The 50 Best Sneaker Ad Campaigns
By Complex Magazine | Nov 14, 2011 | 2:09 pm | Permalink
When you consider the greatest sneakers of all-time, they still carry the name of the player who made them famous. We obviously have Air Jordan and the Pennys, but even others like the Agassi, Bo Jackson and David Robinson sneakers are most often referred to by these player’s names rather than by the ones given to them by Nike.
Mars Blackmon told us “It’s Gotta Be The Shoes,” but maybe the better question is, “was it the ad campaign?” Complex asked me to compile a list of the 50 best sneaker ad campaigns, and this is how I ranked them. You’ll see that I’m not into puppets, gladiator-style war re-enactments or LeBron James wearing a wig and talking like some smooth cat from the '70s. What I am into are quirky alter-egos, the essence of sports, and ads that create an emotional connection with the amateur athlete. This list will certainly have some well-known campaigns still being used to sell sneakers, but also some commercials and print ads that you probably haven’t seen before.
The nature of any countdown list is open for debate and criticism, and I’m here to take it. Find me on twitter @classickicksnyc and check out my Tumblr blog for more honorable mention ads and campaigns that didn’t make the Top 50 — classickicksnyc.tumblr.com —NICK SANTORA
David Brown November 14th, 2011 at 06:32 PM
After seeing all 50, I have to say I feel like I need new shoes. These are a pretty good collection. Thanks for hunting them all down. David http://www.magazine-ads.com
Kevin B November 15th, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Reebok Blacktop?
KPDAGOAT November 15th, 2011 at 12:50 PM
Wheres the Nike George Gervin Ice Man Ad with him sitting on the Ice
Nick November 15th, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Black Top was good, but was it top 50? Tough. I believe the Gervin was part of a Nike poster series which were amazing, but ended up not making the list during final cuts. Thanks for feedback.
Airjunior23 November 15th, 2011 at 01:30 PM
Where in the feezi is Sprewell's commercial. Owns It!!! ??? Im heated
malcbreezy November 15th, 2011 at 02:25 PM
Where's the Jadakiss x Iverson campagin?!?!?!?
word is bond November 15th, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Craziest part is that Buggin Out is Gus Fring from Breaking Bad!
edwinhimself November 19th, 2011 at 01:05 AM
Jim Riswold KTA