Sneakers, Camera, Action!
With the recent release of Air, we thought it was the perfect time to take a look at some other films that celebrate sneaker culture. And with colder months ahead, there is no better time to stay indoors and enjoy some home entertainment.
From cult classics to the mainstream, there’s no shortage of films that have inspired – and been inspired by – sneaker culture. Here are our picks for the ones every sneakerhead should know.
Part of the joy of searching, acquiring and collecting sneakers is the sense of community and affirmation you get from sliding on a pair of Forces, some 990s or even something as ubiquitous as classic Chucks. These feelings can be amplified when you see yourself, your friends, or your community represented on screen. Let’s look at some of the best movies ever to capture the hearts and minds of the sneaker obsessive in all of us.
Do the Right Thing (1989), directed by Spike Lee
One of the most iconic stories ever committed to film, Do The Right Thing is a film that centres around a hot summer day in Brooklyn and the tensions that arise between the African American and Italian American communities. It's tense, funny, poignant and vibrant. Not least of all, because every character looks like they stepped out of a ‘90s nostalgia mood board. Leading the way for sneaker representation is a pair of Air Jordan 4s worn by Buggin’ Out, played by Giancarlo Esposito. No matter how or why you approach this one, it's a certified classic.
He Got Game (1998), directed by Spike Lee
Another one on our list directed by Spike Lee, who is such a devout sneakerhead that Academy Award and Cannes red carpets could not compel him to wear hard bottoms—instead, preferring to rock a pair of hightops at any opportunity. This film tells the story of a high school basketball phenom named Jesus Shuttlesworth, played by NBA champion Ray Allen, who is being courted by top college basketball programs while also dealing with the pressure and expectations of his family and community. Nike is all over the film, with Jordan 13s, Foamposite 97s and Air Force 1s all appearing.
Kicks (2016), directed by Justin Tipping
Shifting gears to a lesser-known sneaker-inspired film, we turn our attention to Kicks - an independent film that follows a young boy named Brandon who is robbed of his Jordan 1 Breds by a local gang. Determined to get them back, he embarks on a dangerous journey through the streets of Oakland, California. The film explores themes of materialism, masculinity, and violence in urban communities, all through the lens of sneaker culture.
Sneakerheadz (2015), directed by David T. Friendly and Mick Partridge
This documentary explores the world of sneaker collecting and the passionate subculture that has grown around it. The film features interviews with famous sneaker collectors like Wale, Rob Dyrdek and Samantha Ronson, with footage of some of the most coveted sneakers in the world.
Dope (2015), directed by Rick Famuyiwa
This coming-of-age comedy-drama follows a high school student, Malcolm, played by Shameik Moore (the voice of Spiderman's Miles Morales, another avowed sneakerhead) who is obsessed with '90s hip-hop and fashion. When he and his friends stumble upon a stash of drugs, they find themselves in over their heads and must navigate the dangerous world of drug dealers and gangsters. Sneaker culture is a prominent element of the film, with Malcolm's prized possession being a pair of vintage Air Jordans.
Written by Tshiamo Seape