The Craziest Shoe Collaborations of All Time: Nike x Martine Rose, Balenciaga x Crocs and More
Some of the craziest shoe collaborations of all time include designs inspired by Chewbacca, football boots and poodles. Designers like Rick Owens, Jeremy Scott, Glenn Martens and Rei Kawakubo have all put their unique touch on iconic silhouettes from brands such as Nike, Adidas, Ugg and more.
Here, FN takes a closer look at some of the quirkiest shoe collaborations to date.
Adidas JS Poodle Jeremy Scott Pink, 2013
Known for his outlandish designs, the former Moschino designer brought a bold Poodle-inspired Adidas shoe to life in 2013. The high-top sneaker was rendered in a two-tone pink color scheme with curly faux fur detailing throughout. A poodle head donning a pair of Linda Farrow x JS Wing sunglasses and thick, hot pink midsoles pulled the look together.
Rick Owens x Adidas Vicious Runner, 2016
A part of Owens’ spring 2016 ‘Cyclops’ capsule collection, this Adidas runner comes in neoprene and calfskin leather with an oversized tongue, a thick padded collar, tonal laces and equally chunky ridged soles. The shoe was offered in multiple colorways, including monochromatic black and white versions, “Earth Green” (as seen here) and “Fox Orange.”
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Ugg x Jeremy Scott, 2017
In 2017, Jeremy Scott put his signature spin on the iconic Ugg boot. Utilizing his signature flame motif, the boot was said to be influenced by the spirit of Los Angeles pop culture. One version was even done in red and yellow Swarovski crystals.
Christopher Kane x Z-Coil, 2018
Appearing on the catwalk at the Scottish designer’s London fall 2018 show were several crystal-studded styles done in collaboration with orthopedic shoe company Z-Coil. Prior to his collaboration, Kane had been a fan of the small family-owned business known for its unique pain-relieving coil technology.
Y/Project x Ugg, 2018
Y/Project designer Glenn Martens took the fashion world by storm when he debuted thigh-high Uggs on the runway for fall ’18. “Y/Project is always very frontal and in your face,” the designer said of the collaboration. “Ugg is such an iconic shoe, so for me, the challenge was about, ‘How do we twist it? What do we do with that?’ Y/Project is all about challenges.”
Ben & Jerry’s x Nike SB Dunk Low “Chunky Dunky,” 2020
Crafted to resemble Ben & Jerry’s recognizable ice cream pint packaging, the shoe features a sky blue and green upper with fuzzy cow-print paneling, plus a colorful tie-dye lining and bright yellow dripping Swooshes. Named after the dessert company’s popular “Chunky Monkey” flavor, the “Chunky Dunky” launched to next-level fanfare in 2020.
Star Wars x Adidas Rivalry Hi ‘Chewbacca,’ 2020
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back,” these fuzzy brown high-top sneakers were designed in Chewbacca’s likeness and feature special Star Wars lace jewels.
Comme des Garçons Nike Premier, 2021
Nike’s 1992 football boot received a striking makeover from Comme des Garćons visionary Rei Kawakubo in 2021. The heeled rendition made its debut on the runway at the avant-garde Japanese brand’s “Landscape of Shadows” show. Coming in black and white versions, the quilted leather bootie is set on a somewhat chunky, angular heel.
Tommy Cash x Adidas Superstar, 2021
In 2021, Adidas joined forces with Estonian rap star Tommy Cash to create an elongated version of its iconic shell-toe sneaker. The limited-edition leather low tops come in a contrasting black-and-white color palette inspired by the Ancient Chinese yin and yang philosophy.
“When I said to Adidas that I want to make the longest shoe in the world as our collab they were like WTF Tommy. But 5 months later here we are,” the rapper wrote on Instagram.
Balenciaga x Crocs, 2022
Debuting at Paris Fashion Week, Balenciaga’s bold take on Crocs’ trademark clog gave the style a lift in the form of a giant platform with silver metal rivets and a skinny high heel. Justin Bieber, Elliot Page and others have stepped out in the platforms.
Mschf x Tyga “Wavy Baby,” 2022
The “Taste” rapper and small Brooklyn-based company came out with this audacious collaboration in the spring of 2022. Appearing to be loosely based on Vans’ classic Old Skool silhouette, the sneaker boasts a black canvas upper with a curvy white striped overlay panel on both sides. The wavy midsole is what makes the shoe stand out though.
Additionally, the brown gum outsoles read: “Warning: By placing your foot in this shoe, you agree to waive any claims against Mschf for any injury, death, or damages arising from having your foot in this shoe. By placing your foot in the shoe, you also agree to assume all risk of injury arising from having your foot in this shoe.”
Cactus Plant Flea Market x Nike CPFM Flea 1 “Overgrown,” 2022
In the same year, Cactus Plant Flear Market and Nike dropped this statement-making Flea 1 equipped with shaggy faux fur uppers in assorted shades of green. The streetwear brand’s yin-yang logo is stamped on the lateral collar while a zippered stash pocket can be found on the interior side. Speckled green laces and dirt-like Nike Grind midsole bring the design home.
MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon Cross Mid, 2023
MM6 Maison Margiela and Salomon’s second collaboration, the Cross Mid, features a bold ripstop gaiter-style silhouette with waterproof polyester uppers that are cinched by toggle cord ties and thick lugged treads inspired by Salomon’s Speedcross sole patterns. Co-branded logos complete the quirky outdoor-ready collab.
Martine Rose x Nike Shox MR4, 2023
The London-based designer and Nike linked to create a bold backless version of Nike’s already eye-catching Shox silhouette. The sporty lace-up mule arrived in two vibrant gradient colorways at Martine Rose’s fall 2023 presentation during Pitti Uomo last summer.
Feng Chen Wang x Converse ‘Chahu,’ 2024
Wang debuted a new removable molded sole that can be added to the menswear designer’s latest Converse shoe collab at her fall 2024 Paris runway show. Dubbed the “Chahu,” Wang revealed the shape of a deformed teapot inspired the 3D molded sole featuring curvy jagged edges.
