Image via Complex Original/Artwork by Willkay
Since the birth of sneaker culture in the mid-1980s, collaborations between artists, musicians and luxury labels have taken the market by storm, releasing covetable grails and continually bringing new members to the community.
Today, the demand for hyped sneakers is more prevalent then ever before, and while it may be easy to assume that sneakerheads are guaranteed a certified drop, it also means that the industry has released a fair few silhouettes which have, at the very least, given footwear fans something to say. Thanks to the rise of the internet, exclusive sneaker collaborations can no longer be perceived as hidden secrets confined to Reddit pages or exclusive raffle releases.
That’s where eBay comes in.
The online marketplace has long been the go-to for sneaker drops, with its wide range of listings and super niche releases. Best of all, eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee means that each time a pair of sneakers is listed, eBay will carry out a verification process to ensure the legitimacy of said creps, ultimately providing buyers with piece of mind that what they’re copping is 100% genuine.
With this in mind, we took to eBay to look for the slickest recent collaborative kicks. Scroll down to check our top 5 picks, available on the site right now.*
1. Supreme x Nike Air Max 96 “Silver Bullet”
Supreme’s love for less-heralded, often obscure Nike silhouettes has been well-documented over the course of the skate brand’s 27-year history. Take the Air Max 96, for example: once considered the flagship model of the late ‘90s, the heritage sneaker has only been reissued once in its original form, namely in 2016.
Much like the Foamposite, this collaborative Air Max 96 divides opinion and is pretty much a love/hate shoe. Launching midway through 2020 in black, “Camo” and a shiny “Silver Bullet” colourway, the most eye-catching feature is undoubtedly the translucent windows on the upper, akin to the ultra-chic see-through Trail sneaker from Acne Studios and Blondey MCcoy’s adidas Superstar, which replaces its traditional puffed-out mesh panelling and makes for the perfect summer crep.
Click here to see the full range of listings for the Supreme x Nike Air Max 96 “Silver Bullet” on eBay.
2. BAPE x adidas Superstar “Camo”
Despite the countless number of co-branded sneaker releases each year, there are very few collaborations that outperform the longevity and impact of BAPE®’s partnership with adidas. What began as a handful of exclusive shoes aimed at fusing the pair’s aesthetic is now an 18-year project spanning the sportswear giant’s extensive archive.
Having joined forces on the Superstar since 2011, last year the duo reunited once more to drop its most visually striking collaboration yet. As with previous releases, the “Camo” features an upper made up of the Japanese label’s signature military-inspired ABC print, this time dressed in classic green hues. A must-have for any loyal adidas or BAPE® fan, this sneaker marks the first time the signature “Sta” logo appeared on adidas’ iconic silhouette.
You can head over to eBay’s sneaker marketplace to cop the BAPE® x adidas Superstar “Camo” via this link.
3. Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex Clog “Stratus”
Over the course of a couple of years, Salehe Bembury has become a household name within the sneaker game. Collaborations with New Balance have helped garner a loyal fanbase of sneakerheads, while his Croc Pollex Clog collaboration has widened his appeal to include even the most casual of footwear fans.
Although Crocs has been enjoying massive success in recent times, the label’s partnership with the New York City native has helped cement it within the world of savvy consumer shoes. First designed for slippery boat decks, Crocs’ Clog silhouette has landed both poolside and on city streets. Bembury’s Pollex makeover, however, has redirected the laceless model towards the great outdoors, channelled by a unique, man-made aesthetic created by the Los Angeles-based designer’s very own fingerprint.
Reinforced toe sections, fabric lockdown straps, plastic moulded fasteners and trusty traction underfoot offer a refreshing update to the once ridiculed shoe. First previewed by Cynthia Erivo and Jess Hu in the Crocs Pollex Clog campaign in November last year, Bembury’s clean, understated “Stratus” colourway has already taken the market by storm thanks to its affordable price tag and well deserved hype.
Switch up your traditional sneaker rotation and head over to eBay now to check out the full range of available Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex Clog “Stratus” listings.
4. Ader Error x Puma “Cell Alien”
Dedicated to redefining the meaning of youth culture, PUMA’s collaboration with Seoul-based designer brand Ader Error is for many, either a safe bet or a jump into the unknown. Featuring luminous accents and a transparent yellow bubble at each heel, this updated take on an archival silhouette—which was first introduced in 1988—channels its running roots to create an offering that references contemporary streetwear.
Adorned with retro influences and cushioned midsoles which deliver optimal comfort with every wear, the Ader Error x Puma “Cell Alien” is perhaps one of the coolest “dad sneakers” that you can still get. With “Cell” cushioning technology that boasts a TPU configuration, there’s a lot to love about this vintage rework of the ultra-easy-to-style sneaker.
Click here to cop the Ader Error x Puma “Cell Alien” via eBay.
5. New Balance Tokyo Design Studio x Stone Island RC Elite v2 “Rain Cloud/Energy Red”
Stone Island is certainly no stranger when it comes to New Balance collaborations, but the Stone Island x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio RC Elite v2 “Rain Cloud/Energy Red” might just be their best one yet. Inspired by a shared “understated innovation” ethos, the sneaker—with its meshy, cracked upper—sold out almost immediately when it first dropped and graced myriad of resale websites for a tidy profit in no time at all.
While the 2021 release may have divided loyal NB and Stone Island fans—who argued that the shoe was so far removed from the label’s core consumer—objectively, the revisited link-up is a technical masterpiece. Boasting state-of-the-art material innovation, the sneaker features a full-length carbon plate inside its bouncy cushioned outsole and breathable, lightweight upper. With the same deconstructed effect appearing once more and the archetypical Stone Island and New Balance logos gracing the shoe’s upper and midsole, there is absolutely no doubt this is one of the best releases of this year.
You can head over to eBay’s sneaker marketplace to cop the New Balance Tokyo Design Studio x Stone Island RC Elite v2 “Rain Cloud/Energy Red” via this link.
Click here to visit eBay’s sneaker marketplace to check out their entire sneaker range and more*. You can also read more about the Authenticity Guarantee for sneakers here.
*All sneakers shown here were available via eBay at the time of going to press. We have selected styles with a good level of availability on the platform, although as eBay is a live marketplace we cannot guarantee they will all be available at all times.