Brands have a long history of working with filmmakers to have their product in the movies, and sportswear is no different. Some cinematic sneakers have transcended the popularity of films they’ve been featured in, while others have been produced for commercial sale after popular demand from fans. Sneaker movies could be a category of its own on Netflix, as many of our favourite characters, and their outfit, are iconic thanks to the sneakers they wear. Whether the directors decide to zoom in on a particular detail of a sneaker, or even make it a part of the story, sneakers in movies sometimes can be as iconic as the movies themselves. What’s for certain is how memorable many are, often being the catalyst to a lifelong obsession with sneakers.
We’ve scoured film history for this list of the 20 most iconic sneakers featured in movies.
Game of Death (1978)
Sneaker: Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
The first entry in this list of the most iconic sneakers in movies belongs to a staple of Japanese fashion - Onitsuka Tiger. Bruce Lee’s contribution to Onitsuka Tiger’s legacy has been great, especially in his final film, Game of Death, where Lee sports a pair of yellow/black Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s that have since became synonymous with his style. These also featured a different side-stripe that was used on some models at the time. However, alongside this pair Lee’s character Billy Lo is also seen wearing a white/black version. This continuity discrepancy is due to the fact that Game of Death began filming in 1972 and halted when Lee left to work on Enter the Dragon. In 1973 he died unexpectedly, leaving the production company to finish the film using two doubles, one of whom wore the white colorway in an attempt to replicate Lee’s signature look.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Sneaker: Vans Checkerboard Slip-On
Fast Times at Ridgemont High’s SoCal setting provided the perfect vehicle for Vans’ Checkerboard Slip-On in its OG black/white colorway, where Sean Penn’s turn as stoner surfer Jeff Spicoli thrust the brand into the spotlight. Director Amy Heckerling explains how they wound up in the film: “In those days, a lot of actors could decide what they wanted as their costume. This was before the days of product placement and before you had to clear products before using them on film. I grew up in Bronx, New York, and when I came on to direct the movie, I wasn’t really familiar with Southern California culture. Sean Penn, who played Jeff Spicoli brought in the Vans checkered slip-ons himself, and I really liked them…I trusted his judgment.” One of the best movies showcasing the early days of SoCal fashion, this movie is by far one of the best representation of how to bring a new sneaker into popular culture through filmmaking.
The Terminator (1984)
Sneaker: Nike Vandal
When Kyle Reese is sent back in time to protect Sarah Connor from the Terminator, he arrives completely naked, before picking up some clothes after breaking into a department store while on the run from police. There he picks up a pair of Nike Vandals in a fitting black/silver/white colorway and marking the beginning of an iconic imagery in the world of sneakers in movies.
Decades later when his character was re-introduced in Terminator Genisys, Nike were keen to outfit Reese in a more updated silhouette, using the Air Force One as a base. However, the film’s costume designer, Susan Matheson, was insistent that the Vandal was key to the film’s continuity, especially when considering how the original film elevated the shoe’s status. In the end Nike sided with Matheson and created Vandal replicas for the film.
The Goonies (1985)
Sneaker: Nike Air Sky Force Hi
Once again we see shoes that have been written into the script, however Data’s Nike Air Sky Force Hi actually serve in progressing the film’s plot. The “slick shoes” were a genius move, releasing oil from the heel and in turn thwarting the Fratellis, at least for a little while. It’s worth mentioning that there are numerous Nikes throughout the film – clearly they had a deal on The Goonies. Brandon dons the Nike Vandal Supreme, while Chunk sports a pair of Terra TCs, for a timeless moment for Nikes in movies.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Sneaker: Nike Internationalist
Footwear doesn’t take center stage in this classic John Hughes movie, but it was certainly memorable when nerd Brian, played by Anthony Michael Hall, showed up to Saturday detention in Nike’s Internationalist silhouette in the OG Royal Blue/Yellow colorway. Naturally in a movie set in high school there are plenty of other sneakers present, including Converse All Stars—black and beaten up of course—but it’s the Internationalists that remain stuck in our minds.
Aliens (1986)
Sneaker: Reebok Alien Stomper
When it comes to sneakers in movies, this entry is particular. Ripley’s space boots are no ordinary shoes, but rather a pair of custom-designed Reeboks known as the Alien Stomper. Highlighted onscreen during one of the film’s more nerve-wracking moments, the sneakers weren’t released until one year after the film came out. Since then there have been a few retro releases, culminating in a big drop in honor of the original film’s 40th anniversary. This shoe is a staple in the horror movie sneaker category, and one for the ages in the resale and vintage markets.
Big (1988)
Sneaker: Nike Air Force II
Nike clearly dominated the ‘80s with product placements in the right films and Big is no exception. The Tom Hanks flick is perhaps most remembered for the scene at FAO Schwarz, where Hanks’ character Josh plays on the giant light up piano – echoing Josh’s own larger than life transformation. Here he wears the Air Force II in a white/blue colorway, while in other scenes Nike’s Air Support makes an appearance.
Do the Right Thing (1989)
Sneaker: Air Jordan IV
Probably more than any other film on this list, Do the Right Thing’s influence on sneaker culture is immeasurable. It’s an incredible film in its own right that also features a stellar lineup of sneaker silhouettes, as well as some key sneaker-related plot details that push the narrative forward. Without a doubt the most iconic moment belongs to Giancarlo Esposito’s Buggin’ Out and his scuffed Air Jordan IV’s – Spike Lee’s metaphor for the gentrification of Brooklyn.
However, keep an eye out for Radio Raheem’s Nike Air Revolution and Mookie’s Nike Air Trainer II “Medicine Ball”, as well as pizzeria owner Sal’s white/navy Cortez. He is such a sneaker obsessive you could focus just an entire research on the best sneakers in Spike Lee's movies alone.
Back to the Future Part II (1989)
Sneaker: Nike Air Mag
Certainly one of the most iconic movie sneaker moments on this list, the Air Mag was designed by Tinker Hatfield for when Doc Brown and Marty McFly go to the then-futuristic year of 2015. Featuring self-fastening laces and light-up panels, the Air Mag became a truly unattainable holy grail. That is until 2011, when Nike and Hatfield created the shoe for real, releasing them in a limited quantity for auction, with proceeds going towards the Michael J. Fox Foundation for research into Parkinson’s disease. Then on October 21, 2015 AKA “future day”, Nike unveiled a self-lacing pair that would be released the following year. An even more limited supply of those was auctioned off with proceeds once again going towards Parkinson’s research.
Batman (1989)
Sneaker: Nike Air Trainer II
Tim Burton’s Batman might seem camp by today’s standards, but his noir-ish vision of the original comic books contributed greatly to the dark and serious tone the superhero enjoys today. Batman’s costume was part of this shift, as Burton wanted an all-black Batsuit, while producer Jon Peters insisted on Nike product placement. The result? An iconic sneaker in movie moment. Sculpted latex for the suit and custom Bo Jackson Air Trainer III’s as Batman’s footwear, all in black of course. They’re not all that noticeable throughout due to the expressionist lighting and art direction, but they’re a milestone for Nike and superhero fans alike.
White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
Sneaker: Nike Air Command Force
The entirety of White Men Can’t Jump is an iconic sneaker moment in time, with the basketball movie acting as a showcase for not only the coolest sneakers of the early ‘90s, but stylish clothes as well. Perhaps most memorable are Billy Hoyle’s (Woody Harrelson) Air Command Force kicks, particularly in the dunk competition scene where Sidney Deane (Wesley Snipes) leans over to pump some air into Billy’s shoes. Sidney wore the Nike Air Flight Lite throughout, while the rest of the cast can be seen sporting everything from the Air Jordan V and VIs to adidas’ Artillery model and L.A. Gear Catapult. There are even baby Jordans!
The Sandlot (1993)
Sneaker: PF Flyer
When product placement is done well in a movie, it feels natural and often necessary to the plot. Such is the case in The Sandlot, when Benny unboxes a fresh pair of PF Flyers ahead of his showdown with the Beast. Though it’s funny because the narrator dictates as if it were an actual television commercial—“Shoes guaranteed to make a kid run faster and jump higher: PF Flyers”—while Benny swaps his not particularly worn out PF Flyers for a brand new pair of the exact same model. Despite the hard sell, this scene was one of the best in a movie that sums up what it means to be a kid, down to the excitement and confidence boost of a fresh pair of kicks.
Robin Hood: Men In Tights (1993)
Sneaker: Reebok Pump Omni Zone
This sneaker movie moment might have fallen by the way side, but Dave Chappelle and Cary Elwes in a Mel Brooks parody of Robin Hood is definitely one to dig up from the past. I won’t ruin the punchline for you, just do yourself a favor and watch the clip.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Sneaker: Nike Cortez
Nike’s Cortez silhouette is one of the brand’s most iconic, but it would be amiss to not give credit to Forrest Gump for boosting its popularity. After Jenny gifts Forrest a pair of the OG White/Varsity Royal/Varsity Red colorway, he’s seen running literally all over the country in them, harkening back to the sneaker’s original purpose as Nike’s first track shoe.
Space Jam (1996)
Sneaker: Air Jordan XI “Space Jam”
An epic release for an epic time in MJ’s career, the Air Jordan XI “Space Jam” is still one of the most sought after in the XI silhouette. Jordan debuted the pair on court in the 1995 Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic, and they’ve since had a limited but interesting history of retro releases. Space Jam boasts a few other Jordan Brand cameos, including the IX and X, while Bill Murray wears the Air Jordan 2s during the final game. If it's a basketball movie, rest assured the sneakers will play a key role in it.
George of the Jungle (1997)
Sneaker: Nike Air More Uptempo
This entry is more of a so-bad-it’s-good situation. Brendan Fraser, as the primitive George, arrives back in his African homeland—shipped in a crate by UPS, no less—only to bust outside, unbox a pair of Nike Air More Uptempos, lace up and start running into the plains ahead. And er', that’s the scene. Nike were veterans of product placement by this point in time, so perhaps it was an experimental move attempting such a non sequitur cameo.
He Got Game (1998)
Sneaker: Air Jordan XIII
Spike Lee’s basketball film He Got Game features a ton of sneakers, but the key moment goes to Denzel Washington as Jake Shuttlesworth aka Ray Allen shopping for the Air Jordan XIII. The scene acts like a cinematic unboxing video before cutting directly to Jake giving his new kicks a spin on the court.
Like Mike (2002)
Sneaker: Nike Blazer
Lil Bow Wow stars in this family movie about a young orphan who stumbles upon a pair of Michael Jordan’s old Nike Blazers from his childhood, and upon wearing them becomes an incredible basketball player, just like Mike. It’s a feel-good, early ‘00s film that, like Space Jam before it, features a truly great soundtrack complete with basketball-themed lead song and makes the list as one of the best sneakers in movies moment.
Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Sneaker: Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi LE
As with most of Quentin Tarantino’s oeuvre, this memorable sneaker moment was pilfered from the greats of Asian cinema, in a nod to Bruce Lee’s iconic yellow-and-black fighting suit complete with matching Onitsuka Tigers. However, while Lee rocked the Mexico 66 silhouette, the Bride opted for the more streamlined Tai Chi LE model. Though the scene certainly did the costuming justice, down to the shot from underneath that highlights the ornate “Fuck U” etched into the soles.
The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004)
Sneaker: adidas Rom “Zissou”
Finally a starring feature for adidas, the German sportswear giant created the Rom “Zissou” specifically for Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou. They took a regular Rom silhouette and personalized it with various shades of blue—to match the crew’s costumes—yellow laces and a bespoke “Zissou” in lieu of the shoe’s original “Rom” text. Fans were eager to get their hands on a pair, however adidas held out on releasing replicas all the way until 2017, 13 years after the film’s original release. When they did however, they were limited to only 100 pairs, upsetting a lot of fans.
Blue Chips (1993)
Sneaker: Reebok Pump Vertical
Shaq in his prime and Penny on the rise. This film was a must-watch for sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans around the wolr. Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway laced up the Reebok Pump Vertical during the All Star Game and the rest is movie history. A must watch for sport and basketballheads, and to discover an iconic sneaker and an iconic movie.
You People (2023)
Sneaker: UNDEFEATED x Nike Kobe 5 Protro
For a movie totally devoted to show what modern loves means and the couple's family dynamics amidst clashing cultures, societal expectations and different career paths, the 2023 Netflix movie You People has way too many sneaker moments but by far one of our favourites has been the UNDEFEATED x Nike Kobe 5 Proto. While in an LA barbershop, Hill (attempted) to bond with Eddie Murphy, who plays the father of Hill's girlfriend, while suited up in Lakers gear, he rocks the shoe in total discomfort at the awkward situation that is about to unfold. Thank god he redeemed himself a few moments later at the basketball court!
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