Very few pop musicians can even come close to matching Michael Jackson’s legendary status. After all, his reign as the “King of Pop” was no accident. But his contributions went beyond just his classic songs; his distinctive dance moves and cutting-edge music videos were part and parcel of his unparalleled impact on the music industry. However, for the sake of this article, let’s just concentrate on his vast repertoire of well-known music videos, or more specifically, his 1983 hit song “Thriller.” Elements of this iconic video, such as Jackson’s red jacket and the zombie dance, continue to appear in pop culture references today, and they also serve as the inspiration for some pretty brilliant sneaker designs. Take, for instance, these Thriller-inspired Nike sneakers: the “Werewolf” Nike Air Jordan 1 and the “Zombie” Nike Dunk Low.
“Cause This Is Thriller, Thriller Night”
However, before we dive into the specifics of the “thrilling” sneaker design, it’s only fitting to tip our hats to the iconic music video that inspired them.
Many people consider John Landis’ “Thriller” music video a cultural phenomenon. In fact, it is regarded by many as one of the best music videos of all time. Whether you’ve sat through the entire video or not, it’s almost guaranteed you’ve come across its enduring cultural imprints via the various channels of modern media. Whether that’s the spooky dance routines or Michael Jackson iconic red leather jacket—yes, it was just that influential.
Let’s be honest, though; the imagery of the pop legend transforming into a werewolf is undoubtedly not for the faint-hearted. I can still vividly recollect being haunted by the “Thriller” video and tune, given that my brothers used it as a tool to frighten me—and quite often at that. While it might reopen past traumas (just kidding), I’ve since grown to appreciate the video’s artistry and immense cultural impact.
And seeing that the video has a massive fan base, it’s likely that many of you, whether you grew up with it or discovered it later, will find it truly unforgettable as well. This brings us back to ‘The Surgeon’, who has expertly designed an incredible collection of Thriller Nike sneakers, drawing inspiration from the memorable elements of this legendary video.
A Closer Look At The Design
Let’s start by acknowledging how the “Werewolf” Nike Air Jordan 1 High perfectly reflects Jackson’s metamorphosis into a werewolf—and in true style at that. The striking varsity red chenille overlays and blue denim on the quarter panels and tongue represent Jackson’s red letterman jacket and jeans from the video.
Leaning further into the werewolf theme, the sneaker boasts a shaggy brown fabric adorning the collar, complete with embroidered claws that appear behind the vivid red and yellow Nike swoosh. There’s even a striking graphic of the eerie yellow cat eyes secretively positioned behind the tongue. It’s almost impossible not to recall Jackson’s legendary transformation scene each time you see these striking sneakers.
Next, we have the Thriller Zombie Dunk Low. It boasts a plush, red leather upper as a nod to the distinctive red leather jacket with pushed-up sleeves that we have all come associate with the Thriller music video.
The design is sprinkled with additional elements like the paint-smeared sole that glows in the dark and unexpected zombie eyes lurking behind the sneaker’s tongue. And did I mention the hidden zip pocket? This is definitely one stylish zombie look.
Where To Get These Thriller-Inspired Sneakers
Sadly, these Thriller Nike sneakers were exclusive to The Surgeon’s Halloween commissions from 2023 and aren’t currently up for grabs. However, there is a strong chance they may reintroduce these customised sneakers again. So, ensure you stay tuned for any updates or related news. They are a definite must-have for fans of the iconic video.
In the meantime, you can comfort yourself with the Nike Ja 2 “Nightmare” or the Air Jordan 1 Low “Black Cat,” which, in our opinion, subtly honour the iconic Thriller style. Or feel free to take a look at this Air Jordan 1 “Royal Red/Gold”design, which honours Michael Jackson’s legendary 1984 American Music Awards jacket. For more custom and concept kicks, don’t forget to follow us at Sneaker Fortress.
What’s your take on these Thriller Nike sneakers? Do you find the “Werewolf” Nike Air Jordan 1 High appealing, or is the Zombie Dunk Low more your style?
