Shoes in movies not only carry characters on their journeys through heightened conflict to the moment of final resolution, but they also leave an indelible mark on pop culture. From action-packed blockbusters to heartwarming classics, sneakers can speak volumes about a character’s personality and style. Whether they are made for the film or just popularize an already-existing model, the world of sneakers on the silver screen is more colourful than most would care to think. These remarkable kicks have become as legendary as the characters who wore them, transcending the boundaries of fiction to inspire real-world fashion trends. Join us as we celebrate the fusion of film and fashion, exploring the best movie sneakers of all time.
15. Nike Air Force II – Big (1988)
A classic Tom Hanks film, Big, featured the actor wearing a pair of Air Force II sneakers while starring as Josh Baskin. The sneakers were initially released in 1986, so it was the perfect time for them to star in a movie on the silver screen, and the classic black-and-white pair definitely made an impression.
14. Nike Blazer – Night Teeth (2021)
While some of the movies you will see on this list have at least a little to do with sports, these Nike Blazers were chosen as a fashion choice for this vampire movie. The sneakers in question are worn by Benny, played by Jorge Landeborg Jr, the film’s human protagonist. He wears classic, primarily white, high-top movie sneakers with a black Nike Swoosh, fitting perfectly with his monochromatic outfit.
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13. Nike Air Command Force “Billy Hoyle” – White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
Worn by Woody Harrelson’s character, Billy Hoyle, these epic sneakers were seen in White Men Can’t Jump, a classic movie that brought together a motley crew of basketball players for the best chance of winning. It’s exciting and a little ironic that the costume designers decided to go with the Nike Air Command Force sneaker for the movie because the sneakers were one of Nike’s first shoes with inflatable Air-Fit tech. This made them one of the best and bounciest sneakers on offer at the time and one of the coolest with their black, white, Volt, grey, and Vivid Blue colourway.
12. Nike Internationalist – The Breakfast Club (1985)
The Breakfast Club is one of the most loved and classic films ever, so naturally, it would feature a pair of classic sneakers. The sneakers in question are a pair of Nike Internationalists worn by Anthony Michael Hall’s character, Brian Johnson.
The classic movie sneakers were blue with a yellow Nike Swoosh, the perfect balance of simple and eye-catching so they didn’t draw attention away from the film.
11. Custom Nike Sky Force High “Slick Shoes” – The Goonies (1985)
Data’s Slick Shoes might have looked like white and blue Nike sneakers. Still, they were custom sneakers made for Jonathan Ke Huy Quan’s character Richard “Data” Wang. This character is a nerd obsessed with constructing gadgets inspired by renowned spies like James Bond. The sneakers were customized to include a cool spy gadget. This jet could shoot out oil, an instrumental device in The Goonie’s escape from those chasing them.
10. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 – Game of Death (1978) and Kill Bill (2003)
The Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 sneakers, in bright yellow and black, have become iconic, largely thanks to Bruce Lee and Uma Thurman. In his final film, the 1978 martial arts classic Game of Death, Bruce Lee first sported the eye-catching pair. The sneakers perfectly complemented Lee’s signature yellow and black tracksuit, creating a bold, unforgettable look.
Years later, Quentin Tarantino paid homage to Lee and Game of Death by prominently featuring the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s in Kill Bill. Uma Thurman wore the “Tai Chi” variant of sneakers during the famous yellow tracksuit scene where she battles the Crazy 88s, with the sneakers having a slight variation in the number of stripes. However, the yellow and black design was mostly splattered in red by the end of the scene.
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9. Nike Cortez – Forrest Gump (1994)
Any discussion about classic movie sneakers would be incomplete without mentioning the Nike Cortez. This running shoe was Nike’s first track shoe model, created in 1972. In the 1994 film Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks wore a pair of white leather Cortez shoes during the memorable scenes where Forrest treks across the United States. The shoes’ prominent “Swoosh” logo helped promote the Nike brand to mainstream audiences. In the film, Forrest inspired everyday people to “just do it” and take up running, boosting the Nike Cortez’s popularity. Today, the sneaker maintains its icon status thanks to its clean, vintage aesthetics and enduring connection to one of cinema’s most inspirational characters.
8. Nike Air More Uptempo – George of the Jungle (1997)
The appearance of the Nike Air Uptempo black shoes in George of the Jungle is a perfect example of product placement used humorously and effectively in a movie. As the bumbling protagonist, George (played by Brendan Fraser), finds himself navigating through the jungle’s treacherous terrain, the Uptempo shoes become an unexpected and amusing focal point. Though most audiences aren’t too keen on product placement, the scene where George returns to the jungle in a UPS truck and puts on his Uptempos is one of the most memorable ones in the film – primarily because of how wildly unexpected it is.
7. Vans Checkerboard Slip-on – Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
The 1982 teen comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High helped cement Vans slip-on shoes as a counterculture fashion staple. As portrayed by Sean Penn, stoner surfer dude Jeff Spicoli is never seen without his trusted pair of black and white checkerboard Vans. Spicoli’s shoes complement his laidback attitude and defiance of authority. With their simple slip-on canvas design, the affordable Vans shoes resonated with the skateboarding crowds and underground music scenes embraced by the character. After the film’s release, Vans sales skyrocketed as fans sought to emulate Spicoli’s effortless SoCal style. The checkerboard slip-ons remain tied to youthful rebellion and the brand’s enduring place in alternative culture.
6. Reebok Alien Stomper – Aliens (1986)
One of movie history’s most iconic sci-fi shoes is the Reebok Alien Stomper from 1986’s Aliens. Specially made for Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley character, these high-top sneakers feature a distinctive exoskeleton design perfect for squaring off against the film’s Xenomorph threat. The Stompers’ distinct ridged soles and red stripes are prominently displayed in the climactic scene where Ripley clings to a ledge while being pulled into space by the Alien Queen. If the bug queen learned something that day, it is that no one messes with Ripley’s Reeboks.
5. Air Jordan 4 and Nike Air Revolution– Do the Right Thing (1989)
Spike Lee’s 1989 film Do the Right Thing was set in Brooklyn and featured the iconic Air Jordan 4. Giancarlo Esposito’s character Buggin’ Out wore a pristine pair of the white and cement grey Jordan 4s, which had just been released that year. When a neighbourhood local scuffs Buggin’ Out’s sneakers, he becomes enraged at the lack of respect.
The Jordans’ prominent placement highlighted Air Jordans‘ cultural significance in urban communities as status symbols. The scuff also foreshadowed racial tensions about to boil over in the film. After Do the Right Thing, Air Jordans became synonymous with street culture and urban fashion. Years later, the Air Jordan 4 Retro “Buggin’ Out” colourway was released to commemorate the film. Even with their scuffs, the Buggin’ Out Jordans became a cultural touchstone.
Radio Raheem, played by Bill Nunn, was also seen wearing a pair of Nike Air Revolution sneakers during his stint in the film, looking classic with their red, black and white colourway, with ankle straps on the collar. Although we don’t see much of the sneakers, they are definitely in there.
4. All Black PF Flyers – The Sandlot (1993)
The PF Flyers’ black high-top sneakers were iconic shoes featured in the classic 1993 film The Sandlot. With their black rubber toe caps and thick rubber soles, these canvas sneakers were retro even for the time. As the movie declared, PF Flyers were “guaranteed to make a kid run faster and jump higher” thanks to their innovative construction—and a bit of childish exaggeration. The shoes’ promise of athletic enhancement made them the perfect footwear for young boys who spend their days playing baseball. PF Flyers had been around since the 1940s but gained renewed popularity from their appearance in The Sandlot.
3. Nike Vandals – The Terminator (1984)
The 1984 sci-fi thriller The Terminator features a stylish pair of kicks courtesy of time traveller Kyle Reese. Michael Biehn’s soldier character wears classic black and white Nike Vandal high tops when he’s sent back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor.
With its mix of materials like leather and suede, the bold Vandal styling stood out against the era’s jogging shoes and minimalist casual footwear. Even though he’s from the war-torn future, Kyle knows the Nike Vandals’ throwback appeal and chunky construction make them perfect for his high-action mission.
2. Nike Air Mag – Back to the Future Part II (1989)
One of the most innovative sneakers in cinema history is the Nike Mag, featured in 1989’s Back to the Future Part II. When Marty McFly travels to the year 2015, he slips on a pair of futuristic, self-lacing Nike Mags. With their glowing LED panels and sleek metallic design, the Mags lived up to the film’s vision of fashion in the 21st century.
Nike later made the shoes a reality, auctioning off pairs with all proceeds going to Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s disease research foundation. As both a cinematic prop and a real-life collectable, the Nike Mags exemplify innovative design and positive impact. Marty thought the future would be hoverboards and self-tying shoes, but thanks to Nike, the Mags’ self-lacing tech arrived in 2016. The Nike Mag – and its laces – remain one of the most forward-thinking sneakers ever created for the silver screen.
1. Air Jordan 11s – Space Jam (1996)
No sneaker list would be complete without the most iconic basketball shoe of all time – the Air Jordan 11. This legendary model was memorably featured in the 1996 live-action/animated mashup Space Jam, starring Michael Jordan himself. MJ wore his signature low-cut Air Jordan 11s in the classic Concord Black colourway for the climactic basketball match against the Monstars.
With their patent leather mudguards and icy translucent soles, the XI’s sleek design popped against the cartoon world. The Air Jordan 11 became forever linked to MJ’s heroics in Space Jam. Every time the shoes are re-released in the “Concord” colourway, they pay homage to that film’s impact on sneaker culture.
What are your favourite movie sneakers of all time?
