“What are you wearing?”
It’s a question on everyone’s lips at every red carpet, award show, and press conference. And most of the time, the question concerns what’s above the waist. But when it comes to affordable ways to wear what your favorite celeb is wearing, sometimes the best place to look is inside their sole.
With that in mind, here are nine kicks you can rock to channel your fave celeb:
Nike
Lebron James, Air Force 1, $115
Available here
There’s perhaps no athlete more synonymous with a brand than LeBron James and Nike. In May 2003, James signed a seven-year, $87 million deal with Nike in what might be one of the best business deals in the history of humankind.
Nike beat out Reebok (reportedly offered $115 million) and Adidas, who offered less than $60 million.
In the time since, James and Nike have linked up for countless shoes, clothes, and accessories that make the swoosh an outstanding, world-class sportswear brand.
One of the main reasons for that jump is the Air Force 1, because it’s a global sensation.
James became the face of a new generation of NBA players both on and off the court, and he’s routinely spotted in AF1’s.
Serena Williams, Zoom Vomero 5 $160
Available here
Tennis stands out because it gives athletes a level of brand and clothing customization that you just don’t see in team sports.
That customization has led to tennis stars becoming some of the biggest representatives for brands and companies. And the gold standard of that partnership is Serena Williams and Nike. Williams left Puma after she signed a 2003 partnership with Nike that included 23 Grand Slam wins on the court and an apprenticeship program off the court.
The highlight of that apprenticeship is the Zoom Vomero 5, which she rocked during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
These sleek shoes are built for performance and are a mega-milestone in the sneaker world.
Alexander McQueen
Kate Middleton, Oversized sneaker $590
Available here
Alexander McQueen is known for his exhilarating fashion designs, so it only makes sense that their shoes would be worn by an actual princess.
These chunky, oversized shoes thread the needle between subtle and eye-catching — thanks to the McQueen logo on the side. What a bold look that can be used to accentuate any outfit — or fade into the background.
The comfy, chunky rubber sole molds to your foot, and will make you feel like a princess.
Puma
Rihanna, Fenty Creeper $80-$120
Available here
You can’t talk about today’s fashion without dropping Rihanna. Rihanna and Puma first linked up in 2015 with the “creeper” — named after the platform crepe sole — and it’s gone through various degrees of customization since.
After being named the shoe of the year in 2016, the line took a hiatus before coming back in 2023. The Creepers are a cool reminder of Rihanna’s influence on fashion, culture, and music.
While we’ll never know what it’s like to be Rihanna, we’ll know what it’s like to walk in her faaaabbbulous shoes.
Balenciaga
Kendall Jenner, Triple S $1,250
Available here
Chances are your grandpa isn’t a fashionista. But that doesn’t mean that his style isn’t fashionable.
The “grandpa” sneaker came back into style, thanks in large part to celebs like Kendall Jenner, and the Balenciaga Triple S is the gold standard.
Not only is this shoe comfortable, but it’s also fashionable in the most Gen Z way possible. It’s big, bold, and completes any outfit.
Converse
Kendall Jenner, Chuck Taylor All Stars $40-$65
Available here
That’s right, Kendall Jenner’s on this list again — albeit with a completely different type of shoe. If the Triple S is a steakhouse meal with white tablecloths, then Kendall’s Chuck Taylors are the guilty pleasure meal at your favorite local fast-casual place.
Everyone’s owned a pair of Chucks at some point, and for good reason. People couldn’t believe it when Kendall popped out in these accessible shoes, and they’ll say the same to you when you wear them.
Reebok
Gigi Hadid, Classic Leather, $80-$100
Available here
Classics are “classics” for a reason, and these Gigi Hadid-designed shoes are just that. Not only are they a classic, they’re a comfy love-leather to 1980’s dopey fashion sense.
They come in a variety of colors and styles so they can go with any outfit and are teriff kicks for everyday wear.
Vans
Pharrell Williams, Old Skool $70
Available here
A totally iconic street shoe, Vans are now known around the world thanks in large part to Pharrell Williams and N.E.R.D. blending skate and hip-hop culture in a groundbreaking way that had never been seen before.
While “newer” artists like Tyler, the Creator and Justin Bieber have made Vans a key staple of their fits, they owe their lineage to Pharrell.
Jordan Brand
Travis Scott, Air Jordan 1, $180
Available here (currently out of stock)
These shoes come with the tagline “rare air,” which is the most fitting tagline in the history of sneakers.
Travis Scott is the world’s best at capitalizing on his brand and changing culture, so it was only natural that linked up with NIke for a sensational shoe collaboration.
Scott was a key figure in Jordan’s new “unbannable” ad, which speaks to La Flame’s impact on the Jordan brand.
These shoes will make you part of that history.
