A Complete Sneaker Guide To 'A Different World'

Hillman's finest.

Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original
Not Available Lead

In the late '80s, Bill Cosby had things on lock. So much so that NBC granted him a spin-off for a television show starring his fictional daughter Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) as she made the transition to college. Denise only lasted a year, but the true break-out character was our dude with the flip-up glasses, Dwayne Wayne. Quickly becoming a pop culture icon for his style, people started checking out Dwayne’s feet as well — rocking heat on a regular basis. We can only assume that Cosby’s sweater budget for wardrobe was absorbed by the homies at Hillman for kicks. With the show jumping off in ’87 and lasting until ’93 and a handful of reccurring male roles, we ended up finding a lot of classic kicks that made their way on the show. 141 episodes, 71 hours, 100 Diet Cokes, and 46 shoes later we present A Complete Sneaker Guide To 'A Different World'. Enjoy.

 

Related: A Complete Guide To Seinfeld's Sneakers

Related: A Complete Guide To The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Sneakers

Related: A Complete Guide To Martin's Sneakers

1 - Jordan II High

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan II High "White/Red"

Year (of Sneaker): 1986

Season(s): 1

Episode(s): 4, 11 

The first sneaker to pop up on Dwayne Wayne's feet was Michael Jordan's second signature sneaker. The Italian-made Air Jordan II was the first Nike shoe to not feature Swoosh branding anywhere on the sneaker. It was a risky move, but it ushered in an era where design, not a logo, was most important — Dwyane knew. 

2 - Jordan II Low

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan II Low "White/Black"

Year (of Sneaker): 1987

Season(s): 1

Episode(s): 5, 10, 17 

Hard to be humble when you're stunting in class in the only Jordans produced in Italy. The Jordan II brought a new level of luxury to sports product and D. Wayne brought the lowtops luxury status to campus. 

3 - Vans Slip On

Not Available Interstitial

Vans Slip-On

Year (of Sneaker): 1976

Season(s): 1

Episode(s): 6 

Kanye may not have made it to Hillman, but Rudy made the trip to visit her big sister rocking the classic slip-ons from Vans. Rudy's kicks > Cosby's sweaters. 

4 -Nike Vortex

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Vortex

Year (of Sneaker): 1986

Season(s): 1

Episode(s): 7 

The classic '80s runner was a co-star of Dwyane's freshman orientation, as he chilled at the Union while chopping it up with an older grad about the greatness that is Hillman. The Nike Vortex made a strong comeback over the past few years popping up at your local Urban Outfitters the past few years in a slew of strong colorways (in Vintage and Lunar form as well) to keep the hipster demographic happy. 

5 - Chucks

Not Available Interstitial

Converse All Star Chuck Taylor

Year (of Sneaker): 1917

Season(s): 1, 2

Episode(s): 16, 39, 40 

All the greatest girls wear Chucks and Cree Summer and Marisa Tomei are no exception — praises due to Sir Charles Taylor. 

6 - Nike Air Trainer 1

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Trainer 1

Year (of Sneaker): 1987

Season(s): 1, 2

Episode(s): 16, 24, 26, 30 

When Nike first dropped the Air Trainers, the all-purpose sneaker was all the rage, worn by the illest athlete. It also had the aesthetics to rock with everyday style of chilling in the dorm or creepin' on PYTs at the union. We still don't get the glasses, but Dwayne came proper with these. 

7 - Jordan 3 Cement

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan III "Cement"

Year (of Sneaker): 1988

Season(s): 1, 2

Episode(s): 18, 23, 26, 32, 36, 39 

The sneaker that kept Michael from walking from Nike also was the most-worn shoe on the series. Between Dwayne and his partner-in-crime, Ron Johnson, the kicks appear six times throughout the first two seasons — they already knew they were working with a classic. Jumpman. 

8 - Jordan 3 Black Cement

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan III "Black/Cement" 

Year (of Sneaker): 1988

Season(s): 2

Episode(s): 23 

The greatest Js of all time? You already know. Whether it was Mike taking off from 15 feet to defy gravity or Dwayne spittin' game at Whitley, the "Black/Cement" IIIs always came through. Crazy that Dwayne only wore them once.

9 - Puma Cat

Not Available Interstitial

Puma Cat

Year (of Sneaker): 1980's 

Season(s): 2

Episode(s): 1, 3-5, 7, 8 

Sinbad held down the role as Coach Oakes and brought a little old school flavor with the clean and classic Puma Cats throughout the majority of the first season. The shoe has seen a million makeovers since its original release — we just need Puma to brink back the OGs to keep up with the trend of the old being the new, new. 

10 Nike AF3

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Force III

Year (of Sneaker): 1989

Season(s): 2

Episode(s): 29, 31, 44 

No doubt the AF1 still reigns supreme among Forces even with 30 years in the game but don't sleep on the Air Force III. Built like a tank, it was at the front end of the trend that the higher and bulkier the sneaker, the better. The low-key sneakerhead that was Dwayne Wayne rocked the model during a few episodes of season two, proving his sneaker game was on point and on time — no blogs needed.  

11 - Nike Delta Force

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Delta Force

Year (of Sneaker): 1987

Season(s): 2

Episode(s): 29 

The class of '91 was finding their way as sophomores at Hillman and Nike, still young in the basketball sneaker game, was finding its vision and direction when the Delta Forces dropped. The Delta Force was an upgrade of the second run of Nike Air basketball shoes that released in the mid 80's — the structure of an Air Force II with a slimmer and lighter body. Perfect for the 300-pound lineman Dwayne was helping get through advanced trig, so he could stay eligible and stay in school. Sneaker community before the hashtag. 

12 - Nike AM1

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Max 1

Year (of Sneaker): 1987

Season(s): 2

Episode(s): 31 

The sneaker that helped bring Nike to its elite status — prior to Tinker Hatfield, the Air unit in sneakers wasn’t exposed. Inspired by the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Visible Air unit was born and became one of the most recognized sneaker features in history. The cushioning was great, but what ultimately made them classics was the style, not the performance — the homies at Hillman knew. 

13 - Nike Delta Force 88

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Delta Force 88

Year (of Sneaker): 1988

Season(s): 2

Episode(s): 34 

You've lived it. Chillin' with a drunk chick and it's all going smooth until she about loses it on your Nikes. Dwayne Wayne had the same scenario when his girl Freddie was on a binge drinking spree would that put Amanda Bynes to shame. No sneakers were harmed in the filming of this episode. 

14 - Nike Air Trainer SC

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Trainer SC

Year (of Sneaker): 1990

Season(s): 2, 4

Episode(s): 34, 70, 73 

Bo Jackson made them famous on the turf and Dwayne Wayne made them hot on television. The SCs still remain one of the most popular trainers even 22 years after they first dropped — retro releases always get love and the classic colorways are some of the easiest sneakers to spot in the streets. We have a feeling Kadeem held onto a few pairs after production. 

15 - Jordan 4 Black

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan IV "Black/Cement"

Year (of Sneaker): 1989

Season(s): 2, 3

Episode(s): 38, 43, 44, 56 

Any self-respecting sneakerhead is already up on these — easily one of the top five sought after kicks of 2012, in '89 they were a bit easier to get. Once again Dwayne and Ron Johnson were up on the latest Js, stuntin' around campus, ballin' on that student aid budget. 

16 - Nike Air Ace

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Ace

Year (of Sneaker): 1988

Season(s): 2

Episode(s): 38 

The pledges at Kappa Lambda Nu had to keep it clean in the low-cut version of the Nike Revolution. The tennis shoe might not rate in the streets like other throwback kicks but old heads that still have a pair of these joints will hold on to them until they finally crumble — just like pledge Wayne. 

17 - Reebok Freestyle Hi

Not Available Interstitial

Reebok Classic Freestyle Hi

Year (of Sneaker): 1980's

Season(s): 2

Episode(s): 39 

Sinbad once again goes with the clean classics. The Reebok Freestyle Hi still hold up almost 30 years after its original release thanks to Mr. CEO, Swizz Beatz, helping with the resurgence of the classics that made the brand what it is today. Swizzy. 

18 - Jordan 4 Cement

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan IV "Cement"

Year (of Sneaker): 1989

Season(s): 3

Episode(s): 46 

The "Cement" IVs didn't get as much stage time as the black joints but Dwayne pays homage to Chicago's greatest with the white and cement sneakers, while waxing intellectually with his boy Ron about girls. Unfortunately Wayne and Johnson were getting shut out worse than Mike in Auburn Hills. The sneaker is best remembered for its star turn in Spike Lee's “Do the Right Thing.” 

19 - Jordan 4 Fire Red

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan IV "Fire Red"

Year (of Sneaker): 1989

Season(s): 3

Episode(s): 46, 49 

The Bulls "Fire Red" Jordan IV is the IV that stands out from the others. The side panels and plastic "wings" for lateral support and ‘Flight’ is added to the tongue to inspire young players to take flight on and off the court. 

20 - LA Gear

Not Available Interstitial

LA Gear Catapult

Year (of Sneaker): 1989

Season(s): 3

Episode(s): 62 

LA Gears were a must in the late '80s and early '90s but there was only one problem — they did a little too much borrowing from Michael Jordan and company. The shoe was considered extremely comfortable and obviously looked great thanks to the Nike influences.

21 - Jordan 5 White Blk Red

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan V "White/Black-Fire Red"

Year (of Sneaker): 1990

Season(s): 3

Episode(s): 63 

Another season, another pair of Js. Dwayne stayed up with the latest model from Jordan's camp rocking the Vs while helping his dude Ron scheme on the latest interest. We know Mrs. Wayne taught him better than to his have shit on the furniture though. 

22 - Jordan 5 Black

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan V "Black/Metallic Silver"

Year (of Sneaker): 1990

Season(s): 3

Episode(s): 64 

While on an Animal House type mission, Dwayne and Ron broke out the black Vs to get into stealth mode to help break Whitley free and really celebrate her 21st. 

23 - Nike Flight 89

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Flight '89

Year (of Sneaker): 1989

Season(s): 3

Episode(s): 65 

'89 introduced us to Nike Flight and was the official shoe of Dwayne's game, although his shit-talking was a little bit better than his jumper. He might have had a few inches on Ron but that didn't translate to buckets. The sneaker saw a major comeback in 2012, releasing in various colorways and was always a staple on Kicks Deals so you could get laced correct for cheap. 

24 - Nike AF STS

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Force STS

Year (of Sneaker): 1989

Season(s): 3

Episode(s): 65 

Ron and Dwayne got fooled into thinking they were on some street ball legend fame when they were asked to shoot a commercial on the playgrounds of Hillman. Unfortunately Rick Barry and Walt Hazzard stunted their shine — Dwayne's Bulls warm-up and Nike STS's still looked fresh on the court. 

25 - Jordan 5 Grape

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan V "Grape"

Year (of Sneaker): 1990

Season(s): 4

Episode(s): 70, 77, 82, 89 

Set to make a comeback in 2013, the "Grape" Vs still ring out in the streets as one of the illest non-Bulls colorway Jordans to date. Ron was on that since day one, breaking necks on campus, while the chicks were literally trying to break Wayne's while rocking his in the dorms. Hell hath no fury like a women scorned by a math nerd. 

26 - Jordan 5 White Red Black

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan V "White/Fire Red-Black"

Year (of Sneaker): 1990

Season(s): 4

Episode(s): 71 

Another Jordan rumored to be making a comeback for its 23rd anniversary next year, the white and fire red Js rounded out all four colorways of the V that dropped in 1990 and also made appearances on the series. A solid sneaker budget translates into ratings, just ask Will Smith

27 - Nike Ultra Force

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Ultra Force

Year (of Sneaker): 1990

Season(s): 4

Episode(s): 82 

Another staple from the early 90's Force run, they were re-released a few years ago in the highs and lows. In true 90's fashion a pair of high-tops surfaced on the show, tip-toeing around beer and soda cans after a long night with the boys — keep 'em clean, homie. 

28 - Nike AM180

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Max 180

Year (of Sneaker): 1990

Season(s): 4

Episode(s): 87 

In terms of Air Max runners the 180 always gets lost in the mix, even on A Different World. You can spy a pair of OG 180s on a bar stool when Ron is pranking a passed out Whitley on the couch. +1 for the Ewing jersey though, king of NY. 

29 - Nike Air Flight Lite

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Flight Lite

Year (of Sneaker): 1991

Season(s): 4

Episode(s): 88 

Arguably one of the best basketball shoes of all time, it was a push in the right direction by Nike as they transitioned into a new decade of style. Pippen made them hot in the league, the shoe still featured a high-cut design like The Swoosh's earlier models but cut out a lot of the weight.

30 - Reebok Pump Twilight

Not Available Interstitial

Reebok Pump Twilight Zone

Year (of Sneaker): 1990

Season(s): 4

Episode(s): 89 

Was Sinbad low-key signed to Reebok when he was on the show? Dude never donned Nikes on air. He did premier one of the hottest shoes in the hood, rocking the iconic Reebok Pumps that would end up making the heads at Nike scramble to do better. 

32 - Nike Air Assault

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Assault

Year (of Sneaker): 1988

Season(s): 4

Episode(s): 90 

A new set of pledges and more foolishness proceeded in the courtyard, at least the youngn's were looking fresh in the '88 born Nike Air Assaults — best known for sharing the same sole as the Jordan IIIs.

34 - Jordan 6 Black

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan VI "Black/Infrared"

Year (of Sneaker): 1991

Season(s): 4

Episode(s): 90, 91, 94 

While MJ was trying to lock up his first ring in his sixth signature model, Dwayne was trying to lock down Whitley for life. In the end it worked out for them both in the "Black/Infrared" VIs — Kadeem actually rocked the same kicks on the big screen in a flick you may have heard of, White Men Can't Jump

35 - Nike Quantum Force Low

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Quantum Force Low

Year (of Sneaker): 1990

Season(s): 4

Episode(s): 94 

The Quantum Force was a staple in the NBA during the 90-91 season, the Lows for the guards and highs for the paint. At 5 foot nothing, Ron was posted up in the Lows politickin' with the suits — trying to get his future away from his pop's dealership set for post-graduation. 

36 - Nike AF1

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Force 1

Year (of Sneaker): 1982

Season(s): 5, 6

Episode(s): 99, 137, 138, 139 

Nelly made have made Air Force 1s fly off the shelves 20 years after its release but Ron and Dwayne kept them poppin' in its first decade. The shoe was an easy transition from the hardwood to lifestyle going with damn near anything in your closet or on the court. We see young Ron staying strapped

37 - Nike AF 180 High

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Force 180 High

Year (of Sneaker): 1991

Season(s): 5

Episode(s): 101 

The 180 Highs made their way back in 2012 with much appreciation from sneakerheads, although the original pump system was missed — the difference between about $50 retail we're sure. Dwayne rocked the classic high-tops paired with a Randall Cunningham jersey in season six. $175 in '91, you can recreate the look thanks to Nike's re-release and Mitchell & Ness for $450 — the golden days. 

38 - Nike Air Tech Challenge IV

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Tech Challenge IV

Year (of Sneaker): 1992

Season(s): 5

Episode(s): 103 

The last of a dying breed from the Agassi series, its hard to really compare a shoe to the Air Tech Challenge IVs after '92. The one of a kind design featured tie-dye print on the upper and a black and white flow somewhat similar to Shawn Kemp's classic Reebok Kamikazes. Another sneaker we wouldn't be mad if Nike had back in retail stores sometime in the near future, say 2013? Think about it.

39 - Nike AM90

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Max 90

Year (of Sneaker): 1990

Season(s): 5

Episode(s): 108 

Even the little homies got laced in the greatest on A Different World. Originally known as the Air Max III when they dropped, the Air Max 90 arrived when Air Max technology was fairly new to the game. Whether you were putting in miles or trying to impress the girls, there is no doubt the Air Max 90 was built for success. 

40 - Jordan 7 Bordeaux

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan VII "Bordeaux"

Year (of Sneaker): 1991

Season(s): 5

Episode(s): 114 

All-Star status, Dwayne rocked one of the most celebrated colorway and models from Jordan's dominance in the sneaker game. The Tinker Hatfield-designed Air Jordan VII borrowed influences from his Huarache line and incorporated Western African tribal art. The shoe shared a similar cut to the VIs but stripped away the heel tab and two-hole pull on the tongue (along with the padding in the ankle collar and the Visible Air) for a cleaner look.

41 - Nike Air Flight Lite II

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Flight Lite II

Year (of Sneaker): 1991

Season(s): 5, 6 

Episode(s): 114, 119, 135 

The Flight Lite II picked up were the originals left off, keeping the fresh high-top design using minimal materials and without neglecting the player support. You might remember Scottie Pippen terrorizing the wing in these kicks or Ron being upstaged in them by Dwayne's "Bordeaux" VIIs.

42 - Jordan 7 Olympic

Not Available Interstitial

Air Jordan VII "Olympic"

Year (of Sneaker): 1992

Season(s): 6

Episode(s): 125 

Whitley heads back home to Dwayne to find the place a complete mess — food, newspapers, soda cans, and "Olympic" Jordans just laying around the crib. The VIIs never made another appearance on the show and a little tension ensued after the episode. A conspiracy theory? Possibly. 

43 - Nike Air Sonic Flight 92

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Sonic Flight '92

Year (of Sneaker): 1992

Season(s): 6

Episode(s): 128 

Nike Flight was the new movement in the early 90's — strip away unneeded materials without compromising support so players can get the most out of their athleticism without worrying about breaking an ankle, unless Tim Hardaway was around. What's up with these dude rocking sneakers on the couch? C'mon son. 

44 - Nike Air Resistance

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Resistance 

Year (of Sneaker): 1990's

Season(s): 6

Episode(s): 129 

The Air Resistance played its part, one of the toughest shoes to f*ck up which is why they were so popular at the street level. If your budget only allowed you for a pair to make it through the semester, these were your kicks. 

45 - Nike Air Dynamic Flight

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Dynamic Flight

Year (of Sneaker): 1992

Season(s): 6

Episode(s): 133 

The Dynamic Flight had a feel of the Huaraches without the straps — lightweight and durable to handle all positions on the floor. Ron Johnson rocked the kicks as the series wrapped up, staying up to par with his rotation even after life as an undergraduate. 

46 - Nike AF Max

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Force Max

Year (of Sneaker): 1993

Season(s): 6

Episode(s): 140 

Michigan was the originators of all-black-everything movements, starting with the Nike Air Force Max. The look was one of the most-imitated movements in basketball history. Even Mike and Kadeem had to jack the style. The Air Force Max was a Charles Barkley shoe, but the Fab Five made it something all their own.

47 - Nike Air Maestro

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Maestro

Year (of Sneaker): 1992

Season(s): 6

Episode(s): 141 

Best known as one of the most historic college kicks, the Maestro represented the pinnacle of Flight, with a little more beef than the stripped-down Huaraches for point guards and post players alike. Jada Pinkett-Smith made an appearance towards the end of the show and during her days at Hillman she ended up pulling a waiting-til-marriage basketball player, even with her ex-boyfriend Tupac Piccolo pressing her.

48 - Nike AM 93

Not Available Interstitial

Nike Air Max 93

Year (of Sneaker): 1993

Season(s): 6

Episode(s): 142 

The 270-degree (Air Max 270 was its original name) visible Air unit separates the men from the boys and when these kicks first dropped people were definitely fucking with them. The Huarache-like sock liner mixed with one of Nike's most supported cushioning systems had more than marathon runners snatching them off the racks.