Image via Complex Original
Tumblr is the place everyone goes to find inspiration. From half-naked girls and discovering unknown rap talent, the social media site has its share of noteworthy content. But for sneaker aficionados, there's plenty to scour the website for. Although the website has an abundance of images of Michael Jordan killing it in his signature sneakers and more, there are also tons and tons of iconic images from sneaker history floating around, too.
We've dug through old advertisements, television shows, album covers, and photos from '80s, '90s, and '00s NBA action to find the images that stir our excitement for sneakers the most. Whether it was Will Smith wearing Jordan Vs as the Fresh Prince or Biz Markie sporting a pair of Nike Air Safaris, all of these pictures drive us to rock fresher and rarer pairs. Or maybe break something out that we haven't worn in awhile. We hope they inspire you the same. Here are The 50 Most Iconic Sneaker Pictures on Tumblr Right Now.
RELATED: The 50 Best Sneakers Ever Featured in Complex Magazine
RELATED: 50 Moments That Changed Sneaker Culture Forever
Moses Malone
Sneaker: Nike Air Force 1
Moses Malone was one of the godfathers of the Nike Air Force 1. But instead of rocking the original His, Malone took it to the hole against the Chief, Robert Parrish, in a pair of lows.
Fresh Prince Vs
Sneaker: Air Jordan V
Wearing two different sneakers is stupid. Don't ever do it, unless you're Will Smith. In his Fresh Prince days, Smith could wear whatever he wanted. He had enough cojones to wear Fire Red and Black Metallic Vs at the same damn time. Laceless, too.
Biz Markie and Crew
Sneaker: Nike Air Safari
This is what legendary sneakers are made from.
Chris Rock
Sneaker: Air Jordan "Grape" V
Is Chris Rock breaking those old, white women's necks, or are they just scared shitless by his ripped jeans, leather jacket, and Grape Vs? No matter what they think, we co-sign the comedian sporting these kicks to the fullest.
Bobbito Garcia
Sneaker: Various
All of us sneaker writers can thank Bobbito Garcia for what we do today. His '91 article, "Confessions of a Sneaker Addict," that appeared in The Source, was the genesis of everything that we do. Without that, the sneakerhead's tale wouldn't be told. Thanks, Bob.
Andre Agassi
Sneaker: Nike Air Tech Challenge
Andre Agassi was known for his bright sneakers, and we love his sneaker legacy. The kicks that started it all were the Air Tech Challenges, and peep how well the sneakers match that tennis ball that the tennis star was about to backhand cross-court. Perfect.
Kanye West
Sneaker: Air Jordan "Black Cement" III
Kanye West and Amber Rose's relationship is long gone, but that doesn't mean there isn't photographic evidence all over the Internet of their combined stunting. Remember when they wore Black Cement IIIs together? This is one of the few matching couples pics that we co-sign. Yeezy taught her well.
Jordan XI
Sneaker: Air Jordan "Concord" XI
While everyone is awaiting for the Jordan XIs that come out every holiday season, here's an image of when Mike was killing it the patent leather kicks. As seen here, the Zen Master, Phil Jackson, took a minute to big-up Jordan's on-court performance. But we'll take the Concords over Jackson's tassel loafers any day.
Beastie Boys
Sneaker: adidas
In the '80s, it was important what sneakers you and your crew rocked. And this was before Nike was the end-all be-all of the footwear world. For example, the Beastie Boys chose to rock adidas.
Charles Barkley
Sneaker: Converse Pro Star
Charles Barkley is known for two things: Sneakers and not caring what he eats. He's not the "Round Mound of Rebound" for nothing. Before his Nike days, Barkley was seen in a pair of Converse Pro Stars, while mowing down on a pizza. Are those meatballs?
Juwan Howard
Sneaker: Champion
Juwan Howard is forever known for his sneaker legacy with the Fab Five, but before all of that, he wore these crazy Champion high-tops for the McDonald's All-American game. Ankle support was not in question with these joints.
Patrick Ewing
Sneaker: Nike Dynasty High
Patrick Ewing is known for his own brand of sneakers, but back in his Georgetown days, he kicked it a little more old school with a pair of Nike Dynastys.
Scottie Pippen
Sneaker: Nike Air Swift
You may have heard, Scottie Pippen once yammed it on Patrick Ewing. Emphatically. And to do it, he sported a pair of Nike Air Swifts. Maybe that's how he got the ups?
Andre Agassi 2
Sneaker: Nike Air Challenge Huarache
At Wimbledon, you have to wear all white. It's the rules. Although Andre Agassi was known for his bright style, for the 1992 Wimbledon Championship, the tennis star wore a pair of colorless Air Challenge Huaraches. He can't complain, they brought him to victory.
Chris Webber
Sneaker: Nike Air Unlimited
Chris Webber and the Fab Five were groundbreaking in their sneaker game. One of the forgotten gems from the era was the Air Unlimited. It changed the sneaker world with its straps, but good luck finding a pair of these today.
John McEnroe
Sneaker: Nike Wimbledon GTS
You thought these Blazer Lows, didn't you? Nope, but the Wimbledon GTS is very similar to its basketball cousin. John McEnroe was wild back in these days, so, even though it's simple, this is a pair of rebel sneakers.
Penny Hardaway
Sneaker: Nike Air Flight 93 and Reebok Shaq Attaq
Reebok just brought the Shaq Attaqs back, but don't expect to see the Air Flight 93s on the shelves anytime soon. Still, Penny and Shaq were one of the freshest sneaker, and on-court, duos of all time.
Jordan and Jackson
Sneaker: Air Jordan "Bordeaux" VII
In the '90s, Michael Jordan was the best basketball player and Michael Jackson was the best pop star. When they decided to play a friendly game of one-on-one, it was only amplified by Jordan wearing a pair of Bordeaux VIIs.
Reggie Miller
Sneaker: Air Jordan Cool Grey XI
Reggie Miller and Ray Allen are two of the greatest shooters of all time. The Cool Grey XI is one of the best Air Jordans of all time, too. This picture is too incredible.
Jordan Getting Pushed
Sneaker: Air Jordan IV
The most underrated element of Jordan's game was his hustle and defense. It wasn't all dunks and game-winning shots. In this pic, Jordan is about to take a dive into the scorer's table, but at least he looks fresh in his fourth signature sneaker.
Fresh Prince
Sneaker: Nike Quantum Force
Will Smith, as the Fresh Prince, was best known for sporting Air Jordans. But even he had to take a break from his Airness. And when he did, he wore cool basketball kicks such as the Quantum Force.
Jordan Lucky Shorts
Sneaker: Air Jordan "Carmine" VI
Mike is wearing Carmine VIs in this picture, but the attention is on his lucky shorts that he wore all throughout college at the University of North Carolina. Imagine how much they would go for if they went up for auction?
David Robinson
Sneaker: Nike Air Force STS
You probably know David Robinson for wearing the Nike Air Command Force 180s, but prior to the Admiral getting a bunch of heel cushioning, he still wore full-cut high-tops.
Cormega
Sneaker: Nike Total Air Foamposite Max
Cormega is known as one of the most underrated emcees of his era, and the same can be said for his sneaker game. Sure, he has on a pair of Tim Duncans in this picture, but do you see the 574s, James Worthys, Penny IIIs, and Dunks? That's a rotation that will get respect anywhere.
Mos Def
Sneaker: New Balance 574
Dante Smith has gone from Mos Def to Yasiin Bey, and has become a true style icon in the process. But in his backpack rap days, Mos Def had a mean kick game. Which is evidenced by him wearing a pair of New Balance 574s.
Larry Bird
Sneaker: Converse Weapon
In 1988, Larry Bird won one of the most epic Three-Point Shootouts of all time. He had to hit the final shot to win the competition against Dale Ellis. As the last Money Ball was going through the net, Bird pointed his finger and "called" the shot. As he prematurely walked away. Oh yeah, he also had on a pair of black Converse Weapons, too.
Ice-T
Sneaker: Air Jordan IV
Ice-T is the O.G. of O.G.s, just ask Snoop Dogg. If he's wearing a sneaker, it's instantly cool. And it might just get laid, or more respect with the ladies. The fact he co-signed the Air Jordan IV is no surprise.
Three Times Dope
Sneaker: Air Jordan III
For the vinyl cover for their song "Original Stylin," Three Times Dope, which consisted of members EST, Chuck Nice, and Woody Wood, all sported Air Jordan IIIs. Fire Reds, Black Cements, and White Cements. Does it get any better than this? Just don't try this with your friends these days, please.
Run DMC
Sneaker: adidas Superstar
Where would the sneaker world be without Run DMC and their adidas? The group's connection with sneakers go hand-in-hand, and we can't differentiate their legend from their shoe games. Which is a strong enough statement on both ends.
Ken Griffey Jr.
Sneaker: Air Jordan III
Ken Griffey Jr. is known for his line of crosstrainer sneakers, but early in his career he once posed in a pair of Air Jordan IIIs. The perks of being signed to Nike.
Rasheed Wallace
Sneaker: Air Force 1 Hi PE
Rasheed Wallace had a surely entertaining NBA career. It wasn't just his on-court antics that fans loved, but also his sneaker game. He solely kept the Air Force 1 Hi alive in the league, and his days in Portland were filled with classic PEs.
Jerry Stackhouse
Sneaker: FILA Stackhouse
Jerry Stackhouse is Father Time of the NBA, or at least it feels like it. Back in the '90s, Stackhouse was known for his tough play and FILA sneakers. Things came full circle as he reconnected with FILA and rocked some Spaghettis last season.
Jerry Seinfeld
Sneaker: Nike Air Sonic Flight
The Nike Air Sonic Flight might be one of the most slept on sneakers of all time. It didn't have the appeal of a visible Air unit or a big NBA name attached to it but the simplified upper, Air cushioning and a detailed midsole design made this a favorite for actor Jerry Seinfeld.
Phil Knight
Sneaker: Air Jordan IV
This is Phil Knight smiling all the way to the bank.
Ray Allen
Sneaker: Air Jordan "Olympic" VI
There's a reason why people go crazy over the Olympic VIs: Ray Allen killed it in them in the 2000 Summer Olympics. Also, the sneaker's icy sole helps, too. Peep Jesus' sweet passing skills; almost as buttery as his J.
Jay Z
Sneaker: Air Jordan IV "Black Cement"
In 1989, Jay Z wasn't the rapper he was today, but he was building the legend we'd all come to know. Part of that is the drug dealer persona, and that is further-aided by his gold fronts, chains, Hawaiian shirt, and Air Jordan IVs.
Gary Payton
Sneaker: Nike Zoom Flight 98
The Nike Zoom Flight 98, better known as "The Glove," is on its way back. So why not remember when Gary Payton was doing his thing up in Seattle in these kicks?
Spike Lee
Sneaker: Air Jordan Spizike
Possibly the most random sneaker ever was President Barack Obama being given a pair of Spizikes from Spike Lee, himself. Did Obama really want these? We're not sure. But the situation is profound enough.
LeBron James I
Sneaker: Reebok Question Mids
Before LeBron James was winning back-to-back NBA Championships, he was playing in the McDonald's All-American Game--wearing Reebok Question Mids. Go figure.
LeBron Wheats
Sneaker: Nike Air Zoom Generation "Wheat"
LeBron James' signature sneakers have often been compared to Timberland boots, and the AIr Zoom Generation, the first sneaker LeBron played in during his NBA career, was given a similar color scheme. Possibly a pre-cursor?
Mars Blackmon
Sneaker: Air Jordan VI
Did you know, did you know, DID YOU KNOW, that Mars Blackmon was known for something other than Jordan IVs? This ad '91 shows Jordan flying over Spike Lee in his second signature sneaker that would feature an icy sole.
Yeezy
Sneaker: Nike Air Yeezy
Before the hype that is the "Red October" Nike Air Yeezy IIs, there was the Yeezy, and it was the first sneaker that Nike gave to a non-athlete. You can tell Yeezy was proud. Look at how much he was beaming in this pic.
Allen Iverson
Sneaker: Reebok Question
Allen Iverson's braids were as much of his style as his Reebok sneakers, but there was a time when Iverson hadn't grown his hair out yet. And he was wearing the kicks that we're all presently going crazy over: the Reebok Question.
Shaq
Sneaker: Reebok Shaqnosis
The USA was still the cream of the crop in 1996 when it won another gold medal for men's basketball at the Atlanta Summer Olympics. And Shaq was killing it back then, too. Check his footwork: This is why everyone is going crazy over the Reebok Shaqnosis today.
Grant Hill
Sneaker: FILA Grant Hill II
Now, they're called the "FILA '96," but everyone knows these as the Grant Hill. And with his recent retirement, it's nice to remember that Hill could really throw it down in his Detroit Pistons days.
Shawn Kemp
Sneaker: Nike Air Flight '89
There's a reason they called Shawn Kemp the Reign Man during his tenure in Seattle. Look at how much ups he displayed during his rookie season in '89. This also before he was rocking his signature Reebok sneakers, and wore a pair of Nike Air Flight '89s. Damn, that's a crazy dunk.
Jordan Huarache
Sneaker: Nike Air Huarache
Every once in a while, Michael Jordan wears a pair of non-Air Jordan sneakers. And Nike Air Huaraches are a must-have sneaker. So when Jordan wore these to celebrate his second NBA championship in 1992, it was twice as sweet.
Jordan II
Sneaker: Air Jordan II
If you want to talk about v. rare pics of Michael Jordan, we present you with this image from his second season in the NBA, where he wore a pair of the "Made in Italy" Air Jordan IIs. Try and get your hands on a pair of those.
Michael Jordan Olympics
Sneaker: Air Jordan Olympics VIIs
The 1992 Dream Team killed it in the Barcelona Summer Olympics. While Jordan, Magic and co. were beating teams by a crazy amount of points, MJ was sporting the Olympic VIIs—sneakers that we still chase after to this day.
Marty McFly
Sneaker: Nike Air Mag
Before people were spending serious cash on these, the Nike Air Mag gained its cool through Back to the Future II. Here's a cool behind-the-scenes look at Marty McFly, Michael J. Fox, even being amazed by the Mag's dopeness.