At Splint Invest, a few of our team members came together to create the ultimate list of the most iconic sneaker collaborations in history. From streetwear legends to high-fashion mash-ups, these partnerships have shaped culture, broken boundaries, and left sneaker fans in awe.
We’re not just talking about hype, we’re talking about influence, design innovation, and pure sneaker magic.
What makes a sneaker collaboration great?
- Redefine sneaker design
- Reflect cultural moments
- Merge two creative worlds seamlessly
- Create long-term impact beyond the hype drop
Our Top 10 Greatest Sneaker Collaborations
1. Nike x Off-White “The Ten”
Virgil Abloh’s Off-White partnership with Nike reimagined classics like the Air Jordan 1, Air Max 90, and Blazer with raw, deconstructed aesthetics. “The Ten” wasn’t just a sneaker series, it was art, and it inspired a whole new wave of design.
2. adidas x Kanye West Yeezy Boost 350
The Yeezy Boost 350 changed the sneaker world forever. Its minimal design, Primeknit upper, and heavenly Boost cushioning made it both stylish and extremely comfortable. The Yeezy hype brought adidas back into the cultural spotlight.
3. adidas x Pharrell Williams Human Race
The Human Race collection by Pharrell celebrates diversity, individuality, and color. With bold typography and vibrant palettes, these sneakers promote a message of unity while pushing adidas design boundaries.
4. Nike x Travis Scott
Travis Scott’s Nike collabs, especially the Air Force 1 and Dunk Lows, feature unique twists like reverse swooshes and earthy palettes. They combine street style with collectability, keeping resale prices sky-high.
5. Air Jordan x Dior
When Jordan Brand met Dior, sneaker culture reached luxury status. With premium leather, Dior monogram detailing, and extreme exclusivity, this was the ultimate limited-edition sneaker collab.
6. adidas x Rick Owens
Rick Owens’ futuristic approach transformed adidas sneakers into architectural, high-fashion statements. These were not just shoes, they were wearable sculptures.
7. Nike x Stüssy
The Nike x Stüssy Dunk and Air Huarache drops blended surf, skate, and streetwear culture, cementing their place as timeless classics.
8. Puma x Fenty by Rihanna
Rihanna’s Puma Creepers and trainers redefined women’s street style. Bold and edgy, they bridged the gap between sporty and high-fashion.
9. New Balance x Miu Miu
From casting stellar line-ups of faces and personalities for her seasonal shows and campaigns, to partnering with a roster of brands, Miuccia Prada knows the power of a great collaboration.
10. Reebok x Vetements
Vetements’ avant-garde vision meets Reebok’s athletic edge in one of the most experimental collabs ever, proving sneakers can be disruptive art.
What was the first major sneaker collaboration?
While there have been earlier examples, many sneaker historians point to Nike x Air Jordan 1 in 1985 as the first true cultural phenomenon.
How big is the sneaker resale market today?
The global sneaker resale market is projected to reach $6 billion in the U.S. alone by the end of 2025, with the overall global sneaker market expected to grow from $94.1 billion in 2024 to $157.9 billion by 2033. Online platforms dominate about 50% of resale sales, facilitating easy access, authentication, and price transparency.
What drives sneaker prices to increase in the resale market?
Several factors drive sneaker resale values up:
- Limited supply due to exclusive or limited-edition drops
- High demand from collectors and sneakerheads
- Celebrity and designer collaborations enhancing cultural value
- Brand reputation, with Nike and Air Jordan controlling over 70% of resale market share, while adidas has nearly 28%.
How crazy is the sneaker resale market?
The resale market is highly competitive and dynamic, some rare sneakers resell for several times their retail price, and platforms like StockX generate hundreds of millions in revenue, with StockX alone projected to hit $540.9 million in revenue by 2023. Resellers use data analytics and pricing algorithms to maximize profits, making sneaker flipping resemble a stock market.
