The 96th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and while the red carpet is usually reserved for dazzling gowns and tuxedos, we can’t forget the popular sneakers worn by the legendary movie stars that have stolen the show in some of our favorite films. In this list of best sneakers in movies, we shall rundown the most memorable sneaker appearances, that have left an indelible mark on both cinema and streetwear culture.

13 Best Sneakers Immortalized Through Classic Movies

1. adidas box hog 3 (Barbie)

Year of Movie: 2023
Featured Sneakers in the Movie: adidas box hog 3 “White/Shadow Navy/Sky Rush”
Worn by: Ryan Gosling (Ken)
Movie Ratings: IMDb: 6.9/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 89%, Google: 3/5
Snapshot: Gosling’s “Ken” in Barbie takes a playful jab at traditional American masculinity through his costume, sporting the unique adidas Box Hog 3 in a bold “Sky Rush” colorway, contributing to an unforgettable and thought-provoking ensemble.

2. Nike Air Jordan 1 (Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse)

Year of Movie: 2018
Featured Sneakers in the Movie: Air Jordan 1
Worn by: Miles Morales/Spider-Man
Movie Ratings: IMDb: 8.4/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 97%, Google: 4.8/5
Snapshot: A groundbreaking animated partnership with Jordan Brand, featuring the coveted Air Jordan 1 “Next Chapter”. A blend of superhero action and sneaker culture that still commands prices well above retail.

3. HTM x Nike Air Woven (Lost in Translation)

Year of Movie: 2003
Featured Sneakers in the Movie: HTM x Nike Air Woven
Worn by: Bill Murray (Bob Harris)
Movie Ratings: IMDb: 7.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 95%, Google: 4/5
Snapshot: Bill Murray’s character in Lost in Translation showcases the rare HTM x Nike Air Woven, a product of collaboration between Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield, and Mark Parker. This sneaker symbolizes the fusion of creative minds, mirroring the film’s exploration of fleeting connections and cultural immersion.

4. Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi LE (Kill Bill: Volume 1)

Year of Movie: 2003
Featured Sneakers in the Movie: Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi LE
Worn by: Uma Thurman (Black Mamba)
Movie Ratings: IMDb: 8.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 85%, Google: 4.4/5
Snapshot: Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol. 1 sees Uma Thurman paying homage to Bruce Lee’s Game of Death outfit, showcasing the Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi in one of the film’s most electrifying fight scenes. This limited-edition Tai Chi with only 3,400 pairs ever released worldwide features a luxurious yellow leather upper. The brand logo is outlined with sharp black stripes, and the shoe is built to last with a tough rubber outsole.

5. Nike Air More Uptempo (George of the Jungle)

Year of Movie: 1997
Featured Sneakers in the Movie: Nike Air More Uptempo
Worn by: Brendan Fraser (George)
Movie Ratings: IMDb: 5.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 55%, Google Rating: 4.6/5
Snapshot: George’s transition from jungle to city life in George of the Jungle includes strapping on the bold Nike Air More Uptempo, a humorous yet iconic sneaker cameo that highlights the clash of worlds.

6. Nike Air Jordan 11 (Space Jam)

Year of Movie: 1996
Featured Sneakers in the Movie: Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam”
Worn by: Michael Jordan (Himself)
Movie Ratings: IMDb: 6.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 43%, Google Rating: 4.5/5
Snapshot: Michael Jordan teams up with the Looney Tunes in Space Jam, sporting the legendary Air Jordan 11, a sneaker that transcends the realms of basketball, cinema, and space.

7. Nike Cortez (Forrest Gump)

Year of Movie: 1994
Featured Sneakers in the Movie: Nike Cortez
Worn by: Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump)
Movie Ratings: IMDb: 8.8/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 76%, Google Rating: 4.8/5
Snapshot: Forrest Gump not only gave us unforgettable life lessons but also iconic sneaker moments, with Forrest’s cross-country run in the Nike Cortez becoming a testament to endurance, both on screen and in sneaker history.

8. Nike Air Trainer II (Batman)

Year of Movie: 1989
Featured Sneakers in the Movie: Nike Air Trainer II
Worn by: Michael Keaton (Batman)
Movie Ratings: IMDb: 7.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 76%, Google Rating: 4.5/5
Snapshot: Michael Keaton’s Batman brought darkness and style to Gotham, and his footwear did the same. He sported custom Air Trainer 3s, and finally, a beefed-up version of the Air Jordan 6 in “Batman Returns” (1992). This last iteration, inspired by the 1991 Air Jordan 6 release, featured a blackout colorway and added armor for a truly superheroic look.

9. Nike Air Mag (Back to the Future II)

Year of Movie: 1989
Featured Sneakers in the Movie: Nike Air Mag
Worn by: Michael J. Fox (Marty McFly)
Movie Ratings: IMDb: 7.8/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 62%, Google Rating: 4.4/5
Snapshot: In Back to the Future II, Marty McFly sported the iconic Nike Air Mags, featuring self-lacing technology dubbed “power laces.” These limited-edition shoes have become incredibly valuable, now worth $80,000.

10. Nike Air Force II (Big)

Year of Movie: 1988
Featured Sneakers in the Movie: Nike Air Force 2
Worn by: Tom Hanks (Josh Baskin)
Movie Ratings: IMDb: 7.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 98%, Google Rating: 4.5/5
Snapshot: In the heartwarming classic Big, Tom Hanks brings to life the magic of childhood dreams wearing the iconic Nike Air Force 2, making a memorable appearance during the iconic giant light-up piano scene. Huge among New York’s in-the-know crowd back then, this performance leather shoe remains a legend.

11. Reebok Alien Stomper (Aliens)

Year of Movie: 1986
Featured Sneakers in the Movie: Reebok Alien Stomper
Worn by: Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver)
Movie Ratings: IMDb: 8.4/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 98%, Google: 4.6/5
Snapshot: Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley in Aliens dons the Reebok Alien Stomper, blending sci-fi tension with sneaker culture. The 2019 relaunch to mark the film’s 40th anniversary included meticulous design details, celebrating its legacy in both film and footwear.

12. NikeLab Vandal High (Terminator)

Year of Movie: 1984
Featured Sneakers in the Movie: NikeLab Vandal High
Worn by: Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn)
Movie Ratings: IMDb: 8.1/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 100%, Google: 4.7/5
Snapshot: The Nike Vandal High, a basketball icon, becomes part of cinematic history worn by Kyle Reese in The Terminator. This sneaker’s appearance emphasizes its durability and style, even in a dystopian future, further cemented by its reissue for Terminator Genisys.

13. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 (Game of Death)

Year of Movie: 1978
Featured Sneakers in the Movie: Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
Worn by: Bruce Lee (Billy Lo)
Movie Ratings: IMDb: 5.9/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 77%, Google Rating: 4.3/5
Snapshot: In Bruce Lee’s Game of Death, the martial arts icon wears the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, turning these sneakers into symbols of his unmatched skill and timeless cool.

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These are just a few of the many legendary sneakers that have left their mark on cinema. So, the next time you settle in for a movie night, pay attention not just to the plot, but also to the footwear choices of the characters. You might just discover your next grail sneaker!

And remember, to catch more of these iconic sneakers and the latest drops, keep an eye on the SNKRDUNK app and follow us on social media for all things sneakers, streetwear, and beyond.

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