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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Joe La Puma New Balance 990v7
Sneakers

How Good Is the New Balance 990v7?

Joe La Puma breaks down the history of the New Balance 990, from its 1982 debut at $100 to its retooled 2026 990v7 edition.

Joe La Puma11 days ago
Union's Nike Collaborations Ranked From Worst to Best
Sneakers

Union's Nike Collaborations Ranked From Worst to Best

From the Air Jordan 1 High to 'Natural Selection' Dunk Lows, here's our ranking of Union Los Angeles' best Nike and Air Jordan collaborations.

Riley Jones11 days ago
New Balance sneakers on a pink textured surface, surrounded by pink cherry blossoms.
Sneakers

The New Balance Sakura Pack Perfects the Most Popular Women’s Sneaker Trends

With ribbon laces and subtle detailing, the JD Sports exclusive pack makes a case for keeping traditional sneakers in your rotation.

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.

Air Jordan 1 'Royal'
Sneakers

Are 'Royal' Air Jordan 1s Not Selling Out a Big Deal?

Joe La Puma breaks down what the iconic black-and-royal Air Jordan 1 sitting in stores in 2026 actually means.

Joe La Puma18 days ago
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Fashion collaborations have increased and shifted from creative vision to audience-merging marketing. Here's how we got here.
Style

Have Collaborations Lost Their Meaning?

Collaborations shifted from creative vision to audience-merging marketing. Here's how we got here.

Breeana Walker18 days ago
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 Turuseta24 days ago
Joe La Puma Responds to Critics of Complex's Sneaker of the Year List
Sneakers

Joe La Puma Responds to Critics of ComplexCon's Sneaker of the Year List

VAA x Air Jordan 1? Nigo x Nike Air Force 1? Joe La Puma addresses complaints about Complex's list head-on.

Joe La Puma25 days ago
The Best Crocs on Complex Right Now
Sneakers

The Best Crocs on Complex Right Now

From Steven Smith-designed molded silhouettes to a Brain Dead collab and Vibram-equipped builds, here are the best Crocs to buy on Complex right now.

Complex Staff26 days ago
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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.

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 Puma39 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 Lavin40 days ago