The 80s may be long gone, but our love for that era’s iconic pop and sneaker culture remains strong. From the release of the very first Air Jordan in 1985 to the rise of our favourite heroes in a half shell, 80s nostalgia remains seared into our collective memory. And what better way to celebrate that nostalgia than by taking our two favourite elements and combining them into one epic collaboration? Well, custom sneaker designer Sean Fontenot @colormefresh has done just that! Fontenot has taken the beloved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, along with their equally iconic archnemesis – Shredder, and paired the TMNT team with the Air Jordan 1 to create an epic fusion of streetwear and pop culture that is sure to turn heads.
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The sneaker features a split concept where the left sneaker represents the Turtles with vibrant green accents and their signature bandanas, while the right sneaker showcases the villainous Shredder and his army of Foot Clan ninjas with a darker colour palette and metallic accents.
The TMNT sneaker takes on vibrant green and brown hues, much like the turtles themselves. The attention to detail is impeccable, with each turtle’s personality shining through in the design. The sneaker’s lateral side features Leo and Donnie’s bandanas draped loosely over the Nike Swoosh, while Raph and Mikey take centre stage on the medial side of the shoe. To further emphasize the turtle theme, waxed brown laces are incorporated into the design, complementing the overall aesthetic. On the shoe’s lateral side, a TMNT logo is proudly displayed, adding an extra touch of authenticity to this unique collaboration.
On the other hand, Shredder’s villainous sneaker takes on a purple hue with silver accents. The incorporation of the Nike swoosh with a kunai wrapped around it not only reinforces Shredder’s association with martial arts but also adds a subtle yet impactful detail that fans of the character will appreciate. The foot ninja image on the sneaker’s medial side further enhances the villainous theme. Additionally, the use of metallic leather laces for Shredder’s sneaker adds a sleek and edgy element to the design, complementing the overall aesthetic and capturing the essence of Shredder’s menacing presence.
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The TGRI canisters, represented on both sneakers, serve as a nod to the origins of the turtles and their ongoing battle against Shredder. The cracked canister on the villain’s side is made to look as though it has released a vibrant green substance that spreads across both shoes, symbolizing the mutagen that transformed the turtles into their powerful, crime-fighting forms while also highlighting Shredder’s connection to the same transformative power (remember Super Shredder?). This dynamic detail pays homage to the turtles’ origin story and adds a visually striking element to the design, further immersing fans in the world of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
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Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the turtles or appreciate the rebellious spirit of Shredder, these custom TMNT and Shredder sneakers are the perfect way to show off your love for the iconic franchise. So, take a step back in time and show off your turtle power or channel your inner villain with these one-of-a-kind AJ1 sneakers that are sure to turn heads wherever you go.
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