7 of the Best Space-Themed Sneakers
Space Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated annually on the first Friday of May. Ordained by NASA in 1997 to commemorate human exploration and discovery of everything beyond planet Earth, it has since expanded to include other mediums. In this context, of course, it’s sneakers. Brands have taken giant leaps in adding outer space to their collections each season, netting memorable kicks – with some commanding stratospheric prices. These are some of the best space-themed sneakers.
Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Galaxy’
Back in 2012, Nike celebrated the All-Star Weekend in Orlando (home to Kennedy Space Center) in the literal sense by releasing the legendary ‘Galaxy’ pack that included the now-infamous Air Foamposite One. The riotous release is often referenced as one of the most defining and notorious moments in modern sneaker culture, drawing comparisons to events like the ‘Pigeon’ SB Dunk. Rep aside, these Foams make full use of their smooth upper to display a full nebula of stars and space matter. They’re rumoured to return in 2024.
Reebok Alien Stomper
In space, no one can hear you scream, but you can wear Reebok. The Alien Stomper is one of the most famous sneakers seen on the silver screen, which thankfully became more than just a prop. Having seen releases in limited quantities a few times over the years, the cyberpunk-ish boots use the BB6600 model as a template before adding inches to the ankles and the idiosyncratic forefoot strap. Anyone with DS pairs should hold onto them until 2136 – when Aliens truly arrive.
NASA x Vans ‘Space Voyager’
NASA have been collaborating with sneaker brands for a few years now, but 2018’s ‘Space Voyager’ effort with Vans is a standout. The collection was buoyed by the breakout popularity of ‘The Ten’, so the exposed foam collar, off-white colouring and bold patches appealed to many hypebeasts. It probably also helped that the perpetually popular flight jacket (aka MA-1 or bomber) – with the ‘Remove Before Flight’ ribbon still attached to the arm – was a perfect match for the shoes.
Extra Butter x Saucony Shadow Master ‘Space Snack’
Extra Butter often seek out esoteric references in their collaborations, and it doesn’t get much deeper than their Saucony Shadow Master ‘Space Snack’. Yep, freeze-dried Neapolitan ice cream consumed by astronauts during orbital missions proved to be a good source of inspiration (and nutrition) for EB. They even put a graphic of an astronaut suspended in zero gravity on the tongue to drive home the inspo. Saucony won the Space Race with these.
Tom Sachs x NikeCraft Mars Yard
Tom Sachs might be facing some serious allegations right now, but his Mars Yard collaboration is objectively a practical presentation of space-ready footwear. The artist’s obsession with intergalactic exploration is manifested in these utilitarian shoes that incorporate Vectran fabric from rover airbags and inspired details from actual Apollo mission boots. Mars Yard sequels, such as the Overshoe, further explored the outer limits of the universe.
Reebok Floatride Space Boot SB-01
Unlike most entries on this list that just draw inspiration from the galaxy, Reebok actually made shoes to be worn in outer space. Created in collaboration with the David Clark Company – foremost manufacturers of space suits for NASA – these Space Boots used the same Floatride cushioning found in Reebok’s terrestrial models. They were slated to be used on the International Space Station back in 2017, but there have been no follow-up communications since its initial announcement.
size? x Nike Air Max 93 ‘Maximum Air Programme’
UK retailer size? actually tried to send their Nike Air Max 93 ‘Maximum Air Programme’ into space back in 2013. They had a member of the UK High Altitude Society build a custom rig that sent the shoes 42,000m into the stratosphere before landing in a field about 90 minutes away from the launch site.
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