Sneakers

Sneakers trace their modern evolution to 1917 and the sneaker we now know as the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, a basketball shoe with a rubber sole designed for performance on the court. The category gained monumental cultural significance with the 1985 launch of Nike’s Air Jordan 1, created in collaboration with Michael Jordan and featuring the iconic Wings logo and Nike Air cushioning technology. Other landmark models include Adidas’ 1970 release of the Superstar, notable for its rubber shell toe, and the 2012 debut of Nike’s Flyknit technology, which revolutionized lightweight, breathable uppers. Sneaker culture is driven by dedicated communities that follow high-profile drops like Travis Scott’s collaborations with Nike and the 2020 release of the Off-White x Air Jordan 4 “Sail.” Complex covers these moments extensively, highlighting the impact of limited-edition colorways and materials such as premium suede and reflective accents. Collectors often engage in resale markets on platforms like StockX and Goat, where scarcity and provenance define value, while customization artists like The Shoe Surgeon push the boundaries of sneaker design as wearable art.

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Frayed white Vans sneakers with animal print designs, viewed from the back. Red "Off The Wall" branding on the heel.
Sneakers

SZA's New "Fish Print" Vans Just Dropped

Part of the singer's first collection as Vans' artistic director, the new VANSZA sneakers feature distressed canvas and a collapsible heel inspired by her personal style.

Wale.
Style

Wale Named Chief Creative Officer and Co-Owner of Sneaker Preservation Company CapSole

The rapper and sneaker enthusiast will co-create the next phase of CapSole as CCO and equity partner.

A crowded booth at a convention with people gathered around, some wearing branded clothing. Monitors and a logo are displayed above.
Sneakers

SHAQ Footwear Rolled Up to ComplexCon With a New Shareef by SHAQ Sneaker Line

From the hardwood to the runway to the streets, the SHAQ brand has officially entered its lifestyle era.

Joseph Turuseta7 days ago
Two people wearing Adidas sneakers sit on a carpet with scattered Polaroid photos.
Sneakers

Why the adidas Samba Jane Is Made for This Moment

Balletcore, Y2K nostalgia and a growing appetite for comfort have collided at JD Sports. Their latest exclusive adidas Samba Jane sits right at the intersection.

Destroy Lonely wearing sunglasses and a black t-shirt holds a microphone on stage.
Style

ComplexCon 2026 Day 2 Highlights: Everything You Need to Know

ComplexCon closed out its 2026 edition in Los Angeles on Sunday.

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Joe La Puma ComplexCon 2026
Sneakers

What Should Have Made ComplexCon's Sneaker of the Year List?

Prior to ComplexCon, Joe La Puma takes a look at some of the sneakers that just missed the cut.

Joe La Puma22 days ago
Nigel Sylvester.
Sneakers

Nigel Sylvester Pulls Back the Curtain on His Jordan 4 Collab in 'Brick After Brick' Doc

"I wanted to show the work, the energy, the team and the process that goes into bringing a shoe to life," the BMX star said of the film.

Will Lavin24 days ago
A collection of five different sneakers from various brands, including Nike, Adidas, and others, displayed against a textured background.
Sneakers

The Best New Sneakers Available on Complex [September 2026]

Nike Air Max Joga Bonito, Vans, and Off-White lead this month's new arrivals, spanning artist collaborations, Y2K runners, and heritage picks like the Samba.

Image via Crep Protect
Style

Crep Protect’s ‘Leather Reviver’ Is Here To Refresh Your Tired Creps

Designed to bring faded, tired leather sneakers back to life with an easy-to-use, water-based formula and built-in sponge applicator.

Joel Dishan29 days ago
A person in a white shirt and blue cap holds a stack of shoeboxes from brands like Nike, Adidas, and Asics, against an urban window backdrop.
Sneakers

Are Sneakers Dead? Joe La Puma Ends the Debate

JLP responds to the store owners and sneakerheads who say that the game is over.

Joe La Puma36 days ago
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A man wearing sunglasses and a Raiders cap holds several sneakers, standing in front of a wall display of various colorful shoes.
Sneakers

Joe La Puma Picks a Sneaker Grail He’d Buy Right Now

JLP scans the shelves at Solestage LA in search of a classic from 2009 that he almost forgot.

Joe La Puma43 days ago
image via KLEKT
Sneakers

KLEKT Gets Personal With New ‘Sole Stories’ Series

Jeff Staple is among the influential figures featured in Season 1 of KLEKT’s ‘Sole Stories’, hosted by renowned sneaker designer and collector Sean Wotherspoon.

Joel Dishan43 days ago
Two Nike Air Max 95 sneakers with different color schemes, featuring a mix of mesh and suede materials.
Sneakers

Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble 'Greedy' Now Available on Complex

The 2015 mismatched mashup returns in the White and Medium Ash colorway.

Complex Staff43 days ago
A colorful sneaker with a blue, green, red, and yellow design, featuring white laces, a white stripe, and decorative studs.
Sneakers

Vans LX Old Skool 36 Pearlized 'Yacht Club' Is Available on Complex

The latest iteration of the Pearlized Old Skool features a nautical theme.

Complex Staff43 days ago

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