In the previous post, I discussed ten collaborations that I feel have had a significant impact on the evolution of culture. Some of these are included in today’s piece as well.

Here, I’m going to show you some of my all-time favorite sneaker partnerships. Although there are many collaborations that have captured my heart over the years, I will try to limit myself to ten. But first, let’s talk about collaborations and why they’re so essential to the culture.

Collaborations were critical in driving the culture forward and getting more people involved. They have proved that they can provide not just security but also unity to the market. What do you think collaborations brought to the space? Hype, trust, unity, and a slew of other elements that are appropriate for this environment and have contributed to or will continue to assist push the culture forward. Collaborations foster trust and boost brand development in sneaker and streetwear cultures, both of which rely on consumer trust. There will be no customers, community, or brand if there is no trust and faith.

Even though I believe collaborations are important for the culture, they haven’t always been a hit with sneakerheads. Let me give you an example from each side.

Sean Wotherspoon and Nike debuted the Nike Air Max 1/97 on March 26, 2018, which many believed to be the shoe of the year. The shoe was given this designation because it was unique, innovative, and extremely limited. Sean was well-known for his Two Round shops, but it wasn’t until the sneaker release that he became a household name. Things have changed, and we can now talk about an Air Max without mentioning Sean. These are collaborations that are identified by the end product rather than the namesake alone. Most sneakerheads and non-sneakerheads get sucked into a sneaker collab because of the power of the person or brand involved.

In contrast to Sean’s collaboration, which was a massive hit in history, Don C’s collaboration with Jordan Brand from the same year was a flop. This was surprising considering Don C is a sneaker culture icon who can sell anything to the hypebeast community. The sneaker community did not like the Don C x Air Jordan Legacy 312. They could’ve been marked down at some retailers after the drop. Even still, others would tell you that the sneaker was “pure heat”.

Now, that I believe that you realize the value of collaborations, I’d want to introduce you to my top ten favorite partnerships of all time.

Nike Air Yeezy 2 “Red October”

I’ve always been a big fan of Ye. I’ve always admired his music, as well as his passion and vision for fashion. He is a genius in both fields, and he has played an essential role in defining both industries throughout the years. I thought something major was going to happen when I first heard about Nike collaborating with Ye. When you combine one giant with one of the greatest minds of all time, you never know what you’ll get.

I was quickly smitten by the “Red October” colorway when I first saw them. I’m not sure if it was the color, because I love red, or the silhouette, or the fact that they signify history. Following the debut of the Yeezy 2, Nike announced that the “Red October” colorway will no longer be available. A sad day for many sneakerheads, however, the pair was unexpectedly released in February 2014.

The Nike Air Yeezy 2 “Red October” is one of the most iconic sneakers of all time, as well as Ye’s farewell collaboration with Nike. On resell sites, the pair is currently selling for around $20.000 ( +/- ).

Parra x Nike Air Max 1 “Amsterdam”

One of Nike’s most attractive silhouettes. The Air Max 1 was one of the first Air Max models that I purchased and fell in love with right away, thus it holds a special place in my heart. Though a pair of Air Max 90s was acquired first, they didn’t feel as good as the 1s.

Because of how flawless it appears and feels, as well as the history it represents, this collaboration is one of my faves among past Patta x Nike Air Max 1 collaborations.

The pair is most likely to blame for Nike’s huge break in the Dutch footwear market. It debuted in 2005 and has since become one of the most sought-after Air Max 1s of all time. There were 200–250 pairs made, though none were larger than 11.5. This pair was also offered as a Friends&Family edition with Parra’s characteristic script emblem stitched on the outside toe and was limited to only 24 pairs.

The Parra x Nike Air Max 1 “Amsterdam” may be found for around $10.000 on resell markets.

Nike Air Yeezy 1 “Blink”

Ye has another one. This is the shoe that forever altered Nike’s perspective. The Swoosh brand believed it was impossible to create a signature sneaker for someone who wasn’t an athlete. That was changed by Kanye.

In 2009, Kanye had a Grammy performance in this “unseen” silhouette, which was followed by the public announcement of the Air Yeezy 1. Aside from “Blink,” the two colorways released are “Zen Grey” and “The Tan.” On April 4th, 2009, the pair was released at a retail price of $250.

I am a huge lover of Nike’s Yeezy silhouette, and if I were only talking about the style, I wouldn’t have it so high on this list if it wasn’t so reflective of not only sneaker culture but also fashion history. They are cultural relics.

They are currently on the market for $8,000+.

Adidas Human Race NMD R1 x Pharrell Williams Friends&Family Burgundy HU

This is the rarest collection of all the Adidas NMD Pharrell’s ever made. Only Friends and Family received the Burgundy colorway. The upper features Japanese characters that translate to “friends” and “family.” On July 1, 2016, the pair was released.

This pair is a must-have for any collector, even though it is difficult to obtain one due to its high price and scarcity. Pharrell’s work in both music and sneaker culture has always appealed to me. He is a cultural icon who has aided in the growth of the culture. Even though I am not a major fan of adidas, when I see partnerships and silhouettes that are designed to make history, my admiration for the brand rises.

adidas Yeezy Boost 750 “Triple Black”

Another Yeezy, the same Kanye, but with a different label. Ye left Nike for adidas in 2013 because adidas provided Kanye the freedom that Nike didn’t. They allowed him to create his signature footwear with no boundaries or restrictions.

West began working on the Yeezy shoe with Steven Smith shortly after signing with the Stripes. The 750s were the first silhouettes to be released, and they were originally seen in 2015.

After the “Grey Gum,” the “Triple Black” colorway was released, followed by the “Chocolate” colorway.

This shoe was unique, and it marked the beginning of a new era in sneaker culture. This is my favorite colorway of the three that were released, not because I prefer “Black,” but because I felt a connection with them from the moment I first saw these.

KAWS x Air Jordan 4

Aside from Yeezy’s, there’s a fresh face on this list. My favorite Air Jordan silhouette is the fourth. For me, this partnership was an instant hit. KAWS is one of the most well-known and prolific artists in both the streetwear and art realms. He is also Original Fake’s brainchild. In 2017, the pair was released in two colorways: “Grey” and “Black.” Only friends and family received the last one.

The KAWS x Air Jordan collaboration was one of the first to combine art with sport, and it set the path for Jordan Brand to do so in the future. Before this release, I had been following KAWS’ work for a while and had always admired the contributions he made to the culture I adored. His collaborations on the Air Force 1 and Air Max 90 in late 2008 piqued my interest, so I was eager to see what he could achieve with the fourth silhouette.

The pair can be purchased for $2000+ on resell sites.

UNDFT x Air Jordan 4

When I look at this pair, all I can see is history. This pair was limited to 72 pairs when it was released in 2005. Undefeated is one of the most influential retailers and was one of Nike’s first partners. This was the first true Jordan collaboration, paving the way for Eminem’s “Encore” 4 and the many other Jordan collaborations that we are familiar with today. It’s one of the most difficult pairings to come across, and it’s special to me since it’s the first Jordan collaboration.

Off-White x Air Jordan 4 “Sail”

Virgil Abloh has played a key role in shaping the sneaker and streetwear culture, and even though he is no longer with us, he continues to do so. The “The Ten” collection has had the most impact of any sneaker collaboration, showcasing the full potential of designer x brand collaborations. I was excited to see what Abloh’s mind could achieve with the fourth silhouette because of my admiration for him and “The Ten.”

The pair was originally shown as a sample during his MCA art exhibit in Chicago in the summer of 2019, and it gave me hope that we could see an official release. The colorway was seen on the runway at Off-White’s fall show in Paris in February 2020. The pair will be released on July 25, 2020.

Because of what Virgil Abloh has done for the culture, both streetwear, and sneakers, and because of my love for Air Jordan 4, this partnership was a must for me to include on this list.

They are currently available for around $2000( +/- ).

Supreme x Air Jordan 5 “Desert Camo”

Supreme and Nike are two names that are frequently associated with one another. On October 16, 2015, a fresh collaboration between these two titans has released: the Supreme x Air Jordan 5 “Desert Camo.” They were only $198 at retail.

Rather than Michael Jordan’s frequently-used game-worn numbers, this time the heel was embroidered with the number “94,” the year Supreme was founded. This colorway has something unique about it, and it seems authentic to Supreme’s legacy and impact on the industry.

Although I am not a huge fan of the Air Jordan 5, this pair is one of my faves because of its uniqueness and the feeling of having history on your feet when you wear it.

Currently, it sells for around $700( +/- ).

Union LA x Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe”

Chris’s Gibbs Union has become a Jordan collab staple. The Union x Air Jordan 1 collaboration brings the Los Angeles-based brand’s history with the Jumpman to nearly ten pairs. The body is inspired by the Air Jordan 1 Black Toe, while the throat is influenced by the Neutral Greys. They appear to be a Frankenstein’s monster of OG Jordan colorways. This pair was released in November 2018 for a retail price of $190 and will be a forever huge flex.

This project piqued the interest of the sneaker world. This is an iconic pair that has played an important role in sneaker culture’s history. Every time these two collaborate, they create beautiful pieces that are universally adored. You can’t hate a great Air Jordan 1!

As I stated in the introduction, I will limit myself to only 10 pairs since I could go on and on about them because there were so many others that I had to choose from when I decided to write this post, such as the Travis Scott x Air Jordan, Ambush x Nike, Bape x adidas, and so on. Even though it was difficult, I am pleased with the outcome. If you enjoyed this piece, I will write a follow-up in which I will introduce you to the other partnerships that are on my mind and in my heart.

As is usual, I will conclude this post with a question that I would want to discuss with you on Twitter:

Which are your all-time favorite collaborations? What makes them unique to you?

I’m looking forward to hearing your answers!

Have a wonderful day!