If you’re looking to find out what’s cooking in the sneaker scene in South Africa, you’ve come to the right place. In saying this, I’ll steer clear of calling this ‘The Definitive List’ because when we talk about Satafrika (what those who inhabit like to call South Africa, with a little bit of special sauce in that pronunciation), we’re talking about one of the most diverse countries in the world. Sadly, as stated by a World Bank report published in 2022, South Africa also carries the unfortunate title of being the most unequal country in the world. In short, few have access to big-brand sneakers, a luxury for most. Despite that, the fact that sneakers are just as much a symbol of aspiration and an expression of personal style in South Africa as they are in the rest of the world is without dispute. Sneaker culture is alive and robust in SA, but it’s not all about the big, international footwear brands. Let’s take a look at the most popular and trending sneakers in South Africa.
‘Local Is Lekker’
If you’re feeling a little left out and wondering what this subheading is about, don’t worry; we’ve got you. Local Is Lekker is a catchphrase – partly in Afrikaans, one of South Africa’s official languages – popularized in the mid to late 90s and early 00s, encouraging people to support local brands and businesses. ‘Lekker’ can mean anything from nice to pretty to beautiful. As part of the nation-building efforts of post-independence South Africa, it was widely adopted and has always been a part of the national psyche. Even now, you’ll see a sticker with the phrase outside certain retail outlets, although it’s probably not as big as it was when most still believed in the Rainbow Nation.
This thinking is making a comeback in the realm of sneakers and even sneaker culture. While international brands like Nike, Adidas and Puma still have a devoted fanbase (as you’ll see from our list), an exciting trend is emerging: the rise of proudly South African footwear brands. Locally owned companies like Bathu, Vaya, and Kicks are making waves, competing fiercely with the industry giants and bringing their unique flavour to the game. What the big-name international brands can’t offer is something the local brands do – a sense of local identity, a connection to the streets where young South Africans, dealing with many challenges and disappointments, live and breathe.
Bathu, founded by entrepreneur Theo Baloyi, has taken the South African footwear market by storm with signature mesh sneakers that come in vibrant colours and boast a proudly South African aesthetic. Baloyi, when interviewed by CNN Business, had this to say about the local sneaker scene: “We, as Bathu… have literally been a case study that even when the market is filled with so many brands and so many international footwear brands, we can start our own brands that resonate with our own people, and we can be competitive”.
Started by Themba Makamo, Vaya embodies the spirit of South African ingenuity and infuses traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities. Vaya shoes are crafted from locally sourced materials and showcase vibrant patterns, embracing South Africa’s rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary footwear design. Finally, Kicks Sportswear has quickly earned a loyal following, especially among younger audiences. This brand is all about bold colours, eye-catching patterns and pushing the limits of sneaker design.
The success of these three brands has been in pushing the message that there’s no place like home. For as long as they can stay true to that and keep growing as they’ve been, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
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Giant Sneaker Brands Stay Giants
As I mentioned, the emergence of local brands doesn’t negate the presence and dominance of the established names we already know. What gives these international sneaker lines a superior edge is, one, experience, but, two, money. They have the kinds of money to grow and expand their influence that the younger, local brands could only dream of right now. Apart from that, because of the vast economic divide in South Africa, the haves do have it and can afford to splurge on the best that Nike or Puma offer.
Though it may not be at the scale that it plays out in places like the States, celebrity culture plays a significant role in what people of all ages think is cool and what isn’t. International brands have descended on South Africa in a way that they haven’t in the rest of Africa, simply because SA is seen as the leading influencer among nations in pop culture on the continent. Collaborations with artists like the late hip-hop star AKA, rapper Cassper Nyovest and Boity Thulo demonstrate how local stars leverage their influence to enhance brand visibility and inject a sense of local relevance. In this way, these strategic collaborations increase brand awareness and bless the sneakers with a unique, local appeal.
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It’s All International
One of the nuances hidden in South Africa’s being as diverse, divided, and unequal as it is is that the country is as influenced by the international as it is by the local. Like many other countries, SA experiences a powerful influence from international media, namely platforms like YouTube, X and Instagram. South Africa is usually the first African country to get access to all the latest updates to significant software and the first to get access to the best new brands. Because of this, when the international players decide it’s time to spread their wings and look to conquer the world, South Africa is the first destination for them on the African continent. So, even though they may be unaffordable for most, South Africans will still know about the latest Jordans or Yeezys donned by celebrities and influencers. As some young people climb the social and economic ladder through education and get decent jobs, guess what sneakers they’ll pick up when they get their paychecks and can afford things they never could before? The constant exposure creates a powerful association between these brands and concepts like “coolness” and “status,” thereby driving demand and shaping local trends. For sneaker brands like Jordan and others, it’s good for business.
So, what are the most popular sneakers in South Africa? And do the local, upcoming brands feature anywhere on the list? The approach I took was to go for hard facts based on sales. In saying this, let me be clear that I’m neither a scientist by any stretch of the imagination nor a statistician. Pros in that area could quickly point out flaws in my plan, but I still think it makes sense for a reasonably simple subject like this.
You’ll agree with me that talking about the ‘best’ or ‘greatest’ or even ‘top’ anything can be highly subjective and not always helpful. Of course, if a big enough sample of people tells you something is good, it’s worth listening. A lot of times that telling may happen through sales. So, I wanted to find lists of the top-selling sneakers in South Africa from as many sources as possible, but the information was less available than I’d hoped. Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly), only a few places talk about best-of sneaker lists explicitly related to South Africa. When I went to YouTube, things were even worse. Any lists about sneakers specific to South Africa had to do either with how to spot fake sneakers or how to make money as a sneaker reseller (keep in mind what I said earlier about the economic divide. Hustlers, baby).
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The Most Popular Sneakers In South Africa
In the end, I settled on one list – the only one I found that stated that it was presenting popularity by sales, even providing sales figures. I’m conflicted about it because it’s not current. Still, it corresponds to data from other sources like Bizcommunity, a respected publication in South Africa, that conducted a survey revealing Nike as the most popular brand among the youth. So, here goes:
10. Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Stage Haze”
The Air Jordan 1 High OG “Stage Haze” presents a versatile iteration of Michael Jordan’s inaugural signature shoe. Featuring a predominantly white leather base contrasted by black textured overlays and the iconic Swoosh branding, the design exudes a timeless aesthetic. Further enhancing its classic appeal, the collar boasts the traditional “Wings” logo, while the heel counter is crafted from premium grey suede. A subtle touch of pink accents the “Nike Air” logo on the black nylon tongue, solidifying its place as a standout release from Jordan Brand’s Spring 2022 collection.
9. Air Jordan 1 High OG “Dark Marina Blue”
The Air Jordan 1 High OG Dark Marina Blue features a cool three-colour scheme. The rich blue (“Dark Marina Blue”) covers the smooth leather parts like the overlays, Swooshes, ankle flaps, laces, and even the tongue tags. For a nice contrast, the rest of the shoe, like the toe box, sides, collar, and tongue base, is black. Classic Jordan branding shines through with the black “ball and wings” logo and the contrasting white “Nike Air” on the tongue. Finishing off the look, the shoe sits on a white midsole and a blue outsole.
8. Nike Dunk High “Panda”
The Nike Dunk High “Panda” is a classic shoe with a simple black and white colour scheme. The entire upper is smooth leather, with black covering the overlays and white on the base. The black outsole and white midsole stick with the “Panda” theme, and a pop of red appears on the Nike Air logo on the tongue tag.
7. New Balance 550 White Grey
The New Balance 550 White Grey presents a minimalist aesthetic, crafted from a predominantly white leather upper. Monochromatic perforated leather overlays add subtle depth and texture, while the “puffed” New Balance logos elevate the design with a modern flair. Completing the clean look is a woven New Balance Basketball tongue label and a matching sole adorned with the brand’s signature logo.
6. adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Bone
The adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Bone is a sleek, monochromatic sneaker. Its upper, made from a breathable knit material called Primeknit, is entirely white. This clean look is accentuated by mesh stripes on the sides and canvas heel tabs in the same crisp white shade. Underneath, a slightly see-through sole featuring adidas’ signature Boost technology provides comfort and a touch of modern flair.
5. Air Jordan 4 Retro “Military Black”
The Jordan 4 “Military Black” takes inspiration from a classic 1989 design, the “Military Blue.” It has a similar colour scheme: smooth white leather for the main body and light grey suede around the toes. Black details pop on the eyelets, heel tab, and the Jumpman logo on the tongue. The shoe rides on a comfortable midsole with two tones and a visible Air unit in the heel for extra cushioning.
4. Air Jordan 4 “Red Thunder”
The Air Jordan 4 “Red Thunder” takes inspiration from a previous design, switching out the yellow accents for a bold red look. Imagine a black shoe with pops of red peeking through the mesh on the sides and tongue. The red “wings” that hold the laces stand out against the black background, while a classic white Jumpman logo sits on the heel. To complete the fiery theme, the midsole is painted red, and a small air unit in the heel adds a touch of cushioning.
3. adidas Yeezy Foam Runner “Onyx”
The Yeezy Foamer Runner combines cutting-edge technology with a focus on environmental responsibility. Constructed from injected EVA foam, the shoe offers lightweight durability, ensuring long-lasting comfort without compromising weight. Additionally, the innovative use of algae harvesting technology in manufacturing contributes to environmental sustainability by cleaning lakes and waterways.
2. adidas Yeezy Slide “Bone”
Crafted from a single piece of EVA foam, the Yeezy Slide Bone presents a minimalist and monochromatic design. The stark white hue, aptly named “Bone,” extends from the wide strap to the entire upper, creating a seamless visual. This lightweight and comfortable sandal prioritizes user experience with a plush EVA footbed for enhanced comfort. Additionally, the outsole features a unique tread pattern designed for improved traction in various weather conditions. A subtle adidas logo discreetly positioned on the heel completes the understated aesthetic.
1. adidas Yeezy Slide “Onyx”
The adidas Yeezy Slide “Onyx” embodies a minimalist aesthetic with a functional edge. Built from a single piece of injected EVA foam, the sandal conforms to the foot for a personalized fit. Offering breathability through its open-toe construction, it prioritizes wearer comfort with a plush footbed featuring subtly debossed adidas branding. The strategically placed grooves on the serrated outsole enhance grip and impact protection, adapting to various terrains and weather conditions. This sleek and versatile design caters to individuals seeking a comfortable and stylish footwear option.
Sneakerheads of South Africa, do you agree with the list of the most popular sneakers in Mzansi? Are these the best sneakers in South Africa? If not, we’d love to know what other kicks you’d add here.
