Japan Nakama
  • Login
  • Register
No Result
View All Result
  • Anime
  • Creativity
  • Lifestyle
  • Food
  • TV & Film
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Gaming
  • Language
  • Travel
  • Music
NAKAMA SHOP
Cart / £0.00

No products in the cart.

Japan Nakama
NAKAMA SHOP
Japan Nakama
No Result
View All Result

Home » Fashion & Beauty » Japan’s Best Sneaker Collaborations

Japan’s Best Sneaker Collaborations

Katie Hopkins by Katie Hopkins
2 October 2021
in Creativity, Culture, Fashion & Beauty, Lifestyle, Trending
0
🔖 4 min read

Japan’s a pretty big deal in streetwear as some of the most iconic designers and brands are coming straight out of Harajuku. Sneaker culture is undoubtedly a massive part of streetwear – a far cry from a standard pair of trainers. These exclusive sneaker collaborations with specialist brands have become collectible items over time and resonate with fashion lovers across the globe. 

Here are some of our favorites:

Quick View

1. Auralee x New Balance
2. Adidas x Atmos and Ukiyoemon
3. Slam Dunk x Air Jordan
4. Reebok x Atmos x Packer
5. BAPE x Asics
6. Puma x Atmos
7. Comme des Garcons x Nike
8. Stussy x Neighbourhood x Nike

Auralee x New Balance

Auralee New balance sneakers

These sneakers have just been released for 2021 after appearing on Paris Fashions Weeks’ iconic runway. It plays on Auralee’s classic minimalist vibe in a unique neutral beige color, crossed with New Balance’s retro 550 basketball style. The colors are pared-back with subtle vintage details, removing the usual multicolored tongue branding with one nod to the New Balance logo. These are set to only be for sale in Japan at first, making them some of the more exclusive collectibles, with a possible global release down the line. 

Adidas x Atmos and Ukiyoemon

Atmos Adidas Ukiyoemon sneaker collab

Adidas teamed up with shoe store Atmos and Osaka-based Three Tides Tattoo artist Ukiyoemon for this sneaker collaboration. Starting with a classic pair of Superstar sneakers decorated with the artist’s fusion of traditional-style artwork with a modern twist – things like bartending geisha and cartoons of Donald Trump. These sneakers are colorful and fun, printed with fireworks and vibrant laces and he’s also created a track jacket to complete the outfit.

Slam Dunk x Air Jordan

Slam dunk air jordans

It’s no surprise that manga has found its way into the streetwear world, especially one that’s basketball-related. These Air Jordan 6s have images from across the whole series of Slam Dunk, subtly printed in homage to the show’s main character, including his number 10 jersey number. The manga was created by artist Takehiko Inoue who has cited Michael Jordan as a huge influence. These sneakers aren’t specific to Japan, but they were only manufactured in limited quantities, including a few more pieces to collect for sneaker enthusiasts like ourselves.

Reebok x Atmos x Packer

reebox atmos doraemon sneakers

Speaking of anime, Reebok’s sneaker collab with Atmos and American store Packer saw them create the Doraemon Instapumps in super fun cartoonish colors with fuzzy little faux fur accents to commemorate the lovable character. Kid’s sizes are available in these but are exclusive to Japan. Doraemon has since made themed sneakers with Gucci and Nike, too. 

BAPE x Asics

BAPE Asics sneakers

BAPE and Asics, two major hitters in Japanese footwear, collaborated to create the GEL-Kayanos. launched the range that Asics still sells, although these first pairs were exclusively in BAPE’s signature camouflage tones with intricate details all over. They’ve since released another round together – the gel 1090s with the same green hues and extra orange tiger stripes that Asics are known for.

Puma x Atmos

Puma has created an entire ‘Made in Japan’ line but the suede Sukajans was an exclusive collaboration with Atmos. Featuring Japanese motifs printed onto satin and the addition of a bright yellow embroidered tiger, they include a map of Japan, channelling a retro style with classic vibes. These sneakers imitate the silk jackets that American servicemen tended to buy in post-war Japan as a souvenir.

Comme des Garcons x Nike

commes des garcons nike dunk low

The iconic Japanese designer created this sneaker collaboration with Nike Dunk Lows in the expected uber cool way only Rei Kawakubo can, which debuted at Paris Fashion Week. They’ve got lightweight, transparent mesh overlays and soft grey tones, as well as a second design with slightly louder ‘CDG’ logos. More recently, Comme Des Garcons has brought out their own version of Air Force Ones, too. Japan has played a huge part in establishing the Dunk Low style in the streetwear and club scenes, so this combination makes sense. 

Stussy x Neighbourhood x Nike

neighbourhood boneyard stussy sneakers

This sneaker collab was made up of three pairs of Nike Terminators – usually a classic basketball-style – fused with the streetwear impact of American brand Stussy and iconic Japanese brand Neighbourhood. The Boneyard Collection was originally a collaboration between Stussy and Neighbourhood, but Nike has brought their athletic twist to the range. The standout pair is the Boneyard style in all-black sleek with a perforated Swoosh.

A Japanese Ritual of Collaborations

Japan, and particularly Tokyo, has become a hub for collectible sneakers. Not just through the iconic Japanese brands like Asics and BAPE, but also Japanese people’s adoption of classic American brands like Nike into street style. Plus, running and basketball are pretty big sports in Japan, so it makes sense that American styles like Air Jordans took off.

Nike’s Air Max 95s got a lukewarm response in the Western world, and it wasn’t until collectors picked them up in Osaka and Tokyo that the market for these iconic sneakers really kicked off. Now, the cities are home to some unmissable sneaker shops that stock the most coveted styles available. 

To see more unique sneaker collabs and streetwear history, visit the Sneakers Unboxed exhibition at the Design Museum. 

Tags: Air JordanAtmosBAPEcomme des garconsDoraemonJapanese StreetwearJapanese traditionssneakersStreet styleStreetwear FashionUkiyoemon
Previous Post

Sneakers Unboxed: Women In Sneakers

Next Post

For The Love Of Japanese Beer Culture & Brands

Katie Hopkins

Katie Hopkins

I am a writer and sub-editor from South Wales and a love for Japanese beauty and food

Related Posts

Otaku Kicks: Top 10 Anime Sneaker Collabs
Anime

Otaku Kicks: Top 10 Anime Sneaker Collabs

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...

by Aaron Ang
best japanese denim brands
Fashion & Beauty

Japan’s Best Denim Brands

We already know Japan makes some of the world’s best denim. It’s got a level of craftsmanship that honours traditional production techniques and is unmatched...

by Katie Hopkins
Top 3 Anime Streetwear Brand Collaborations
Fashion & Beauty

Awesome Anime Streetwear Brand Collaborations

Anime streetwear collabs are all the rage, and here are the brands leading the charge (plus, an honorable mention--stick around to find out more!) Streetwear...

by Rachel Finn
Anime Streetwear
Anime

Anime Streetwear Collections You Need to Check Out

Few things are constant in this world: change, scientific laws, and people wanting to wear clothing with their favorite characters on it! It’s the easiest...

by Aaron Ang
Next Post
For The Love Of Japanese Beer Culture & Brands

For The Love Of Japanese Beer Culture & Brands

Kamon---High-Quality

Japan Nakama is an online lifestyle and culture magazine. We explore our love for Japan by writing about food, art, fashion and style and anime. We also champion and promote small businesses inspired by Japan. Check out our curated Japanese product marketplace.

Nakama Newsletter

 

Help & Support

For order, product or support queries - please email [email protected]

Order Online

  • Clothing
  • Gifts
  • Artwork & Prints
  • Home & Kitchen

Follow us

Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube

© 2022 Japan Nakama - Exploring All Things Japan

  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Shipping Policy
  • Refunds and Returns
  • Terms and Conditions
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Cart
  • 🛒 NAKAMA SHOP
  • Anime
  • Creativity
  • Lifestyle
  • Food
  • TV & Film
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Gaming
  • Language
  • Travel
  • Music

© 2022 Japan Nakama - Connecting people through the spirit of Japan

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.