Who doesn’t love Christmas? It’s a time of cheer, of getting together with your family to celebrate the holiday season, a time when everyone looks forward to closing the year with the people they love…and, of course, presents. Nike seems to love Christmas just as much as the rest of us do and has created a sleigh full of stunning Christmas-themed releases over the years, using many of their most-loved silhouettes to bring the Christmas cheer to life. So, let’s explore some of Nike’s best Christmas-themed sneakers that have delivered holiday spirit to sneakerheads around the world.
Official Nike Christmas-Themed Sneakers
While custom sneakers are a thing, Nike has always loved celebrating the holiday season with their fans and customers, and as such, has released a number of official Christmas-themed sneakers for us all to enjoy. With everything from sneakers that celebrate the “ugly Christmas sweaters” that we love to wear during the season to celebrating festive fiction and folklore with releases like their Grinch and Krampus designs, there has been no shortage of options for those looking to introduce a touch of holiday cheer to their sneaker collection. Here are some of the best official Nike Christmas-themed sneakers out there.
1. Nike Kobe 6 “Grinch” / Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Grinch”
While they might not be furry or have anything on them that connects them to Whoville, these sneakers were quickly adopted by the sneakerheads who love Christmas and renamed “Grinch” thanks to their vibrant green colourway complemented by subtle red accents on the tongue and heel.
The pair was initially released during the Christmas season as a green homage to Kobe Bryant’s Mamba nickname (you can see the inspiration in the snakeskin-esque upper); it’s easy to see why the sneakerhead community had some other ideas.
They might not be a direct nod to Christmas, but thanks to the community and Kobe sporting them during the 2010 holiday game, these sneakers are among the best Christmas-themed sneakers ever.
Release date: December 25, 2010
Why we Like them: Since making its debut on the court during the 2010 Christmas Day game between Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, the Nike Zoom Kobe 6 “Grinch” has become one of the most sought-after colourways (if not the most sought-after) in the Kobe range. The colourway even prompted a highly anticipated Protro release in 2020 and a reverse design in 2023. The vibrant green and red accents add a festive feel without going crazy, which we appreciate.
Where to Buy them: You can find these kicks on eBay, GOAT, StockX or really any resale platform of your preference.
2. Nike LeBron 10 “Christmas”
LeBron James’ 10th signature Nike basketball sneakers were masterfully adorned with a daring red and green colourway in 2012, the unspoken uniform of the Christmas season. LeBron James is undoubtedly a big fan of the festive season- these weren’t his first Christmas-themed pair and they certainly won’t be his last.
On its own, the Nike LeBron 10 is already a robust model with excellent performance features. Still, this Christmas edition just makes it all that much better, entering the hearts of players and sneaker enthusiasts alike and making a permanent home there.
Release date: 26 December 2012
Why we Like them: Nike and LeBron James created another brilliant holiday-themed design with the Nike Lebron 10 “Christmas”. When we look at this pair’s shining red upper, we can’t help but think of a sparkly Christmas tree decoration.And the mint green laces and Swooshes only contribute to the festive feel.
Where to Buy them: This festive pair is available through GOAT, Kicks Crew, and Stock X.
3. Sean Cliver x Nike SB Dunk High “Krampus”
The story of Krampus is a darker take on the conventionally happy thoughts around Christmas. Yet it has been a part of German and Scandinavian folklore since the thought of Christmas began. To capture the darker side of the festive period, the folks in Oregon collaborated with skateboard artist Sean Cliver to create a one-of-a-kind Dunk High design inspired by the horned creature said to punish misbehaving children this time of year. This pair is perfect if you are looking for a pair of Christmas-themed sneakers that doesn’t scream the clashing red and green.
First released in 2012, the Sean Cliver x Nike SB Dunk High “Krampus” takes on a “Black” and “Gym Red”, embellished with devilish detailing that adds to the dark allure of these sneakers. Besides dark, these sneakers are captivating, unique, and unforgettable.
Release date: December 5, 2012
Why we Like them: It’s always intriguing to see someone offer a fresh spin on the familiar holiday themes, and the devilish detailing on these sneakers definitely sets them apart from the typical Christmas shoes. Although the black and red combo is a little more edgy and hip than one might anticipate from a festive release, it also makes them wearable beyond just the holiday season.
Where to Buy them: You can find these sinister sneakers at eBay and GOAT.
4. Concepts X Nike SB Dunk High “Ugly Sweaters”
Unanimously thought to be one of the most memorable sneakers of 2013, these “Ugly Sweaters” sneakers earned their name as they were inspired by exactly that: kitschy holiday pullovers. The sneakers were actually offered in two distinct colourways; one was a deep, black fleece, and the other was a more understated grey. Both colourways were richly embellished with enchanting festive details like sullen snowmen, vibrant snowflakes, and holly motifs that tie perfectly into their theme.
They may be inspired by something ugly, but these Christmas kicks bring pure joy in their cheerful observance of the season. Unsurprisingly, these quickly rose to fame among sneaker fans, making it one of the best Christmas sneakers of all time.
Release date: December 7, 2013 and 2017
Why we Like them: The reason we love these sneakers is probably the same reason we love ugly Christmas sweaters: they’re fun, quirky, and a full-on celebration of the season.
Where to Buy them: Make sure to browse through eBay to find the version of this design that you love.
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5. Nike SB Dunk “Candy Cane”
While many candies and foods embody the spirit of Christmas, one of the most prominent is, without a doubt, candy canes. So, of course, the influential candy had to be the subject and inspiration for a pair of Nike sneakers.
In 2015, Nike dropped the stunning Christmas-themed SB Dunk “Candy Cane,” and the sneakers were as cheerful and sweet as you could imagine them to be. The classic candy cane design is emulated with striking red and white stripes across the length of the upper, while the lining’s hints of Christmas green (sorry, we couldn’t avoid it) go well with the design.
These sneakers are definitely one of the best Christmas-themed sneakers ever made, as finding these kicks on the resale market can cost you around five times the original retail price. If there was ever an indication of the popularity of a pair of sneakers, that would have to be it.
Release date: November 12, 2015
Why we Like them: These kicks are loud, proud, and unquestionably festive. Wearing them makes it impossible to avoid drawing attention.
Where to Buy them: This stripey SB Dunk is available in a variety of sizes on platforms like eBay, GOAT, FlightClub, and StockX.
6. Nike Kobe 6 “Reverse Grinch”
We had a Grinch, so obviously, we must have a Reverse Grinch. The festive all-red upper and green accents take the colourway of the Nike Kobe 6 Grinch previously mentioned and basically just invert it. Yet as simple and straightforward as that may seem, the end product is anything but basic.
The hype for these sneakers was massive in 2023, and it’s easy to see why. If luminescent green wasn’t their thing, sneakerheads now had a stunning red option that gave the same effect and is a favourite sneaker silhouette.
Release date: December 15, 2023
Why we Like them: Predominantly red colourways are hard to top, and this Reverse Grinch colourway is no exception.The lime green accents throughout only serve to increase the appeal.
Where to Buy them: You can secure a pair of these beauties via Amazon, eBay, FlightClub, GOAT, or StockX.
7. Nike Air Max 90 “Christmas Wrapped”
Sometimes known as the Nike Air Max 90 “Candy Cane”, Nike chose “Christmas Wrapped” because the former was already taken. These sneakers have a perfect Christmas theme, with a green lining and a touch of gold throughout, complementing their bright and exciting uppers.
The upper is entirely adorned with little Nike Swooshes that are candy canes. The actual Nike Swoosh is a glittery red that works perfectly with the red ribbon laces, really making these sneakers feel like they’ve been gift-wrapped in a harmless prank.
Release date: December 5th, 2015
Why we Like them: Nike’s festive-themed sneakers have taken a more subdued approach in recent years. We miss the over-the-top holiday designs like “Christmas Wrapped,” which really embrace the kitsch and extravagance of the season.
Where to Buy them: You can find these festive sneakers at eBay, GOAT, and StockX.
8. Nike Air Tech Challenge 3 Christmas
Yet another quirky pair of sneakers that has earned its ranks in the list of best Nike Christmas-themed sneakers is a loud colourway of the Air Tech Challenge 3 that rivals the busyness of the SB Dunk “Ugly Sweaters” range.
Boasting a palette that includes Dark Obsidian blue across the majority of the sneaker, Metallic Gold making up the Nike Swoosh logo, and University Red on aspects of the sneakers like the outsole, patterning of the upper and the laces. However, the patterning of the upper is where the magic happens, as they boast green and red candy canes as well as gold stars along the midsole and on the heels.
Release date: December 5, 2015
Why we Like them: It’s not the designs that play it safe that become memorable, but the ones that take risks and stand out. These crazy Nike Air Tech Challenge 3 incorporate about every festive feature you can think of, from candy canes to gold stars to an allusion to ugly sweaters, and yet it all works.
Where to Buy them: You can grab a pair from eBay, GOAT, and StockX.
9. Nike LeBron 11 “Christmas”
As mentioned with LeBron’s other pair on the list, King James seems to love Christmas and the festive season, and this pair from 2013 further supports the notion. This brilliant green pair with red accents offers the inverted look of the Nike LeBron 10 “Christmas” sneakers showcased earlier.
Unlike the foresty green you might see on usual Christmas sneakers, this pair uses Green Glow to mark its stunning upper, from the rubber outsole to the gorgeous and intricate snowflake graphics all over the sneakers. Complementing the Green Glow is Light Crimson, making up the Nike Swoosh, laces, and all of the inner workings of the sneaker that peek over the edges of the collar and from within.
Release date: December 26, 2013
Why we Like them: These stylish kicks appear to arrive in their own immaculate, glossy wrapping. Honestly, the colour palette and snowflake details on these sneakers are just hard to ignore.
Where to Buy them: These minty green sneakers can be purchased on eBay, FarFetch, FlightClub, GOAT, KicksCrew, and StockX.
10. Sean Cliver x Nike SB Dunk Low “Holiday Special”
Although Sean Cliver’s earlier Krampus-themed sneaker design took a walk on the darker side, this ‘Holiday Special’ SB Dunk Low capitalises on the icy winter wonderland theme that we associate with the holiday season.
The upper immediately conjures up images of a snowy Christmas Day with its sky blue suede overlays and white tumbled leather base. But then you sprinkle in elements like gleaming gold Swooshes, glittery outsoles, a snowflake pattern on the toe, and even Christmas elves painting holiday toys on the insoles, and you have an amazing shoe that perfectly embodies the magic of the festive season.
Release date: December 19, 2020
Why we Like them: Sean Cliver has a knack for creating eye-catching Christmas designs filled with special details. Yet despite the obvious amount of attention that went into the aesthetics, there is enough constraint to keep the design versatile enough to be worn beyond your Christmas celebrations.
Where to Buy them: Browse through GOAT and StockX to find these Holiday Special SB Dunk Low sneakers in your size.
Custom Nike Christmas-themed sneakers
Official Nike releases aren’t the only sneakers that have made their way onto the market to celebrate the festive season. The range of customisation and elements that artists can use is much more vast than the mass-produced colours and sneakers that Nike has to limit themselves to, allowing them to make the most gorgeous sneakers. Let’s look at some of the best Christmas-themed custom sneakers.
11. Nike SB Dunk Low x Nightmare Before Christmas “Jack & Sally”
Some people might fight with me for including this pair on the list, arguing that the theme may be better suited to Halloween. Still, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Christmas movie in my house. It literally has it in the name.
Whether you agree with me or not, only true Tim Burton movie fans will see the Christmas theme in this pair of Nike SB Dunk Low x Nightmare Before Christmas “Jack & Sally”.
Lacking the usual bright reds and greens of a Christmas pair, one could argue that Sally’s side of the pair definitely still has a bit of red and green in there, however muted it might be. Dariyn Enriquez did an excellent job bringing these two characters from the Tim Burton film to life.
12. Nike Air Jordan 1 Low “Grinchmas”
We may have already caught a glimpse of the Grinch through the official Kobe sneakers. However, that pair was not originally intended to be named after the hairy green character; rather, it was only given that name because fans connected the colourway to him. In an attempt to rectify this, many sneakerheads and custom artists have since created stunning sneakers inspired by the Grinch theme. Jeremy Lacin also did just that with his Nike Air Jordan 1 Low “Grinchmas”.
While it incorporates a somewhat snake-skin-like leather across many parts of the upper, clearly taking inspiration from the Nike Kobe 6, the rest is bright green tufted fluff. The Grinch’s red hat is incorporated into the sneakers through the laces, Nike Swoosh, inner lining, and the bright red outsole. The sneakers also boast white writing along the heel where “Air” might be on a pair of Off-White sneakers, but instead this pair reads “Grinchmas”.
13. Nike Air Jordan 4 “Grinch”
The Air Jordan 4 model is widely a favourite in the world of sneakers, so it should come as no surprise that they’re a prime choice for customisation. Yet alone that they have been transformed into a furry “Grinch”-themed sneaker.
These “Grinch” sneakers might be the funniest on the list, as they feature his dubious eyes and the support wings have been replaced with his slightly creepy, nailed hands.
With its different shades of flocking making it furry, you will either love or hate these sneakers and possibly even hate them so much that you love them anyway.
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14. Nike SB Dunk Low “Rudolph”
We all know the story of Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, and how he is an integral part of Christmas lore, so who better to be a mascot of Christmas than the little guy with a very shiny nose? Brett Battaglia and Isaac Apley had the same idea when they created the adorable Nike SB Dunk Low “Rudolph” sneakers.
The upper is a combination of suede and mottled brown fluff that perfectly resembles the fur of a reindeer or a little fawn, giving the sneakers an undeniably cute vibe, along with a bright red Nike Swoosh, tongue label and outsole that perfectly represents Rudolph’s bright red nose that Santa uses to guide his sleigh at night.
15. Santa x Nike SB Dunk Low
Despite the fact that Nike created a few sneaker designs that featured Jolly Old Nick and his helpers in Christmases Past, these custom Nike SB Dunk Lows pay the most obvious tribute to Mr. Claus.
The white fur on the base and the bright red cloth on the sneaker overlays perfectly evoke Santa’s signature outfit. There are even soft black Swooshes that mimic belts and feature a gold buckle on the sides of the shoe. We think Dariyn Enriquez truly outdid himself with the design of these Santa shoes.
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Which of these Nike Christmas-themed sneakers is your favourite? Do you prefer the official sneakers or the customs? Let us know in the comments below.
