In the world of sneakerheads - a dedicated tribe treating sneakers as more than just shoes but as cultural artifacts - certain pairs have reached legendary status. These coveted designs spark all-day lines in rain or shine and send enthusiasts scouring the web with laser focus.
Here are eight iconic sneakers that, as Esquire suggests, might someday end up preserved in a museum rather than worn on the streets.
ADIDAS YEEZY BOOST 350
Kanye West - a name that stirs polarizing opinions in both music and fashion. Genius or controversial figure, there's no denying the phenomenon his partnership with Adidas has created.
The Yeezy Boost 350 stands at the forefront of this collaboration, selling out instantly whether it’s a store release or an online drop.
Retailing at just under 5 million VND, it’s nearly impossible to snag a pair at this price. Thanks to the hype, resale prices have skyrocketed to 15-20 million VND or higher.
COMMON PROJECTS ACHILLES LOW
At first glance, it’s just a minimal tennis-inspired sneaker, but to sneaker connoisseurs, Common Projects reigns supreme in the world of clean, minimalist style.
Crafted in Italy from premium leather, Common Projects sneakers stand out for their understated gold-stamped code near the heel, signaling luxury worth over $400.
While available in various colors, the classic white Achilles Low is the ultimate icon that solidified this New York-based brand’s reputation.
ADIDAS X RAF SIMONS OZWEEGO 2
Adidas makes another appearance, this time in collaboration with renowned designer Raf Simons. Launched in 2013, the Ozweego 2 became an instant favorite among fans of ‘90s retro aesthetics, thanks to its bold design and futuristic vibe.
HENDER SCHEME MANUAL INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 01
Japan’s Hender Scheme brings together artistry, craftsmanship, and quality. While still relatively niche, this brand is captivating sneaker fans worldwide with its handmade approach.
The MIP 01, a reimagining of Nike’s Air Force 1, showcases Hender Scheme’s bold creativity. Unique and artisanal, these sneakers don’t come cheap - expect to pay over $1,000 for these premium kicks.
NIKE AIR MAG
Arguably the most famous cinematic sneaker, the Nike Air Mag became legendary thanks to Back to the Future Part II (1989). Fans were mesmerized by its futuristic self-lacing tech and glowing soles, as seen in the movie’s 2015 depiction of the future.
In October 2015, Nike made dreams a reality with a limited release of the MAG, complete with self-lacing tech. Proceeds supported Parkinson’s disease research, making the sneaker a collector’s item with a cause.
RICK OWENS + ADIDAS RO RUN
Rick Owens isn’t your average designer - he’s a force of creativity with a bold, unconventional vision. The Ro Run, his collaboration with Adidas, redefines the boundaries of what a running shoe can look like. Expect extreme shapes and fearless design that only Rick Owens could dream up.
REEBOK ALIEN STOMPER
Straight out of sci-fi history, the Reebok Alien Stomper first appeared in James Cameron’s Aliens (1986). This futuristic design has become a grail for both sneaker enthusiasts and film buffs.
In celebration of Aliens’ 30th anniversary, Reebok re-released the Stomper - but they sold out almost instantly. Now, owning a pair often means navigating the second-hand market on platforms like eBay or Amazon.
NIKE AIR JORDAN 1
The Nike Air Jordan 1 isn’t just a sneaker; it’s a piece of basketball history. As Michael Jordan’s first signature shoe, this design quickly became a cultural icon.
While countless variations exist, the original red-and-white pair remains the holy grail for collectors, symbolizing MJ’s unparalleled legacy.
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