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
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 is 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.
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 and so forth. Fan favorite Gojo Satoru receives homage as a sleek pair of black and purple sneakers with hidden red and blue details when opened.
This anime sneaker collab collection is still available here at this shop, Chugai Online. While you browse, don’t forget to listen to the anime’s absolute banger of an anime opening “Kaikai Kitan” by Rifti Beats.
2. Demon Slayer x Atmos
The release of “Kimetsu no Yaiba” in 2019 was a game-changer for the anime industry, sparking iconic memes, fanart, 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 Demon Slayer latest sneaker collaboration with ATMOS adds the anime’s beautiful aesthetic to your wardrobe and show your love for the anime wherever you go!
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, and Shinobu’s butterfly-inspired design. The “Inosuke” model is blue like the character’s color scheme. Additionally, each shoe comes with a decorative decal or emblem depending on the model you purchase.
The shoes are available on the Atmos website, here. Don’t forget to hype yourself up by listening to the show’s iconic opening song “Gurenge” by LiSA.
Vintage Washed Tanjiro Kamado Demon Slayer T Shirt
Original price was: £36.99.£32.99Current price is: £32.99.
Inosuke Demon Slayer Bucket Hat
Original price was: £41.99.£39.99Current price is: £39.99.
3. Pokemon x FILA and Converse
One of the longest-running and most influential video game and anime franchises of the world is undeniably Pokemon. Everything related to Pokemon 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 “Pokemon centers” stationed everywhere in the world.
As of 2022, Pokemon is gearing up for the release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet – the ninth generation of pocket monsters. Insane! The spirit of “gotta catch ’em all” continues with its sneaker collaborations: namely with FILA and Converse.
The FILA collaboration’s sneaker designs are based on iconic Gen 1 Pokemon: Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander, Jigglypuff, and Pikachu! They also have pokeballs on the flap, making it great for Pokemon trainer cosplays! The FILA collection is still viewable on the HARUMIO website, however, all of them are sold out.
Similarly, the Pokemon x Converse collaboration sold out, except for a bag. Sorry guys, Pokemon fans really love to catch ‘em all! It was a huge fit, featuring Gen 1 Pokemon. (You can see that the Pokemon company knows what they’re doing, capitalizing on the nostalgia factor of the first generation)
While on the topic of nostalgia, why not take a listen to the song that needs no introduction? “I wanna be the very best, that no one ever was!” Don’t fight it, and let the magic of Pokemon whisk you back to your childhood!
4. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure x Vans
An endless well of memes, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is an anime that is truly its own category – especially its extremely intense drawing style that complements the anime to a tee. It is many things all 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 shape 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 that there isn’t a sneaker based on Dio and his iconic “It was me, Dio!” line.
If you can navigate the website which is in Japanese, you can view the collection and purchase these beautiful shoes! While you’re browsing, we strongly encourage playing Jojo music or watching their hilarious poses:
5. Doraemon x Nike
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 are evocative of 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.
Here is an in-depth review of the sneakers by a sneakerhead!
6. Persona 5 x Super Groupies
Persona 5 is one of the most popular anime 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 caused several spinoff games to be released.
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 merch in stores. For example, in 2016, the Fashion Brand SuperGroupies announced a collaboration with Persona 5 through a popup store in Ikebukuro.
The collection had: you guessed it! Sneakers!
Based on the fictional school Shujin Academy’s uniform, the sneakers had the Phantom Thieves’ logo on them 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.
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
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 over 416 million copies worldwide, and the series received a Guiness Book of World Records title for “most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author.”
The collection is available here on Skechers.com, and is based on several of the beloved characters: Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Franky, and Chopper!
The sneakers all follow the color schemes of the characters, 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!
Here’s the very first opening of the series for a little nostalgia!
8. Naruto x Adidas
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 definitely a good homage to Kakashi, quiet and understated but full of surprises!
The shoes are subtle in color, but rich in symbols of the Hidden Leaf Village and other references to the TV show, such as the Mangekyou Sharingan. Any Naruto fan is sure to love this!
Sadly, the sneakers of this anime sneaker collab were not released worldwide. To console you, here is the main theme of the original “Naruto” series!
9. Mobile Suit Gundam x 361°
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 their 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, it 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 goes very well with the color scheme of the sneakers.
The shoe design was based off the RX-78-2 Gundam model, which you can see here. 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.
Watch the RX-78-2 in action here!
10. Dragon Ball Z x Adidas
Last, but definitely not least, we have the collaboration between Dragonball Z and Adidas! This collaboration harnesses the powers of the Super Saiyan 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 are 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 character’s look and themes. Each one is quite visually distinct from the other to the point they almost don’t look like they’re from the same collection!
You can purchase the collection here on SoleSupplier.com. Meanwhile, feel free to watch the greatest fights of the “Dragon Ball” series while you shop! (or listen to its soundtrack here)
