Image via Complex Original
With Ronnie Fieg's all-denim-everything ASICS GEL Lyte 3s set to drop tomorrow, it seemed like a great time to take a look back at the best denim sneakers ever. They're not the easiest look to pull off — wear them with the wrong jeans and it might look like you're rocking footie pajamas — but that hasn't stopped companies and designers from turning them out. From GRs to SBs, from DJ Clark Kent to Jeremy Scott, we look back at The 15 Best Denim Sneakers of All Time. All hail the Canadian tuxedo with the kicks to match.
15. Nike Dunk High "French Football Federation"
Year Released: 2011
In 2011, the French Football Federation was the recipient of a variety of releases. The Dunk High, wrapped in denim and emblazoned with the French flag made them one of the best Dunks of 2011. (The Zoom Air didn't hurt, either.) Clean, simple and completely underrated. Even by us.
14. New Balance 574 "Workwear Pack"
Year Released: 2012
New Balance's "Workwear Pack" featured a couple versions of the timleless runner, the 574. The blue denim and gold touches accentuated the clean lines of the 574 damn near perfectly. So much so it had us wondering, "How has this not been done before?"
13. Nike Air Force 1 "Midnight Navy Denim"
Year Released: 2007
One of the best Air Force 1s of all time, this 2007 drop set the standard for many more denim versions of the classic Nike silhouette. The clean seamless look unfortunately took a little away from the shoe's inherent "denim-ness."
12. Nike Air Max 90 "Courir" Denim (WMNS)
Year Released: 2002
Sorry about this, bigfeet. The only women's release to make this list, the faded denim Courir Air Max 90 is a grail for most that ever enjoyed slipping on a pair of Air Max '90s. If you're lucky enough to have small enough feet to rock these, more power to you. These will turn heads like no others.
11. Nike Blazer "Selvedge Denim"
Year Released: 2009
When you think about how many differnt materials and colorways have been on the Nike Blazer over the years, it's hard to think that this 2009 release was something new and unique. Then when you take a look at the attention to detail that went into this version of the classic Nike silhouette, there's no doubt this is one of the best denim joints ever created. The Terminator from the pack is worth hunting down as well.
10. Levi's x Nike SB Dunk Low Pro
Year Released: 2012
Back in 2008, Levi's teamed up with Jordan Brand for a collection. No doubt it was well done, but when Levi's teamed up with Nike SB earlier this year, it took things to a whole new level. Two pairs of SB Dunks dropped but the blue denim version with the white midsole had all the right details to become a future classic.
9. Nike SB Zoom FC
Year Released: 2006
Nike SB is always running ahead of the rest when it comes to trying new stuff. When they dropped the soccer-inspired Zoom FC in this denim and gold colorway back in 2006, people slept. Drop this one again today and things would be different, no doubt.
8. Vans Half Cab
Year Released: 2011
Vans has used denim a number of times, including a couple of collabs. A few customizers have created their own denim makeups as well, but in the case of the Half Cab, simple is best. This two-toned 2011 release was just too tasteful to pass up.
7. Nice Kicks x Vans Sk8-Hi "The Duel"
Year Released: 2012
Nice Kicks got the opportunity to collab with Vans this year, and the resulting cowboy-inspired "Duel Pack" featured two Vans silhouettes laced with worn-in denim and ostrich-print leather. The Sk8-Hi gets the nod for best of the pair.
6. ASICS Gel Lyte III x Ronnie Fieg
Year Released: 2012
Ronnie Fieg has made a name for himself with his partnership with ASICS and their classic GEL Lyte III model. With the one-year anniversary of Kith coming up, Ronnie has created the "Selvedge" version of the GEL Lyte III to celebrate the success of the store. It's the constant mixing of materials and trying new things that keeps the RF x ASICS partnership ahead of the game.
5. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star "Denim"
Year Released: 2008
Chucks being one of the all-time greatest sneakers (for being simple and also a great platform for creativity) makes them a great choice for denim makeups. Back in 2008, Converse came with it proper. The denim Chuck Taylor All Stars from back then stand out amongst the various other versions that have dropped over the years.
4. Jeremy Scott x adidas JS Wings
Year Released: 2012
Jeremy Scott is known for wild creations and the JS Wings when they first dropped years back were no exception. Earlier this year, Jeremy Scott and adidas Originals dropped a faded denim version of the Wings, and the material was superb. But it was the semi-translucent midsole/outsole that put them on a whole other level. Even the laces were given the denim makeover.
3. DJ Clark Kent x Nike LeBron 8 "James Dean"
Year Released: 2011
If you were lucky enough to be blessed with a pair of these from the man himself (Clark, not James Dean), you're probably still rejoicing. DJ Clark Kent's "James Dean" version of the LeBron 8 was a standout amongst the first version of the silhouette. The full denim upper hit with black leather accents, gold detailing and a gold outsole really turns heads and would have been another craze like the "South Beach" had this been released to the rest of the world.
2. Nike Air Force 1 Premium "Denim"
Year Released: 2011
The Air Force 1 "Denim" has been done a few times, but the 2011 version had all the right details. The leather heel tab and matching tongue tag your eye first but then you see the gold stitching and gum bottom, it's a wrap.
1. Nike SB Dunk Reese Forbes
Year Released: 2002
One of the first team series Nike SB Dunk releases way back in 2002 was done up by Reese Forbes. It featured a two-tone frayed denim upper with unfinished seams. Needless to say, these remain a hot commodity and will probably set you back about a grand.
