Image via Complex Original
Eminem's favorite sneaker brand is Nike, but the Detroit rapper hasn't only worn the Swoosh for a long time, he's also designed and collaborated on editions of his favorite sneakers. His taste level fluctuates between Air Max runners and Air Jordans that he had growing up, and over the years he's been given the opportunity to create make-ups that represent his career, friends, and kicks he'd love to wear.
Eminem has used some of these sneakers for a charitable cause, and gave back via his Marshall Mathers Foundation. But some are tributes to his albums and books. His slew of friends and family sneakers are highly sought after by fans of his music and sneakerheads alike. But only a few can say they actually own these limited sneakers. Taking it back to the beginning to the most recent, here's A Complete History of Eminem's Nike Collaborations.
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Nike Air Max Burst "Air Slim Shady"
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.
Nike Air Force 1 Low "Shady Records"
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.
Nike Air Force 1 Low "ENCORE"
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.
11. Nike Air Force 1 Low White "Shady Records"
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?)
Air Jordan 4 Retro "ENCORE"
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.
Nike Air Max 1 "Charity Series" - BIG PROOF
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.
Nike Air Max 90 "Charity Series" - EMINEM
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.
Nike Air Max 93 "Charity Series" - D12
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.
Nike Air 180 "Charity Series" - Shade 45
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.
Nike Air Max 95 "Charity Series" - Goliath
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.
Nike Air Max 97 "Charity Series"- Shady Records
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.
Nike Air Max 360 "Charity Series" - Interscope Records
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.
Nike Air Max 2003 "Charity Series" - EMINEM
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.
Air Jordan Retro II "The Way I Am"
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.