Virgil Abloh and his brand Off-White have created some pretty memorable sneakers with Nike over the years: some are remembered for their beauty, while others, uhm, are not. We’ve ranked their sneaker creations from worst to best, taking into account their looks, rarity, and wearability. Of course, opinions may differ; this is just our perspective. But let’s dive in.
Off-White x Nike Blazer Low “Black” (2022)
Off-White stepped outside the box with their Nike Blazer Low collab. So far, in fact, they have strayed beyond the comfort zone of most. Still, the black and green look is a lot more subtle than its white counterpart.
Off-White x Nike Blazer Low “White” (2022)
With the right socks and ‘fit, these shoes aren’t all that bad. But holes everywhere are definitely off-putting in images.
Off-White x Nike Vapor Street “Yellow” (2019)
These shoes’ spiked soles make them a lot harder to wear out and about. We’ve seen images where sneakerheads have chopped them off, and the design looks instantly better.
Off-White x Nike Vapor Street “Blue” (2019)
So many colours on one pair of sneakers. The colour scheme feels very ’80s-inspired, but not in a good way.
Off-White x Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5 “Green” (2019)
Abloh’s work on the Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5 is actually quite impressive. These sneakers are a perfect combination of old-school design elements, modern touches, and performance enhancements. The issue we have is with the Electric Green mesh and brown suede combo on this colourway.
Off-White x Nike Terra Forma “Archaeo Brown” (2023)
Maybe the Terra Forma silhouette should be lower on the list, but we have to give it props for being an original Virgil silhouette. The “Archaeo Brown” look falls a little flat in comparison to the other colourways in the collection, hence its place on the list.
Off-White x Nike Terra Forma “Mantra Orange” (2023)
You’ve got to really love bright colours and know how to style them to pull off these bold sneakers.
Off-White x Nike Waffle Racer “Blue” (2019)
Virgil reworked many of Nike’s ’70s running shoes during his time collaborating with the brand, and, of course, Bill Bowerman’s first-ever silhouette made the cut. Again, the overall look isn’t awful. We’re just not convinced by the spiked sole unit.
Off-White x Nike Vapor Street “Black” (2019)
This black and pink style is a great example of how a versatile colourway can make a sneaker that much more desirable.
Off-White x Nike Waffle Racer “White” (2019)
This white and green colourway is the most understated of the bunch, so you’ll get more wear out of these.
Off-White x Nike Waffle Racer “Black/Pink” (2019)
You can’t go wrong with a black and pink colourway. It worked on the Nike Vapor Street and it’s just as effective on the Waffle Racers.
Off-White x Nike Mercurial Vapor 360 (2018)
Abloh’s bright orange Mercurial Vapour 360s will definitely get you noticed on the soccer field, but there are better cleats at a fraction of the cost.
Off-White x Nike Terra Forma “Summit White” (2022)
The Nike Terra Forma looks more understated in this “Summit White” colourway. Yet there is still enough colour on the midsole to match the collection’s overall style. The design is still pretty unconventional, though.
Off-White x Nike Terra Forma “Wheat” (2022)
The “Wheat” colourway is the closest to a hiking boot colour scheme the Terra Forma collection offers. It still has crazy pops of green on the tongue, inner lining, and chunky sole, but overall gives off a more earthy and rugged vibe.
Off-White x Nike Court Flare x Serena Williams “QUEEN” (2018)
This performance sneaker was created by Virgil Abloh and Serena Williams, especially for her to wear at the 50th U.S. Open in 2018. Although the design was not released, the trio did cook up an Air Max 97 and Blazer for the public. Funnily enough, this PE isn’t even the best of the bunch.
Off-White x Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% “Black/Green” (2021)
Abloh didn’t just lend his creative touch to Nike’s classic silhouettes; he also tinkered with some new ones. For the Air Zoom Tempo Next %, he added the familiar rubber-spiked outsoles as well as an unusual handcrafted knit upper that allows the toe box to be slightly see-through.
Off-White x Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5 “Black” (2019)
The Off-White Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5 is back again in a better (but still familiar) colourway. We would still prefer a design with no spikes, but the colour scheme is a big improvement.
Off-White x Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 5 “White” (2019)
The white and green style is our fave of the three colourways. It’s versatile and clean while still offering a flash of colour.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 Mid “Graffiti” (2023)
Another look from Off-White that sneakerheads will either love or hate is the Air Force 1 Mid design. Again, the issue is the use of the spiky sole design, as well as the fact that the graffiti on these pairs doesn’t look as clean as the design on the Louis Vuitton Nike Air Force 1 Mid “Graffiti”.
Off-White x Nike Zoom Fly Mercurial “Orange” (2018)
Abloh toned down his design aesthetic quite a bit when he created the Zoom Fly design for the 2018 Soccer World Cup: no spikes, no unusual knit or plastic coverings. But we do take issue with this bright orange colourway.
Off-White x Nike Zoom Fly Mercurial “Black” (2018)
Abloh toned down his design aesthetic quite a bit when he created the Zoom Fly design for the 2018 Soccer World Cup. The black pair is clearly the more wearable of the two colourways, which is the only reason why it gets a spot higher on the list.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 Mid “Black” (2022)
Off-White upgraded their AF1 Mid releases with a series of colourways that included this chic “Black” iteration. It’s not perfect, but we’re getting there.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 Mid “Pine Green” (2023)
It may not be the all-green AF1s that everyone wants to get their hands on, but the “Pine Green” mid colourway isn’t half bad once you get past the sole unit. Plus, it’s a fraction of the price.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 Mid “White” (2022)
This design has plenty of interesting touches. The Swooshes are transparent and made of acrylic, the uppers feature a wood grain texture, and there’s a cool double lacing system. But we all know what the problem is here.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 Mid “Varsity Maize” (2023)
The white and yellow colourway looks great on the AF1 mid. We also love the Grim Reaper graphic on the heel.
Off-White x Nike Zoom Fly “Black” (2018)
Nike and Abloh extended their first collection by releasing new colourways of the same designs. It has all the same details as the Zoom Fly from “The Ten” line, but the colour blocking is reversed.
Off-White x Nike Zoom Fly “Pink” (2018)
Nike and Abloh extended their first collection by releasing new colourways of the same designs. It has all the same details as the Zoom Fly from “The Ten” line, but comes in this pretty pink look.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 Mid “Sheed” (2023)
The AF1 Mid looks hardcore dressed up in glossy black patent leather. This design is a nod to Rasheed Wallace’s PE design, down to the embroidered graphic at the heel.
Off-White x Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% “Pink Glow” (2021)
Of the three Air Zoom Tempos that Off-White and Nike worked on, this colourway is the most fun, which is likely why it is slightly more pricey on resale sites than the others.
Off-White x Nike Rubber Dunk “University Gold” (2020)
Virgil Abloh created one of the most unique takes on the Dunk Low we’ve seen. Sure, the upper is a tad busy, but it has plenty of signature OW touches and an Air bag in the heel. Can we still call these Dunk Lows?
Off-White Nike Zoom Tempo “Solar Red” (2021)
As simple as this Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% colourway is, it’s the pair that stands out the most among the three released in 2021.
Off-White x Air Jordan 5 “Sail” (2020)
The “Sail” colourway of Off-White’s Air Jordan 5 collab is admittedly bland in comparison to its predecessor, but it keeps all of the unique details that fans loved. From the ready-to-cut circles to the aged and deconstructed feel, they’re still a noteworthy entry to Virgil’s work with Jordan Brand, just not as noteworthy.
Off-White x Nike Zoom Fly “The Ten” (2017)
Of all the Nike Zoom Fly releases Abloh designed, his very first colourway was his best. They’re classy and functional (if you dare to run in them), with the translucent touch that their creator was so fond of.
Off-White x Nike Rubber Dunk “University Blue” (2020)
Virgil Abloh created one of the most unique takes on the Dunk Low we’ve seen. Sure, the upper is a tad busy, but it has plenty of signature OW touches and an airbag in the heel. Plus, the white and blue colour scheme adds to the futuristic vibe. It has an R2D2 look to it–well, at least we see it.
Off-White x Nike Rubber Dunk “Green Strike” (2020)
Virgil Abloh created one of the most unique takes on the Dunk Low we’ve seen. Sure, the upper is a tad busy, but it has plenty of signature OW touches and an airbag in the heel. We have to say, the design looks best in Off-White’s signature black and green colour palette.
Off-White x Air Jordan 2 Low “Black/Blue” (2021)
The Jordan 2 silhouette, in general, doesn’t receive the love it deserves; in fact, not even Michael Jordan himself is fond of the sneaker. But Virgil transformed one of the most forgettable models in the original Jordan lineup into something sneakerheads wanted to get their hands on. This black and blue colourway is sleek, but it pales in comparison with its Chicago-inspired counterpart. And the black colouring doesn’t show off the aged sole unit effect quite as well.
Off-White x Nike Air Max 97 “Menta” (2018)
Abloh was able to take an already futuristic silhouette and make it even more avant-garde by stripping it down and adding distinctive elements like zig-zag stitching and translucent accents. The tricoloured Swoosh is our least favourite detail, but we can see why sneakerheads like these.
Off-White x Nike Dunk Low “UNLV” (2019)
The Nike Dunk Low is one model that we’ve seen far too often in the past few years. But at least Off-White’s addition to the swarm of Dunk Lows offered a unique twist on the look. Aside from the brand’s signature details, Abloh included a zig-zag second lacing system on top of the shoe. One of the colourways released in 2019 was a grey and red pair inspired by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The grey should have been slightly darker in our opinion, but it’s still a good look.
Off-White x Nike Dunk Low “Michigan” (2019)
The Nike Dunk Low is one model that we’ve seen far too often in the past few years. But at least Off-White’s addition to the swarm of Dunk Lows offered a unique twist on the look. Aside from the brand’s signature details, Abloh included a zig-zag second lacing system on top of the shoe. The brand really nailed the Michigan-inspired look, from the yellow base to the navy overlays.
Off-White x Air Jordan 2 Low “White/Red” (2021)
The Jordan 2 silhouette, in general, doesn’t receive the love it deserves; in fact, not even Michael Jordan himself is fond of the sneaker. But Virgil transformed one of the most forgettable models in the original Jordan lineup into something sneakerheads wanted to get their hands on. There’s something special about a white and red Jordan, and this design especially highlights the midsole detail that Virgil spent time and effort recreating from aging original pairs in the archives.
Off-White x Nike Dunk Low “2-49” (2021)
Virgil Abloh created 48 lots of Nike Dunks for a blind box release in 2021, as well as two more designs, but we’ll get to that later. Sure, the 48 designs are basically the same, with a white leather base and grey overlays, but the colours of the tongue, lacing system, and branding details differed between pairs, making some more desirable than others.
Off-White x Nike Air Presto “Black” (2018)
Nothing could top Virgil Abloh’s first Air Presto design from “The Ten” collection, although this black colourway sure did a good job trying. The only real qualm we have with the predominantly black upper is that the “caging” on the side doesn’t stand out enough. It’s still a solid look, though.
Off-White x Nike Air Presto “White” (2018)
Nothing could top Virgil Abloh’s first Air Presto design from “The Ten” collection, although this white colourway sure did a good job trying. The look is clean, but again, some subtle contrasting on the cage would have dialled things up a notch.
Off-White x Nike Air Max 90 “Desert Ore” (2019)
I don’t think there’s an Off-White x Air Max design that ever missed the mark. This particular colourway looks even more appealing with the teal or orange lace swap. Sneakerheads love these, no doubt, but we ranked them a little lower just because they aren’t as versatile as the black ones.
Off-White x Nike Air Max 90 “Black” (2019)
Another simple and tasteful Nike and Abloh design that can be worn every day. We wholeheartedly embrace a good pop of colour, but a classic black and white look with a few elevated details can be more than enough.
Off-White x Nike Air VaporMax “Black” (2018)
Abloh released two colourways of the Air VaporMax in 2018 as a follow-up to his “The Ten” design. Both the black and white designs look great, so it’s essentially a matter of personal preference on this one.
Off-White x Nike Air VaporMax “White” (2018)
Abloh released two colourways of the Air VaporMax in 208 as a follow-up to his “The Ten” design. Both the black and white designs look great, so it’s essentially a matter of personal preference on this one. We’re always keen on a crisp white style.
Off-White x Nike Blazer “Grim Reaper” (2018)
Abloh had several takes on the Nike Blazer over the years, but surprisingly, this “Grim Reaper” look is one of the weaker colourways in the lineup. Don’t get me wrong, the sneaker is still beautiful with its black translucent mesh panelling and matching suede + leather touches. But the colourway isn’t even the best from the 2018 “SPOOKY” pack.
Off-White x Nike Blazer “All Hallow’s Eve” (2018)
If you’re wondering, the title for best of the 2018 “Spooky” pack belongs to the Canvas and Total Orange “All Hallow’s Eve” design. They just pop.
Off-White x Nike Dunk Low “White/Green” (2019)
Off-White and Nike also cooked up a special white and green Nike Dunk Low colourway for Michigan State in 2019. Maybe it’s the fact that these low-key remind us of the “Heineken” Dunk Low from 2003, but for us, this is one of Abloh’s best Varsity-inspired Dunk colourways.
Off-White x Nike Blazer x Serena Williams “Queen” (2018)
Back to tennis superstar Serena Williams’ team-up with Off-White. This grey Nike Blazer Mid design was the second most popular of their three sneaker collaborations, trailing far behind the Air Max 97 they produced. Still, the rainbow midsole really sells this look.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 “Volt” (2018)
Speaking of the tennis queen, Serena actually wore these neon yellow-green sneakers when she co-chaired the 2019 Met Gala, on the advice of Anna Wintour herself. The sneaker is made to stand out, and she sure did that night.
Off-White x Nike Dunk Low “50/50” (2021)
The final design of Abloh’s 2021 Dunk Low releases, number 50 out of 50, was this primarily black version. The design has silver Swooshes and a purple block on the heel for more flair, but while it doesn’t quite beat out the collection’s all-white colourway, it is undeniably more striking (and unique) than the 48 lots of white and grey blind box pairs. Although there’s no doubt that the blind box releases would fit in well with today’s Instagram unboxing trends.
Off-White x Nike Dunk Low “1/50” (2021)
That brings us to its white counterpart, number 1 out of 50. This pure white look didn’t offer much in terms of colour. The only standout features were a small red tab, a silver Swoosh, and a hint of minty green on the second lacing system, but the clean look set it apart from the 49 other designs.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 “Black” (2018)
This black and white AF1 colourway isn’t groundbreaking by any means. That said, it’s a good-looking pair, and it’s extremely wearable, like all day, every day. What more could you really ask for?
Off-White x Nike Air VaporMax “The Ten” (2017)
If you’re looking for something other than the run-of-the-mill Nike VaporMax, Virgil Abloh’s “The Ten” version is just what you need. It sports a protruding tongue and clean white laces set against a slightly gradient black mesh. It’s running shoe perfection.
Off-White x Nike Air Max 97 “Black” (2018)
Abloh was able to take an already futuristic silhouette and make it even more avant-garde by stripping it down and adding distinctive elements like zig-zag stitching and translucent accents. Whereas the “Menta” colourway opted for a tricoloured Swoosh, we’re glad the “Black” version kept it simple with a plain white one.
Off-White x Nike React Hyperdunk “The Ten” (2017)
The Off-White x Nike React Hyperdunk is widely accepted as the weakest release from Abloh’s “THE TEN” collection. While these aren’t a shoe you can reach for every day, they’re pretty clean for hooping. In fact, NBA players have worn these on the court, and they looked good rocking them, too.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Brooklyn” (2022)
This offering from Virgil Abloh’s vault was released to celebrate the designer’s “Figures of Speech” exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. It’s loud and bold, with signature Off-White touches that take the look to the next level. But it’s not quite as good as the MCA and MoMA colourways.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 “The Ten” (2017)
The Air Force 1 is a silhouette that Abloh often returned to in his collaborations with Nike. Of course, there are more interesting colourways than this translucent white and sail design from “The Ten” series, but we still appreciate the one that started it all.
Off-White x Nike Air Max 97 x Serena Williams “QUEEN” (2018)
While many sneakerheads might prefer the Off-White and Serena Williams Blazer design, we reckon the Air Max 97 is the best of the lot. From the paired-back waves on the upper to the gradient midsole, this shoe is a beaut from top to bottom.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 “ICA”
These bright yellow sneakers were made available in 2021 through a Nike SNKRS Stash drop. This was meant to ensure that only sneakerheads within a specific radius of the Institute of Contemporary Art could snatch a pair, but nothing’s ever 100% foolproof. Still, the intention made the release feel special and exclusive, as if these beauties really needed the extra assistance.
Off-White x Nike Blazer “The Ten” (2017)
You’ve probably realised by now that the designs from “The Ten” collection often outshine their successors, and the trend is no different for these white leather and mesh Blazers. The fact that the style is super versatile also doesn’t hurt.
Off-White x Nike Air Presto “The Ten” (2017)
Everything about the original Off-White x Air Presto just feels right. The shoe’s milky, skeleton-like casing is perfection, the colours are perfectly balanced, and the orange accents add the ideal finishing touch. We know this sneaker should be higher on the list, but we’re big fans of Jordan, Air Max, and AF1 at heart, which is why these will stay here for now.
Off-White x Nike Air Max 90 “The Ten” (2017)
We’re torn between the Nike Air Max 90 and 97 designs. Both have clean white and black colourways, with a dash of orange and red for added impact. However, the 97 has a seamless upper, so we’re leaning more in that direction for a pair that feels more timeless.
Off-White x Nike Air Max 97 “The Ten” (2017)
We’re torn between the Nike Air Max 90 and 97 designs. Both have clean white and black colourways, with a dash of orange and red for added impact. However, the 97 has a seamless upper, so we’re leaning more in that direction for a pair that feels more timeless.
Off-White x Air Jordan 5 “Black/Muslin” (2020)
After working on the Jordan 1 silhouette, Abloh moved on to the coveted Jordan 5. The colourway was intended to pay homage to the first Jordan he ever bought (a pair of Air Jordan 5 Black Metallics), but it was revamped with translucent netted panels, circular glass inserts, and an aged look that feels very worthy of Off-White’s signature stamp on the side.
Off-White x Air Jordan 1 “UNC” (2018)
Trust Abloh to take a model that had been slowly losing hype and turn it into something relevant again. Off-White’s “UNC” Jordan 1 design may not be the best of the three colourways they dropped, but it’s far from being unappealing. Plus, we’ve seen plenty of cloud-covered custom designs that made us want the style even more.
Off-White x Air Jordan 4 “Sail” (2020)
Surprisingly, Abloh kept things simple when designing an Air Jordan 4 colourway geared towards ladies. There is no hot pink colour scheme or gradient midsole design, only a tonal sail look that ranks among the best Jordan 4 colourways of all time. We’re sure the men were pleased that they came in extended sizes.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 “MCA” (2019)
Given all the black and white colourways on this list, it’s refreshing to see Off-White and Nike experiment with bright colours (that don’t clash). They were distributed through an exclusive raffle at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, as well as a Nike SNKRS Stash drop. The resale value of these has skyrocketed to four figures, partly thanks to their exclusivity, but also the sweet University Blue colouring.
Off-White x Air Jordan 1 “Euro” (2018)
These white-coloured Jordan 1s were released exclusively in Europe, which only made Jordan fans everywhere else want them even more. Rumour has it that these will finally see a wider release this year, but we trust that the exclusivity will still be in place.
Off-White x MoMA x Nike Air Force 1 (2017)
Abloh marked the AF1’s 35th anniversary with his own twist on the model’s iconic black colourway. Pairs were released exclusively at The Museum of Modern Art in 2017 (with or without socks), and they have since become super pricey to get your hands on (like put your kids through college pricey). We like them because they feel like a pair that can be worn just as well with a suit as with a tracksuit.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 “ComplexCon” (2017)
Yes, another Air Force 1. Off-White and Nike also refreshed the model’s white colourway for its 35th anniversary. A white AF1 is as classic as it gets. The colourway will serve you well for years to come, but these feel especially luxe and artsy, so they’re even better.
Off-White x Air Jordan 1 “The Ten” (2017)
Shocker. Another list where the Off-White Chicago colourway is ranked at the top. Like most other sneakerheads, we love the look of the shoes, or any Chicago colourway for that matter. So these were a shoo-in to take first place.
