Video game sneaker mash-ups have seen some awesome collaborations in recent years. for example, with the PlayStation Classic release, many online personalities received care packages from Sony to celebrate the release. Each care package contains the PlayStation Classic, a couple of hats, and a set of video game-inspired sneakers; the Nike PG 2.5 x PlayStation.
The collaboration isn’t as strange as it first seems, as there isn’t much difference between gamers and sneakerheads. Similarly, both are collectors, have a strong passion for the stories behind the creative process, and enjoy their favorite titles’ artistic value. This is exactly why, in recent times, there have been many collaborations between the two mediums.
So, here are some of my favorite video game-inspired sneakers – ones I’d love to own myself!
Jordan 1 High Zoom Air CMFT League of Legends (Esports)
- Collaboration: Riot Games & Nike / Air Jordan
- Release: 2020
This is one of my personal favorites, as someone who loves both Jordan 1 sneakers and League of Legends.
Building on the success of the Zoom Air-cushioned Jordan 1 from December 2019, this new pair features an iridescent finish across the forefoot overlays, which might also have reflective detailing. The suede detailing on the toe box, midfoot, and rear perfectly complements the greyscale design of the sneaker. However, the rich “Racer Blue” color animates the laces, tongue accents, and collar lining, providing a nice pop of color. The palette of colors is similar to every “Championship” skin that has been released since 2012.
For fans of the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), there’s another detail that directly references Summoner’s Rift, the map where 22 five-person teams compete against for a prize pool of over $2.5 million USD. The right shoe’s tongue label features a white Jumpman logo enclosed in a shape resembling the iconic map. Additionally, the exposed foam inner bootie of the shoe sets it apart from previous Jordan 1 models and adds extra comfort. This feature is denoted by the “CMFT” (“comfort”) in the official name.
The outsoles of the Air Jordan 1 League of Legends World Championship sneakers are different from previous models in the Jordan 1 High Zoom series. While previous models featured translucent gradient makeup, this historic tread features a solid two-tone palette that outlines the Racer Blue with black. It looks awesome.
Nike Air Force 1 Low Playstation (2018)
- Collaboration: PlayStation & Nike
- Release: 2018
Nike mashes together one of its best-selling shoes with the best-selling console of all time; the PlayStation 2.
The Air Force 1 Low features a black leather upper, translucent blue swoosh, and an icy outsole. The PlayStation 2 blue swoosh and heel comes with the detailing of the PS buttons floating inside them. With the outer sole and tongue branding completing the collaborative color scheme; driving home the PlayStation collaboration.
Previous Collab
Air Jordan 4 ‘Game Boy’ (Custom)
- Collaboration: Nintendo & Nike / Jordan
- Release: 2018
At $1,300 these almost look worth it. I mean, the Air Jordan 4 ‘Game Boy’ by Freaker Sneaks is the epitome of exceptional. It’s a stunning mashup of one of Jordan Brand’s most iconic sneakers with Nintendo’s groundbreaking Game Boy from ’89. And get this – there’s a cartridge hanging off the side! The Super Mario edition (which you can see above) is part of a series that includes other mind-blowing designs like nuclear Air Jordan 4 renditions of NBA Jam and Zelda.
Can you even imagine the level of creativity and craftsmanship that went into these shoes? The folks at Freaker Sneaks are clearly true artists in their own right, fusing together two different worlds into something completely new and utterly breathtaking. And what better way to show off your love for both basketball and gaming than with a pair of these bad boys?
But let’s talk about the details, because they really make these shoes stand out. From the retro grey and black color scheme to the green accents and pixelated Super Mario graphics, every inch of these sneakers is carefully crafted to capture the essence of both the Air Jordan 4 and the Game Boy. And let’s not forget that cartridge hanging off the side, adding an extra touch of nostalgia for those of us who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s.
Puma RS-0 SEGA Sonic the Hedgehog
Puma RS-0 Sonic, Puma RS-0 Dr. Eggman
- Collaboration: Sega & Puma
- Release: 2018
Puma’s recently released RS-0 sneakers mimic Sonic The Hedgehog’s and Dr. Eggman’s iconic characteristics.
The RS-0 Sonic features a textured blue suede upper, checkered panels with gold ring accents and a translucent red outsole. These colors are meant to tie back to the Sonic’s fur, the roads and grass of the Green Hill Zone and his rivalry with Dr. Eggman.
The RS-0 Dr. Eggman features a shiny red patent leather upper, caution panels with gold rings on the lace tips and a translucent blue outsole. All of this represents the doctor’s red suit, the construction-like machinery of the Eggmobile and his hate for Sonic.
This collaboration really goes the extra mile to capture the characters’ personalities and the opposition of the two sides. Above all, it’s cool that each shoe is essentially stepping on the color of its enemy.
Because of that, these are not only my favorite video game-inspired sneakers, but also my favorite sneakers to release in 2018 – alongside the Nike Wotherspoon.
Jordan 1 Mid Xbox E3 (2018)
- Collaboration: Xbox & Nike / Jordan
- Release: 2019
Back in 2018, sneakerheads lost their minds when they caught a glimpse of the Air Jordan 1 ‘Xbox’ at E3. Following closely in the footsteps of the Nike Air Force 1 ‘PlayStation,’ the AJ1 boasted some seriously swanky features: glowing outsoles that sparkled in the dark, insoles emblazoned with the Xbox logo, and even lace tips that proudly displayed the same iconic symbol. The design was an instant hit, skyrocketing in resale value and becoming one of the most coveted releases of the year.
Not content to just look cool, the Air Jordan 1 ‘Xbox’ also helped raise funds for a great cause. In a recent auction, these limited-edition kicks were sold off to benefit Huntington’s Disease research. It’s no wonder the design has such a dedicated following, with a hot and charitable style.
Some might call the Air Jordan 1 silhouette a cheat code, but let’s be real: it’s just a classic.
These days it’s out of reach for basically anyone, not only is it impossible to find, when they do sell, it’s for thousands of dollars.
Air Max Nike 97 Nintendo 64 Edition
- Collaboration: Nintendo and Nike
- Release: 2019
Enter the Air Max 97, a shoe that pays homage to one of the most beloved Nintendo consoles of all time: the Nintendo 64.
The sneaker is a beautiful tribute to the gaming system, boasting its signature light gray hue, accented with blue and green piping that represents the controller’s “A” and “B” buttons. But it doesn’t stop there; the yellow air bubble on the sole pays homage to the “C” button, and the red touch on the tongue and sole are nods to the ever-so-important “Start” button. To tie it all together, the insoles are inscribed with “Power,” “Reset,” and “Designed In 1997.”
The Air Max 97’s tribute to the Nintendo 64 is a subtle nod to the world of gaming, and it’s clear that Nike has taken the time to pay attention to the little details that make a console unique. The sneaker’s color scheme is instantly recognizable to anyone who has spent hours on end with the N64, and the button references are the cherry on top of this gaming-inspired sneaker sundae. The insoles may seem like a small detail, but they’re the perfect finishing touch to an already impressive tribute.
Vans x Nintendo Collection
Legend of Zelda, Vans Authentic Donkey Kong, Vans Authentic Princess Peach, Vans Authentic Duck Hunt
- Collaboration: Nintendo & Vans
- Release: 2016
Vans is going full retro in its sneaker collaboration with Nintendo; celebrating the early days of console gaming. Covering popular classics, including the Vans Authentic, Sk8-Hi, Old Skool, and Slip-On silhouettes.
Each silhouette is redesigned with 8-bit-inspired graphical artwork from the NES era. Boasting multi-colored character prints all over the shoe with the iconography of the game’s logo on the tongue. They also feature artwork from huge franchises such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong and more.
The collection perfectly captures the essence of every game in the line-up for the world’s oldest video game company. My favorite is the ridiculously loud and over-the-top Vans Authentic Super Mario Bros.
Nike PG 2.5 Playstation Wolf Grey
- Collaboration: Nike and Playstation
- Release: 2018
The Nike PG 2.5 Playstation shoes bring back the glory days of the Playstation, the legendary console that changed the video gaming industry forever with its advanced 3D and CD-ROM games. And what better way to celebrate this iconic machine than by collaborating with Paul George, one of our time’s most electrifying NBA players. Released on the same day as the Playstation Classic in 2018, the Nike PG 2.5 Playstation sneakers are a treat for both gamers and sneakerheads alike.
With its sleek grey colorway and the famous four-color PlayStation logo adorning the tongue, the Nike PG 2.5 Playstation shoes are a nod to the original PlayStation console that captured the hearts of millions of gamers worldwide. But Nike didn’t stop there – they took things up a notch by incorporating the iconic PlayStation symbols on the sides of the shoe, giving it a distinctive and unmistakable look. And that’s not all – the tongues of the shoes light up, making them stand out even in the darkest of rooms.
The Nike PG 2.5 Playstation collection includes several colorways, each one as eye-catching as the next. But the “Friends & Family” pack is undoubtedly the most coveted. This pack includes the sneakers, a backpack, two controllers, and a lot of swag.
What are your favorite video game inspired sneakers? And what video game inspired sneaker collaborations do you want to see? Let us know in the comments below.
