1.
When you think of sneakers digging into the dirt of a baseball diamond, you're probably not picturing crosstrainers. For most on-field play, cleats are necessary due to the playing surface and rigors of the game. However, many athletes have made such a name for themselves in the sport that they were sponsored by brands to endorse training sneakers. For players, the benefits of having a non-cleated pair of footwear are numerous: athletes can practice, recover, train, and travel in crosstrainer variations. Since the '90s, a number of stars have been connected to signature models. Although the trend has cooled off, and today's players tend to opt for strictly cleats, the crosstrainer still holds a special place within baseball footwear.
Riley Jones is a journalism student from Charlottesville, VA. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things pop culture, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr.
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NOTE: This article was originally published March 28, 2013, with updates.
2.
Nike Air Trainer SC
Endorser: Bo Jackson
Year: 1990
Bo Knows baseball. And football. And crosstrainers. Although this particular model wasn't regularly worn on baseball diamonds, it must be acknowledged for kick-starting the baseball trainer trend. While it wasn't technically a signature model, it was endorsed by and most commonly associated with Bo Jackson. Bo's line would go onto become legendary, while baseball crosstrainers were just getting started.
3.
Nike Air Diamond Turf
Endorser: Deion Sanders
Year: 1993
“Primetime” Deion Sanders followed in Bo Jackson’s footsteps to become a dual-sport star, excelling in both baseball and football. Although Bo’s signature line was worn mostly for football, Deion flipped the script by wearing signature Nikes on the diamond. The Air Diamond Turf has been successful in each of its retro runs.
Nike Air Diamond Turf II
Endorser: Deion Sanders
Year: 1994/1995
With the success of “Neon” Deion’s first signature model, Nike followed it up with a sequel. The design and tech were similar to the original release, with encapsulated Air units and a lock-down forefoot strap.
Nike Air Diamond Fury Mid
Endorser: Ken Griffey, Jr.
Year: 1995
Although it didn’t bare Griffey’s namesake, the Air Diamond Fury is most commonly associated with “The Kid”. The model was tweaked for a 2010 re-release featuring Hyperfuse and a 360 Air bubble.
Reebok Big Hurt
Endorser: Frank Thomas
Year: 1996
With a nickname like “Big Hurt”, it’s safe to say Frank Thomas was inflicting some pain on pitchers during the 1990s. His most famous signature sneaker was the Reebok Big Hurt, which featured linear style cues similar to their basketball footwear of the era, such as the Shaqnosis and Kamikaze II.
Nike Air K-Low
Endorser: Kenny Lofton
Year: 1996
Kenny Lofton was a speedy outfielder who made six All-Star appearances throughout the '90s. Although his signature line is often overshadowed by other Nike styles from the era, the K-Low featured Zoom Air and eye-catching 3M overlays.
4.
Nike Air Griffey Max 1
Endorser: Ken Griffey, Jr.
Year: 1996
In 1996, Griffey finally got his first true signature model. The Kid himself requested a bold, unique design. He also wanted a turf version of the model to pair with his cleats so that he could rotate between the two for games, workouts, and practice. The result was the highly successful Air Griffey Max 1. Its blue/volt colorway was groundbreaking in the world of baseball trainers, but nothing new for Nike.
Nike Air Zoom Diamond
Endorser: Kenny Lofton
Year: 1997
For Lofton's second signature trainer, Nike utilized patent leather on the upper and a translucent rubber sole, which is reminiscent of the Air Jordan 11. A Phylon midsole was enhanced with Zoom Air units for responsive cushioning on the turf.
5.
Nike Air Griffey Max 2
Endorser: Ken Griffey, Jr.
Year: 1997
Nike was quick to follow Griffey’s first sig with a sequel. In 1997, the Air Griffey Max 2 hit, and added performance tweaks like Carbon Fiber overlays and larger Air units. The Kid was in his prime, and so was his signature sneaker line.
Nike Air DT Max 4
Endorser: Deion Sanders
Year: 1997
This turf trainer was inspired by running sneakers and worn by "Primetime" Deion Sanders. A midfoot strap provided lockdown on the full-grain and synthetic leather combo upper. An Air Max unit in the heel provided cushion.
6.
Nike Air Nomo Max
Endorser: Hideo Nomo
Year: 1996/1997
Utilizing the midsole from the Air Griffey Max 1, the Air Nomo Max was the signature sneaker for Dodgers pitcher Hideo Nomo. Its simple yet striking design proved to be a hit when it was retroed in 2010.
Nike Air Griffey Max (aka Griffey Max 3)
Endorser: Ken Griffey, Jr.
Year: 1998
The Air Griffey Max continued where the first two models left off, this time with a more prominent forefoot strap that spanned the upper of the shoe. With wavy lines and asymmetrical lacing, this model had late ‘90s written all over it.
Nike Air Nomo Max 2
Endorser: Hideo Nomo
Year: 1998
Nomo's second signature model isn't quite as memorable as his first, but it was still a performance behemoth. With a synthetic leather and mesh build, the model was durable for training. It featured a dual-pressure Air Max unit in the heel and forefoot for cushioning.
7.
Fila Sosa
Endorser: Sammy Sosa
Year: 1999
Although his legacy was tainted with steroid allegations, Sammy Sosa was impressive during his days in the pros. Fila thought so too, and provided him with a signature model.
Nike Total Air Griffey Max
Endorser: Ken Griffey, JR.
Year: 1999
Griffey’s 1999 sig featured more Air and Carbon Fiber than ever before. The model featured supple leather overlays and ample Air Max cushioning and was also known as the Griffey IV. The style was tweaked for a re-release in 2011, but didn't have quite the same appeal as the original.
Nike Air Griffey Max GD II
Endorser: Ken Griffey, Jr.
Year: 2001
The Max GD II was another Griffey trainer featuring full-length visible Air. This model was re-released in 2010, but wasn’t quite as successful as other Griffey styles.
Nike Shox Griffey
Endorser: Ken Griffey, Jr.
Year: 2002
Nike Shox was all the rage in the early 2000s, and they made sure The Kid got in on the action. With large springs and a durable upper, these were ready for training.
Fila Bonds XT
Endorser: Barry Bonds
Year: 2003
Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds had a number of things in common. Both sluggers were admired for their hitting prowess throughout the '90s, and later on both players had their names tainted by steroid allegations. But that's not all. Both Bonds and Sosa had their own Fila crosstrainers, and this Barry Bonds model dropped in 2003.
Jordan Jeter DJ
Endorser: Derek Jeter
Year: 2001
The Jumpman Jeter DJ was the first signature shoe for Derek Jeter, kicking off what would result in the longest-running signature sneaker line in baseball. With lockdown straps and minimal branding, this initial model was a no-frills performer.
8.
Jordan Jeter DJ 2
Endorser: Derek Jeter
Year: 2002
Following up on Jeter's first sig, the DJ 2 kept things aesthetically similar but dropped the lockdown strap. With the release of this sequel, Jordan and Jeter were on their way to a long-term partnership.
9.
Jordan Jeter Turn 2
Endorser: Derek Jeter
Year: 2003
The Jeter Turn 2 saw the return of a forefoot lockdown strap and was built with a nearly seamless design.
Jordan Jeter Jet
Endorser: Derek Jeter
Year: 2004
With a name like "Jet", these Jeter sigs were built quick ans speedy for the star shortstop. With plenty of perforations for breathability and a midfoot overlay for fit, these were a capable trainer on multiple surfaces.
Jordan Jeter Six4Three
Endorser: Derek Jeter
Year: 2005
Taking its namesake from the rare 6-4-3 double play, the Jeter Six4Three was a testament to Derek's accomplishments. A full-grain leather upper provided a durable fit, while Nike Sphere lining was utilized for comfort. Dual-density Phylon provided cushioning in the midsole, while the oursole was designed with a pyramid traction pattern for extra grip.
Jordan Jeter Official
Endorser: Derek Jeter
Year: 2006
Like many of Jeter's Jordan signature models, the Official features a reinforced toe for durability. With vented quarter panels, the model was breathable yet supportive.
10.
Jordan Jeter Vital
Endorser: Derek Jeter
Year: 2007
One of Jeter’s earliest sig shoes, this model featured a silhouette similar to Jordan Brand’s Melo basketball line. With a nubbed outsole, it was ideal for turf. A notched tongue allowed the sneaker to be easily pulled on and off.
Jordan Jeter Clutch
Endorser: Derek Jeter
Year: 2008
Built with full grain and synthetic leather, the Jeter Clutch was durable and featured a toe cap which helped to combat toe drag. A Phylon midsole was matched with Nike Air cushioning for a turf-ready trainer.
Jordan Jeter Captain
Endorser: Derek Jeter
Year: 2009
With a herringbone and diamond nub traction outsole, the Jeter Captain was a lightweight trainer ready for a number of surfaces. A visible Air unit added cushioning, while the unmistakable pinstripes referenced Jeter’s history with the Yankees.
Jordan Jeter Throwback
Endorser: Derek Jeter
Year: 2010
The Jeter Throwback was the Air Jordan Spiz’ike of the Jeter line. Built as a tribute to Jeter’s career defining moments, the Throwback featured style cues from Air Jordan basketball sneakers as well as previous Jeter styles.
11.
Jordan Jeter Cut
Endorser: Derek Jeter
Year: 2011
The Jeter cut featured Diamond-shaped perforations and a sandwich mesh tongue for max breathability. A dual-density Phylon midsole provides cushion while the outsole is designed with articulated lugs for traction. Jeter hit his 3,000th career hit in this model.
Jordan Jeter Legend
Endorser: Derek Jeter
Year: 2012
The most recent Jeter sig features an inner bootie for fit, Phylon midsole, and an encapsulated Air Unit. The outsole is Free-inspired, with rubber pods providing flexibility.
Jordan Jeter Legend Elite
Endorser: Derek Jeter
Year: 2012
If you thought King James, Kobe, and KD were the only guys who had upgraded "Elite" versions of their sig shoes, you may have missed the Jordan Jeter Legend Elite, which tweaked the original by adding a Hyperfuse upper, adding a new level of lightweight durability to the already rugged model.
Nike Air Griffey Max 360
Endorser: Ken Griffey, Jr.
Year: 2013
What do Michael Jordan and Ken Griffey, Jr. have in common? They've both been retired for quite some time now, but their signature models are still worn by some of the top players on the hardwood and diamond today. This Griffey Max 360 version took the cleated Swingman MVP and removed the studs for a more gym-friendly 360 Air Max setup.
Nike Lunar Vapor Trout
Endorser: Mike Trout
Year: 2014
These Mike Trout signature cleats aren't actually a trainer, but we've got our fingers crossed in hopes that a non-studded variation is on the way. The Nike Lunar Vapor Trout will be released on July 12, so mark your calendars if you're looking to emulate one of the MLB's brightest young stars.
Riley Jones is a journalism student from Charlottesville, VA. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things pop culture, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr.
