The 25 Most Influential People in Sneakers Right Now

Influence is the bug that no one can escape. No matter how hard someone tries to fight it, there's always another person who, even slightly, dictates their decisions. Especially when it comes to sneakers. It's funny to joke around and say that people are #influencers, but there are people who actually make trends happen within sneakers.

There are many reasons someone can be influential in sneakers. Athletes and rappers will always have a certain level of cultural cool, but there are also people behind stores, who run social media accounts, and design the actual sneakers.

When making this list, we didn't take "power" into account. That's a different list. So CEOs of retail stores and brand employees who simply hold important-sounding titles weren't included. With that said, here are The Most Influential People in Sneakers Right Now.

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Role: Managing Director, size?, Foot Patrol

With all the focus on boutiques in the U.S., it's easy to forget that there are spots killing it in Europe, and no one more than size? right now. Paul Ruffles, the managing director of the boutique (along with Foot Patrol), has given an identity to a corporate boutique and keeps the store flowing with exclusive product from Nike and adidas. Size? has even able to get Nike to re-release models, such as the Air Max 93, that the brand had kept sitting in the archives for years. The Huarache has become a size? staple, and heads in the U.S. have been searching out the U.K. retailer to get a pair—or two. The Air Max 93 looks to be making a comeback in 2014 at stores other than size?, and those who search out storied silhouettes view size? as the epicenter of their sneaker universe.

Role: Founders, Common Projects

When Peter Poopat and Flavio Girolami set out to create Common Projects in 2004, they wanted to find "the essence of the sneaker". With a focus on craftsmanship, materials and silhouette rather than technology, little did they know that they would change the sneaker industry forever. Nowadays, fashion houses and small upstarts are all trying to get a piece of the luxurious casual footwear market, largely in part due to the shift in mentality that Peter and Flavio caused with their Achilles styles. While the brand has expanded vastly into traditional shoes and boots, it's still the benchmark for quality and timeless style in the "fashion sneakers" market. In 2014, kicks that fetch $400 don't seem so unreasonable because of the lane Common Projects created, proving how elegant trainers can actually be.

Role: Customizers

Sneaker customizing has enjoyed a resurgence of late, following a long lull after the glory days of Methamphibian and SBTG (who has gone the legit route since). Sure, guys like C2 still produce classics (he even appeared on NBC's "Last Call" in 2009), but for the most part, custom sneakers faded to the background, at least in part because sneaker companies started taking cues from customizers. Or hiring them. It would take a pretty major swerve to return customizers to prominence. Enter JBF (aka Jake Ferrato) who specializes in deconstructing sneakers and rebuilding them from exotic skins like python and ostrich. Meanwhile, Mache continues to do things the old-fashioned way—with paint—only he actually has access to athletes, meaning his sneakers have made it all the way to the NBA floor. How times have changed.

Role: Rapper

Tyler, the Creator, rapper and head of the OFWGKTA crew, isn't responsible for Vans being worn in California—seeing that the brand was founded there in 1966, Left Coast skaters were wearing Vans long before Tyler was even a gleam in his soon-to-be-estranged father's eye. But Tyler's aesthetic (and the whole GOLF WANG look) still spread like wildfire amongst a non-skate audience, who may have been previously unaware of even the likes of Supreme. And he's still just 22.

Role: Rapper

Love him or hate him, Macklemore moves the needle. His fanbase is huge, and he's become one of the non-athletic darlings of Jordan Brand and Nike. During his New Year's Eve performance, he threw a pair of the unreleased Air Yeezy II "Red Octobers" into the crowd, and he's flexed his Oregon-exclusive Nikes and Jordans on Instagram. Macklemore isn't the top-influencing rapper in the sneaker world, but his reach is growing. Recently, Macklemore celebrated in the Seattle Seahawks' locker room and was given a pair of Air Jordan VI cleats by Earl Thomas after the team had won the NFC Championship. After winning the Grammy for Best Rap Album, Macklemore has divided some of the hip-hop listenership. But, regardless, he's at the center of the conversation. And he's wearing Jordans.

Role: DJ, consultant, co-host Quickstrike

You see him talking sneakers on the regular with Russ Bengtson on Complex TV's Quickstrike, but Clark's sneaker influence goes way deeper than that. In fact, Clark's prowess in sneakers is as just as deep as his involvement in hip-hop (and he produced tracks on Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt). And when it comes to sneaker culture in general, Clark is the world's unofficial representative. Take for example when mainstream media outlet Nightline did its piece on sneakerheads, Clark was one of the features main talking heads.

There are also only a handful of DJs that have been able to work with Nike, not just once, but several times. His 112 designs are highly sought after, and his "Black Friday" Air Force 1s kicked off another sneaker holiday tradition. Other brands look for Clark's expertise too. When it comes to launching a new sneaker project into the market, it's not legit unless DJ Clark Kent has co-signed on it first.

Role: PR director, Nike

Don't know who Heidi Burgett is? You must not spend much time on Twitter, then. The Nike PR director is considered the last word when it comes to limited releases (and not-so-limited ones)—until she tweets the information/images, it's not real. And when she does, it's an all-out thirstfest. Just take for example when Heidi confirmed the "Red October" Air Yeezy IIs were actually intended to hit retail stores last year. The Internet went nuts because there was an actual source inside of Nike's walls that could legitimize the rumors. Whether or not the sneakers actually came out is a different story, but you get the point.

Role: Founding editor, Sneakernews, Freshness Mag, founder of Sneakercon

He's the man behind some of your favorite sneaker sources. As the publisher of Sneaker News, Freshness Mag, Celeb Kicks, and Jordans Daily, Yu-Ming has had a hand in informing the sneaker community about what's important since the beginning (of the internet sneaker boom, anyway). He's also one of the men behind the @sneakernews handle on Instagram, which boasts well over a million followers and was ranked by Mashable as one of the most followed brands on the social media app.

Role: Designer, adidas Originals

It's kind of insane to think that people would want to buy sneakers with huge wings on them or pairs that look like they're fused with teddy bears, but Jeremy Scott made this a reality. Scott's partnership with adidas Originals has produced some of the most oddball sneakers, and they've become increasingly popular. In 2013, he was able to collaborate with A$AP Rocky, and every season is a waiting game to see which next-level designs his collections will contain. The genius of Scott is that he's able to take archival designs from adidas and turn them into sneakers that cause a discussion. Whether people are feeling Scott's sneakers or not is irrelevant. He's influential because he's able to stir a dialogue of how far creative sneaker design can go. And he does it well.

Role: Rapper, designer

A$AP Rocky might not always wear sneakers, but when he does, people take notice. Last year, Rocky got the chance to collaborate with Jeremy Scott on the JS Wings 2.0, but that's the only start of Rocky's influence. Give his close connection with high-fashion designers, Rocky was the first to break out the Raf Simons x adidas sneakers from the designer's first and second collection with the brand, and he was also the first to wear the Rick Owens x adidas sneakers.

The white/white Nike Air Force 1 Mid has also seen a resurgence over the past year, and, once again, Rocky was at the center of this sneaker's revival. Everyone from hip-hop heads to fashion bros were seen in the sneaker, and, like Rocky, wore them into the ground. But he just hasn't been able to influence his legions of fans, Rocky has also curved the tastes of those closest to him: like his girlfriend, Chanel Iman, who has been seen wearing matching Air Jordan 1s with her man.

Role: Producer, rapper, Creative Director, Reebok Classics

A lot more people have been wearing Reeboks lately, and the person to thank for that is Swizz Beatz. The re-emergence of Reebok has focused around its Classics division and the proper retroing of the brand's back catalog from the late-'70s through the '90s. Swizz was able to bring Shaq back to Reebok, along with re-releasing sneakers for Shawn Kemp, Frank Thomas, and making the Classic Leather one of the most-collaborated-on silhouettes of 2013. For a long stretch, Reebok had seemingly given up its dominance from the '80s and '90s, but thanks to Swizz's push, Iverson's sneakers are seeing proper retros, people such as Cam'ron are involved in the brand's advertising, and models that people have been dying to see re-released, such as the DMX Run 10, have come back out and have been worked on by the likes of Frank the Butcher and Sneakersnstuff. Reebok hasn't dethroned Nike as the top dog in the sneaker industry, but under Swizz's guidance, the average consumer can get a quality retro sneaker from the brand and have their sneaker game on lock.

Role: NFL Player, New York Giants

Not only is Victor Cruz one of the biggest sneakerheads in the NFL, but he's also one of Nike's biggest endorsers in the sport. Aside from being an integral part of what the athletic brand does in the football category, Cruz has helped keep the registers ringing at Foot Locker. The Super Bowl champ's weekly #cruzdaytuesday campaign with the sneaker chain has thousands of heads sending their best sneaker pics for a chance at a Foot Locker gift card and a Victor Cruz shoutout. But don't get it twisted. Cruz isn't just about supporting giant conglomerates. His friendships with Kith's Ronnie Fieg and DJ Clark Kent are an example of his involvement with the independent moguls in sneaker culture.

Role: NBA Player, Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe Bryant isn't even playing right now, but the Nike Kobe 9 is still one of the most anticipated sneakers of 2014. People wonder how such a high-top will translate to everyday wear, but it's getting more and more attention because of Kobe's affiliation with the sneakers. But it's not just Kobe's signature sneaker with Nike that's driving consumers—adidas is able to re-release sneakers from Kobe's heyday with the brand, the Crazy 1 and the Crazy 97, and there's still a huge interest. As challenging as the Kobe 9 is, having Kobe Bryant behind the sneaker (and it having a Flyknit upper), have piqued the interest of those who want to be involved with the future of sneakers—even if Kobe's career on its last legs. He drove the lowtop revolution with IV through 8, now he may be able to switch that up with the 9. Plain and simple, there's no way to deny how much Kobe still contributes to sneaker culture.

Role: NBA Player, Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant is lighting it up on the basketball court and in sneaker culture. The NBA MVP candidate has grown to become one of Nike's most important faces in basketball next to Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. And things are only looking up from here. Last season, KD was equipped with the first Elite version of his signature sneaker and it's probably safe to assume that Nike will continue that tradition for the rest of Durant's career—stamping the 25-year-old All-Star's status as the future of Nike Basketball. Not only that, the Kevin Durant Nike line expanded into off-court options this year and KD's own off-court shoe choices have gotten a lot of attention from 'heads. It's no secret that Durant is a fan of Air Jordans in his free time: Just take a couple months ago when the player was spotted in a pair of "Oregon Ducks" Air Jordan Vs and a pair of "Bred" Air Jordan IVs, which drove sneaker and basketball fans wild.

Role: Production Creation Footwear Lead, NSW

Most know Gentry Humphrey for his days with Jordan Brand, but he has since moved onto filling a similar role with Nike Sportswear—which is huge right now. The sweet spot for Nike is getting athletic footwear to people who don't necessarily play sports. His work with basketball has caused hype around silhouettes and given them new flair. He was able to do this during his days with Jordan Brand, and he has made the Foamposite One an even more sought-after sneaker due to his wild touch. Although Gentry doesn't play things safe, he, by his own admission, has been able to cause hype around the sneakers he designs. And that's what sneaker culture feeds off of.

Role: Founder/owner of KITH, designer

When it comes to collaborations, it's feasible that no one is able to draw more hype than Ronnie Fieg. He's nearly single-handedly responsible for the revitalization of ASICS, and even launched a Paris pop-up around a Puma sneaker. Kids had never lined up for these brands before Fieg put his touch to their silhouettes and made them new for a group of consumers that had never looked twice at early-'90s running sneakers. But instead of being content, Fieg continues to make moves. His retail operation, Kith, has become notorious for carrying sneakers that are hard to find in the States and has become the go-to shop in NYC for limited collaborations. The most impressive thing about Fieg is how quick his sneakers disappear. His collaboration with New Balance on the "Daytona" 1600s was the best release of Black Friday 2013, and he was able to, almost silently, drop a New Balance 577 on Cyber Monday, which also sold out within the blink of an eye. Fieg continues to prove to people that he can do whatever he wants in the sneaker industry and make it cool. He's actually convincing brands to re-release models that they wouldn't otherwise, and as long as he's mocking up his infamous color schemes, heads are going to be lining up for his sneakers.

Role: Designer, NSW

His creations have merged Nike's past and future. Nike Sportswear design director Marc Dolce's main job is to examine the athletic company's significant silhouettes, and figure out ways to re-engineer them. You may know him from modernized classics like the Penny V, the Lunar Force 1, and the Zoom Rookie. What you may not know is that Dolce has one of the toughest jobs as a Nike designer. Imagine having the task of recreating a classic Nike silhouette so that it's innovative, but still relevant to the brand's heritage. If anyone can execute that successfully, it's Dolce.

Role: Co-Founder, Nike

Phil Knight is one half of the founding architecture for Nike, and is still the most recognizable name and face from the brand's corporate structure. If it wasn't for Knight, Nike might have never turned into the athletic monolith that it is. And Knight's roots at the University of Oregon are supplying Nike with a direct access to the coolest university to sneaker enthusiasts. Nike and Jordan have done their share of Oregon-themed sneakers lately, and without Knight's history with the school, these projects may have not come to fruition. They refer to Knight as "Uncle Phil" around Oregon for a reason. As long as Nike and Jordan can slap a big "O" or Puddles the Duck on an Air Jordan V or Foamposite One, kids are going to want to enroll at the Pacific Northwest school. The basketball and football teams will be winning games, and Phil Knight's legend will grow.

Role: Rapper, Team Jordan member

In case anyone has been living under a rock, Drake officially became a member of Team Jordan and has samples of his "OVO" Air Jordan Xs and XIIs wreaking havoc on eBay. Drake has always had an affinity for sneakers, but his style has grown over the past year or so and his connections with the sneaker world have flourished. Just last year, Drake was seen wearing the "Oregon" Air Jordan IIIs and took a picture of himself wearing the white/red Air Jordan XVIIs. Drake has worn rare Jordans in the past, but his new level of influence is affecting the tastes of consumers. People legitimately want the XVIIs to be retroed in a manner that doesn't involve a Countdown Package. He also put Twitter on alert during his SNL performance. Although Drake didn't wear Jordans during the show—he opted for Timbs—people were speculating whether he was going to break out any of the OVO sneakers. NBA players are wearing his Jordans on court, the Toronto Raptors dedicated a night to him, in which the OVO Air Jordan Xs were raffled off, and with Kanye leaving Nike to sign with adidas, Drake is the perfect answer to bolster Jordan's cool in the non-athlete category.

Role: Designer, Nike

Where would Nike be without Tinker Hatfield? The brand would be established, but many of its famous sneakers that built the foundation of the brand's legacy would have never existed, and that's not even touching Tinker's influence with the Air Jordan line and Jordan Brand. Tinker gets to choose his own personal projects with Nike. Who else has that leeway? He worked on the Melo M10, which has proven to be Melo's best sneaker in a while, if not his best signature sneaker ever. Tinker also designed the Air Jordan XX8 and the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour—two of the most forward-thinking silhouettes for both reaches of Nike. And let's not forget about his connection to HTM, which really got the Flyknit Chukka rolling last year, too. But it's not just Tinker's new work that's influential. His older work—the Air Jordan designs from the '80s, '90s, and '00s, his creation of the concept of Air Max and crosstraining, and designs of the Air Tech Challenge II and the Huarache runner—is just as fresh to a newer group of consumers who didn't grow up on those silhouettes.

Role: Retired NBA Player, Namesake of Jordan Brand

For a guy who will turn 51 in February and played in his last NBA game over a decade ago, Michael Jordan still has a heck of a lot of pull. His eponymous company grosses well over a billion dollars a year, and kids who weren't even born when he played his last game as a Chicago Bull (June 14, 1998) proudly rock his Jumpman logo. He also gets a lion's share of the credit for extending adolescence nearly indefinitely among men who would have otherwise, in a pre-Jordan world, long since switched over to hardbottoms. And whilst his personal style is still, shall we say, interesting, there is always a commotion when he breaks out a never-before-seen sample, or even wears a general release on the (practice) court. Will MJ's influence ever wane? Not much lower than this.

Role: NBA player, Miami Heat

The talk of the NBA season, sneaker wise, is whether LeBron James would wear his signature sneakers, the LeBron XIs, or not. Even though LeBron can't decide whether he likes his newest signature sneaker or not, it's been a huge success with sneaker fans. Meanwhile, with the Soldier VII, he's effectively promoting two current signature sneakers at the same damn time. But LeBron's impact extends off the court, too. What LeBron's wearing is a huge point of conversation. His decision to wear the "Oregon" Air Jordan Vs overshadowed the fact that he was giving his ankle rest before a game, and when he decide to wear a pair of Kobes, the Internet went nuts. Judging from his Instagram feed, he's clearly enjoying this newfound status. But at the heart of the conversation, LeBron is influential because he's the best player in the NBA with the most important signature sneaker in the league. If LeBron doesn't even have to wear his sneaker for it to sell, then his influence is exponential. Anything he co-signs is instantly cool.

Role: CEO, Nike

Nike is the biggest sneaker brand on the planet, and Mark Parker is the captain of that ship. He keeps the brand on course to explore its athletic innovation, but is able to keep it as cool (or cooler) than its ever been. Parker was able to tell Kanye West he didn't believe in the Air Yeezy, managed to piss Kanye off in the process, and came out unscathed. Parker has been able to make Nike focus on turning everyone into an athlete. Under Parker's tenure, Nike has made dressing for everyday sports the hip thing to do. Nike has always been huge, but there feels like a rediscovery of the brand thanks to sneakers such as Flyknit and Free. People who had absconded sneakers for menswear found themselves crawling back to the Swoosh. Even though those same people were probably Kanye fans, Parker's decision to not put a larger focus on a Kanye collection actually kept the brand true to its roots: being at the cutting-edge of the sneaker world.

Role: Rapper, producer, designer, adidas

Kanye West's blowup with Nike and subsequent signing with adidas was the biggest sneaker-related event to happen this year. Everyone was wondering when his swan song with Nike, the Air Yeezy II "Red Octobers," would release. They never did, but Kanye was still able to get his fans to take a side against Nike CEO Mark Parker, and everyone was waiting for a rapper to sign a new sneaker deal. West helped rappers effectively become the new athletes, and Kanye's dissatisfaction with the sneaker industry became an everyman struggle. Adidas had always had a perceived cool, but it grew exponentially when Kanye decided to sign with the brand. Sure, adidas already has Rick Owens, Jeremy Scott, Raf Simons, and Yohji Yamamoto, but Kanye made the brand relevant in a way that its athletes never could. Following a rash of radio interviews, in which he continually shit on Nike, Kanye finally officially inked his deal. He could have signed with any sneaker brand and instantly made them the new buzzword. His fanbase is so engaged that people who don't have an interest in sneakers are following his sneaker moves, and no matter Kanye actually does with adidas, people will be waiting to purchase it. The sheer feeling of anticipation is what lands him at the number-one spot. Will he stay here? Let's wait and see.