The Best Sneaker Moments In Horror Movie History

Written by Frazier Tharpe (@The_SummerMan)

The sneakers worn in horror movies are rarely given a thought nor paid attention to—ironic given characters spend the majority of the time on the run. But that's what we're here for. Amidst all of the dimly lit haunted cabins, forests and cars—and on an often frantically shaking camera—we took note of all the kicks visible on screen. What better time than Halloween to reminsce on some of cinema's best footwear? Click through The Best Sneaker Moments In Horror Movie History, then take our cue to marathon some of these classics and otherwise laughable, so-bad-they're-fun scarefests during the season's final hours.

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Year (of Film): 1980

Sneaker: Converse All Star Chuck Taylor

Worn by: The randy, neglectful Camp Crystal Lake counselors, the same ones who let Jason Voorhees drown on their watch. Since this opening scene, every flashback to the camp features counselors and campers alike in Chucks.

Year (of Film): 1990

Sneaker: Converse All Star Chuck Taylor

Worn by: Andy Barclay (Alex Vincent), taking in his new foster family's home in style, in a rare moment of peace before Chucky returns to wreak havoc.

Year (of Film): 2003

Sneaker: Converse All Star Chuck Taylor

Worn by: Various Crystal Lake campers ridiculing poor Jason Voorhees in his life-defining moment, visited via flashback during Lori's (Monica Keena) sleep-sync with both Jason and Freddy. Not sure why they're red in a flashback but black in the original.

Year (of Film): 2005

Sneakers: Converse All Star Chuck Taylor OX; Nike Terminator

Worn by: Wade (Jared Padalecki) and Nick (Chad Michael Murray) respectively, boyfriend and twin brother of heroine Carly (Elisha Cutbert). In retrospect, Wade did not dress for the occasion: as the first victim of the homicidal Sinclair brothers, he ends up in the eponymous house of wax, forever immortalized in mere Chuck Taylors.

Year (of Film): 1987

Sneaker: Nike Convention, Nike Penetrator Hi

Worn by: Richard Farley (Philip McKeon), one of the douchebag actors starring in the film interpretation of a series of murders that took place at the titular high school (very meta), before he gets snatched up...after the cameras stop rolling.

Year (of Film): 2009

Sneaker: Converse All Star Chuck Taylor

Worn by: Mike (Nick Menell), one of the victims of the brutal teaser—and best scene in this otherwise unnecessary remake—and later "redesigned" by Mr. Voorhees with a well-placed machete through the floorboards. A fitting attention to detail, as Chucks were the Camp Crystal Lake shoe of choice in both the original film and subsequent flashbacks to Jason's time there.

Year (of Film): 1976

Sneaker: adidas Nizza Low

Worn by: Miss Collins (Betty Buckley), specifically during the hellish week of boot-camp she puts Carrie's classmates through to punish them for their notorioius "plug it up!" taunts.

Year (of Film): 2001

Sneaker: Converse All Star Chuck Taylor OX

Worn by: Darry (Justin Long). As most horrors typically begin, things for the Jenner siblings pop off when Darry insists they investigate after they see a man dump a body down a large pipe, because why not? Because that'll set off a series of events that ends with being stalked by an immortal, carnivorous creature, that's why.

Year (of Film): 2012

Sneaker: Converse Poorman Weapon UNDFTD (2008)

Worn by: Holden (Jesse Williams), or as the (spoiler alert) human-sacrificing, gods-fearing Facility archetypically refers to him, The Scholar. He's there as part of a matchmaking setup to meet Dana (Kristen Connolly), which explains why brought out a solid pair of kicks just to ruin them in the woods. Unfortunately, dressing to impress doesn't guarantee survival.

Year (of Film): 1980

Sneaker: Nike Elite

Worn by: Jim (C. Thomas Howell), while he learns what those of us with common sense and well-placed paranoia knew without the what-if fear of a horror film: no good ever comes from hitchhikers.

Year (of Film): 1991

Sneaker: Converse All Star Chuck Taylor

Worn by: "Fool Williams" (Brandon Adams), the adolescent hero who spends his days in the backalleys and otherwise grimiest parts of L.A., hence why his white Chuck Taylors are dirtied nearly beyond recogniton.

Year (of Film): 2012

Sneaker: adidas Busenitz

Worn by: Ryan (Max Thieriot), the resident town weirdo, a title earned before several nonsensical twists in what is easily Jennifer Lawrence's worst film reveal just how happy dude must've been to have a chance to wear men's sneakers in the first place.

Year (of Film): 1984

Sneaker: Nike Bruin

Worn by: Glen (Johnny Depp), seen here chillng on his bed, listening to music, probably thinking of Nancy. Looks comfortable, a good thing since he's about to get supremely acquainted with that mattress a few scenes later.