Do you like anime and sneakers? Would you call yourself a sneakerhead? Then this list is definitely for you! We’re counting down the best anime sneaker collaborations, and where to find them!
1. Jujutsu Kaisen x Syunsoku
Image Credit: Moshi-Moshi Nippon
Despite just having been released in 2020, Jujutsu Kaisen has already become one of the most popular and hyped shows in recent memory. The powerhouse show has spawned a lot of collaborations, including this sneaker collab with SYUNSOKU.
The collection is smart and simple, featuring six color combinations inspired by the characters of Jujutsu Kaisen. While none of them are protagonist Yuji Itadori’s iconic red sneakers, the shoes feature the show’s title written in Kanji, as well as a zipper and comfortable rubber soles built for running.
Image Credit: Moshi-Moshi Nippon
You can choose the orange ones inspired by Yuji Itadori, the cyan ones inspired by Megumi Fushiguro, the red ones featuring Nobara Kugisaki, and so on. Fan favorite Gojo Satoru receives homage as a sleek pair of black and purple sneakers with hidden red and blue details when opened. While you browse for some of these sneakers, don’t forget to listen to the anime’s absolute banger of an opening, “Kaikai Kitan.”
2. Demon Slayer x Atmos
Image Credit: AsiaTrend.com
The release of Kimetsu no Yaiba in 2019 was a game-changer for the anime industry, sparking iconic memes, fan art, and cosplays. While the manga may have already ended, its anime adaptation is still underway. Like the titular Mugen Train in the Demon Slayer feature film, the fanbase keeps going full steam ahead!
The anime is best known for its colorful and vibrant characters, with beautiful Taisho-era kimono and iconic color schemes. The latest sneaker collaboration with ATMOS adds the anime’s beautiful aesthetic to your wardrobe and lets you show your love for the series wherever you go!
Image Credit: AsiaTrend.com
With the shoes’ colorful checker box designs that perfectly reflect the characters, any fan of the anime is sure to fall in love with them! You can choose from six variants: Tanjiro’s iconic green and black robes, Nezuko’s pink-print kimono, Zenitsu’s yellow aesthetic, Giyu’s asymmetric look, Shinobu’s butterfly-inspired design, and the blue “Inosuke” model based on his color scheme. Additionally, each shoe comes with a decorative decal or emblem depending on the model you purchase.
3. Pokémon x FILA and Converse
Image Credit: TechRaptor.com
One of the longest-running and most influential video game and anime franchises in the world is undeniably Pokémon. Everything related to Pokémon tends to create a stir, such as its recent partnership with Universal Studios to create a themed land! It is also one of the most profitable intellectual properties, with numerous merchandise stores called “Pokémon Centers” stationed across the globe.
The spirit of “gotta catch ’em all” continues with its sneaker collaborations, notably with FILA and Converse. The FILA collaboration’s sneaker designs are based on iconic Gen 1 Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander, Jigglypuff, and Pikachu. They also have Poké Balls on the flap, making them great for Pokémon trainer cosplays! The FILA collection is still viewable on the HARUMIO website, however, all of them are sold out.
Image Credit: Geekculture.com
Similarly, the Pokémon x Converse collaboration sold out. Sorry guys, fans really love to catch ’em all! It was a huge hit, featuring Gen 1 Pokémon (clearly capitalizing on the nostalgia factor of the first generation). While you’re feeling nostalgic, why not hum along to the song that needs no introduction: “I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was…” and let the magic of Pokémon whisk you back to your childhood.
4. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure x Vans
Image Credit: Fanfigs.com
An endless well of memes, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is an anime that’s truly in its own category—especially with its extremely intense drawing style that complements the anime to a tee. It’s many things at once: funny, overdramatic, and visually unique. But did you know that the show also collaborated with Vans to make footwear?
Together, the brands established an anime sneaker collab based on the characters Giorno Giovanna and Bruno Bucciarati. The designs themselves were also based on previous Vans items: the Vans Era Pro and the laceless Slip-On.
The Vans Era Pro received a complete JoJo makeover with fuchsia velvet and golden wings on the heels. In reference to Giorno’s outfit, the shoe even has a heart-shaped cut-out on the tongue. Meanwhile, the laceless slip-on received a white cover with black teardrop shapes and fold outlines, with full drawings of Bucciarati on the inside. Such a shame there isn’t a sneaker based on Dio and his iconic “It was me, Dio!” line.
Image Credit: Fanfigs.com
If you can navigate the website (it’s in Japanese), you can view the collection and purchase these beautiful shoes.
5. Doraemon x Nike
Image Credit: Stockx.com
Doraemon was one of the most famous kids’ shows and anime in the 80s and 90s, about a robot cat and his human best friend. But did you know that the cute and kawaii show collaborated with Nike in 2020?
Together, the brands created a light blue, red, and yellow shoe made of leather and suede. The sneakers echo Doraemon’s cute color scheme, along with the iconic Nike Swoosh logo. It’s a good blend of elements from both sides, making it a very balanced collaboration.
Unfortunately, it is no longer on sale in retailers. However, you can find it on StockX as a limited item to buy or bid for.
6. Persona 5 x Super Groupies
Image Credit: Persona Central
Persona 5 is one of the most popular anime-style video games and JRPGs. The title even won “Best Role Playing Game” at The Game Awards in 2017. Persona 5: The Animation, its anime adaptation, also received critical acclaim. To this day, the “Phans” (the fandom) of this series are still active, which led to several spinoff games.
It’s no wonder then that the IP also has tons of merch! From 2016 to 2018, you couldn’t go anywhere in Japan without seeing Persona 5 items in stores. In 2016, fashion brand SuperGroupies announced a collaboration with Persona 5 through a pop-up store in Ikebukuro.
The collection had—of course—sneakers. Based on the fictional school Shujin Academy’s uniform, the sneakers carried the Phantom Thieves’ logo as well as a simple and sleek checkerboard pattern. The collection also featured shirts, watches, and backpacks. Unfortunately, the line has been discontinued, but you can still view the products here.
Image Credit: Persona Central
Watch the intro and get ready to snap your fingers to some funky jazz-hop music—you’ll never see it coming!
7. One Piece x Skechers
Image Credit: One Piece Fandom
One Piece is a jolly journey through the Seven Seas and is one of the longest-running anime shows in history. The sales of its manga exceed 416 million copies worldwide, and the series received a Guinness World Record for “most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author.”
The collection is available on Skechers.com and is based on several beloved characters: Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Franky, and Chopper. The sneakers all follow the characters’ color schemes, and each one has the Skechers logo on the top of the shoe. While the anime influence of these sneakers is rather subtle, they are still fantastic collector’s items.
8. Naruto x Adidas
Image Credit: Sneakernews.com
For many people, Naruto was the quintessential first anime they watched as kids—and it also collaborated with Adidas. While these sneakers may not help with your ninja training or chakra, they sure look good!
In collaboration with Adidas, the “Kakashi Hatake” sneakers were born, based on Naruto’s stoic and powerful teacher. They are a great homage to Kakashi: quiet and understated but full of surprises.
Sadly, the sneakers from this anime sneaker collab were not released worldwide.
9. Mobile Suit Gundam x 361°
Image Credit: Sepwalk.com
When you think of Japan and mechas, there’s a huge chance that the word “Gundam” will be the first thing to pop into your head. The iconic anime is known for popularizing and revolutionizing the mecha genre.
It is one of the many legendary anime on this list, and its sneaker collaboration with 361° created one of the most gorgeous promotional photos ever for shoes (in this writer’s humble opinion)!
Set against an upside-down photo of space, the promo image elevates the down-to-earth sneaker to an extraterrestrial level. Not only does it reflect the science fiction theme of the show, but it also pairs perfectly with the sneakers’ color scheme.
The shoe design was based off the RX-78-2 Gundam model. With its smooth appearance, vibrant blue and red color scheme, robot-inspired details, and even a tag that says “RX-78-2,” this shoe will make any Gundam fan’s dreams come true. The item can be purchased on 361°’s webstore.
10. Dragon Ball Z x Adidas
Image Credit: thesolesupplier.co.uk
Last, but definitely not least, we have the collaboration between Dragon Ball Z and Adidas. This collaboration harnesses the powers of the Super Saiyans and the Dragon Balls, creating unique and awesome sneaker designs. It was a three-month-long ambitious project, releasing shoes that honor several characters from the show.
Just one look at the shoes and the ornate craftsmanship that went into the designs is evident. The featured characters are Goku, Frieza, Son Gohan, Cell, Vegeta, and Majin Buu. Each shoe is a perfect homage to the characters they represent, masterfully using color and unique design placement to evoke the characters’ looks and themes. Each pair is visually distinct from the others to the point they almost don’t look like they’re from the same collection.
You can purchase the collection on SoleSupplier.com. Meanwhile, feel free to rewatch some of the greatest fights of the Dragon Ball series while you shop—or listen to its legendary soundtrack.
