What is it with DJs and sneakers? And no I’m not talking about the local bedroom DJ that wears the latest Nike’s because everyone else bought a pair on eBay six months ago. Or the DJ that spins Baltimore club all of a sudden, because it’s “cool”.
I’m talking about the A-Traks, Klevers, Crazes and Premiers of the world. Who knows when it all started? Blame Run DMC, maybe? But you have to admit, more and more DJs are hopping into bed with sneaker companies. Or are the sneaker companies hopping into bed with DJs? Whoever’s picking up who, we don’t care for it. All we care for, as the consumer, is what comes next. And so, with a bit of investigatory crumpet journalism, here are the greatest DJ/sneaker collaborations…

DJ CLARK KENT + NIKE
DJ Clark Kent is an old hag at designing sneakers. So it’s no wonder he’s called the shots for the 2009 NBA All-Star Game Air Force 1’s. With a yellow, orange and purple colourway to represent the Phoenix Suns, these kicks are slated for release next month.

dj clark kent nike 2009 nba all star air force 1 1 djs + sneakers

DJ STEVE AOKI + SUPRA SHOE
You might know Steve Aoki as the American DJ or record producer but in this case, know him as the guy that teamed up with Supra shoes to collate the signature ‘strapped shoe’. It’s like half moon boots, half ski boot. Not really, but it sure does have a lot of straps. Um, hence the name.

supra ns strapped red djs + sneakers

A-TRAK + NIKE
First, it was A-trak’s record Running Man: Nike + Original Run that was inspiration for the Running Man Dunk. The kick’s white, blue and yellow colour scheme was loosely based on the artwork for the album. Then it was the Fool’s Gold Nike Air Max 90. Is there anything he can’t do?

nike atrak fools gold air max 90 2 djs + sneakers

AESOP + ADIDAS
Okay so he’s not a DJ. He’s an MC. But he too has collaborated with a sneaker, this time with adidas. He’s chosen to personalise the smooth Stan Smith sneaker by putting personal touches on the sneaker like the green and gold colours he has on his None Shall Pass album. With only 500 pairs available worldwide it’s safe to say it’s probably sold out already.

aseoprockmain djs + sneakers
DJ NIGO + BAPE
Founder of Japan street wear label A Bathing Ape (AKA Bape), DJ Nigo decided to branch out his uber cool threads and churn out the infamous shiny patent sneakers. When he’s not DJing for Japanese hip hop group The Teriyaki Boyz, he’s with Pharrell Williams working on the Billionare Boys Club & Ice Cream Footwear brands.

ape bape sta 109 djs + sneakers