Let’s face it: Sometimes, Super Bowl ads make for better TV viewing than the big game itself.
Ahead of the Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday, FN takes a look back at the best shoe commercials in the sporting event’s history. From Skechers‘ Mr. Quiggly to Bugs Bunny and Michael Jordan, here are some of our favorites:
Nike’s Announcers Commercial — Super Bowl 1990
Well-known sports announcers give their takes on sports stars, such as Bo Jackson and Michael Jordan, while messages from Nike appear on screen encouraging watchers to buy their shoes. Watch here.
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Nike’s “Hare Jordan” Commercial — Super Bowl 1992
Michael Jordan has been the star of many Super Bowl ads, but this was one of his most memorable — Bugs Bunny joined the hoops star on the court in the spot. Fun fact: The two teamed up again four years later in the movie “Space Jam.” Watch here.
Tommy Hilfiger’s Michael Richards “Have Some Fun” Commercial — Super Bowl 1998
During the height of “Seinfeld” fame, Michael Richards — and his unusual brand of humor — made an appearance in Mr. Hilfiger’s spot. It got mixed reviews at the time, but there sure was a great shoe shot. Watch here.
Reebok’s Terry Tate Office Linebacker Commercial — Super Bowl 2003
The first in a series, this short film featured Lester Speight as a football linebacker who metes out pain to those in the office who aren’t obeying policies. Watch here.
Under Armour’s Athlete Training Commercial — Super Bowl 2008
The athletic brand launched its first cross-training sneaker with a bang. The 60-second spot, estimated to have cost $5 million, debuted the company’s “New Prototype” campaign. The ad, which got mixed reviews, featured a score of celebrity athletes and loud music, all to support the tagline “The Future is Ours.” Watch here.
Skechers’ Kim Kardashian Commercial — Super Bowl 2011
Never one to stay behind the scenes, Kardashian is back at the Super Bowl this year with a new T-Mobile ad. In it, the reality star pokes fun at herself and her selfie-obsessed life. Four years ago, she made an equally big splash for Skechers ShapeUps in a steamy spot. The style was later discontinued after it came under scrutiny for its claims that it toned the body. Watch here.
Skechers’ Dog Racing Commercial — Super Bowl 2012
The spot starred Mr. Quiggly, the adorable bulldog who sported Skechers’ GoRun shoes and emerged victorious in a competitive dog race full of bigger contenders. (Skechers got an earful from animal rights activists, who said dog racing harms animals, but this year’s GoDaddy ad, pulled yesterday, got a ton more criticism for its mistreatment of dogs.) Mark Cuban also made an appearance, but the pup stole the spotlight. Shortly after, the bulldog racked up more major buzz during an appearance at FN Platform. Watch here.
T-Mobile’s Restricted Bling Commercial — Super Bowl 2016
Granted, this is not a shoe company. But one glance at Drake and his moves in classic 6″ Timberlands, and we decided it was worth including. Watch here.
Skechers’ Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart Commercial — Super Bowl 2023
The footwear brand’s commercial during Super Bowl LVII starred Snoop Dogg as the lead as he walked through a day in his life wearing Skechers’ Slip-ins as he relaxed on a private jet, performed on stage and coached a youth football league, including Tony Romo in his youth football league. Martha Stewart joined him at the end of the 30-second clip. Watch here.
