Top 10 Most Iconic Sneakers
These are the era-defining pieces of footwear that are crucial attire for anyone who values their sports style. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top 10 iconic sneakers. For this list, we've chosen sneakers that have a revolutionary or unique design, and that perhaps even had an impact in the world of pop culture.
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Top 10 Iconic Sneakers
These are the era-defining pieces of footwear that are crucial attire for anyone who values their sports style. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 iconic sneakers. For this list, we’ve chosen sneakers that have a revolutionary or unique design, and that perhaps even had an impact in the world of pop culture.
#10: 574 (1988) New Balance
Considered a signature shoe for New Balance, even by the company itself, this trainer is now one of the most versatile, all-purpose shoes on the market. Bizarrely, they were first created from leftover material from the company’s 576 model, but 574’s are now fully customizable in over eighty colors, making them a popular choice for both men and women. Despite largely being employed as a fashion sneaker nowadays, this shoe is still packed full of trademark New Balance technology that makes it incredibly rugged while remaining exceedingly comfortable.
#9: The Pump (1989) Reebok
The first shoe to ever utilize an internal inflation mechanism, this revolutionary piece of footwear would make it onto this list for its sheer innovation alone. Because of its fairly clean high-top design, the eye is drawn to the large orange pump in the shape of a basketball found on the tongue, which sets Reebok’s Pump apart from other similar styles from the era. The inflation anchored the foot for unrivalled support and a custom fit, making them ideal for a variety of sports - like tennis and running, to name a few. Inspiring numerous other styles of pump shoes, Reebok’s model will always be remembered for first bringing to market this feat of footwear engineering.
#8: Air Max 90 (1990) Nike
Called Air Max III until it was renamed for its launch year in 2000, the Air Max 90 wasn’t the first Nike trainer to have ‘visible air’ but it is the Air Max design iteration that has perhaps stood the test of time best. The original “Infrared” colorway, famous for features that accentuated the size of the cushion, made it a classic – and the number of other designs that has followed is a testament to its popularity. Even former President George H.W. Bush got his own pair in the signature style – except his are adorned with a name befitting the leader of a man who once led free world, with the ‘Air Max’ replaced by ‘Air Pres’.
#7: Authentic (1966) Vans
The shoe synonymous with skaters and surfers has grown far beyond a simple, functional piece of canvas footwear. So simple is the Authentic’s style that it has influenced any number of counterfeiters or imitators of the canvas design. In today’s society, this model is now a vital part of both male and female fashion collections, with its minimalistic style and inherent coolness making it a shoe for almost any occasion. Another piece of footwear that was the starting point for an entire brand, Vans Authentic epitomizes freedom and liberty in fashion.
#6: Classic Leather (1983) Reebok
One of the first members of Reebok’s ‘Franchise 5’ collection, the Classic Leather’s uncomplicated design meant it quickly evolved from being a popular running shoe into something readymade for new colorways. As other trainers have become packed with all sorts of space age technology, this one’s simplicity has been the key to its enduring appeal. The sleek design is the go-to shape whenever you think about the brand, and even after thirty years, it remains an iconic shoe that’s both functional and fashionable.
#5: Suede (1968) Puma
A staple that illustrates what Puma’s had to offer for over 45 years now, the white Puma swish sweeping up the shoe against the backdrop of a striking color set it apart from its competitors. Not many shoes could claim to have played a part in important moments in history, but Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ black suedes were right next to them on the podium at the 1968 Olympics. Barely changing since its inception, Puma’s Suede has grown with culture, becoming a favorite for B-boy crews throughout the 1980s and remaining popular today.
#4: Air Force 1 (1982) Nike
Named after the President of the United States’ airplane, this was the first basketball shoe to utilize the Nike Air technology, laying the foundation for countless numbers of on- and off-court footwear in the future. Coming in low, mid and high top styles, the shoe’s influence is far reaching. First inspiring legendary shoe designer Tinker Hatfield to leave architecture and later becoming the target of songs featuring Nelly and Kanye West, the Air Force 1 has such a solid legacy; it’s easy to forget that it’s merely a sneaker.
#3: Superstar (1969) Adidas
With unique design elements such as the all-leather upper and signature rubber shell toe protection, the Adidas Superstar has grown to be one of the most influential shoes in both basketball and hip-hop culture. When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wasn’t acting in “Airplane!,” he was donning his Superstars on court for the Lakers. And would Run-D.M.C.’s look be complete without the sneaker’s laces undone and tongue thrust out? The 1970s and ‘80s would look significantly different without this legendary sneaker pounding the streets and courts.
#2: Air Jordan I (1984) Nike
The greatest player to ever have played basketball would inevitably require a shoe to match his dedication, innovation and class, and these are attributes the first iteration of the Air Jordan series has in abundance. Defying convention since its inception, its use of color for an on-court shoe cost Jordan a $5,000 fine every single game – but he wore ‘em anyway. This all turned into an ingenious marketing ploy for Nike, as the shoe gained a rebellious image even before its general release to the public. With a silhouette ideal for all sorts of colorways, they really are a blank canvas for your feet. Before we lace up our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - Cortez (1972) Nike - Gazelle (1968) Adidas - Corsair (1969) Onitsuka Tiger - Slip-On (1979) Vans - Stan Smith (1971) Adidas
#1: Chuck Taylor All-Stars (1917) Converse
The oldest, the most popular and best-selling basketball shoe ever, reportedly 60% of all Americans own or have owned a pair of this iconic canvas shoe – and just think: their design is basically the same now as it was in the early-20th century. The first functional athletic shoe that looked as good as it functioned, it helped Converse become the dominant force in the sneaker industry, until the emergence of other big brands. Worn not only on the basketball court but also by Olympic athletes and soldiers training for WWII, All-Stars maintain their popularity as a classic sneaker for both men and women to this day. All other basketball shoes have these legends to thank for revolutionizing how we view our athletic shoes in and out of sport. Do you agree with our list? With so many editions of the same shoe around the world, there’s a good chance we’ve jogged past one or two of your faves. For more iconic top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.