We Ranked the 10 Best Raf Simons Sneakers of All Time

For those not in the high-fashion loop, it would be difficult to parse the impact that designer Raf Simons has had on the menswear and footwear industries in the past decade. Influenced by music, art, and performance, Simons has communicated his love for rebellious youth and tradition not only in his clothing designs, but footwear as well. Initially releasing his first models in the fall season of 2007, Simons has done anything but take his individualistic approach to footwear and transcend it into some of the most recognizable sneakers to date.

In addition to his own line, Raf Simons linked up with adidas in the Fall of 2013 to provide a collection of cool, vibrant, lifestyle runners, which further legitimized him as a footwear genius. In honor of Dior and I releasing today, a documentary that follows the Belgian designer as Dior's creative director, we ranked The 10 Best Raf Simons Sneakers of all Time.

Season: A/W '10

The multi-lace sneaker might look crazy at first glance, with its futuristic take on a traditional lacing system. The makeup features a remarkable 20 lace holes, but not to fear they come prelaced, the rear heel zipper allows for easy access when sliding the pair on and off.

Season: S/S '14

Always willing to take a risk, Raf designed this platform sneaker with a 1.5 inch outsole, and wrapped the entire upper with a huge forefoot strap. It pushes the boundaries of fashion and sport that both brands are known for, and could easily be the one stand-out sneaker in your collection.

Season: S/S '12

This sneaker was a reworked version of Raf's signature classic, which was able to communicate a sleek design without the bulk of a high top. The low still sports a luxurious feel, and the eye-catching enclosures are a unique departure from more traditional straps.

Season: S/S '15

The Trail Runner is one of the bolder sneakers from the first season, but its awkward appearance doesn't distract from how cool this sneaker really is. The upper is treated to a spirited color combo, and the strap that can be worn around the heel or switched to the forefront attributes to Raf's unique aesthetic.

Season: A/W '13

For Raf Simons enthusiasts, the Ozweego 1 was nothing more than a rebranded concept reminiscent of the designers first take on trainers just a season before. Nevertheless, the Ozweego 1 was the flagship shoe from the collaborations debut collection, and quickly gained notoriety by those who were finally able to afford some of the designers work without breaking the bank.

Season: A/W '14

With 2014 being the year of the Stan Smith, this collab between Raf and adidas couldn’t have been timed any better. Taking the classic silo and replacing the Three Stripes with a simple R, this shoe had many scratching their heads to what the difference was between these and the general release version. The $400 retail price seemed absurd until you felt the premium materials that justified the price hike.

Season: S/S '11

Nicknamed the Astronaut Boot, this futuristic silhouette took inspiration from the suits and oxygen packs astronauts wore in space, and transferred it to a fully functional sneaker. This model features a rear heel compartment, two tongues, and a strap, making them the perfect sneaker to stunt in.

Season: A/W '13

When Raf Simons was rumored to link up with adidas on a footwear collection in 2013, sneakerheads had no idea what to expect from the brand. What we got was an assortment of eclectic runners in rich tonal colorways and a use of materials uncommon to general release adidas. The versatility of the Ozweego 2 is enough to complement anyone’s style, which makes it one of the more popular sneakers of the bunch.

Season: A/W '10

If this silhouette looks familiar, you're probably thinking it looks like one of Nike’s more iconic sneakers—the Vandal. Using that as inspiration, Raf's version is bulked up with an Italian rubber stitched outsole and use of a synthetic canvas upper. Good luck finding a pair, though, because these were only released for two seasons, making them one of the rarest Rafs to date.

Season: S/S '10

It's arguable that high-end sneakers started to gain prominence when Lanvin and Raf Simons debuted their signature designs in the Fall of 2007. An all-leather upper and use of premium materials made this model popular, catapulting the double-strapped high top to sellout status. Despite its luxury price tag and bi-annual release, the sneakers are still coveted by Raf loyalists season after season.