Morphing to the muse of our hardwoods, syncing with the rhythm of our sound systems or stepping into our silverscreens- it’s evident the sneakers we lace up hold serious weight.
Courtesy of Joel Muniz via Unsplash Images To celebrate sneaker iconography throughout the years, we look back at 10 sneakers that have changed sneaker culture forever. With no further ado, here’s our star-studded lineup below:
1. Air Jordan 1 High OG ‘Chicago’ (1985)
As cliche as it sounds, the one that ‘started it all’ has played a pivotal role in our rotations, with the Air Jordan 1 ‘Chicago’ kicking off this generational Jordan frenzy. Waving the flag for the ‘Chicago Bulls’ with its classic red and black colour scheme, the sneaker was one that would later pay homage to one of the most successful teams in ‘90s basketball.
Its cultivated rebel status was another reason why the shoe made it a grail; it was vibrant, unique and went against NBA regulations, stating that shoes are required to be 51% white. Whether or not it was actually banned by the NBA or just a brilliant Nike marketing ploy, the myth only added to its legend. Decades later, it's still the benchmark. Timeless, coveted, and untouchably cool.
2. Nike SB Dunk x Jeff Staples ‘Pigeon’ (2005)
Where were you in 2005 when Jeff Staple unleashed chaos in NYC? Hopefully not stuck in that riot outside Reed Space. With only around 150 pairs released, the ‘Pigeon’ SB Dunk turned a local drop into a global frenzy — and mainstream media was watching.
Inspired by the unshakeable spirit of New York, the shoe’s subtle grey tones and pigeon embroidery cemented it as a grail. This drop didn’t just fly, it soared into the annals of sneaker greatness.
3. Nike Air Max 95 ‘110s’ (1995)
Born on UK streets and adopted by an entire subculture, the Air Max 95 — known affectionately as the '110s' — was more than just a sneaker. It was currency in inner-city Britain. Named after its original £110 price tag, it carried status, pride, and edge.
With its anatomy-inspired design and visible Air bubbles, the 95 was built for performance but thrived in the underground, especially in grime and garage scenes. Ask any Brit from the '90s: this was the unofficial uniform.
4. Nike Mag ‘Back to the Future’ (2011)
From silver screens to charity auctions, the Nike Mag made the impossible… possible. Propelled into fame via Back to the Future Part II, this futuristic sneaker with self-lacing tech became every sneakerhead’s sci-fi dream come true.
Though it took until 2011 (and again in 2016) for real pairs to release, the Mag proved that sneakers weren’t just style statements, they were technology. Oh, and they raised millions for Parkinson’s research. Marty McFly would approve.
5. Off-White x Air Jordan 1 ‘Chicago’ (The Ten Collection - 2017)
The late, great Virgil Abloh didn’t just remix a classic; he redefined what a collaboration could be. The Off-White AJ1 ‘Chicago’ brought deconstructed design, zip ties, and Helvetica into the mainstream, launching "The Ten" as a cultural juggernaut.
With DIY aesthetic and luxury streetwear cred, it was both tribute and disruption. Virgil’s vision blurred the lines between art, fashion, and function, and the sneaker world’s never been the same since.
6. Nike Air Yeezy 2 ‘Red October’ (2014)
The drop that broke the internet. Released without warning, the 'Red October' was Kanye West's swan song with Nike — and what a way to exit.
Drenched in crimson and steeped in myth, this sneaker was the final nail in the coffin before Ye’s move to adidas. The hype was unparalleled, the scarcity even more so. It marked a turning point where artists weren’t just endorsers, they were designers.
7. adidas YEEZY Boost 350 ‘Turtle Dove’ (2015)
This is the shoe that put BOOST on the map and Kanye in every sneaker rotation from LA to Tokyo. The ‘Turtle Dove’ 350 was sleek, futuristic, and oh-so-comfortable suddenly, you could flex and feel like you were walking on clouds.
Love him or loathe him, Ye’s vision shifted the culture. The 350 wasn’t just a sneaker, it was a movement. It took performance tech and made it cool. That’s not easy.
8. New Balance 990 Series (a.k.a. the 'Loafers' for Cool Dads)
Okay, hear us out — New Balance’s 990 line might not have caused riots, but it sparked a quiet revolution. Once known for “dad vibes,” these shoes became a flex for minimalists, tastemakers, and normcore kings alike.
With collabs from Aime Leon Dore and Joe Freshgoods turning them into streetwear staples, NB became the sleeper hit of the decade. The 990? That’s comfort meets credibility.
9. Sean Wotherspoon x Nike Air Max 1/97 (2018)
Corduroy? Pastels? A hybrid of two legendary Air Max silhouettes? Sean Wotherspoon did that in 2018, and we’re still talking about it.
Voted into existence by the people, this shoe was equal parts nostalgia and innovation. A love letter to vintage culture and sustainable thinking, it was loud, lovable, and impossible to ignore. Sean turned his passion project into a grail and that’s rare.
10. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Reverse Mocha’ (2022)
Cactus Jack strikes again. The ‘Reverse Mocha’ AJ1 Low took Travis Scott’s winning formula: earth tones, backwards Swoosh, and insane hype and gave it a new twist.
It’s more than just a collab; it’s a cultural touchstone. Wherever Travis goes, the sneaker world follows. With its resell value sky-high and wearability unmatched, this low-top wonder solidified his status as the king of modern sneaker collabs.
What has been your favourite game-changing sneaker? Let us know in the comments
Next up on Crep Daily: How to Keep Your Sneakers Protected This Spring
