A Complete History of Kendrick Lamar’s Sneakers

As hip-hop recording artist Kendrick Lamar dominates headlines and speakers with his just-released album “Damn.,” FN is looking back on the rapper’s growing list of sneaker collaborations with Reebok.

The partnership between Lamar and Reebok began in late 2014, and has already produced a number of sought-after shoe collabs. But the kicks are much more than just trendy fashion statements. Each release is intertwined with a powerful message, and many of the styles harness anti-gang violence themes.

“I just want to continue that to the highest potential, where it’s not only benefiting me or the company, but it’s benefiting the people, who are getting inspired to do something other than wear a great shoe,” Lamar told FN in a 2016 interview.

Catch up on the rapper’s sneaker collaboration history below.

Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Ventilator, from $297; ebay.com

Released: July 2015
Concept: Serving as the introduction for Lamar and Reebok’s anti-gang violence message, each shoe features mismatching red and blue accents.

Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Classic Leather, from $199.99; ebay.com

Released: January 2016
Concept: Lamar and Reebok’s red-and-blue “neutral” concept was revisited on a new silhouette, the Classic Leather, in early 2016.

Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Classic Leather Deconstructed, from $99; ebay.com

Released: July 2016
Concept: During the summer of 2016, Lamar and Reebok tapped Garbstore designer Ian Paley for a “Split Personality” version of their previous Classic Leather.

Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Classic Leather Perfect Split pack, from $50; ebay.com

Released: July 2016
Concept: The collaboration continued with a Classic Leather Perfect Split pack that blended materials across five different colorways, four of which are pictured here.

Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Classic Leather Lux, from $74.99; ebay.com

Released: November 2016
Concept: Last fall, Lamar and Reebok delivered their final Classic Leather in the form of this premium olive green and gum look.