10 Sneakers You Didn’t Know Were Inspired by Cars

Sneakers and cars don’t usually share the same spotlight, but the truth is, they cross paths in unexpected ways more often than not. Throughout footwear history, several standout designs have borrowed cues from legendary vehicles, typically world-famous sports cars. Some mirror the lines and signature colours of iconic supercars, while others slip in subtle nods through premium materials and unique detailing.

From Air Jordans inspired by His Airness’ passion for his luxury vehicles, to limited-edition collabs influenced by next-gen cars, these sneakers weren’t just made to look good. They carry traces of automotive design that reveal themselves the closer you look.

Below, we list ten iconic sneakers with automobile roots hiding in plain sight.

Air Jordan XIV – Ferrari 550 Maranello

Michael Jordan’s passion for fast cars directly shaped one of his most famous sneakers: the Air Jordan XIV. Released in 1998, this basketball shoe pays homage to Jordan’s Ferrari 550 Maranello, capturing its aggressive elegance in another Tinker Hatfield masterclass. The side vents mirrored the vehicle’s air intakes, while the Jumpman badge replicated Ferrari’s famous emblem. In 2014, the brand released the popular “Ferrari” colourway (pictured above) as a direct nod to the luxury sports car. It remains one of the most iconic car-inspired sneakers ever made.

Nike Kobe x Aston Martin Pack – Aston Martin DB9

The viral 2008 ad where Kobe Bryant appeared to leap over an Aston Martin DB9 inspired a hugely coveted Nike sneaker collaboration. In 2010, Nike dropped the Kobe x Aston Martin pack, which included the Hyperdunk and Kobe 5. The gunmetal grey and rich burgundy accents exactly match the DB9’s luxe interior, and the shoes featured detailed graphics referencing the jump. Only 500 sets have been produced, making them one of the rarest sneaker packs on the market.

Nike Dunk 6.0 “DeLorean” – DMC-12

While most fans can recognise Marty McFly’s legendary Air Mag, there’s another Nike sneaker oozing with Back to the Future lore. The Dunk SE 6.0 “DeLorean” from 2010 is a tribute to the DMC-12 from the beloved sci-fi film trilogy. The sneaker perfectly captured the iconic car’s stainless-steel construction with a matte silver upper and cleverly incorporated the famous gull-wing doors into its eyelets. The shoe’s dark sole even mirrored the DeLorean’s distinctive taillights, with a subtle Belfast stamp commemorating the car’s original factory.

adidas Kobe 2 – Audi TT Roadster

The adidas Kobe 2 from 2001 drew heavy influence from Audi’s distinctive TT Roadster. The basketball shoe’s bulky structure divided opinions from the sneaker community, even becoming one of Kobe Bryant’s most controversial models. However, its automotive, tank-like design, from the grille-like shell toe to the curved Three Stripes on the midsole that replicated the Roadster’s wheel arches, gave the Kobe 2 an infamous yet lasting reputation in sneaker history.

Air Jordan 17 – Aston Martin DB7

When the Air Jordan 17 debuted in 2002, the luxury car influence was already widespread in the footwear scene. Inspired by the Aston Martin DB7, the high-top basketball sneaker features refined aesthetics and the brand’s top-of-the-line technology, all packaged in an elegant metal briefcase. Its sleek curves, metallic details, and luxury finishes mirrored the elegance of its automotive muse, elevating sneaker design beyond typical sportswear norms.

LeBron 11 Elite – Lamborghini Egoista

Nike’s Elite Series elevated the signature basketball models of top-tier Nike athletes like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant. One of the standout pairs in the lineup is the LeBron 11 Elite “Team”, which drew similarities to the hugely limited Lamborghini Egoista. While the grey panels and bold crimson-red accents were adopted from the Miami Heat uniforms, the premium basketball shoe recreated the car’s futuristic aesthetic through its chromed-out overlays and next-gen design. The LeBron 11 Elite stands out as a particularly daring blend of basketball performance and automotive creativity.

Mizuno Wave Tenjin 2 – Lamborghini Aventador

Mizuno collaborated with Lamborghini in 2017 to create the Wave Tenjin 2, directly influenced by the striking Aventador supercar. The sneaker adopted Lamborghini’s visual signature, featuring carbon fibre textures and angular detailing across the upper. The Wave Tenjin 2’s bold hexagonal patterns closely resembled the Aventador’s futuristic aesthetic, offering a seamless transition from automotive design to footwear.

PUMA Speedcat / Drift Cat – Ferrari

PUMA’s long-standing partnership with Ferrari has produced several memorable sneakers, none more enduring than the Speedcat and Drift Cat. Featuring Ferrari’s classic red shade and prancing horse emblem, these racing sneakers blend driving practicality with everyday comfort. Both the Speedcat and Drift Cat showcase streamlined construction suitable for automotive function and lifestyle. Beyond motorsports, the Speedcat remains one of the most popular lifestyle trainers right now. The collaboration, active since 2005, remains iconic within PUMA’s motorsport range.

adidas X Crazyfast Bugatti – Bugatti Hypercars

The Adidas X Crazyfast Bugatti, released in 2023, brought Bugatti’s state-of-the-art automotive engineering to football. Limited to just 99 pairs, the boots feature carbon fibre detailing and Bugatti’s iconic blue colour, referencing the Grand Prix heritage. This X Crazyfast fused high-performance automotive innovation with athletic functionality, becoming a collector’s item.

Porsche Design x adidas UltraBOOST DNA

This limited release brought together Porsche’s sleek aesthetic with adidas’s most popular running silhouette. Finished in stealthy black with subtle Porsche branding, the UltraBOOST DNA kept its technical identity but updated with luxury detailing. While the plush Boost midsole and soft Primeknit upper remained intact, the modern design overhaul replicated the aerodynamic body of Porsche’s performance models.