Image via Complex Original
Rock n roll might not be synonymous with the sneaker game, but that doesn't mean a few legends didn't dabble in adidas, Nikes, and Jordans. During the '80s and '90s there wasn't much of a presence when it came to the Internet and influencers telling you what was cool on social media, so dudes just rocked what they wanted and — more importantly — what was easily available to them. Hit the jump to check out The 25 Most Iconic Rock N Roll Sneaker Photos and be prepared for a few surprises.
Fleas adidas JS Wings
25. Jeremy Scott x adidas Originals by Originals JS Wings "Multi-color" — Flea
Year: 2012
Still killin' it decades after he got in the game and was rocking Js, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea broke out Jeremy Scott Wings while performing at center court for a UCLA game last fall. Clothes getting weirder.
Scott Ian - Airwalk Jim
24. Airwalk Jim — Scott Ian
Year: 1993
Seeing rock stars take the stage in Jordans is kind of crazy, but Airwalks seems like a more natural transition with skating being a key element to the life. Scott Ian takes it back to the basics, going h.a.m. on stage with the classic silhouette in candy apple red.
Billy Corgan Nike Dunk
23. Nike Dunk High x Nike Vandal — Billy Corgan
Year: 2008
Billy had been out of the limelight for a minute but that didn't mean he wasn't still going to crush it on stage. He even updated the all-black look by pairing it with premium Nike Dunks x Vandals. C'mon Jay, you know you bit the style.
Bob Marley adidas SL 72
22. adidas SL 72 — Bob Marley
Year: 1976
It's no secret that futbol was Bob's main sport and when he wasn't making classic tracks or enjoying herbal medicine, you could catch young Marley chillin' in a pair of The Three Stripes.
Slash Nike Air Flight Lite
20. Nike Air Flight Lite — Slash
Year: 1991
Slash is a fucking king, evidence right here just laid back rocking the black and white Flight Lites.
Chris Doherty Nike Terminator
19. Nike Terminator — Chris Doherty
Year: 1987
The Hoyas made these classics and Gang Green founder Chris Doherty kept the tradition going well after Ewing left D.C. The fact the Thrasher cover was shot a few years after their release makes it even better, dude just beat them up and rocked them year after year. Fuck a VNDS — that's rock n roll.
Scott Ian adidas Conductor
18. adidas Conductor — Scott Ian
Year: 1988
The Conductors are best known for Ewing holding down the lane at Madison Square Garden, but you don't have to be a post player to jam in them. Scott Ian rocked the classic Three Stripes while holding down rhythm guitar for Anthrax in NYC paying homage to the big fella.
Axl Rose Converse ERX
17. Converse ERX Custom — Axl Rose
Year: 1980's
Hip-hop artists have been getting connected with custom kicks for decades but in the 80's it wasn't common for rock stars to get their name stitched into an athletic shoe. Just further proof that ballin' off the court can be just as crucial.
Slash Supra Skytop
16. Supra Skytop II — Slash
Year: 2011
Rocking the Super Bowl halftime show is pretty solid in itself, but having Supra craft a shoe specifically for the occasion? Hard to be humble when you're stuntin' on a jumbotron.
Eddie Vedder Air Jordan VI
15. Air Jordan VI "Black/Infrared" — Eddie Vedder
Year: 1991
When you're selling out shows and moving units like Pearl Jam was in '91 you had every right to don Jordans and let everyone bask in your glory. Plus, those guys were probably balling in them, too. Respect.
Dave Mustaine Nike Dunk
14. Nike Dunk High — Dave Mustaine
Year: 1986
Jordans were cool but real Gs went with the Dunks from the jump. After the Air Force 1s it was the most indestructible sneaker, perfect if you were about that life. Which Dave Mustaine clearly was.
Kurt Cobain Converse Chucks
13. Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars — Kurt Cobain
Year: 1992
One of the classic sneakers of all time paired with one of the greatest rock stars of all time. Cobain's style was perfect for all its imperfections and everyone else just followed along.
Dave Mustaine Converse Star Tech
12. Converse Star Tech — Dave Mustaine
Year: 1988
Most people went with the Weapons or classic Chucks, but the Star Techs were more fitting with the '80s bulky high-top look. Pair them with some acid jeans and a sleeveless tee — Dave knows. But tucking the one into the other, um...
John Lydon Air Jordan V
11. Air Jordan V "Fire Red" — John Lydon
Year: 1990
As a child there were was nothing like seeing Mike drop 40 in Chicago Stadium or seeing the former Sex Pistols and then PiL frontman show off his Vs on television like he just purchased a Maserati. No was impervious to the illness of the Jordan IIIs - VIs.
Nick Menza Nike Air Pressure
10. Nike Air Pressure — Nick Menza
Year: 1990
Megadeth was bodying other crews when it came to kicks — Mustaine's rotation ran the deepest but he must have grabbed a pair of Pressures for his homie Menza to rock for a label photo shoot. Nice hair, fellas.
Slash - Air Jordan I
9. Air Jordan I "Black/Red"— Slash
Year: 1987
The Jordan I seems like the unofficial shoe of rock stars in the '80s and most people were clueless. Fast forward to 2013 and the same look might be bit completely unpremeditated with leather sweatpants being a movement in its own right. Just remember, Slash has been about that life for nearly 30 years.
Jeff Ament Air Jordan III
8. Air Jordan III "Black/Cement" — Jeff Ament
Year: 1989
When given a backstage pass at how Pearl Jam held it down during their down time, a photographer got an iconic shot of bassist Jeff Ament honing his craft in one of the greatest sneakers of all time. You knew Pearl Jam's original name was Mookie Blaylock, right?
Henry Rollins Vans Old Skool
7. Vans Old Skool — Henry Rollins
Year: 1980's
There may have been no one more ferocious, more committed, in the '80s hardcore scene than Henry Rollins. Caught here in a rare playful moment by photographer Ann Summa, the outfit is still proper.
Anthrax Jordan VI
6. Air Jordan VI "Black/Infrared" — Anthrax
Year: 1991
Just chillin' with Public Enemy laced in some new J's — no big deal. Swagger on a hundred, thousand, trillion. What happened Joey, didn't have your size?
Dave Mustaine Nike Air Pressure
5. Nike Air Pressure — Dave Mustaine
Year: 1990
Megadeth's founder had a serious sneaker collection, need proof? Check dudes Nike Air Pressures on his feet shortly after they released. Get all hypebeast and check eBay, but these kicks in mint condition are going to cost you a few Yeezys. Mustaine taught you.
Flea Jordan IV
4. Air Jordan VI "Black/Cement" — Flea
Year: 1989
Photo shoots are a pain in the ass, don't let anyone fool you. But it isn't all that bad when you're already kitted out in one of the best Jordans of all time. (But what's up with the stuffed animlas? Can anyone say "Jeremy Scott foreshadowing?")
Dave Mustaine Nike Tech Challenge II
3. Nike Air Tech Challenge II "Hot Lava" — Dave Mustaine
Year: 1990
Ask Jordan himself — tennis players had all the lucrative and top priority deals in the '80s and early '90s and the evidence was in the kicks. The designs, colorways, and overall collections were straight fire. Big hair, pink accents — you know the groupies were down. And what Andre Agassi was playing off of in ads, Dave Mustaine was doing in real life.
Exodus Air Jordan IV
2. Air Jordan IV "Black/Cement" & "Cement" — Exodus
Year: 1989
Metal and Jordans aren't the most obvious connection but regardless of whether you're dunking on foes nightly or doing the toxic waltz, no shoe looks better on foot — and it doesn't take a blog or a stylist to come to that conclusion. Props on the Delta Forces too, sorta.
Megadeth Jordan I
1. Air Jordan I "Black/Royal Blue" & Nike Dunk "Iowa" — Megadeth
Year: 1986
No doubt, Megadeth was into high-top sneakers — especially the Jordan I and Dunks that started to take over in the mid-'80s. We can't fault the dudes, they pair perfectly with the denim — rock on.
