The Most Iconic Sneakers of All Time

Every sneaker has a story to tell. Whether it’s Michael Jordan’s gravity-defying moments, that pair you wore to your favorite concert, or the knock-around kicks you wear to cut the grass, sneakers help us walk the walk. Like every pair designed in our CUSTOM Shop, it’s all about everyone (or every pair) having their own unique story.

When it comes to the best sneakers of all time, everybody has different tastes. And with so many incredible styles over the years, it’s impossible to get to every single sneaker that helped shape the indelible marks on our sneaker-loving hearts. That said, some sneakers have become the go-to for multiple generations, so let’s take a look at some of the most iconic sneakers of all time and the shades to match.

Adidas Stan Smith

The Stan Smith is one of the most popular sneakers that adidas has ever made. However, it has quite an interesting backstory. Named after the American tennis legend, Stan Smith, this sleek and simple design was originally designed for the French tennis star, Robert Haillet. Haillet wore the shoe through the 1960s until he retired in 1971. Stan Smith began wearing the shoe around this time, and eventually, in 1978, the shoe was given a touch of green on the heel and Stan Smith’s name and face on the tongue. For the past 40+ years, the Stan Smith has been a staple for sneakerheads and tennis fans alike. Click here to peep the shades to match.

Nike Air Force 1

Possibly the most important sneaker in hip hop history (although that’s a story for another day), Air Force 1's are one of Nike’s most popular sneakers of all time. Since 1983, Airs, Uptowns, Forces, or whatever name your city called them, have come in countless colorways, but as any sneakerhead will tell you, nothing compares to a fresh pair of white on white Air Force 1s. Click here to peep the shades to match.

Air Jordan 11

As the saying goes...Tinker made them shine. Mike made them fly. You made them iconic. The Jordan 11 is about as unmistakable as it gets. The shiny patent leather made them head-turners when Michael Jordan was flying through the air on his way to his 4th NBA Championship. It also made them the perfect shoe to wear off the court. From graduations to weddings, and every significant life event in between, the Air Jordan 11 is legendary. Click here to peep the shades to match.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star

Chucks are timeless and generational. The Converse All-Star was first made in 1917 and in 1921, Charles Hollis aka “Chuck” Taylor, began as a salesman for Converse. Because he was such a good salesman and advocate for the sport of basketball, Converse officially added his name to the shoes in 1932. The rest, as they say, is history. Click here to peep the shades to match.

Air Jordan 1

For many, the Air Jordan 1 is the beginning of the sneakerhead movement. In 1985, Nike laced up Michael “Air” Jordan with his own signature shoe. Whether you’re into the OGs, the Retros, or even the collaborations with creatives like Travis Scott, or Virgil Abloh and his brand Off-White, the Air Jordan 1 is a must-have. Click here to peep the shades to match.

Reebok The Pump

Pump Up, Air Out! You might remember the commercials that helped make Reebok’s Pump one of the most popular sneakers of the late 80s and early 90s. The retro versions haven’t been as popular as Air Jordans but classics never fade. The Pump’s orange basketball logo and memories of Dee Brown’s iconic slam dunk contest performance are merely waiting courtside for another chance to bask in the (sneaker) glory once again. Click here to peep the shades to match.

Nike Air Max 1

Designed by the most famous of sneaker designers, Tinker Hatfield, the Air Max 1 is the very first sneaker to feature Nike’s “visible” Air cushioning unit. The colorways of this classic are never-ending but the “Varsity Red” color that this design first donned in 1987 is the stuff legends are made of. In fact, if you’ve ever worn a pair of Nikes (or the countless brands that used a similar cushioning system), this is the sneaker that inspired them. Click here to peep the shades to match.

PUMA Suede

Walt “Clyde” Frazier’s signature PUMA Clyde aka Suede from the 1960s, became a cultural icon at the 1968 Olympics, helped jumpstart the b-boy craze and the birth of hip hop in the 70s and 80s and still carries enough clout today to be worn by legends like Jay Z and the late Nipsey Hussle. What more needs to be said? Click here to peep the shades to match.

New Balance 990

If there were a sneaker deserving of the name “the original dad shoe” the New Balance 990 is exactly that. The bulky style has been a staple since the 1970s. So much so that, New Balance has made countless reiterations of the 990 and its siblings. As New Balance would call it, the 990 is plain perfection, especially in the iconic grey colorway. Click here to peep the shades to match.

Nike Dunk

From basketball to skateboarding, the Nike Dunk is one of the most versatile sneakers ever made. Whether you’re talking simple “Be True To Your School” colorways inspired by your favorite college teams in the 80s, or legendary skate collaborations like the Tiffany Dunks by Diamond Supply Co., there are color choices for everyone when it comes to this sneaker. Whichever your favorite is, just don’t forget the matching shades to go with them. 😎 Click here to peep the shades to match.