Drake's journey in the sneaker world has been as eventful and dynamic as his career in music. Despite not achieving the same level of hype as contemporaries like Ye and Travis Scott in the sneaker market, Drake has made significant marks with his OVO collaborations with Jordan Brand. These collaborations included several retro Jordans. Over time, numerous sample colorways from these collaborations have emerged, becoming highly sought-after grails among sneaker collectors. His potential move to adidas in 2018 stirred considerable buzz, especially when he was spotted wearing adidas gear, hinting at a major shift. However, this transition was abruptly stalled amid his heated feud with Pusha T, who told Drake and the world, You are hiding a child. The fallout of this beef forced Drake to end his rumored relationship with adidas and, instead, move back to Nike, launching his NOCTA sublabel.
With his NOCTA label, Drake has been able to launch a variety of silhouettes, recently introducing his Hot Step 2 model. In the lead-up to releasing the second colorway of the Hot Step 2, Drake’s ongoing beef with Kendrick Lamar escalated. What started over a decade ago with Kendrick's verse on Big Sean's Control, in which Lamar called out Drizzy and the entire rap game, has escalated through various tracks and public statements. Most recently, their conflict has seen a series of intense and personal exchanges through diss tracks that touch on deep personal and professional jabs.
With the duo making headlines, now seems the perfect time to reflect on Drake and Kendrick's work in the sneaker game. Below, we’ve detailed Drake’s history in the sneaker game and have done the same with K-Dot in another article.
Drake's OVO Jordan Sneakers
Air Jordan 3 Retro Drake vs Lil Wayne
Inspired by Drake and Lil Wayne's dynamic collaboration tour, the Air Jordan 3 Drake vs. Lil Wayne edition captures the electric energy of their performances. These sneakers were limited to friends and family and were meant to commemorate the iconic tour. The design features a Black and a White colorway with vibrant accents on the laces and sockliner.
OVO x Air Jordan 10 Retro Pack
The OVO x Air Jordan 10, which debuted in 2015, marked one of Drake's earliest sneaker collaborations. This line featured luxurious detailing with metallic gold highlights, including premium leather and stingray materials. Drake's October's Very Own branding sits alongside typical Jordan branding on both colorways, one in Black and the other in White.
OVO x Air Jordan 12 Retro White
Following the success of the Air Jordan 10, the OVO x Air Jordan 12 White extended Drake's partnership with Jordan Brand. This 2016 release features rich white leather complemented by textured faux stingray skin overlays. Gold accents and OVO branding on the translucent outsole elevate the design, making it a standout piece for sneakerheads.
OVO x Air Jordan 6 Retro Hot 100s
Celebrating Drake's hit One Dance topping the Billboard Hot 100, the Jordan Brand gave the Canadian artist his own Air Jordan 6, dubbed Hot 100s, a testament to his musical achievements. The design includes a clean, all-white upper with a red Jumpman on the tongue and the word Views on the lace lock and translucent sole, offering a personalized touch reflecting Drake's album.
OVO x Air Jordan 11 Retro Gold
This unreleased prototype version of the Jordan 11 features an all-gold colorway that showcases Drake’s penchant for bold, statement-making designs. The sneaker’s striking appearance, complete with a shiny gold finish, highlights Drake's flair for blending luxury with street style, making it a highly coveted item among collectors.
OVO x Air Jordan 11 Retro Snakeskin Pack
The OVO x Air Jordan 11 Snakeskin Pack includes multiple colorways, Pink and Grey, each featuring an exclusive snakeskin-inspired pattern. This limited edition release is highly sought after, not only for its bold design and premium materials but also for its rarity and collectibility. The snakeskin motif, a recurring element in some of Drake's later collaborations, sets this particular pack apart as a signature piece in the OVO x Air Jordan lineup, appealing to both sneaker enthusiasts and fans of Drake’s unique style.
OVO x Air Jordan 4 Retro Splatter Sample
The "Splatter" sample of the OVO x Air Jordan 4 is a rare glimpse into the experimental aspects of Drake's sneaker collaborations. Although it never reached the public market, its design features splattered paint accents on a pair of Jordan 4s similar to the Bred colorway. Aside from the added splatter paint details on the heel of the sole and the heel tab, the base below the netting on the midfoot and tongue comes in white.
OVO x Air Jordan 12 Retro Black
Like its white counterpart, the OVO x Air Jordan 12 Black features luxurious faux stingray skin and gold accents in a sleek black colorway. Released during the 2017 NBA All-Star weekend, this sneaker combines Drake's understated style with high-end materials, appealing to both fashion-forward individuals and sneaker collectors.
OVO x Jordan Trunner LX
The OVO x Jordan Trunner LX represents a unique and unexpected entry in Drake's line of sneaker collaborations. This 2017 release diverges from the typical basketball-oriented designs that dominate the OVO x Air Jordan series, focusing instead on a silhouette designed for training and active lifestyles. This model was launched with the opening of the Jordan Brand’s flagship store in Toronto, reflecting Drake's influence in his hometown and deep ties with the Jordan Brand.
OVO x Air Jordan 8 Retro Calipari Pack
The Calipari Pack pays homage to Drake's favorite NCAA team, the Kentucky Wildcats. It features two pairs, one in white leather and the other in black nubuck, accented with Kentucky Blue. This pack reflects Drake’s personal interests and his close relationship with Kentucky's head coach, John Calipari. These Air Jordan 8s never made it to the public, remaining a friends and family exclusive.
OVO x Air Jordan 8 Retro Pack
Released in 2018, the OVO x Air Jordan 8 Pack includes Black and White versions adorned with gold accents and the OVO owl logo. These sneakers are a testament to Drake's consistent aesthetic, which blends luxury with iconic sports design and maintains a cohesive look throughout his collaborations.
Air Jordan 4 Retro Raptors
The Raptors Air Jordan 4 Retro reflects Drake's role as the global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors. Nearly a year after the standard Jordan 4 Raptors colorway was released, a surprise drop occurred for this special version of the pair. Drake's signature appears under the Jumpman logo on the tongue, celebrating his hometown NBA team.
Drake’s Nike NOCTA Sneakers
Nike NOCTA Hot Step White and Black
The NOCTA Hot Step line, launched under Drake's NOCTA brand with Nike, reflects his vision of combining utility with modern aesthetics. The White and Black colorway features a minimalist yet sleek design that resonates with streetwear enthusiasts and the fashion-conscious audience. These sneakers incorporate functional elements that enhance durability and comfort, embodying the ethos of Drake's NOCTA collection.
Nike NOCTA Hot Step Black University Gold
This variant of the Hot Step model introduces an elegant color scheme with black and university gold, offering a more pronounced yet sophisticated look. The choice of gold hints at luxury, a recurring theme in Drake's fashion collaborations, while maintaining the silhouette's versatility for everyday wear.
Nike NOCTA Hot Step Purple and Champagne
The Purple and Champagne editions of the NOCTA Hot Step showcase Drake’s flair for tonal color schemes. Both colorways are exclusive to Drake’s NOCTA website and are still available to purchase as of this writing.
NOCTA x Nike Air Force 1 Low Certified Lover Boy
Originally intended to release just after his Certified Lover Boy album, Drake's Air Force 1 Low took an extra year before it finally hit shelves. Production issues caused the delay, though the model has been restocked multiple times and will return this holiday season. Changes to the sneaker include heartfelt details like hearts replacing the stars on the sole and Love You Forever instead of the traditional Air branding. This design reflects Drake’s personal artistry and connection to his music.
Nike NOCTA Swim Fins
Drake's NOCTA line ventured into more niche sports accessories with the Swim Fins. These are designed for performance and style and launched in tandem with a collection of clothing that nods to Drake’s love for Turks & Caicos.
Nike NOCTA Hot Step Snakeskin Pack
Expanding on the Air Jordan 11 Retro Snakeskin theme, the NOCTA Hot Step Snakeskin Pack features this distinctive texture in a new context. Available in multiple colorways, including Light Bone, Light Pumice, and Pink Quartz, these sneakers merge the exotic appeal of snakeskin with the contemporary design of the Hot Step series, emphasizing Drake’s love for standout materials.
Nike NOCTA Glide Black White
The NOCTA Glide series introduces a more streamlined, athletic silhouette than the bulkier Hot Step, inspired by the Zoom Flight 95 silhouette. The Black White version offers a classic color combination that appeals to minimalists and those who prefer a clean, sharp look in their footwear.
Nike NOCTA Glide White Chrome
The White Chrome variant of the NOCTA Glide adds a shimmer to the otherwise understated Glide design, incorporating chrome accents that catch the light and draw the eye. This design choice underscores the luxury aspects of the NOCTA line, aiming to blend performance with high fashion.
Nike NOCTA Glide Bright Crimson
Bright Crimson provides a vibrant pop of color in the NOCTA Glide series, showcasing Drake’s willingness to experiment with bold hues that make a statement. This sneaker is ideal for those looking to add a colorful yet sophisticated piece to their collection.
Nike NOCTA Glide EYBL Green Strike
The Green Strike edition of the NOCTA Glide is linked to Nike's Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). This colorway features vibrant green tones across its upper, and the sneaker is exclusive to those who participated in theNike's EYBL.
Nike NOCTA Air Zoom Drive White
Drake and NOCTA dug into Nike’s archives with the revival of the Air Zoom Drive. This White colorway helps relaunch the sneaker, giving the model a clean, monochromatic look.
Nike NOCTA Air Zoom Drive Black
Like its White counterpart, the Black version matches technical prowess and offers a more subtle, versatile approach, suitable for athletic and casual wear. Air Zoom technology ensures that this sneaker is not just about looks but also about enhancing athletic performance. As of this writing, the pair has yet to be released.
Nike NOCTA Hot Step 2 Total Orange
A bold addition to the NOCTA line, the Hot Step 2 in Total Orange stands out with its vivid color and updated design features. This sneaker is a clear signal of the evolving aesthetic in Drake’s footwear line, focusing on eye-catching designs that blend streetwear trends with practical elements.
Nike NOCTA Hot Step 2 White
Rounding out the collection, the Hot Step 2 in White continues the theme of refined simplicity. This version updates the original Hot Step design with subtle changes that refine the silhouette and improve the wearing experience, ensuring that the sneaker remains at the forefront of style and functionality.
Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app for all the latest released, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
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
