Nike is about as close as it comes to a behemoth in the sneaker and sportswear industry. Nike sneakers — immediately recognizable thanks to their Swoosh branding — are some of the best, most stylish, and most popular sneakers across a wide variety of sports and categories — including lifestyle. The Oregon-based brand that originated as a ASICS distributor and has since grown into one of the most valuable companies in the world, produces everything from specialty, sports-specific shoes, to purely lifestyle models, as well as some of the most technologically-advanced sneakers.
The dominance of Nike sneakers was first established through high-quality, industry-leading running sneakers, with which the brand made its name in the ’70s. Since then, Nike has positioned itself as an all-encompassing giant, producing soccer cleats and basketball shoes for some of the world’s greatest athletes, as well as collaborating with some of the hottest designers and brands.
These collaborators include recurring collections with COMME des GARÇONS, Off-White™, UNDERCOVER, and Matthew Williams to name a few. The collaborative Nike sneakers are often unveiled at fashion weeks around the world, adding to the allure and exclusivity of the brand. With so many collaborations and different types of Nike sneakers, it can get difficult to keep up with all of the releases, which is why we’ve put together a comprehensive list of some of the best Nike sneakers from recent years.
Scroll through below to discover some underrated general releases, hidden gems, or absolute classic Nike sneakers.
Nike x COMME des GARÇONS Air Force 1 Mid
Brand:Nike x COMME des GARÇONS
Model: Air Force 1 Mid
Key Features: The sneaker is made up of deconstructed white leather along the upper, as well as surplus material around the Swoosh, toe box, laces and heel. The excess leather appears to be sensitive to creasing, which is typical for most Air Force 1 models.
Release Date: TBA
Buy: TBA
Editor’s Notes: This Nike collaboration was revealed at COMME des GARÇONS's Paris Fashion Week FW20 women's show. Showcasing CdG branding on the ankle strap, the sneaker is set to arrive in black and white colorways.
Nike x atmos Air Max 95
Brand: Nike x atmos
Model: Air Max 95
Key Features: This iteration arrives in a loud University Red colorway accompanied by crisp white soles that glow in the dark.
Release Date: March 2020
Buy: atmos
Editor’s Notes: Following their February 2019 collaboration, Nike once again teamed up with the Japanese retailer atmos to drop another "Mt. Fuji" Air Max 95.
Nike Air Max 90 “Reverse Duck Camo”
Brand: Nike
Model: Air Max 90 “Reverse Duck Camo”
Key Features: This colorway flips the infrared and black color-blocking on the original “Duck Camo” Air Max 90 but leaves the eye-catching duck camo on the mudguard and side panel intact.
Release Date: March 2020
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: Nike confirmed that a flipped version of the Nike x atmos Air Max 90 “Duck Camo” will release as part of 2020's Air Max Day celebrations.
Nike LeBron 17 "Mr. Swackhammer"
Brand: Nike
Model: LeBron 17 "Mr. Swackhammer"
Key Features: The cool colorway is inspired by the villainous Space Jam character Mr. Swackhammer. The upper is composed of neon green Knitposite that is further enhanced with woven, multicolored detailing around the heel. Swackhammer’s scaly exterior is referenced on the tongue. The cushioned Max Air midsole is done up in blue, and the insole is finished off with Space Jam branding.
Release Date: February 2020
Buy: GOAT
Editor’s Notes: The sneakers celebrate LeBron’s upcoming role in the Space Jam sequel, due out 2021.
Nike ACG Air Terra Antarktik GTX
Brand: Nike ACG
Model: Air Terra Antarktik GTX
Key Features: The GORE-TEX-equipped Air Terra Antarktik features an Air midsole for a comfortable ride and a technical upper that is sure to please the Gorpcore enthusiasts out there.
Release Date: January 2020
Buy: GOAT
Editor’s Notes: Nike’s ACG range, which has been around since 1989, has undergone changes in leadership, technology, and design but one thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that ACG gear works as intended: in all conditions.
Nike x UNDERCOVER React Presto
Brand: Nike x UNDERCOVER
Model: React Presto
Key Features: The React Presto combines the OG Presto’s comfortable, hug-like upper with new-age React foam cushioning in the midsole. UNDERCOVER remixes the silhouette with speckled detailing, a busier-than-usual upper, and three distinct colorways.
Release Date: January 2020
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: This project took cues from the duo’s previous collaboration, the React Boot, which can be seen on the outsole pattern and busy upper. As with previous Nike x UNDERCOVER collaborations, speckled detailing can be found on the toe box, midsole, lace cage, and heel.
Nike x CLOT Air Force 1 "Rose Gold"
Brand: Nike x CLOT
Model: Air Force 1 "Rose Gold"
Key Features: The shoe’s rose gold colorway is offset nicely by a clean white midsole and a tan gum outsole, as well as gold detail at the laces. It continues CLOT’s melding of Eastern and Western culture through the embroidered silk aesthetic, also seen on the retailer’s collabs with Jordan Brand.
Release Date: January 2020
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: StockX market data shows that the shoe attracted bids of around three times its retail price, reaching a 52-week high of $1,226.
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%
Brand: Nike
Model: Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%
Key Features: Nike’s Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% features the addition of two Nike Air Zoom pods in the forefoot, adding extra cushioning designed for impact protection and performance. The pods' exposed design allows them the freedom to expand in all directions and maximize their responsiveness.
Release Date: February 2020 (wider distribution is expected later this year)
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: Even before its official unveiling, the shoe was marred in controversy after the Eliud Kipchoge-fronted Breaking2 initiative, for which Nike sought to break the sub-two hour marathon record. After Kipchoge completed a 1:59:40 marathon under unofficial conditions (he ran with a group of rotating pacemakers), World Athletics announced an investigation into whether or not Nike’s new technology provided an unfair advantage to athletes, with the conclusion that they constitute fair use.
Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%
Brand: Nike
Model: Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%
Key Features: The Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% features many of the same innovations as the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%, including a more flexible composite plate, forefoot and midfoot ZoomX foam, React foam in the heel, Nike’s new Air Zoom Pods, and a special Flyknit upper with a built-in fit band to offer additional containment.
Release Date: Summer 2020
Buy: Nike
Editor’s Notes: The Nike Zoom pack is scheduled to release during the Spring/Summer 2020 season.
Nike Zoom Viperfly
Brand: Nike
Model: Zoom Viperfly
Key Features: The Viperfly track spike has been fine-tuned for the 100m event set to take place at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Featuring many components from the Alphafly NEXT% elite runner, the Viperfly boasts a built-in Nike Air Zoom bag, carbon fiber plate, and Atomknit upper.
Release Date: Summer 2020
Buy: Nike
Editor’s Notes: The Zoom Viperfly focuses on the last 20 meters of the sprint. According to Nike, the brand’s footwear design team started from scratch for 2020, examining their spike design ethos from a fresh perspective.
Nike x Matthew Williams Zoom MMW 4
Brand: Nike x Matthew Williams
Model: Zoom MMW 4
Key Features: The Zoom MMW 4 is set to arrive in black and white colorways, with "MMW" branding on the heel counter as well as inner sole. In addition, an exaggerated heel is featured as well as an angular toe and elongated outsole.
Release Date: Summer 2020
Buy: TBA
Editor’s Notes: The Nike x Matthew Williams Zoom MMW 4 continues the Swoosh's collaboration with the ALYX designer. While no set release date has been announced, fans can expect the sneaker to release sometime this year.
Nike SB Dunk Low “Raygun”
Brand: Nike SB
Model: Dunk Low “Raygun”
Key Features: As with the original "Raygun" release, orange and yellow hues on the upper contrast with the black leather forefoot, with a special alien graphic on the lateral heel. The new style differentiates itself with tie-dye print instead of the original color-blocking and a “58” tag on the inside of the tongue.
Release Date: December 2019
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: Nike SB brought back one of the most beloved Dunks of its golden era, the “Raygun” colorway that originally dropped in 2005. The colorway returned as a tribute to the late Sandy Bodecker, the veteran Nike employee and godfather of Nike SB who passed away in 2018.
The original release got its name from the Roswell Rayguns, a fictional ABA team that was the focus of a Nike ad campaign during the 2002 NBA Playoffs and shared the same color scheme. The “Raygun” was a known favorite of Bodecker’s, and he was often seen wearing a tie dye Rayguns hoodie, which is where the sneaker’s color scheme was taken from.
Nike x Colin Kaepernick Air Force 1 Low
Brand: Nike x Colin Kaepernick
Model: Air Force 1 Low
Key Features: The luxe black leather upper is embellished with a gradient Swoosh and distinctive detailing in white. The shoe also incorporates a series of graphics including a portrait of the athlete embroidered on the heel tab and Kaepernick branding on the tongue. Underfoot on the translucent sole sit the digits “081416,” referencing the first time the sportsman took a knee prematch in the name of social justice.
Release Date: December 2019
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: Nike and NFL free-agent quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, continued their galvanizing partnership with this rendition of the classic Air Force 1..
Nike x COMME des GARÇONS Homme Plus Air Max 95
Brand: Nike x COMME des GARÇONS Homme Plus
Model: Air Max 95
Key Features: The biggest change to the iconic Air Max 95 silhouette comes in the form of deconstructed side panels featuring additional foam to exaggerate the silhouette’s signature lines as well as excess fabric. Similar design details were used on the previous ACG Mowabb and Shox TL collaborations.
Release Date: February 2020
Buy: SSENSE
Editor’s Notes: First unveiled at Paris Fashion Week SS20, the Nike x COMME des GARÇONS Homme Plus Air Max 95 was released again in February 2020, following initial drops through COMME des GARÇONS and Dover Street Market.
Nike x MMW Joyride CC3 Setter
Brand: Nike x MMW
Model: Joyride CC3 Setter
Key Features: 1017 ALYX 9SM founder Matthew Williams took on Nike’s Joyride technology and decided to tuck the proprietary beads away from sight. This model is designed for high-intensity interval workouts that take you outdoors.
Release Date: December 2019
Buy: Nike
Editor’s Notes: The Joyride CC3 Setter released as part of Williams’ third Nike collection.
Nike x size? Air Ghost Racer
Brand: Nike x size?
Model: Air Ghost Racer
Key Features: A double blue and yellow Swoosh sits on the sidewalls, but the real show stopper is a stack of three suede and snakeskin overlays on the heel in red, green, and blue. Rounding out the bold colorway are hints of camo and cheetah print.
Release Date: December 2019
Buy: GOAT
Editor’s Notes: The Air Ghost Racer is named for Mark Nenow, a humble and reclusive runner who worked with Nike on the sneaker.
Nike Air Force 1 GTX
Brand: Nike
Model: Air Force 1 GTX
Key Features: The standard Air Force 1 already does a decent job of warding off off rain and snow, but a fully winterized high-top version featuring a bungee system and a GORE-TEX membrane does so even better.
Release Date: November 2019
Buy: Nike
Editor’s Notes: This GORE-TEX version of an all-time classic is the perfect way to wear your favorite silhouette in any condition.
Nike x CLOT x fragment design Air Force 1 “Black Silk”
Brand: Nike x CLOT x fragment design
Model: Air Force 1 “Black Silk”
Key Features: The inspired use of CLOT’s Silk Royale pattern is a standout feature of the regal “Black Silk” colorway. As with all previous Nike x CLOT Air Force 1s, the silk upper reveals a mystery base layer. Here, the tearaway black silk upper showcases a red leather base, with a similar print to the removable layer
Release Date: November 2019
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: Nike and Hong Kong’s CLOT followed up their Air Force 1 “Blue Silk” with a black iteration. The offering was a three-way collaboration with Japanese streetwear label fragment design.
Nike Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail GTX
Brand: Nike
Model: Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail GTX
Key Features: The tough, waterproof GORE-TEX membrane upper, along with the rugged sole and cushioned midsole make for an excellent trail-running shoe.
Release Date: October 2019
Buy: GOAT
Editor’s Notes: Nike dropped this model in two distinct colorways: the muted Black/Thunder gray, as well as the attention-grabbing Galactic Jade/Black. The latter features a tan midsole and Nike’s signature shade of orange on the sole. Both of the sneakers tuck away GORE-TEX’s branding behind the Swoosh, while Nike’s trail running logo appears on the shoe’s medial.
Nike x COMME des GARÇONS Outburst
Brand: Nike x COMME des GARÇONS
Model: Outburst
Key Features: The Nike x COMME des GARÇONS Outburst features a black leather upper, tonal branding, a detachable COMME des GARÇONS chain, and three Velcro straps.
Release Date: October 2019
Buy: GOAT
Editor’s Notes: The sneaker features a tonal Nike Swoosh and COMME des GARÇONS branding, and is decorated with a detachable CDG chain.
Nike x Cactus Plant Flea Market VaporMax
Brand: Nike x Cactus Plant Flea Market
Model: VaporMax
Key Features: Nike collaborated with Cynthia Lu for this take on the VaporMax. The deconstructed design includes an exposed-seam mesh upper, underscored by a cord Swoosh and a smiley face at heel.
Release Date: May 2019
Buy: GOAT
Editor’s Notes: Frank Ocean, Lil Uzi Vert, A$AP Rocky, and Tremaine Emory were among the lucky few to receive a pair of these collaborative sneakers. Available mostly in smaller sizes for women, this partnership was among the best sneaker collaborations of 2019.
The best Nike sneakers
Nike x COMME des GARÇONS Air Force 1 Mid
Nike x atmos Air Max 95
Nike Air Max 90 “Reverse Duck Camo”
Nike LeBron 17 “Mr. Swackhammer”
Nike ACG Air Terra Antarktik GTX
Nike x UNDERCOVER React Presto
Nike x CLOT Air Force 1 "Rose Gold"
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%
Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%
Nike Zoom Vipefly
Nike x Matthew Williams Zoom MMW 4
Nike SB Dunk Low “Raygun”
Nike x Colin Kaepernick Air Force 1 Low
Nike x COMME des GARÇONS Homme Plus Air Max 95
Nike x MMW Joyride CC3 Setter
Nike x size? Air Ghost Racer
Nike Air Force 1 GTX
Nike x CLOT x fragment design Air Force 1 “Black Silk”
Nike Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail GTX
Nike x COMME des GARÇONS Outburst
Nike x Cactus Plant Flea Market VaporMax
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you wash Nike sneakers?
To wash Nike sneakers you need four items: a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush, warm water, laundry detergent and a sponge or soft cloth.
1. Use a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush to rid the sole of excess dirt. 2. Mix the laundry detergent with warm water until you have a soapy solution. 3. Dampen a sponge or soft cloth with the solution from step 2 to clean the dirtiest areas. 4. Using warm water, wipe off the sneakers with a separate sponge or soft cloth to remove excess cleaner. 5. Let your sneakers air dry.
Where are Nike sneakers made?
Most Nike sneakers are made in China or Vietnam. Nike also produces sneakers in Indonesia and Thailand.
How much are Nike sneakers?
Nike sneakers vary in cost depending on model. Nike sneakers can cost as little as $40 on sale up to $300 for rare silhouettes. However, hyped Nike sneakers can resell for much more on sites like eBay, Grailed, StockX and GOAT, something Nike has no control over.
