Fanatics Fest is the ultimate sports fan event featuring A-list celebrities, limited-edition merch drops, immersive brand and league activations, rare collectibles, live breaking, and more. This year’s festival was held in New York at the Javits Center from Aug. 16 through Aug. 18.
The event featured big names in sports like Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Rhea Ripley, Kevin Durant and Mike Tyson, along with musicians and entertainers like Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Ben Stiller, Spike Lee, Quavo and La La Anthony, among others.
Beyond the major sports moments, the festival also boasted major footwear moments that had fans buzzing. In honor of this, FootwearNews is recounting some of the best shoe looks from Fanatics Fest.
Travis Scott
Taking the stage, the rapper donned a pair of his collaborative Jordan Jumpman Jack TR in an unreleased “Dark Mocha” colorway. The sneaker was set to hit shelves originally on Oct. 4 but has been delayed until Nov. 13.
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Reportedly retailing at $200, the style features black lace-up closures, Jordan and Travis Scott co-branding throughout, black suede swoosh detailing on the sides and velcro closures that harken back to retro styles that came before it. Scott has worn the unreleased style on numerous occasions, teasing fans before the sneaker’s official release. Additionally, the “FE!N” rapper wore distressed black jeans from Chrome Hearts, a black vest and a white t-shirt layered underneath.
Jay-Z
The “Tom Ford” rapper attended the festival in a classic pair of Timberland boots. Beloved by rappers and actors alike, the instantly recognizable ankle-length silhouette features tan uppers, matching laces and non-slip rubber tread. The utilitarian style was also worn by fellow musician Lil Wayne during his appearance at the festival.
Along with his classic footwear, Jay-Z donned light-wash baggy denim and a navy blue shirt, also in an oversized style. During the festival, the artist hosted a 40/40 Club pop-up, drawing major names to the event.
DJ Khaled
Hitting the blue carpet, the record producer laced up all-white sneakers in a chunky style. The silhouette featured contrasting black writing on the uppers and laces, along with sturdy leather construction and non-slip rubber soles. Simple but sleek, the sneaker offered Khaled’s look a clean finish.
In a color-blocked fashion, the “Wild Thoughts” rapper donned a Louis Vuitton set in shades of black, white, red, yellow and blue. The graphic set consisted of a jacquard crewneck with the designer brand’s logo fixed to the front, accompanied by matching logo-printed shorts.
Winnie Harlow
A style star both on and off the runway, Harlow attended the festival for Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club pop-up in burgundy slingback kitten heels. The sleek silhouette featured striking pointed toes that transitioned into thin straps that wrapped around the model’s feet, securing the style in place. Buckle closures offered a high-shine touch while short stiletto heels gave Harlow a subtle boost. The shoe can be likened to styles from Miu Miu, Gucci and Jimmy Choo.
In a matching twist, Harlow wore a full burgundy look courtesy of The Frankie Shop. The “America’s Next Top Model” alumni’s look was comprised of a glossy leather trench coat, a sheer bralette and leather micro shorts.
Spike Lee
The “Do the Right Thing” director sat down for a panel at the festival, joined by Walt Frazier, Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, Kazeem Famuyide and Ben Stiller. Lee donned a pair of Nike Air Jordan Spizike sneakers in a white, black and red colorway. Originally released in 2006, the Air Jordan Spizike has been one of the most sought-after hybrid sneakers hailing from the Jordan brand. Lee has been spotted wearing his collaborative silhouette on numerous occasions in a variety of unique colorways.
Staying on theme, Lee wore a white Jordan-branded button-up shirt accompanied by tailored slacks and a Jordan-branded baseball cap with black graphics.
Alix Earle
The Internet personality attended Jay-Z’s pop-up event at the festival wearing a pair of strappy black sandals. The summer-ready style featured intersecting thin straps knotted at the top of the foot that transitioned into angular open toes and subtly lifted soles. Simple and chic, the sandal allowed Earle’s dress to shine, giving it the spotlight.
Speaking of dresses, the podcast host’s own included a loud Y2K-inspired floral print, a strappy bodice and an asymmetrical frayed hem that offered the garment dimension.
A$AP Ferg
Diverging from the sneakers seen on many of the musicians at the festival, the “Plain Jane” rapper sported white leather cowboy boots fixed with striking contrasting graphics. The western silhouette was a nice reprieve from the sneaker-centric blue carpet, taking Ferg’s look to the next level.
The Harlem-based musician paired his cowboy booties with a baggy white t-shirt and black shorts. Ferg also wore a red trucker hat and an on-theme horse and cowboy chain fixed with high-shine gemstones.
Tiffany Haddish
Shining bright, the “Girls Trip” actress graced the bright blue carpet in a pair of gilded metallic sandals. Although they were slightly hard to see over the hem of her trousers, the style encompassed open pointed toes and eye-catching metallic gold leather uppers, offering the silhouette a mirrored effect. The sandal style gave Haddish’s look a breezy laid-back touch.
Accompanying her gilded footwear, the “Nobody’s Fool” star donned a contrasting monochrome black ensemble. The look featured black trousers featuring slits up the side and a coordinating cropped vest. Mirroring the gold detailing in her outfit, Haddish wore a ton of gold jewelry.
