Believe it or not, Christmas is quite literally just around the corner, and while not everyone celebrates the festive season, you can’t deny the fact that there are some absolutely phenomenal Xmas sneakers out there from the likes of adidas and Nike.
Over the past few decades, the trainer game has been blessed with some great Christmas kicks. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of them, but rather than going through every single one, Captain Creps is taking this opportunity to highlight some of the most iconic ones ever made. So, let’s get to it!
We just can’t talk about the most Christmas sneakers without bringing up the Concepts x Nike SB Dunk High “Ugly Sweater.” Concepts is certainly no stranger when it comes to Xmas-themed footwear, but this colourway is, no doubt, its best rendition yet. Released back in 2017, the leather upper is completely covered in Holiday-inspired graphics and iconography, including snowmen, gingerbread men, presents, and holly. You’ll even find a few snowflakes here and there for more festive fun.
Not only was Kobe Bryant one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he was also a true sneaker icon, dropping legendary pairs such as the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Grinch.” Inspired by the infamous Dr. Seuss character, this mythical colourway is painted in a bright green and red colour scheme and features a unique snakeskin texture as a nod to Bryant’s Black Mamba moniker. Considered my many to be one of his best sneakers, no collection is fully complete without a pair.
If you haven’t noticed already, Nike absolutely adores an ugly Christmas jumper-inspired shoe. One for the little sneakerheads out there, the Air Jordan 1 Mid SE “Ugly Christmas Sweater” pays homage to the legendary “Chicago” colourway but it has been appropriately updated with a wrapping paper-like upper that’s filled with basketballs, holly, and the number 23 as a nod to Michael Jordan’s signature jersey number.
Unlike Nike, adidas doesn’t really do Christmas sneakers, but when they do, they do it in style. Take the adidas NMD R1 STLT “Christmas,” for example. Reworking one of the German sportswear brand’s most popular lifestyle silhouettes, the stretchy Primeknit upper has been completely covered in a candy cane-like design that’s as sweet as it looks. This rests on top of a full length Boost unit that’s super comfortable.
The Sean Cliver x Nike SB Dunk Low “Holiday Special” has got to be one of the most-sought after pairs on this list. Featuring an icy palette that’s as cold as it gets, the toebox perforations have been reworked to form a snowflake, while the artist’s world-renowned illustrative work can be found on the insoles. A metallic gold Swoosh shoots through the lateral and medial panels, and this rubber outsole underneath has been decked out in a glittery look that’s sure to turn heads wherever you go.
Another one for the little sneakerheads, Sergio Lozano’s AM95 is usually a pretty mean-looking shoe, but for the Holiday season it has been decked out in an ugly sweater-inspired colour scheme with the Nike Air Max 95 “Ugly Christmas Sweater.” Featuring ice skates, trees, and snowflakes, these are all showcased in a tinsil-like fashion that’s pretty playful if you ask us.
What’s the most festive footwear without another Grinch-inspired colourway? Making its list debut, Reebok’s InstaPump Fury “Grinch” is widely regarded by many to be one of the best Christmas-themed sneakers of all time. World-renowned for its neon green furry upper, while these definitely aren’t for the faint of heart, they still deserve a spot in everyone’s collection.
We love a Christmas sweater-inspired release, and this time it’s the not-so-ugly Nike Air Force 1 High “Christmas Sweater.” Offered in a premium leather construction, the upper and ankle strap are decorated with Fair Isle graphics throughout for a look that’s unmistakably festive. The sockliner has also been decked out in a fleecy material to keep your feet nice and cosy over the winter months.
Searching for something sweet this season? Then look no further than the Nike SB Dunk Low “Candy Cane.” Released all the way back in 2015 long before the Dunk hype skyrocketed, this colourway is now extremely sought-after particularly among the retro sneaker collecting crowd. Inspired by the Christmas confectionery, what’s there not to love?
And last but certainly not least, we have the Nike Air Max 90 “Christmas Sweater.” When it comes to festive footwear, Nike loves to work on the AM90, but this is definitely the best of the bunch. Paying homage to those Christmas sweaters that we all hate to love and love to hate, it’s also lined with a white fleece to keep you looking cool and feeling warm this Christmas.
