These Are Your Favorite Rappers' Go-to Sneakers
The sneaker business is booming and rappers are at the forefront of the culture with everyday social media posts that flex their kick-game muscle. Often taking to Instagram to show off their rare pairs and exclusives, notable hip-hop artists prove that stunting is a habit. But just like the everyday sneakerhead, MCs also have pairs that they wear on a regular basis, and they’re not always of the rare variety.
Whether a sneaker looks good with their outfit, catches the eyes of Instagram lurkers, or is just plain comfortable, rappers have go-to kicks they rock more often than others, no matter what the situation. Almost every sneaker enthusiast who has a deep sneaker collection owns that one versatile pair they can slide on to make a quick run to the corner store or for a night out on the town. Sneakerhead MCs, though they may have hundreds more pairs than common folk, also have that one sneaker they like to wear for any occasion. Rappers—they’re not so different than us after all. Here’s a look at your favorite rappers' go-to sneakers.
Wiz KhalifaGo-to sneakers: Chuck Taylors / Vans
When Wiz Khalifa burst onto the scene in the late ’00s, he became known for his heavy bud-smoking, hit-making ability, and his penchant for wearing Converse All-Stars. Calling his crew the Taylor Gang (both to pay homage to his Pittsburgh-area high school and his love of Chuck Taylors), it was rare to see the rapper in anything but Chucks. As he became a household name off the strength of “Black and Yellow,” Converse took notice and partnered with Wiz in 2013 for the “Wiz Khalifa Collection.” More recently, Wiz has sprinkled in Vans SK8’s (both high and low-cut) into his rotation and the look is catching on as more and more rappers are lacing up the classic skate shoe.
Jay ZGo-to sneakers: Jordan III
Businessman Hov is more often than not caught in high-end fashion footwear these days. But when it comes to running around the city with baby Blue, Jay slides on the Jordan III. Jay Z has rocked Black/Cement IIIs, Air Jordan III '88s, Cement/Gray IIIs, Sport Blue IIIs and so on and so forth throughout his illustrious career, making his collection of IIIs as impressive as MJ's himself. Ever the trendsetter, it's no coincidence that Jordan IIIs remain one of the most in-demand sneakers on the market and sell out immediately upon release.
WaleGo-to sneaker: Nike Foamposites / Nike Boots
Before every rapper became a sneakerhead and started getting free kicks, Wale was roaming the streets of D.C. searching stores for the hottest pairs on the scene. Even though the sneaker boom has turned every Tom, Dick, and Harry into a hypebeast, Wale remains one of the most respected people in the sneaker game and has undoubtedly impacted the sneaker culture as a trendsetter. The D.C. native was instrumental in helping Foamposties reach a new level of popularity and will always be attached to the sneaker anytime it is brought up. Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention his song “Nike Boots,” which serves as an ode to the popular ACG boot and helped him burst onto the national scene.
Curren$yGo-to sneakers: adidas Shell Toes
Spitta’s style catches attention for its simple but clean look. Frequently rocking throwback jerseys, BBC sweatshirts, and adidas sweatpants, Curren$y’s look is effortless. Though he has an enviable sneaker collection and counts a plethora of Jordans and Nikes among his top choices, Curren$y is frequently seen on social media keeping it classic with low-top adidas Superstars. Much like the New Orleans rapper's flow, the adidas Superstars seldom disappoint, having shown the versatility to be worn with virtually anything.
RaekwonGo-to sneakers: New Balance 574
An OG fashion icon, Raekwon etched his name into the hip-hop stylebook when he rocked the Snow Beach Polo jacket in the “Can It All Be So Simple” video. Since that moment, Rae has been regarded as one of the more fashion-forward and trendsetting rappers in the game. While more and more rappers turn to high-end footwear, “The Chef” holds it down for those who prefer substance over style, and rocks a rotation of classic New Balance 574s.
Kanye WestGo-to sneaker: adidas Yeezy Boost
Before dressing in more form-fitting clothing was cool, Kanye was doing it. Before every producer searched high and low for soul samples to make hit songs, Kanye was doing it. Before rappers were getting into the high-fashion world, Kanye was doing it. And before rappers were even thinking about signature sneakers, Kanye was plotting his own look. Kanye’s adidas Yeezy Boost and Yeezy Boost 350 are two of the most in-demand sneakers out and when Kanye isn’t debuting his latest fashion line, he’s rocking his sig look with ease.
DrakeGo-to sneakers: OVO Jordan Collection
Drake's sneaker collection will make any sneakerhead green with envy and he only welcomed more jealousy when news of a Jordan collaboration started to leak. Never afraid to stunt on the competition, Drake has been wearing nothing but exclusive Jordan x OVO kicks for a minute now and whips sneaker fanatics and blogs into a frenzy every time he's spotted in a new pair. Having already debuted OVO X's, OVO XII's, OVO III's and with OVO VIII's on the way, it's safe to say that Drake has both the rap and kick game on lock.
Kendrick LamarGo-to sneakers: Reebok Ventilator
Kendrick Lamar has had arguably the biggest year in music and he topped it off with a signature look from Reebok. The Kendrick Lamar Reebok Ventilator took a bit of a political stand and preached unity through footwear sneakers with "Red" (referring to Bloods) embroidered on one heel and "Blue" (Crips) on the other. The message resonated as the rapper's version of the Ventilators flew off the shelves. From a little-known regional MC to doing songs with Taylor Swift and a top-selling Reebok collab, few can say they've reached the heights Kendrick Lamar has in such a short time.
Action BronsonGo-to sneakers: adidas Boost
In a hip-hop world that is blurring the lines between streetwear and high fashion, Action Bronson proves that there’s still room for everyday leisure wear. Wearing shorts and oversized T-shirts on the regular, “Bronsolino” brings his lounge-worthy look all over the globe. He's shown his affinity for rocking classics from brands like Asics and New Balance, but as of late, Bronson has cosied up to the popular adidas Boost, even going as far as to say that it's the "greatest shoe ever made." Looks like that #CozyBoy lifestyle is getting a much-needed, well, boost.
EminemGo-to sneakers: Nike Air Max LTD
At over 40 years old, Marshall Mathers is still going strong and remains one of the most recognizable (and richest) faces in rap. Throughout his lengthy career, Em’s style hasn’t changed much. Still favoring hoodies, baggy pants, and a hat, “Slim Shady” kept his sneaker picks consistent as well, with an ever-changing rotation of Nike Air Max LTDs.
StalleyGo-to sneakers: Air Jordan IV
Easily one of the biggest sneakerheads in hip-hop, Stalley’s collection is one of the deepest and most versatile out there. Despite the plethora of sneakers, Stalley often goes with his ol’ faithful: the Jordan IV. Whether rocking the stage or touching the hardwood while showing off his more-than-decent hoop game, Stalley often busts out a pair of arguably the best looking Air Jordans of all-time.
J. ColeGo-to sneaker: Jordan I
On his latest album cover for 2014 Forest Hills Drive, Cole is rocking a pair of crisp Jordan I “Carmines” and has been spotted in various versions of the shoe that changed the sneaker world since its debut. At OVO Fest, he touched the stage in the AJ1 “Chicago,” and when he made his press run for the album, he performed on the late-night circuit in a pair of “Black/Royal” 1s. Cole is one of the more polarizing MCs in the game, but one thing hip-hop heads can’t debate is his taste in kicks.
Big SeanGo-to sneakers: adidas Metro
During Big Sean's trip to the adidas store with Joe La Puma, he cited the Metro Attitude as one of his favorite sneakers ever. Sean was fortunate enough to collab with adidas on a pair of Metro Attitudes and drew design inspiration from his time in Hawaii with G.O.O.D. Music where he was recording with Kanye and the crew during the spring of 2013. The hi top Attitude is one of Sean's go-to sneakers when he graces the stage and we should be seeing Sean rock the sneaker made famous by Patrick Ewing for years to come.
A$AP RockyGo-to sneakers: Raf Simons Stan Smith
When A$AP Rocky burst onto the scene in 2011 with the music video for "Purple Swag," one of the lasting images was a close-up shot of the A$AP frontman wearing a pair of Jeremy Scott Wings adidas while riding down a Harlem street sitting on the handlebars of a bike. Since that moment, Rocky has transformed to a fashion icon, gracing the pages of notable fashion magazines and becoming a fixture at fashion shows across the globe but he still says those kicks are his favorite of all-time. More recently, however, Rocky has hopped on another go-to adidas model, the Raf Simons Stan Smith. For a guy who stays swagged out every chance he gets, the luxe rework of the classic silhouette is a perfect fit...or, as he spit it, "Always been a stand-up guy, I'd rather stand out. Raf Simons, Stan Smith edition with my bands out."
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