An integral aspect of being a global hip-hop icon involves having the style to back it up. For Canadian rapper and singer Drake, this means an ample collection of spectacular sneakers. Be it when he’s watching the action courtside at a Raptors game or laying down lyrics in concert, this musical powerhouse always brings his A-game in the sneaker department. Here’s a look at the top 10 Nike shoes worn by Drake.
Air Jordan 12 “White OVO”
Hitting the market on October 1, 2016, was Drake’s Air Jordan 12 “White OVO,” a sneaker that coincides with the rapper’s birth month and his brand, October’s Very Own. The Air Jordan 12 has an all-white high-top design that looks pristine, but it’s really the gold accents that make this sneaker pop. Lace buckles are the same shade of gold as the corresponding branding details scattered around the sneaker—really, the only thing that might make this sneaker more special is if Drake happened to be wearing it.
Eminem x Carhartt Air Jordan 4 “Black Chrome”
Eminem had a superb year in 2015, winning the Grammy for Best Rap Album and starting a collaboration with Jordan Brand that saw the release of a ten-pair sneaker line. Those sneakers were auctioned on eBay, where they averaged about $20,000 USD per pair; one of the sneakers was given to Drake, who was used to being seen in sneakers anyway but took particular pleasure in being pictured wearing a pair of Eminem x Jordans courtside.
Air Jordan 8 “White OVO”
The weekend of the NBA All-Star Game, Jordan Brand and Drake’s OVO banner rolled out an exclusive variation of the Air Jordan 8. This “White” colorway comes in an upper of white suede and tumbled leather, yet features red highlights and gold detailing.
Drake Custom Pink Nike Nocta Glide
In 2023, celebrated sneaker artist Dominic “The Shoe Surgeon” Ciambrone worked his magic on a pair of Nike NOCTAs made exclusively for Drake. They feature a fashion-forward low-cut upper that is not only stylish but also extraordinarily well crafted, giving the pink ballistic mesh of the upper millions of internal pegs to hold the internal lacing system snugly in place.
Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordan 10
To be entirely forthright, these are not so much sneakers as they are unwearable art. That said, the OVO x Air Jordan 10, which was beautifully crafted by artist Matthew Senna in 2016, is still one of Drake’s best Nike shoes, if for no other reason than that it is one of the most unique and visually arresting pairs one could imagine.
Nike TL Shox “Sunrise”
The TL Shox “Sunrise” was introduced by Nike in 2019 as part of the summer collection. With a color gradient across the shoe’s mesh body that transitions from orange to yellow, the “Sunrise” is accented by black on the Swoosh and the heel. It didn’t take long for the shoe to sell out, but it also didn’t take long for Drake to get his hands on a pair.
Air Jordan 8 “Calipari Pack”
Drake was seen in 2016 during NBA All-Star Saturday Night showing off these sneakers. They’re named after John Calipari, who coaches Drake’s favorite NCAA team, the Kentucky Wildcats. The set features two pairs of kicks, each with a different “Home” and “Away” colorway.
Supreme X Nike SB Blazer
The Canadian artist has bestowed upon us a plethora of unforgettable sneaker moments. One could even go so far as to say that Drake’s best Nike shoe moment came in 2019 during the Eastern Conference Semifinals when he pulled out an ultra-rare pair of black Supreme X Nike SB Blazers.
Off-White Nike Air Max 97
Virgil Abloh infused the Nike Air Max 97 silhouette with his signature style for “The 10” collection. In December 2017, Drake was seen wearing a pair of these sneakers during a Toronto Raptors game.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1
Considered a classic in the sneaker world, Nike’s Air Force 1 deserves its lofty status, thanks to its iconic shape and looks good with just about anything. But Drake’s version of the sneaker becomes excellent not just for these reasons but for two added qualifications: 1) Drake has a strong preference for the Air Force 1, as evidenced by his wearing and collecting of multiple editions. 2) The Off-White x Air Force 1 Sample sneaker is highly sought after, and for the right reasons. To see more amazing Drake sneakers, visit: Sneaker Fortress.
