Anime has surged from its niche origins in Japan to become a global phenomenon, deeply intertwining with various aspects of pop culture. Among the myriad ways this influence manifests, footwear is an exceptionally vibrant canvas of homage. Sneaker brands, recognizing the fiery passion of anime fans, have embarked on collaborations that fuse the artistry of Japanese animation with streetwear, resulting in collectible pieces that are as much a statement of fashion as they are of fandom.
The history of anime dates back to the early 20th century, evolving from simple theatrical shorts to the sprawling, diverse medium it is today. Characterized by its vivid art, fantastical themes, and vibrant characters, anime uniquely encapsulates a wide range of genres, appealing to all ages and demographics. This universality makes anime a rich source of inspiration for designers and brands alike.
Among the pantheon of anime series, certain titles stand out for their monumental impact on both the medium and pop culture. Series such as Dragon Ball Z, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, Pokemon, and Sailor Moon have not only garnered massive international followings but have also become synonymous with the essence of anime's appeal. These shows, with their memorable characters, intricate plots, and philosophical underpinnings, offer a wealth of inspiration for sneaker designs. From the explosive battles of Dragon Ball Z to the adventurous spirits of One Piece and the magical charm of Sailor Moon, each series brings its unique flavor to the world of footwear.
As we transition into the showcase of the best anime sneakers of all time, it's clear that the collaborations between sneaker brands and these iconic anime series are more than just commercial ventures; they celebrate cultural exchange and mutual admiration. The sneakers that emerge from these partnerships are wearable art and a means for fans to step into the worlds of their favorite characters physically. Whether you're a sneakerhead, an anime enthusiast, or both, the list below promises a journey through some of the most innovative and awe-inspiring intersections of anime and footwear.
Dragon Ball Z x adidas
In 2018, Dragon Ball Z’s iconic characters and epic battles were brought to life when adidas partnered with Toei Animation to re-imagine the series' most iconic heroes and villains through a line-up of seven unique sneaker designs. Each pair draws inspiration from a character's traits, colors, and story arcs, making them instantly recognizable to fans.
The collection started with sneakers representing the legendary rivalry between Son Goku and Frieza, embodied in the ZX 500 RM and the Yung-1 models. These were followed by matchups such as Son Gohan vs. Cell with the Deerupt and Prophere sneakers and concluded with Vegeta vs. Majin Buu through the Ultra Tech and Kamanda models. The final pieces in the collection paid homage to Shenron, the dragon, with the EQT Support Mid ADV PK, symbolizing the culmination of the Dragon Ball quest, and the Nizza Hi Oolong and EQT Support Mid ADV PK Super Shenron.
Each of the seven sneakers not only nodded to the individual characters but also came in special packaging designed to connect and create a collective artwork, much like the spines of the original Dragon Ball magazines.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure x Vans
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Vans teamed up in March 2019 to celebrate the Golden Wind saga with two distinct sneaker styles that pay homage to the series' intricate storytelling and vivid character design.
The collection features the Vans Era Pro and Slip-On models, each infused with details inspired by the characters Giorno Giovanna and Bruno Bucciarati from Golden Wind. The Era Pro dazzles with a velvet upper, showcasing golden embroidered wings at the heel and a heart cutout on the tongue, among other anime-inspired elements. On the other hand, the Slip-On opts for a more understated elegance, presenting a clean black-on-white design with gold trim and a unique zip compartment that reveals character quotes.
Both models are adorned with anime-sketched insoles depicting either Giorno Giovanna or Bruno Bucciarati, reinforcing the collaboration's deep ties to the source material. They come packaged in a box that draws inspiration from the anime's Japanese origins and Italian setting, making them a collectible item for fans.
Naruto x adidas
The Naruto x adidas collection is a tribute to significant narratives within the Naruto series, embodied through unique sneaker designs. Each pair is themed around major arcs, capturing the essence and colors reflective of their respective stories and characters.
Naruto’s sneakers, the adidas Predator 19.1 ADV, evoke his fiery determination against Pain with dynamic gradients. Sasuke’s Nemeziz 19.1 ADV embodies the tension of his duel with Itachi Haruno's X 19.1 ADV, represents her role in The Fourth Ninja War, and Kakashi’s COPA 19.1 TR ADV UltraBoost honors his Anbu legacy. This collection, exclusive to Asia, is a coveted blend of anime culture and streetwear fashion, marking a rare intersection for fans and collectors.
Yu-Gi-Oh! x adidas
The Yu-Gi-Oh! x adidas collaboration merges the nostalgic allure of the early 2000s anime with contemporary streetwear, creating a collection that resonates with both series fans and sneakerheads. This collection showcases two main footwear models: the Reptossage slide and the ADI2000 sneaker, drawing inspiration from the iconic Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and their signature monster cards. A third kid's exclusive pair of adidas Superstar that paid homage to the Winged Dragon of Ra and another ADI2000 for Yugi was also released.
The Reptossage slides are highlighted by prints of Yugi Motou's Dark Magician and Seto Kaiba's Blue-Eyes White Dragon, the series's two most emblematic Monster Cards. These designs reflect the essence of the collaboration, paying homage to the characters' alter-egos and legendary duels.
Similarly, the ADI2000 sneakers carry the spirit of early-2000s skate shoes, offering fans a choice between the Dark Magician and Blue-Eyes White Dragon themes. Each pair is embellished with details that nod to the Millennium Puzzle and Kaiba Corp., including an Exodia hangtag, creating a rich narrative thread throughout the design. The packaging and insoles further emphasize the Yu-Gi-Oh! motifs, making these sneakers a thoughtful tribute to the series.
One Piece x Puma
Puma and the legendary anime series One Piece have partnered multiple times, with the latest partnership in 2024. Drawing inspiration from the powerful Pirate Emperors, each pair of Puma Suedes pays tribute to one of the four emperors: Blackbeard (Marshall D. Teach), Shanks, Fifth Gear Luffy, and Buggy, offering fans a tangible piece of the One Piece universe.
The collection sets sail with a pair dedicated to Blackbeard. It features a striking black and gold colorway that echoes the emperor's iconic coat, adorned with the Black Beard Pirates' menacing three-headed skull Jolly Roger on the tongue tag. This design incorporates chenille-like cloud cutouts along the side, a nod to Blackbeard's formidable dark powers.
Next, the collection docks with a burgundy sneaker inspired by Emperor Shanks. It integrates his iconic three scars on the heel and the Red Hair Pirates' two-sworded skull Jolly Roger on the tongue, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of Shanks and his crew in a stylish all-suede design.
The journey continues with a sneaker that captures the essence of Luffy's Fifth Gear. This sneaker is presented in pristine white to reflect his awakened form's white hair. It is adorned with cloud strip detailing and Luffy's Fifth Gear symbol on the suede tongue, celebrating Luffy's transformation and the clouds that accompany his formidable power.
Finally, the collection rounds off with a vibrant red suede sneaker honoring Buggy, the clown pirate emperor. This design features an ultra-blue stripe from the middle to the heel, symbolizing Buggy's distinctive blue hair, and is finished with Buggy's Star Clown Jolly Roger on the tongue tag, capturing the essence of his quirky and colorful character.
Demon Slayer x Crocs
Colorado-based footwear brand Crocs has been one of the best collaborators in recent memory. The brand meticulously designs collections that deeply resonate with fans of various series. Unveiled at New York Comic Con, the Demon Slayer x Crocs collection featured multiple clogs, each inspired by the series' main characters: Tanjiro, Nezuko, Inosuke, and Zenitsu.
Tanjiro's design reflects his iconic green and black checkered haori. At the same time, Nezuko's Crocs are adorned with her pink haori print, featuring unique Jibbitz, such as her wooden box and the bamboo muzzle she's known for. Zenitsu's yellow base Crocs highlight his fearful yet courageous nature with triangle prints and character-specific Jibbitz like his sword guard and Chuntaro, his assigned bird. Inosuke's version stands out in light blue, complemented by Jibbitz, which echoes his dual serrated blades and bold, confrontational spirit.
BAIT x Attack on Titan x adidas Ultraboost
Retailer BAIT has a long history of bringing anime to sneakers. In 2022, adidas teamed up with BAIT to bring Attack on Titan to life with the iconic adidas Ultraboost. Released to coincide with the pivotal episodes of Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2, this special edition Ultraboost showcases a unique design inspired by the flesh of the Colossal Titan, blending a dark, blood-red base with bone-colored detailing across its upper. The sneaker features graphic insoles depicting the fierce battle between Eren Yeager and the Colossal Titan, capturing the intensity and drama of the series.
Pokemon x Puma
Pokémon crafted a vibrant footwear collection with Puma in 2022 inspired by some of the most beloved Pokémon from the Kanto region. This partnership brings to life an array of footwear styles catering to kids and adults, featuring designs that pay homage to Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Gengar, and Squirtle.
The collection showcases the Bulbasaur Rider FV, the Charmander Slipstream, the Squirtle Suede Classic, and two Pikachu-themed shoes – the Pikachu Rider FV and the RS-X. Each shoe incorporates distinct elements and colors representative of their respective Pokémon, from elemental hues on the heel tabs to Pokémon face graphics across the tongue tabs. Additional touches include Pokédex numbers printed on the inside of the tongues, adding an authentic Pokémon experience to each piece.
Naruto Shippuden x Crocs
The Naruto Shippuden x Crocs collaboration brings the world of anime to your feet with a collection that captures the essence of key characters from the beloved series. Featuring designs inspired by Naruto Uzumaki, Kakashi Hatake, Jiraiya, Minato Namikaze, Sasuke, and Itachi, each transformed into vibrant Crocs Classic Clogs. These clogs are not just footwear but a tribute to the series. They are complete with unique Jibbitz charms representing hand signs, weapons, and more, alongside design cues drawn directly from the characters' iconic outfits and accessories.
The Naruto clog stands out with its orange color. It reflects Naruto's iconic outfit, adorned with a metallic silver headband across the front and a unique puffy texture on the sports mode strap. Kakashi's version comes in his signature green, with navy accents and Jibbitz that capture his essence, including his Anbu face mask and weapons. Additional clogs in the collection pay homage to Naruto's father, Minato, his godfather, Jiraiya, his rival, Sasuke, and the complex character of Itachi, each with details and colors that fans will instantly recognize.
Sailor Moon x Vans
The Sailor Moon x Vans collaboration is a vibrant homage to one of the most iconic anime series, Sailor Moon, celebrating its themes of love, justice, and friendship through an extensive capsule collection. Launched in June 2022, this collection spans a wide range of footwear, apparel, and accessories, showcasing the beloved characters and elements from the series across iconic Vans styles.
The collection features various women's, men's, and kid's styles inspired by characters from the series, including the Sk8-Hi Stacked that incorporates Sailor Moon's transformation brooch and bow. Additional highlights include slides, Authentics, and Old Skools celebrating the protagonist alongside Tuxedo Mask and fellow Sailor Guardians. Fans of Luna, the titular hero’s talking cat, can also find Slip-Ons made in her image. In total, there are 12 different sneakers, including the Sailor Moon x Vans Sk8-Hi, Sailor Moon x Vans Authentic, Sailor Moon x Vans Skate Slip-on, Sailor Moon x Sk8-Hi Mysterioso, Sailor Moon x Vans The Lizzie Sailor White, Sailor Moon x Vans La Costa Slide-On, Sailor Moon x Vans Old Skool Patchwork, Sailor Moon x Vans Skate Old Skool Sailor Black, Sailor Moon x Vans Old Skool Parisian Night, and the Sailor Moon x Slip-On Comfy Cush.
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In this article
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
