike SNKRS App, Jordan Brand retailers, and major resale platforms.
RELATED: 27 Best Nike Sneakers Worn By Will Smith On The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Still the GOAT of Sitcom Sneakers
Want to know the best part? None of this was a Nike sponsorship. By most accounts, Martin Lawrence’s own taste drove his character’s wardrobe.
However, a 2017 interview with Vanity Fair revealed that he didn’t keep any shoes or clothing for himself. “I got a little fatter,” he admitted.
Nike clearly approved of Martin’s drip. In 2019, they dropped a LeBron 16 colorway inspired by the show’s title card. LeBron himself has called Martin one of his all-time favorite shows. If we had to begin talking about the show’s broader cultural reach and references within hip-hop music (hello J.Cole, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar), we’d be here all day.
Fresh Prince usually gets the credit for putting sneaker culture on TV, but Martin is certainly just as deserving of the title.
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