Image via Complex Original/Artwork by Willkay
Ever since Run DMC released the 1986 track My Adidas, the world of rap, in all its myriad forms and subgenres, has been inextricably linked with footwear. Today, these particular collaborations serve as one of the most influential sectors in the sneaker market—landing on par with investment watch pieces and collectable cars—and selling out in minutes at hefty resale prices.
Over the years, a diverse list of hip hop artists, from Pharrell Williams to Lil Wayne to Tyler the Creator, have taken time outside the studio to add their stamp to a whole host of silhouettes. However, when it comes to these collabs, there are only a few names that hit as hard in the footwear game as they do in music. Most of these projects are also characterised by a few things: they must remain memorable, wearable and timeless for years to come, but there’s also a few that are quickly swept under the carpet.
Keeping the sneaker and rap scene 100% legit is eBay who, back in 2020, launched their Authenticity Guarantee with Sneaker Con – a free service which sees the colour, stitching, logos, and fabric, vetted by team of industry experts. Measurements of the model are compared with other sneakers on eBay, while laces, accessories, and the shoe box are also checked, too.
Below, we’ve picked out recent highlight sneakers from our favourite Complex music artists, all of which can still be shopped online at eBay*.
1. Air Jordan x Fragment x Travis Scott 1 Low OG
Nike has a rich history of collaborating with the very best designers, athletes and musicians from around the globe. From Virgil Abloh to Michael Jordan, to Drake and more recently, Travis Scott, the brand’s continued ability to associate their products with some of the hottest figures in popular culture has contributed massively to its continued success.
Since first teaming up with Nike—by featuring in its Air VaporMax Day to Night campaign, creating a custom Jordan Trunner and rapping “Nike boys, we don’t do three stripes” on 21 Savage, Offset and Metro Boomin’s Without Warning album—Scott’s creps have consistently sold out and dominated yearly “best of” lists. Much like his energetic concerts, they’re practically guaranteed to cause serious hype, and have established an instantly recognisable visual language.
Partnering with the Jordan Brand and Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment Design, the 2021 release hones in on the beloved Air Jordan 1 – a model both the Houston rapper and the Japanese designer have tapped for past Jordan Brand link-ups. Utilising familiar colour blocking schemes, this sneaker satisfies the typical “rule of three”, arriving with an aged midsole with matching Sail laces, fresh “Military Blue” accents across the collar and insole. Characterised by Scott’s signature reverse Swoosh detailing, Cactus Jack and Fragment Design logos are embossed on the left and right heels, respectively, leaving their modern marks on this time-tested silhouette.
A must have for any La Flame fan, click here to cop the Air Jordan x Fragment x Travis Scott 1 Low OG on eBay.
2. adidas Forum Buckle Low x Bad Bunny “Blue Tint”
These last few years have seen the collaborative partnership between adidas and Puerto Rico’s Bad Bunny go from strength-to-strength. In 2021, the pair announced that they would embark on “a long-term partnership that will see us work on a number of collaborative projects and product drops over the coming seasons”, which to date, has culminated in a number of projects including a collaborative Response CL, Forum PWR, and more recently, the classic Forum shoe.
Arguably the hottest crep born out of this year, the 27-year-old’s take on the silhouette celebrates both the tropical climate and acclaimed artist, whose bright mind and creative power have earned him immense global influence over the past six years. Decorated with sky blue suede accents on the upper and featuring the signature Forum buckle in “Blue Tint”, this collaborative three-striped silhouette is guaranteed to keep ‘fit looking cold throughout winter.
Head over to eBay’s sneaker marketplace to cop the adidas Forum Buckle Low x Bad Bunny “Blue Tint” via this link.
3. New Balance x Donald Glover RC30 “Sea Salt”
Boston-based footwear brand New Balance has gained incredible attention in recent years due to its stream of covetable colourways, collaborations, and celebrity endorsements. Adding to its long list of partnerships, the sneaker behemoth teamed up with multi-faceted artist Donald Glover—aka Childish Gambino—earlier this year, who lent his creative touch to reinvent the footwear giant’s famed RC30.
Honing in on a sports-like aesthetic, the sleek silhouette is a must-have for anybody looking for a clean silhouette that isn’t from the brand’s 990 or 530 line. Suede and nylon uppers are dressed in neutral and navy, while a signature ‘N’ sits at the side wall. Glover keeps branding simple on the project, omitting his name anywhere on the shoe’s exterior, and instead flaunts his individuality throughout the hairy suedes, and vintage-esque construction.
Keep things clean and head to eBay now to cop the New Balance x Donald Glover RC30 “Sea Salt”.
4. Reebok x Future Furikaze “Sand”
Serving as the rapper Future’s debut collaboration with Reebok, the Furizake is undoubtedly a hidden gem. Initially launching back in 2017, the silhouette takes on a retro design, fusing together the German label’s Instapump Fury and Kamikaze to create an offering which, today, is hard to come by. Dressed in two-tone textile uppers, inspired by the Scorpio zodiac sign, this sneaker combines Reebok’s signature InstaPump technology and lacing system, along with an EVA midsole for added support and comfort.
There aren’t many of these about, so be quick. Head to eBay to see all current listings.
5. Puma x J. Cole RS Dreamer Mid
Since 2020, PUMA has tried to increasingly expand its athlete’s package by focusing heavily on the US market, in particular the one linked to PUMA Hoops, the basketball department. Take their collaboration with J. Cole for example, a two year partnership first announced during the NBA All Star Weekend via a short film produced and co-directed by PUMA and Dreamville (the production company founded by Cole himself) which focused on the idea of never abandoning your dream despite the obstacles faced.
Whilst the rapper’s inaugural project saw a reproduction of the classic 1985 Sky LX, it is the RS Dreamer Mid that still catches our eye. First and foremost a basketball silhouette, the “Royal Blue” colourway is unequivocally destined for life beyond the court. With a panelled design and chunky rubber sole, the sneaker’s eye-catching upper, arguably the standout, sits upon a ProFoam midsole for responsive cushioning.
Click here to cop the Puma x J. Cole RS Dreamer Mid via eBay.
Head over to eBay’s sneaker marketplace to check out their entire crep 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.