Pro wrestling is as much about showmanship as it is about athleticism, and one key component to ensuring a memorable fight is the attire. Of course, no outfit would be complete without the shoes, and although wrestlers may have chosen to wear traditional wrestling boots in the past, there has been a steady shift towards wearing sneakers inside the ring. From rare Air Jordans to custom-designed Nikes, wrestlers have been upping their shoe game to add to our viewing pleasure. Let’s take a look at some of the best sneakers our favourite wrestlers have worn in the ring.
1. AJ Lee: Knee-High Converse
AJ Lee has frequently donned knee-high Converse sneakers in the ring—and in a variety of colours, too. Fortunately, this design has returned to the Converse lineup, making it simple for fans to replicate her signature look.
The design: The pair has a canvas upper and an easy-on/off zipper at the back, so you don’t have to lace up every time you want to wear the knee-high look. You also get the iconic Chuck Taylor ankle patch and the All-Star license plate.
What we like about it: Converse released a video on their official TikTok account in 2023, showcasing an array of fans pleading for the shoe’s return. After being discontinued in the 2010s, many fans have been eager to see this chic silhouette brought back. It’s definitely a very trendy style at the moment.
Release date: Relaunched 2024
Where to buy it: You can purchase a new pair in various colours from Converse and select retailers or look for a cheaper alternative on resale platforms.
2. Carmella: Air Force 1 High
Carmella attended WrestleMania in 2022, wearing a look reminiscent of Madonna’s 1984 VMA performance outfit. While her outfit was certainly bold and eye-catching, it was her custom Air Force 1 High sneakers that stole the spotlight. Each pair was embellished with Swarovski crystals, had frills on the ankle flap, and was tied together by satin laces.
The design: To give Carmella a glamorous and one-of-a-kind look, sneaker artist Mache covered a pair of all-white Air Force 1 High kicks in silver Swarovski crystals.
What we like about it: Although Mache has designed several bespoke sneakers for wrestlers in the past, this pair stands out for how well they match Carmella’s outrageous fashion choice for the event.
Release date: 2022
Where to buy it: Mache can design your very own pair of customised sneakers. Just use his website to get in touch with the artist directly.
3. Seth Rollins: MSCHF Boot
Seth Rollins gained notoriety in 2023 after finishing off The Miz with his trademark “Curb Stomp” move. But it wasn’t just his wrestling abilities that drew everyone’s attention; his oversized Mschf Big Red Boots got people talking.
The design: The Big Red Boot’s design is reminiscent of vintage video game and cartoon shoe designs, as it is essentially an oversized boot. It has an MSCHF mark on the sole tread and is made of a single TPU rubber outer shell with an EVA interior.
What we like about it: Although this is up there as one of the strangest pairs of shoes a professional wrestler has ever worn, the oversized boot style makes Seth Rollins’ signature stomping move even more iconic.
Release date: 2023
Where to buy it: These oversized red boots are available for less than retail price on eBay, GOAT and StockX. Or you can cop a black pair from the MSCHF website.
4. Edge: Air Jordan 1 High ‘Clay Green’
After retiring from the WWE ring in 2011, the Rated R Superstar returned in 2019 with a completely new appearance. The decorated wrestler sported a laid-back look and the Jordan 1 “Clay Green” sneakers on his feet, leaving behind his rock and roll-inspired attire and boots. Since then, Edge’s footwear choices have generated a lot of buzz, from the Pine Green 3s to the Black Satin Gym Red 1s, but the Air Jordan 1 High’ Clay Green’ remains a fan favourite.
The design: The Summit White base and black collar of these Js are accented with green suede on the hindfoot overlays, while the forefoot overlays are made of black leather.
What we like about it: The “Best Hand in the Game” pack included these limited-edition Jordan Brand sneakers, which were only available at select retailers in North America. The “Clay Green” colourway was created to remind fans of everything Michael has accomplished throughout his career, including honours like the Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year awards and his Hall of Fame induction. So it’s a pretty special pair.
Release date: 2018
Where to buy it: eBay, GOAT and StockX are the places where you can get this limited-edition sneaker. Make sure to compare prices, as pairs can cost up to $933 USD.
5. Enzo Amore: Air Jordan 11Lab4 “Red”
Enzo Amore was spotted wearing the Air Jordan 4 Retro “11Lab4 Red” during WWE RAW back in 2016. The striking red pair was a limited-edition release that dropped in 2015. Paired with his red jacket with leopard print accents, it was definitely a look that couldn’t be missed.
The design: The upper is made entirely of premium patent leather, with a lace-up closure and perforations on the side panels. The outsoles are red, and the insoles feature a graphic of the Jumpman logo and the word “Flight.”
What we like about it: An all-red sneaker is hard to ignore, especially when worn by someone as confident as Amore. The design is striking and loud, and it complements Amore’s bizarre, eye-catching aesthetic.
Release date: 2015
Where to buy it: This striking red shoe is available on eBay, GOAT, and StockX. Prices vary from $150 USD to $963 USD across platforms.
6. Kofi Kingston: Jeremy Scott x adidas JS Wings 3.0 “Metallic Gold”
Kofi Kingston is known for rocking some pretty daring sneaker looks. His most memorable pair in the ring has to be the Jeremy Scott x adidas JS Wings 3.0 “Metallic Gold” he wore at SummerSlam in 2015. The flashy gold colour and winged design create a statement that aligns with Kofi’s bold sense of style.
The design: The sneaker design features a gleaming metallic gold leather upper with a complementary beige rubber outsole and midsole. Still, the large gold patent leather wings that cover most of the shoe are the most striking feature of the design.
What we like about it: A pair of metallic gold kicks with enormous wings are incredibly eye-catching. Kofi’s choice of shoes undoubtedly gives his already vibrant persona a little more flair.
Release date: 2015
Where to buy it: This shiny gold pair can be found on eBay, FlightClub, GOAT , and Stock X, among other platforms. They come in different sizes, but if you want a pair in good condition, you’ll need to pay at least $244 USD.
7. Roman Reigns: Air Jordan 4 “Bred”
WWE Superstar Roman Reigns is known for wearing some of the most iconic Jordan colourways in the ring. The wrestler has even received custom PE pairs from the brand, which is no small accomplishment. However, one of Reigns’ most memorable sneaker moments was wearing the Air Jordan 4 “Bred”. But with the Tribal Chief now closely tied to the Jumpman Label, you can bet there will be plenty of heat on his feet in the future.
The design: This simple yet chic AJ 4 features a dark black upper with grey accents on the inner lining, wing tabs, and heel branding. On the sole, the design incorporates black, white, grey, and red tones.
What we like about it: First of all, black and red sneaker colourways will always be timeless, but this palette also ties in nicely with Reigns’ Bloodline faction.
Release date: 1989
Where to buy it: You can find various iterations of this colourway (including the Reimagined design) on eBay, GOAT, and StockX. Prices vary with each iteration.
8. Shane McMahon: Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Mocha”
Shane-O-Mac has been a surprisingly devoted sneakerhead since making his in-ring debut in 1999, competing in some of the best pairs available from Nike and Jordan Brand. However, the Air Jordan 1 model is one that we’ve seen him wear quite a bit. Although he has been seen wearing the silhouette on multiple occasions over the years, the Travis Scott x Nike Air Jordan 1 High OG “Mocha” has been the crown jewel in his collection thus far.
The design: The design includes a white leather upper with suede “Mocha” overlays and black leather reversed Swooshes on the sides. From there, red accents on the tongue contrast with the design’s earthy tones, and Scott’s Cactus Jack logo is debossed on the heel. Finally, a yellowed midsole and matching Mocha outsole round out the stylish look.
What we like about it: This colourway is still considered one of La Flame’s best for the AJ1. It not only has a versatile colour palette, but it also has some interesting details. For example, consider the hidden stash pocket in the collar. That’s pretty neat.
Release date: 2019
Where to buy it: You can find this pair on all the regular resale sites: eBay, GOAT, StockX. Prices start at $1,219 but can reach up to $3,620 USD.
9. Young Bucks: Dior x Air Jordan 1 High
The Young Bucks are renowned in the wrestling world for pulling out the most sought-after kicks in the sneaker game. They’ve performed in some of the most exclusive and costly footwear ever seen, from the Air Jordan 11 Retro “Cap and Gown” to the Fragment Travis Scott Jordan 1 (albeit with a few extra spikes). However, the Dior x Air Jordan 1 High is arguably the most coveted sneakers these wrestlers have fought in. Understandably, there is still a great deal of discussion regarding the authenticity of the pairs they wore, but in all honesty, that only serves to heighten the intrigue surrounding this impressive sneaker moment.
The design: This stunning AJ1 is made of premium white and grey Italian leather, with Dior’s monogram printed on the Swoosh. Other noteworthy details include co-branding on the tongue and the icy translucent soles below. Finally, this pair comes with a silver “Air Dior” hang tag and a unique Dior box, making it a truly luxurious and sought-after collaboration in the sneaker community.
What we like about it: This is Jordan’s first collaboration with a legacy fashion label like Dior, which we can all appreciate. In fact, this was and still is a drop to remember. Only 8,500 pairs of these kicks were produced, with each pair individually numbered. But beyond their exclusivity, these are just really stylish and well-crafted sneakers that seamlessly combine the best of both brands.
Release date: 2020
Where to buy it: These stunners are available on eBay, GOAT, Sotheby’s, and StockX, with prices ranging from $6,912 to $32,109 USD.
10. Batista: Jordan 28 “Stealth All-Star”
When Batista returned to the ring in 2014, he opted to wear the stylish Air Jordan 28 model rather than the customary wrestling boots. The former wrestler actually wore eight different colourways of the shoe, starting a trend for his wrestling appearances. Plus, he deserves extra credit for consistently dressing in matching tights. One of our favourite pairs of shoes he wore is the Jordan 28 “Stealth All-Star,” which is known for its “Black, White, and Electric Green” colour scheme.
The design: This colourway’s unique silhouette features a solid black finish on the shoe’s synthetic shroud. On the other hand, the interior mesh bootie is a vibrant shade of “Electric Green” with a white Jumpman on the moulded heel counter to break up the monochromatic colour scheme. Finally, the design is set on a black midsole with a translucent rubber outsole for a stylish finish.
What we like about it: The Air Jordan 28 doesn’t feel too out of place because it has the same boot-like appearance as shoes that are frequently seen in the ring, even though it’s not a traditional wrestling shoe. Plus, this pair’s translucent outsole and all-black upper look incredibly stylish.
Release date: 2013
Where to buy it: This stylish black pair is available on FlightClub or StockX. However, be aware that a pair can cost up to $4,500 USD.
Which are your favourite sneaker designs worn by wrestlers? Let us know the pair in the comments below!
Source: Wrestling and Sneakers, WWE
