Upgrade your shoe collection with these celebrity sneaker collabs
Celebrities have been known to branch out beyond their profession. Big brands thrive on collaborations with big-name celebrities and influencers, especially those with pre-existing brands. One of the most common ways is through celebrity sneaker collabs.
Brands like Adidas, Nike, Reebok and Puma have launched numerous lines of sneakers with the biggest names in Hollywood. These celebrities use these sneakers as a creative outlet or a way to express their style. If you want to upgrade your shoe collection, check out these celebrity sneaker collabs.
1. Donald Glover x Adidas
Donald Glover’s 2019 sneaker collaboration with Adidas, ‘Donald Glover Presents’, is a true masterpiece of artistry and creative expression. The collection is meant to reflect the spirit of an artist, with the shoes themselves acting as a “blank canvas” that is at the mercy of the artist’s whims.
Glover, more commonly known as Childish Gambino, reimagined classic Adidas styles, the Nizza, the Continental 80 and the Lacombe to be purposefully and artfully beaten up. It is the antithesis of the “sneakerhead” mentality of keeping shoes as pristine and perfect as possible to retain their value. Glover believes that the journey that our sneakers go through is a reflection of the trials and tribulations that we have overcome in life.
Along with the launch, Glover released 5 short films to further capture his creative vision: Timber, 1985, Avocado, Polenta, and Dusty. Check them all out here.
The Donald Glover x Adidas Nizza ‘Blank Canvas’ (Starts at S$173) is my personal favourite. My sister brought these home back when they were released and, to this day, I find them absolutely stunning. The frayed edges leave the sneakers beautifully unpolished and the blue-and-white-striped laces make the set easily recognisable.
Buy now: Novelship
2. FENTY x PUMA
Of course, no fashion list is complete without the queen herself. Rihanna and Puma have a long history of collaboration. This sneaker line under her FENTY brand is known as FENTY x PUMA. The collaboration began in 2016 with the FENTY x PUMA Creeper Sneakers.
The suede sneakers with the chunky soles put Rihanna on the map when it comes to sneakers. They made waves back during their initial release, with the third instalment being named the “Must-Have Shoe” of 2016 by Vanity Fair.
The latest creepers, the FENTY x PUMA Creeper Phatty Sneakers (Starts at S$199) are a simple pair that is a good basic for every shoe collection.
Featured in the photo is the FENTY x PUMA Avanti collection, specifically in colourways Dark Myrtle (Starts at S$241) and Club Navy (Starts at S$303). The Avanti is a crossover between the immaculate leather makings of the King football boot and the outsole of an Easy Rider.
3. Gigi Hadid x Reebok
Gigi Hadid’s long-standing relationship with Reebok began in 2019. Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar, the then 23-year-old revealed that the collection was inspired by Reebok’s Freestyle Hi shoes, the first athletic shoes created specifically for women by an athletic company.
The initial Gigi Hadid x Reebok Aztrek launch came in 2 colourways: Chalk (Starts at S$99) and Black (Starts at S$99). The shoes are bold, chunky and a perfect blend of high fashion and athletic wear. As streetwear, the piece adds flair to any casual everyday outfit.
The model also spoke of how the shoes mirrored her journey from a high school athlete to her career in fashion and modelling. Before modelling, Hadid was involved in multiple sports including volleyball and equestrian.
Since then, Hadid has released multiple shoes with Reebok. My personal favourite is the Reebok Aztrek Double 93 x Gigi Hadid in ‘White Red’ (Starts at S$87). They are an elevated version of the original Aztrek but with a maximalist, cyberpunk twist. This pair is specifically designed to make a statement.
Buy now: Novelship
4. Kendrick Lamar x Nike
Kendrick Lamar is truly having a good year. “Not Like Us” is a cultural phenomenon and, dare I say, 2024’s Hip Hop anthem.
Anyway, the rapper is not only known for his lyricism and immaculate diss tracks. This man also has immaculate sneaker collaborations. He started this journey with a Reebok partnership. The Hip Hop star had been riding the high of his first Grammy nomination in 2014. Naturally, the rising star decided to cement his name in the history books with his sneaker line.
In 2015, he released the Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Ventilator (Starts at S$623). It is an homage to Lamar’s background, growing up in Compton, California. He released a few other lines with Reebok before Lamar moved to Nike in 2018.
My 2 favourites among his Nike collaborations are the Kendrick Lamar x Nike Cortez Kenny 3 ‘Bet It Back’ (Starts at S$229) and the Kendrick Lamar x Nike React Element 55 ‘Pure Platinum’ (Starts at S$212). I like the Kenny 3 for how sleek and simple whereas the React Element 55 is fearlessly loud in its execution. The two of them make a good 1-2 when trying to establish a unique streetwear style.
Buy now: Novelship
5. Travis Scott x Nike
My main exposure to Travis Scott is mainly through his relationship with Kylie Jenner. However, learning of his partnership with Nike has been a pleasure. Scott’s style has always been distinct and recognisable. It carries through from his day-to-day outfits to his onstage looks.
He has this futuristic, Year 3000-esque vibe to his style that has rubbed off onto his shoe collaboration with Nike. This can be seen specifically through the Travis Scott x Nike Air Max 1 ‘Saturn Gold’ (Starts at S$242). These sneakers are what I imagine shoes of the future to look like. The mesh detailing maintains the outdoorsy vibe, keeping the shoes breathable. The thick Air cushioning and straps also give off this post-apocalyptic aura to them.
For a more everyday look that maintains that lush pop of yellow, the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG SP ‘Canary’ (Starts at S$325) is a good choice. It’s simple. It’s classic. It’s bright and bold. Everything you’d ever need in a sneaker.
Buy now: Novelship
6. A$AP Rocky x PUMA
A$AP Rocky’s sneaker collaborations are a clear reflection of the evolution in his fashion sense. His initial sneaker collaborations with Vans were basic, to put it nicely. They were moderately done designs but simply added nothing to Vans’ own catalogue of footwear.
His recent move to Puma though tells a different story. A$AP has always had a distinct style throughout his career but, as of late, he has found a way to hone in on that style. This could likely be influenced by his relationship with Rihanna. Not to discount the man himself, he holds his own in the fashion world. He is co-chairing Met Gala 2025 with black fashion icons like Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo and Pharrell Williams along with Anna Wintour herself.
His rising influence in the fashion world can also be seen from the launch of A$AP Rocky x PUMA. His Inhale and Mostro collections are very out there and bold, comparable to the likes of other high-fashion sneaker giants like Yeezy.
The A$AP ROCKY x PUMA Inhale Sneakers (Starts at S$179) has been selling out fast due to their sleek yet muted design that is suitable for everyday wear.
The standouts though are the A$AP Rocky x PUMA Mostro 3D sneakers. They come in 2 colourways: ‘Black Lime Pow’ (Starts at S$487) and ‘Spiky Pop Red Black’ (Starts at S$577). These pieces are true collector’s items for sneaker lovers. You don’t have to be a sneakerhead to appreciate the intricacy of the design and the unique silhouette.
7. Pharrell Williams x Adidas
Pharrell Williams is another black artist who has been making a name for himself in the mainstream fashion world. He has done everything, from launching the skincare line Humanrace to now being the Men’s Creative Director at Louis Vuitton. Naturally, the man also has a fair share of sneaker collabs to his name.
Williams has a longstanding partnership with Adidas and the pieces that come out of their collaborations are stunning. It takes the classic Adidas NMD silhouette and transforms it into something loud and fun that exudes creativity and childlike joy. They also have a Signature Pharrell TPU lace cage that wraps around much closer to the ankle, making the design recognisable and distinctive among others.
The Pharrell Williams x Adidas NMD Human Race in ‘Powder Blue’ (Starts at S$224) is a perfect example. The deep blue contrasts beautifully with the light pink in an overall combo that is sleek yet fun. The multi-coloured insole is just the cherry on top.
There is also a collaboration between Pharrell’s own label, Billionaire Boys Club, and Adidas. The Pharrell Williams x Billionaire Boys Club x Adidas NMD Human Race Trail (Starts at S$194) is a playful hodgepodge of colour, inspired by the design of collegiate uniforms.
Buy now: Novelship
8. G-Dragon x Nike
G-Dragon is having a stellar year. He and former band members Taeyang and Daesung had a comeback performance together at the MAMA Awards 2024. He also released a single titled “HOME SWEET HOME” featuring Taeyang and Daesung, ahead of the release of his comeback album of the same name.
Beyond his music, G-Dragon is known among celebrity circles for his style. He embodies both streetwear and high fashion spaces beautifully. His campaigns with Elle Korea show that he is unafraid to embrace feminine qualities when it comes to his self-expression. This can be seen in his shoe collaborations with Nike.
They all share a signature motif of a daisy with a missing petal. That, along with G-Dragon’s own classic streetwear style creates a captivating collection. The G-Dragon x Nike Air Force 1 ’07 ‘Para-Noise 3.0’ (Starts at S$299) manages to be both cool and beautiful. The scuff marks at the sole add some edginess to the look, contrasting well with the overall sleekness of the shoe.
Buy now: Novelship
9. Bad Bunny x Adidas
Compared to other men in the fashion world, Bad Bunny falls under the radar most often. However, his Met Gala and red carpet looks have been iconic — big, bright and unafraid to take risks. That bareback look at the 2023 Met Gala lives rent-free in my mind. Google it, and you’ll get what I mean.
Embracing femininity in fashion is his style; he is fearless and is always breaking boundaries on what men’s fashion can be.
As an iconic man with a great fashion sense, Bad Bunny collaborated with Adidas to create his own shoe collection. His footwear range is more muted in tone but is nonetheless striking and irresistible in its own way.
For a versatile pair with little pops of colour, the Bad Bunny x Adidas Forum Powerphase ‘Benito’ (Starts at S$156) is for you. It is simple, distinct and unique with the little ‘Benito’ label on the side. If you are looking for a smart casual sneaker, Bad Bunny x Adidas Campus in ‘Deep Brown’ (Starts at S$148) is a good choice. It maintains the simplicity and sleekness of the Adidas campus whilst also elevating it with a more organic design.
Buy now: Novelship
10. Billie Eilish x Nike
Billie Eilish is one of those names that has been cemented among the best of the current generation of young artists. Her name sits easily alongside Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo and Charli XCX. She memorably was a feature on Charli’s hit song “GUESS”. The future of music is truly in good hands with these young women.
With so many iconic women sharing the spotlight, each one of them has a distinct style that makes them stand out. Eilish has her own “tomboy” aesthetic going on with the classic big T-shirts and boy shorts. In her collaboration with Nike, she incorporated this unique style into the pieces.
My favourite pair among others is the Billie Eilish x Nike Air Force 1 High ’07 that comes in 2 colourways: ‘Mushroom’ (Starts at S$153) and ‘Sequoia’ (Starts at S$117). They are a pair of big strappy single-tone high tops. It is perfect for achieving a full-monochrome look or as a statement piece with a casual outfit.
If you’re a fan of the singer and want something that reflects more of her spirit, check out the Billie Eilish x Air Jordan 1 KO in ‘Volt’ (Starts at S$227). The fluorescent yellow is a good representation of Eilish’s playful persona and artistic spirit.
Buy now: Novelship
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