8 Iconic Sneakers in Movies & TV

Scott Pilgrim (2010) - Adidas Originals Superstar 

Scott Pilgrim’s revolutionary movie adaptation Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010) showcases Michael Cera on its promotional poster as Scott Pilgrim sporting the Adidas Originals Superstars. These shoes are one of the most popular models of Adidas and have been a staple for many people over the years. 

Stranger Things (2016-2025) - Adidas Gazelles + Nike Bruins 

The hit TV series Stranger Things (2016-2025), as many know, is set in the 1980s and highlights numerous eye-catching retro looks. Many of these looks include notable shoes like the royal blue Adidas Gazelles worn by the character Steve Harrington for many Stranger Things Season 3 scenes. Adidas Gazelles have noticeably made their comeback over the past couple of years by the younger generations. Steve Harrington is also known to wear the same Nike Bruins worn by Marty McFly in the iconic Back to the Future (1985). 

The Karate Kid (1984) - Nike Cortez 

The Karate Kid (1984) is agreeably one of the most iconic movies to come out of the 80s. The shoes worn throughout the film did not stray from iconic either, specifically shedding light on a pair of grey Nike Cortez’s worn by Ralph Macchio’s character Daniel LaRusso as he undergoes karate training in the film. It is safe to say that Nike left its mark on the 80s in film as much as it did on the street. 

Barbie (2023) - Adidas Box Hog 3 

Barbie (2023) exposed audiences to a shoe not commonly shown on the big screen, the Adidas Box Hog 3. This shoe was created for boxing and is worn by Ryan Gosling as his character Ken in the film, adding an additional edge to his costume. 

Beverly Hills Cop (1984) - Adidas Originals Country 

A standout feature of Beverly Hills Cop (1984) poster is the Adidas Originals Country kicks worn by Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley. He is seen wearing these sleek shoes throughout the film and they have become a recognizable feature of this character. 

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018) - Air Jordan 1s + collab 

Spider-Man: Into The Spider Verse (2018) was a notable moment not only for pop culture and Marvel, but also Jordan. Throughout the film as well as on the promotional poster red, white, and black Air Jordan 1s are worn by the movie’s main character Miles Morales. Jordan also carried out a collab with the film in 2019 titled Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG 'Origin Story' which launched a shoe matching the one seen in the film. 

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) – Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) is responsible for one of the most recognizable outfits in film history with Uma Thurman’s bright yellow jumpsuit and matching yellow Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66’s. The Onitsuka brand was created in Kobe, Japan to help Japanese youth engage in sports and rebuild Japan’s health post WWII. These shoes definitely helped Thurman show off her athletic capabilities in the film. 

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996) - Nike Air Maestro + Air Jordan 5 

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996) did not lack in the fashion department by any means. Each character had a vibrant style that is now looked back on as iconically 90s. A large part of Will Smith’s wardrobe within the series is his shoes, most notable Nike Air Maestros and Air Jordan 5s. Nike basketball shoes proved to be a fashion staple throughout the 90s. 

- Nyanna Raj