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The Gamechangers. Learn how Run DMC adidas created an unstoppable $325bn sportswear revolution
Nike’s collaboration in shoes have produced some iconic sneakers. In fact Nike stands as an undisputed giant in the sneaker world, and its legacy is amplified by an extensive portfolio of collaborations that have reshaped the industry. From Off-White and Supreme to Travis Scott, the Swoosh has worked with cultural icons and design visionaries to create some of the most sought-after kicks. Whether you’re after hyped editions of the Air Jordan 4, Nike Dunk, or Air Jordan 1, the world of Nike collabs has something for every collector.
At Living Lab, we’ve curated our top five Nike collaborations that have defined sneaker culture, from high-fashion crossovers like the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 to timeless classics such as the Patta x Nike Air Max 1. Dive into our selection and discover the collabs that continue to shape the sneaker game. From athletic performance innovations to design aesthetics, these Nike collaborations shoes are Living.Lab’s picks. In reverse order
This is a rare three-way collaboration between Travis Scott, PlayStation, and Nike on a Dunk Low. I like the baby blue colourway and love the way it includes Scott’s signature backwards swoosh and PlayStation’s name on the sole. It was released to coincide with the PS5 launch, only a limited number were produced, making it one of areally rare find. If you’re lucky enough to find a pair, expect to pay upwards of $65,000.
Truely an Alpha. The iconic performance Alphaflyshoe is high tech marvel crafted for Eliud Kipchoge’s attempt to break the two-hour marathon barrier in Vienna. The shoe is super cushioned and the stiff carbon plate bed popped Kipchoge forward. I love the way the hole in the bottom of the shoe allows you to see the carbon plate in the big lightbulb looking sole profile. One of the most groundbreaking performance shoes in history. Kipchoge ran a 1:59:40 that morning in 2019.
Japanese fashion label Chitose Abe’s Sacai retro hybrid Starburst fruit sweet colourway reminds me of my favourite Nike classic Waffle. The result is a layered, experimental design that merges Sacai’s “Frankenstein” approach, combining different materials and structures, redefining the possibilities for sneaker collaborations.
Cactus Plant Flea Market’s Cynthia Lu brought her playful style to the 2019 Nike VaporMax – which I always looked to sleek for me. A playful tubular swoosh, bubble lettering and Acid Smiley face at the heel give this shoe a cool handmade, messy aesthetic that looks really human on this futuristic sneaker
Virgil Abloh’s The Ten collection redefined what sneakers could be. His deconstructed Air Presto became a standout from the collection, created in record time through constant collaboration between Abloh and Nike designers. The shoe’s raw, industrial look, with exposed stitching and a mix of materials, became one of the most celebrated designs in modern sneaker culture.
Some things are iconic already, but then someone gives them a twist and boom! This applies to the Bruce Kilgore-designed Air Force One, when Abloh did around his show at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago—Called the Air Force 1 Off-White MCA the shoes instantly became a collectable: the first pair was given to Serena Williams. Today, the Off-White Air Force 1, in vibrant University Blue, is easily one of Nike’s rarest grails.
The Gamechangers. Learn how Run DMC adidas created an unstoppable $325bn sportswear revolution
From Bad Bunny to Yohji Yamamoto, these are the collabs that earned adidas its stripes.
Jacquemus has built a brand story that’s nothing short of remarkable. In 2018, they posted €11.8 million in revenue. They are aiming for €500 million by 2025.