Among the thousands or trainers/sneakers that are available in the world today, there are a few that are classed as the most iconic and recognisable in any part of the world. These are the ones that have stood the test of time and are still bought in the masses today.
Converse All Star High-Tops
Arguable the most iconic trainers of all time, these shoes haven't changed one bit since their original design in 1916. Converse expanded the range of trainers but they are all centred around this original design.
Vans Checkerboard
1970's
For this iconic shoe, it's not so much the style of shoe, but the design on it. This checkerboard became the recognisable for Van's in the 1970's and grew in popularity, so much to the point where they have an entire range of trainers dedicated to variations of this one pattern.Nike Air Jordan I
Many Nike sneakers are considered to be iconic and well recognisable in todays world, but the original Air Jordan's, which started off the on going Air Jordan line, are classed as the one of the most iconic pairs. It is also the only pair in the line to feature the swoosh logo on the side.
Adidas Superstar
It was a popular basketball shoe when first released but is now worn as an everyday casual sneaker choice, which was primarily down to the adoption of hip-hop crews in the early 80's.
Nike Air Force 1
This sneaker pair is iconic because it was the first to be sold with Nike's air cushioning system. It was popular on the basketball courts before becoming a fashion trend a few years later thanks to the release of the Air Jordans.
Nike Air Jordan 11
These sneakers were designed and created in 1995 but didn't go commercially on sale until 2000. Until that point only Michael Jordan himself wore them on the basketball courts. This caused a lot of media attention, and even more attention when he wore them in the Looney Tunes Movie 'Space Jam'. These sneakers went on to be the fastest selling shoes of all time.
Onisuka Tiger Corsair
Onisuka made huge leaps in the development of it's sneakers during the time when Knight & Bowerman (Nike Founders) were working with them. The result of this was the Corsair, which are still highly recognisable today.
New Balance 574
While New Balance isn't relatively large in comparison to Nike & Adidas, when it started distributing shoes with J Crew sales increased dramatically, with the 574's becoming instantly popular because of their comfortable fit.
Reebok Ex-O-Fit
These sneakers practically made Reebok a household name in the 80's. They soared in popularity due to the craze around aerobics and jazzercise at the time.
Nike Mag
Not really a commercial sneaker, but up until 2011 it was classed at the most iconic sneaker that was never made and sold thanks to its role in Back To The Future. In 2011, 1500 pairs were put on sale, with bids of ebay going over £47,000.
Adidas Samba
These sneakers are still Adidas's best selling shoe of all time, and are still sold today. In 1950 they became the blueprint for modern sneakers.
Keds Champion
From the original sneaker makers, the first commercially marketed and sold sneaker is among the most iconic and still on sale today. Many sneaker companies have copied this classic style.
Puma States/Suedes
These sneakers are iconic due to the multi-use of them. They are popular on the basketball courts, as well as with skateboarders and other sports. They were also popular among hip-hop crews in the 80's, cementing their status as modern iconic sneakers.
Most Expensive Sneakers Ever
As well as these iconic sneakers, there are others which are important in the sneaker world because of how much they retail for. This can be to do with a limited release, the materials used or the association of them.
Nike Air Yeezy 2 - $93,000
Designed in a collaboration between Nike & Kanye West. A pair of these were on auction on ebay for up to $93,000, making them the most expensive sneakers ever.
Limited edition Nike Air Mags were selling for up to $75,000 on ebay.
The Air Jordan Silver Shoe is autographed by Michael Jordan and was placed on ebay auction for $60,000.
This Nike Air Force One featured a cast in gold and 11 carats in diamonds.
Nike released 25 pairs of Kobe Air Zoom 1, all autographed by Kobe. These were auctioned for $30,000.
One of the original Air Jordan I pairs now sells for up to $25,000.
These Nike High Dunk's were dipped in gold and retailed at the price of $5,405.
Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Paris” - $3,500
Nike made only 202 pairs of this sneaker, with the selling price now up to $3,500.
On top of price being something that makes a sneaker iconic, some are iconic because of how awful they are/look.
Adidas Kobe 2
Iverson for Reebok
It can be argued that the majority of Iverson shoes for Reebok are remembered for being ugly, but these red toed ones are particularly ugly.
Adidas Kobe Crazy 8
In monochrome this sneaker isn't so bad, but when the full colour is added it comes far too much to look at.
Madfoot
Nike Footscape
When Nike started working with woven material it was never going to go well, and this shows the disastrous outcome.
First Round Puma Boots
Classed amongst some of the worst shoes ever by Puma, these just show why they shouldn't venture into sneaker boots without a good design.
Nike Dunk High Matador
Puma K-1
Nike Glade
Nike tried to bring a slip on shoe to the market. It didn't go down too well and shows why this style of shoe should be left to Vans.
Vibram
Aesthetically these are universally agreed on being some of the ugliest sneakers ever made, if not the ugliest.
Reebok Insta-pump
These were Reebok's attempt at using the air cushioning system in sneakers.
These lists just show that these big brands can create iconic and commercially successful sneakers, but at the same time, create some truly horrific looking sneakers.
Sources
http://www.creativebloq.com/design/20-best-sneaker-designs-ever-712388
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2035320/Back-Future-replica-Nike-trainers-sold-Michael-J-Fox-foundation.html
http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2013/05/30-iconic-sneakers-that-should-always-be-in-production/
http://www.vanityfair.com/style/carls-crush/top-ten-sneakers-of-all-time-201112
http://www.runningwithheels.com/index.php/2012/04/top-10-most-iconic-sneakers/
http://rollingout.com/sports/kanye-wests-nike-air-yeezy-2-could-retail-for-89100-5-most-expensive-sneakers-in-the-world/
http://www.bornrich.com/kanye-wests-limited-edition-nike-sneakers-sold-90000-ebay.html
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1118727-the-50-ugliest-basketball-shoes-ever-made
http://www.kicksonfire.com/2009/11/25/ugliest-sneakers-ever-made-what-were-they-thinking/
http://www.sneakerwatch.com/article/001105/sneakerwatchs-100-ugliest-sneakers-ever/
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