Our Favorite Sneaker Collabs for Every Collector
Sneakers are the perfect canvas for customization and collaboration. At Sotheby's, our Streetwear & Modern Collectibles team is dedicated to curating the most exclusive and unique sneaker collaborations that are both hype-worthy and timeless. Since the inception of sneakerhead culture in the mid-1980s, we've witnessed iconic designs from Nike and other leading brands reinterpreted in countless shoe collabs with artists, musicians, and luxury fashion houses. The result? Some of the most sought-after and collectible sneaker collabs in the world. Our team of experts has handpicked the 9 must-have sneaker collabs that boast unparalleled creativity, quality, and style ranging from Nike Air Jordans, Off White x Nike Dunks, and Louis Vuitton sneakers. If you want to up your sneaker game and cop the latest and greatest collaborations, you've come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the best sneaker collabs to buy now.
1 | KAWS x Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro
The Jordan 4 KAWs is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after sneaker collaborations in recent memory. This iconic sneaker release saw Jordan Brand team up with the legendary street artist KAWS, resulting in a unique and highly coveted Jordan 4 Retro design. The gray suede uppers and midsoles are truly premium, and the distinctive Mickey Mouse-inspired glove graphics that adorn the insoles, outsoles, and uppers are an eye-catching and original touch. KAWS' signature 'XX' on the heel tab is the perfect finishing touch to this iconic sneaker. It's no wonder that the release of the Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro KAWs caused such a stir—sneakerheads all over the world were desperate to get their hands on a pair. From London to Tokyo, this collaboration has taken the sneaker world by storm, and it's easy to see why. Whether you're a die-hard sneakerhead or just a casual fan, the Jordan 4 KAWs is a must-have addition to any collection.
2 | Nike Air Jordan 1 High Fragment Travis Scott
The Travis Scott x Fragment x Jordan 1 High is easily one of the most anticipated and hyped sneaker releases of 2021. The collaboration between Jordan Brand, Travis Scott, and Hiroshi Fujiwara of Fragment Design resulted in a unique and highly sought-after design that features signature touches and exclusive branding. The white and blue upper is reminiscent of the iconic Nike Air Jordan 1s from 1985, but the colorblocking and standout reverse Swoosh make these sneakers instantly recognizable as something new and special. With both Fragment Design and Cactus Jack branding on the heels and medial midsole, this Nike Air Jordan 1 High is the perfect addition to any collection. Finished off with a sail midsole and blue outsole, the Travis Scott x Fragment x Jordan 1 High is a must-have for any sneakerhead looking for something truly unique.
3 | Nike Air Force 1 Low Premium Georges Entourage Sample
This rare pair comes from a collaboration between Nike and Undefeated, making it a truly one-of-a-kind Nike AF1 for sneaker enthusiasts. Created in commemoration of the hit HBO show Entourage, the Blue Premium “Georges Entourage” is the first sneaker that Nike and Undefeated designed in honor of the series. The striking Nike Air Force 1 features a laser-etched design on Blue & White leather panels with “LA” and “Queens Boulevard” text on the heels, referencing the show's iconic characters and locations. As a sample, this Air Force was never meant to be sold to the public, making it an extremely unique and valuable addition to any sneaker collection.
4 | Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 White
The Nike Air Force 1 has a storied history that spans 40 years, and in 2022, its legacy reached new heights with the release of the Louis Vuitton x Nike “Air Force 1” by Virgil Abloh. The collaboration resulted in a bespoke collection of 47 pairs of AF1s that were presented in the Louis Vuitton Spring-Summer 2022 show. The Nike Air Forces feature signature Abloh touches, including his quotation marks and materials used in his Louis Vuitton men’s collections. Each pair was crafted by Louis Vuitton in Fiesso d’Artico, marking a first for the AF1 model. This highly anticipated collaboration between two powerhouses, Nike and Louis Vuitton, has produced some of the most luxurious and sought-after sneakers on the market.
5 | Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Supreme Black Cement
In 2002, Nike and streetwear brand Supreme joined forces to release two of the most iconic Low Dunks ever produced. The Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low Pro ‘Black Cement’ is one of the most highly coveted SB Dunks to date. Only 500 Nike Dunks were made available exclusively through Supreme stores. The collaboration combined Supreme's street edge and Nike's heritage in a new way for the sneaker community. The ‘Black Cement’ colorway features the famous Cement Grey elephant print across the toe, heel panels, and lacing tabs with a black leather balance and a black Swoosh. Deadstock pairs are highly prized among collectors.
6 | Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro Off-White Sail
Off-White has become the pioneer of streetwear fashion by reinventing iconic classics with a unique touch. Founded by Virgil Abloh, Off-White has taken the fashion industry by storm since its inception in 2013. The brand's unmatched designs have revolutionized the fashion world by blending luxury and streetwear styles. Off-White's sneakers are a testament to their innovative approach to design, featuring playful elements like labeled shoelaces, visible stitching, and sans-serif font branding. Abloh's background in architecture has influenced his approach to design, making every element of the sneaker have a purpose. Collaborations with Off-White are extensive, but the brand's signature aesthetic is always present, as seen in this Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro Off-White Sail. Off-White's ability to transform recognized styles into something unique and innovative has cemented its status as a leading brand in the fashion industry.
7 | Nike Dunk Low Cactus Plant Flea Market Pure Platinum
Nike has collaborated with LA-based streetwear brand Cactus Plant Flea Market and Swarovski to create a striking and luxurious version of the classic silhouette in the form of the Nike Dunk Lows. These sneakers feature a dazzling effect, with every inch of the suede upper studded with Swarovski crystals, including the double lace flaps and padded tongue, giving it a flashy, disco ball-like effect. These Nike Dunk Lows also feature an oversized Swoosh, reminiscent of the 2019 Cactus Plant Flea Market x Nike Blazer sneaker collaboration. This limited-edition sneaker is a must-have for sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts who value bold, statement-making pieces in their wardrobe.
8 | Off-White Converse Chuck 70 The Ten Vulcanized Sample
Nike's collaboration with designer Virgil Abloh in 2017 resulted in "The Ten" one of the brand's most ambitious and quickest collaborations ever created, taking just ten months from ideation to release. Divided into two design categories, "REVEALING" and "GHOSTING," The Ten aimed to create accessible pairs using unique design techniques. The "GHOSTING" category features translucent uppers, with the Chuck 70 Vulcanized being Abloh's reinterpretation of one of the most timeless sneakers ever created. This sneaker features a textile upper, vulcanized outsole, Off-White branding, and sample stamping on the tongue's interior, differing slightly from the wider release. The Ten collection's innovative and distinct design has made it a highly coveted item among sneaker enthusiasts.
9 | Nike Dunk Low Off-White Lot 01 of 50
Discover the must-have Nike Dunk Low Off-White "Lot 01 of 50" sneakers from the "Dear Summer" collection, which debuted in 2021. These limited-edition Off White x Nike Dunk Lows boast a canvas and leather upper in pristine white, complemented by a metallic silver Swoosh and zigzag rope laces secured by Flywire cables. The design also features signature Virgil Abloh touches, such as an off-center tongue tag and Helvetica text on the medial side. These Nike Low Dunks sit on a pre-yellowed midsole that's labeled "Lot 01 of 50" and finished with an exposed-foam tongue, making them a must-have for any sneaker collector.
