A Complete History of Eminem's Nike Collaborations

Image via Complex Original

Year of Release: 2003

The first sneaker that kicked off all the collaborations with Nike was a pair of grey Air Max Bursts. People may not remember these because they were a part of the "Artist Series" that also featured popular shoes like the Pharrell x Nike Dunk Hi and the ESPO x Nike Air Force II, but they're a coveted grail amongst Em fans and runner fiends. The Air Burst was Shady's favorite sneaker to rock back in his early beginnings.

Year of Release: 2004

This was the first of Eminem's friends-and-family Air Force 1s, and was made to commemorate the release of Em's Encore album. This sneaker featured a black/grey/white color scheme, Shady Records' logo on the heel, and Em's reverse "E" on the front.

Year of Release: 2004

The second "ENCORE" Air Force 1 released for Em's friends and family alongside the "Shady Records" Air Forces. Although both of these sneakers came in identical color schemes, this pair sports "Encore" on the heel rather than the Shady Records type.

Year of Release: 2004

This was the last Air Force 1 drop for friends and family. The sneaker features an all-white upper with an icy outsole. The sneaker's insole reps 50 Cent, D12, Green Lantern, and the rest of Shady Records—which is why it's perfect for Eminem's crew. (Er, isn't it time for another one?)

Year of Release: 2005

Michael Jordan never played in Eminem's Air Jordan IVs, but they're still one of the most sought-after Jordans. There were only about 50 pairs of these sneakers released to the public via a contest. Their blue nubuck upper is too dope. Rare isn't even a word to describe these sneakers. If you see someone with a pair on, your head may explode.

Year of Release: 2006

Nike kicked off its "Charity Series" with an Air Max 1 which paid tribute to Eminem's best friend and D12 affiliate, Proof, who was tragically killed in 2006. The sneakers (including seven other Air Max silhouettes) were made in limited quantities and auctioned off with all proceeds going to the Marshall Mathers Foundation.

Year Of Release: 2006

This pair of Air Max 90s continued Nike and Eminem's "Charity Series." These 90s feature mesh, patent leather, and suede on the upper and sports Eminem's branding on the heel. Don't expect to find these in your average Air Max fan's closet.

Year of Release: 2006

D12 got their chance to design a shoe for the Charity Air Max Series, too, as it took on a pair of Air Max 93s. The shoe has D12's branding on the toe box and elephant print on the midsole, and is dope because the Air Max 93, until recently, had faded into obscurity. This sneaker is proof that the model needs to be made more often.

Year of Release: 2006

The Air Max 180 was another runner that was a part of the Charity Series. This shoe was made to commemorate Eminem's satellite radio station, Shade 45. The 180 had a simple white/black/purple/orange color scheme with the radio station's branding on the heel, but continued to show that Em knew his Air Max history.

Year of Release: 2006

Paul Rosenberg, Eminem's manager and co-founder of Shady Records, designed his own pair of Air Max 95s as a part of the Charity Series, too. Like the others in this pack, these kicks were super limited—to eight pairs. What made these sneakers dope is their black/white/orange color scheme, but also their camo underlay beneath the lacing.

Year of Release: 2006

Adding the Air Max 97 to the mix, Eminem put together put together a Shady Records sneaker for the Air Max "Charity Series." The Shady Records branding could be found on the front of the shoe. The sneaker had an ACG theme with its brown, tan, orange, and blue upper. The Air Max 97 has always been known for its bright, 3M upper, and this attribute helped this sneaker pop through its (relatively) muted make-up.

Year of Release: 2006

Former Marshall Mathers LP Product Manager and current OddFuture manager Christian Clancy got his crack to design a pair of sneakers for the "Charity Series." He didn't reach into Nike's Air Max archive, but Clancy kept Nike's most current Air Max sneaker at the time, the Air Max 360, runner simple in a black, grey, and white color scheme. You can find Interscope Records' branding on the heel.

Year of Release: 2006

The last sneaker out of the Charity pack was the Air Max 2003, which had Eminem's "E" on the front. The sneakers followed suit with the other sneakers in the collection and had a black and orange color scheme, and used the silhouette of one of the most underrated Air Max sneakers of all time.

Year of Release: 2008

Eminem's Air Jordan II is very special to him. This was his first pair of Jordans growing up and quickly became his favorite one. This shoe was made to promote his autobiography, "The Way I Am." On the mud guard and ankle collar of the shoe, it has Em's lyrics scribbled throughout. This sneaker also sent a huge shout out to his hometown, Detroit, as there were only 313 pairs made.