Unless you’ve been out of the loop for the last couple of decades, you’ve no doubt heard of several famous celebrity-sneaker collabs. There’s far too many to list in this quick guide, but no doubt several big names to come mind: Run DMC (arguably one of the first celebs to collab with a brand), Kendrick Lamar, Selena Gomez, and Kid Cudi. Of course, no list would be complete without mentioning Puma shoes Rihanna partnerships. Those looking for celebrity-inspired details to inject panache into their personal style may look to these collaborations for inspiration. Before you shop for your next pair of kicks,
Table of Contents
Cardi B With Reebok: The Zig Kinetica
Cardi B’s deal with Reebok is one of the best known from the late 2010s. The artist signed a deal with the shoe company in November 2018, and this collab has led to the iconic Zig Kinetica sneaker plus the Meet You There apparel line. With both collections in high demand, the rapper’s popularity continues to soar. Available in both women’s and men’s editions, the Zig Kinetica combines futuristic street style with energy-returning footwear technologies.
Donald Glover and Adidas: Three Iconic Kicks
Actor, musician, and songwriter Donald Glover paired up with Adidas to release three new sneaker styles in Spring 2019: the Nizza, the Continental 80, and the Lacombe. The partnership, dubbed Donald Glover Presents, produced several sneaker models that exhibit timeless character with their clean minimalistic design and deconstructed details. With their nostalgia-inspired designs, these three styles bring exquisite comfort and retro sensibilities into the 2020s.
Serena Williams With Nike: The NikeCourt Flare 2
With 23 Grand Slam singles titles and other accolades under her belt, Serena Williams is indisputably a 21st-century icon. Nike thought so, too, and it approached Williams for a sneaker collab in 2018. As one product of this lucrative partnership, NikeCourt’s Flare 2 sneaker incorporates key features such as a supportive lacing system, lightweight cushioning, super-durable rubber outsoles, and added foam padding in the heel region. The future continues to look bright for Williams, and the Flare 2 remains a strongly popular style.
Rihanna and Puma: A Legendary Partnership
As Barbados’ finest, Rihanna is a powerhouse superstar with a killer voice and trendsetting style. It’s no wonder that Puma wanted to collab with the artist, and this partnership has produced several of the 2010s’ and 2020s’ best Puma sneakers: the Creeper, the Chelsea sneaker boot, and the Mid Geo trainer. Together, Rihanna and Puma have also developed the Fenty Puma activewear collection. With future musical projects in the works, her multi-genre approach to her art, and her position as creative director with the Puma brand, her star power shows no signs of stopping any time soon.
These are just a few examples of notable celebrity-sneaker brand collabs, which have moved far beyond the traditional athlete-brand partnerships that produced Nike’s Air Jordan collections first released in the mid-1980s. While Nike’s reach has expanded, brands like Adidas, Reebok, and Puma have thoroughly embraced celebrity collabs. Whether Gigi Hadid’s Reebok styles caught your eye, you’re looking for Led Zeppelin’s Vans collection or you’re eying Rihanna’s Pumas for sale, you’ve got plenty to choose from for star-inspired footwear.
Comments