Key Takeaways
- 2025 featured iconic sneaker returns, including the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” and Nike Air Foamposite One “Galaxy”.
- Many anticipated releases remained available for purchase long after their launch, enhancing accessibility in sneaker culture.
- New collaborations, such as the Converse Shai 001, helped drive significant sales and interest in lifestyle basketball sneakers.
- The relationship between sneakers and music deepened, with artists actively participating in sneaker design and promotion.
Between high-profile collaborations, long-awaited retro returns, and thoughtful reinterpretations of classic silhouettes, 2025 has been an outstanding year for sneakers, as the culture felt both reflective and forward-moving. Some of the most legendary shoes in history made returns this year: the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” came back in true OG form, the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 finally reentered the conversation after only 72 pairs released back in 2005. Nike brought back one of its most iconic releases with the Air Foamposite One “Galaxy”. We also saw the return of the coveted “big bubble” on the Nike Air Max 95, as nostalgia reigned supreme in 2025.
The year also marked a refreshing change for sneaker enthusiasts, though. For once, many highly anticipated releases didn’t immediately sell out. In 2025, you didn’t have to wake up at 10 a.m. ET and sit in an online queue just to miss out. In many cases, you could log on an hour later and still secure a pair, a rare but welcome moment of accessibility in modern sneaker culture. Currently, you can even buy Jordan 1’s, Jordan 3’s, and Jordan 4’s below retail, whether from retail stores or resale platforms.
At the same time, new collaborations and sneaker models drove massive attention and sales. Following the continued success of the adidas AE1 over the past three years, basketball sneakers officially made their return as everyday lifestyle footwear. Bold designs and athletes becoming more culturally relevant than ever played a major role in that shift. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Converse Shai 001 is a perfect example, and one of my personal favorite sneakers of 2025.
Sneakers and music have long shared a symbiotic relationship dating back to the earliest days of hip-hop and R&B. Artists have consistently used footwear as a canvas for self-expression, blending personal identity with cultural influence. In 2025, that connection reached a new level. Collaborations dominated many of the year’s best releases, with musicians taking a leading role in designing and promoting sneakers, further blurring the line between sound, style, and storytelling.
I couldn’t write this list without showing major love to Wale. While the DMV emcee still doesn’t have his own signature sneaker in 2025, his influence remains undeniable. Wale inspired and helped design a special-edition colorway of Nike’s latest basketball model, the G.T. Future. Hundreds of fans showed up for the exclusive Dec. 13 release Wale’s “Ice” colorway which serves as a testament to his status as a lifelong sneakerhead and one of Nike’s most authentic cultural ambassadors.
One of the year’s most memorable collaborations came from BMX rider Nigel Sylvester and Jordan Brand. His “Brick by Brick” Air Jordan 4 stood out not just for its design but for its storytelling and marketing. As someone who appreciates attention to detail and narrative-driven products, this release felt like one of the strongest sneaker campaigns we’ve seen in quite some time.
Another standout was the Awake NY x Air Jordan 5 “Arctic Pink.” Awake NY reworked the upper of the Jordan 5, incorporated its branding thoughtfully, and paired the shoe with a community-focused rollout that included a block party, deli activation and even a giant slide. It was a true community sneaker and while it was unfortunate that many locals couldn’t get a pair, releases like this don’t come around often.
At the end of the day, retro footwear is still king, but 2025 delivered an overwhelming number of impressive sneakers across categories. With the year nearing its end, Billboard is ranking the 10 hottest musician sneaker collabs of 2025 for the second year in a row — highlighting the releases that defined the intersection of music, culture, and footwear this year.
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Chase B x Jordan CJ1 T-Rexx


Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Some sneakers feel like moments; others feel like milestones. The Chase B x Jordan CJ1 T-Rexx somehow manages to be both.
Over the past few years, Travis Scott and Jordan Brand have helped redefine what modern sneaker culture looks like by pushing collaborations beyond simple colorways into full-fledged cultural statements. This latest iteration of the CJ1 T-Rexx expands that vision beyond Travis himself, landing with his longtime collaborator Chase B.
With this release, Chase becomes the first artist to collaborate with Jordan Brand on Travis Scott’s signature sneaker—a milestone that speaks to both his influence and his role within the Cactus Jack universe. Known for living at the intersection of sound, energy and experience, Chase brings that same ethos to the CJ1 T-Rexx.
The sneaker draws inspiration from the iconic MF Doom Nike Dunk and DJ Clark Kent’s Nike Air Trainer 1 from the “112 Pack.” One of the best parts of the sneaker is its striking neon green outsole that glows in the dark—it’s a subtle but powerful detail reminding wearers to bring their own light into every room they step into.
Where this release truly separates itself is in its packaging. The glow-in-the-dark shoebox—something we haven’t seen done before—turns packaging into a core part of the story rather than an afterthought. Chase B understood that presentation matters just as much as product itself; this execution reflects that intention.
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Lil Yachty x Nike Air Force 1 Low Lucky Green


Image Credit: Courtesy Photo The Lil Yachty x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Lucky Green” features red, yellow ,and green patent leather color blocking across its upper—calling back to the “golden era” of Nike Air Force 1s in the early-to-mid 2000s.A double Swoosh adds to the maximalist feel—adding to the loud energy that defined that era.
Branding tied to Yachty’s Concrete Boys collective appears throughout the shoe: the group’s signature stick figure logo is embroidered in red on the lateral heel while the fuller Concrete Boys logo is printed across the heel tab.Additional nods appear on the tongue with “IT’S US” callouts landing on the tongue,sockliner,and transparent hangtag.
What really made this sneaker special was its rollout: in a surprise move,Yachty hit the streets of New York City to personally hand out pairs to fans.He then returned with a limited batch,hiding magazines throughout the city that acted as golden tickets—allowing those who found them to claim a free pair.
By blending nostalgic design, unmistakable branding ,anda community-first rollout ,the Lil Yachty x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Lucky Green” stands as one of the most memorable musician-led sneaker collaborations of 2025.
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Don Toliver x BBC IceCream Board Flip

Image Credit: Sara Jaye/Getty Images for Complex Ice Cream—the skate-focused side of Billionaire Boys Club founded in 2004 by NIGO and Pharrell Williams—carved out its own lane by merging fun graphics with skate culture.The Board Flip first debuted in 2005 through Reebok—a perfect culmination of fashion,music,and authenticity from Ice Cream’s skate team.
The Ice Cream “Watermelon” Board Flip made its official return with an exclusive Las Vegas release in October,reconnecting it with both its past and future.The silhouette’s revival stays impressively faithful to its roots.Modeled closely after its original release from 2005,the sneaker features a pink-accented T-toe,a perforated green suede upper,a brown outsole,and a crisp white midsole finished with a pink stripe.The iconic ice cream cone graphic reappears on its lateral side while Ice Cream’s cloud logo is stamped on its tongue and heel.
Ice Cream’s return to Board Flip in 2025 became one of this year’s most surprising nostalgia-driven moments—with Don Toliver playing a key role in bringing this silhouette back into spotlight.What makes this comeback particularly meaningful is how it bridges generations.Limited to just 500 pairs worldwide,the release revived a design that helped define Ice Cream’s impact on skate-inspired footwear.While extremely limited availability left many fans wanting more,the momentum continued—a pre-order window for Don Toliver’s upcoming “Banana Split” Board Flip collaboration opened in November featuring personalized branding on its tongue tag and hangtag.
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Tobe Nwigwe Reebok Chukwu ABUO

Image Credit: Courtesy Photo
Houston-based artist Tobe Nwigwe has built a creative movement grounded in authenticity,culture,and empowerment.With his second partnership with Reebok he brings that same spirit into Reebok’s Chukwu ABUO collection.
The sneaker offers a refreshed take on classic Reebok BB40000 II.Dressed in Nwigwe’s signature mint hue,the design blends hairy suede,nubuck leather,and textile materials striking balance between elevated craftsmanshipand everyday wearability.The name ABUO—which translates to two Igbo—reflects concept duality honoring heritage while embracing modernity merging function fashion discipline creativity.
More than just sneaker,the ABUO represents perspective legacy something you carry with you.That philosophy extended into rollout which notably included children sizing.This wasn’t an afterthought but deliberate decision ensure next generation included story.
Representation sits heart collaboration.For Nwigwe offering kids’ sizes was essential so his children could see themselves reflected project.He represents them they represent him together they represent something larger any individual.Idea reinforces while everyone brings own identity they are ultimately part collective.Making sneaker accessible entire family transformed it shared experience rather than standalone product.
As Nwigwe explained family extends beyond bloodlines include people grow lean on.He hopes wearers see their families crews communities shoe details may stem from personal life emotion behind design universal turning ABUO into wearable expression unity legacy belonging.
Bad Bunny adidas Gazelle Cabo Rojo


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Courtesy PhotoThe Bad Bunny x adidas Gazelle “Cabo Rojo” arrived as part artist’s Puerto Rico–inspired City Series serving heartfelt tribute island continues shape identity.Named after Cabo Rojo coastal town known rare pink salt flats,sneaker pulls directly from natural phenomenon blending tones salmon clay soft ash pink throughout design.
Originally released Puerto Rico exclusive during opening weekend Bad Bunny’s No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí residency,the City Series generated overwhelming demand island.Response was strong adidas Originals Bad Bunny chose take Gazelle “Cabo Rojo” global marking first City Series colorway receive worldwide release offering fans outside Puerto Rico first taste once-exclusive project.
The broader Gazelle City Series celebrates Puerto Rico’s vibrancy through three distinct colorways each inspired meaningful locations across island.“Cabo Rojo” stands out not only for story but what represents cultural moment rooted place now shared world.
Design-wise,sneaker features premium mix suede smooth leather across upper paired translucent outsole subtly references Cabo Rojo’s salt flats.Finishing touches include gold embossed city branding puffed tongue reworked toe shape “adidas para Bad Bunny” text stamped sockliner small details reinforce personal nature collaboration.
Feid Salomon XT Pathway FERXXO

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Courtesy PhotoColombian superstar Feid delivered one Salomon’s most compelling collaborations year XT Pathway FERXXO marking first sneaker project creative director.Rather simply lending name Feid infused silhouette full creative vision.
p >XT Pathway FERXXO channels Feid’s world Salomon’s performance driven design language.Inspired lush green mountains surrounding Medellín,sneaker pulls heavily signature neon green palette mirrors genre blending energy defines music.
p >Beyond aesthetics shoe serves extension identity.Green has long been central Feid’s visual language symbolizing optimism roots touch prosperity.That symbolism carries through design vibrant near glowing green tones appearing across luminous panels glow dark details custom charms integrated Salomon’s Quicklace system.Finishing touch comes form hand drawn caricature Feid himself reinforcing personal nature collaboration.
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div >Saucony x Westside Gunn ProGrid Triumph4
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Courtesy PhotoFirst teased social media Saucony x Westside Gunn ProGrid Triumph4 immediately sent sneakerheads Griselda fans frenzy.Loud unapologetic impossible ignore sneaker marks Grammy nominated rapper Westside Gunn’s first collaboration Saucony beginning both sides positioned long term partnership.
p >Design fully embraces Gunn’s maximalist aesthetic:a glow-in-the-dark green upper sets foundation while bold hits yellow orange pink splash across overlays.A scorpion textured tongue adds another layer complemented by blue inner lining silver tongue branding.Finishing touches include Westside Gunn’s signature Griselda scorpion logo stamped left insole marking Gunn’s identity.
p >Inspiration pulls directly professional wrestling icon Ultimate Warrior—including vividly painted multi-color masks—a reference aligns perfectly with Gunn’s love spectacle art larger-than-life presentation.Like music,sneaker isn’t subtle by design meant command attention.
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div >Jae Tips x Saucony Grid Jazz9 I Love You But I’m Busy
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Courtesy PhotoBronx born Jae Tips is one most dynamic forces fashion music world bringing fresh energy retro favorites.With his collaboration Saucony Grid Jazz9 Tips reintroduces iconic silhouette theme resonates deeply:“I Love You But I’m Busy.”Phrase reflects delicate balancing act between personal relationships entrepreneurial creative lifestyle constant negotiation between ambition connection.
p >Design roots trace back hat Tips created inspired Mickey Mouse Ralph Lauren collaboration NFL.That early influence resulted palette vibrant bold rich blue suede overlays collide pops pink yellow silver orange red black creating lively expressive shoe.Completing collaborative touch hangtag featuring Jae Tips’ flower logo attached lace making sneaker fully personalized statement piece.
p >Construction combines breathable mesh upper suede synthetic overlays while custom tongue branding embroidered heel specially designed insole elevate overall design.What sets this sneaker apart signature details heel:left shoe reads“I Love You,” while right completes sentiment “But I’m Busy.”It’s message thousands creatives can relate to.
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div >Travis Scott Fragment Air Jordan1 Low OG
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Courtesy PhotoTravis Scott’s sneaker collaborations continue sell out seconds,this release was no exception.Fueled excitement rare three-way partnership between Fragment Design,Jordans Brand Travis Scott,sneakers instantly became sought-after drops year.
p >Design leans familiar yet elevated Air Jordan formula.A white leather upper serves foundation accented chalked edges mix military blue black sail.Military blue details appear across outsole accents while sail hits tongue midsole vintage-inspired finish.A distinctive lace tie positioned just above toe box adds unique touch haven’t seen before.
p >Branding split cleanly between collaborators.Cactus Jack logos land left heel while Fragment’s iconic lightning bolt paired with Jordan Wings logo right.Travis’ signature reversed Swoosh returns lateral side time Fragment’s unmistakable blue while medial Swoosh remains traditional placement.Sneakers ship black pink alternate lace well too.
p >This release marks third three-way collaboration Travis Scott Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment Design Air Jordan1,a partnership continues dominate sneaker culture whenever resurfaces.
p >Typically,lists like mine focus sneakers most community had fair chance purchase however pair demanded exception.Fragment Travis Scott Air Jordan1 shattered raffle records drawing millions digital queues logging approximately4.4 million legitimate entries making one coveted sneaker releases ever.
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Pharrell Williams adidas VIRGINIA Adistar Jellyfish
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