A Brief History of NEIGHBORHOOD’s Sneaker Collaborations
Commencing in Shibuya in 1994 thanks to Shinsuke ‘Sin’ Takizawa, NEIGHBORHOOD went on to become one of the founding members of the Urahara movement in Tokyo. And their influence has reached long and far since those early days, with collaboration being one of their pioneering moves. Over 25-plus years of operation, numerous sneaker brands have been welcomed into the NEIGHBORHOOD. Here’s a quick refresher on just how broad their joint efforts have been.
NEIGHBORHOOD x adidas Gazelle (2006)
No, this isn’t a MASTERMIND collaboration, though the skull-and-crossbones motif does throw all but the nerdiest sneakerheads off. NEIGHBORHOOD designed two tonal takes on the adidas Gazelle to coincide with the 2006 FIFA World Cup that was held in Germany. It’s a deep connection, given the fact the Gazelle was originally an all-round training shoe often used on the field.
NEIGHBORHOOD x BAPE STA (2004)
Two-tone mismatched, Yankees logo flip!? NEIGHBORHOOD and Nigo-era BAPE were absolutely on top of their game when they dropped these ultra rare BAPE STAs back in 2004. Only 100 pairs exist. There was also a more conventional black and white matched pair for that subtler flex.
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Stussy x NEIGHBORHOOD x Nike ‘Boneyards’ (2008)
In 2008, US streetwear originators Stussy released the multi-brand ‘Boneyards’ capsule, linking up with NEIGHBORHOOD and Nike to produce a set of Terminators and Blazer Highs. To date, this has been the only time NEIGHBORHOOD have indirectly collaborated with Nike, and who knows when the next occasion will be.
NEIGHBORHOOD x visvim Christo (2007)
The golden era of Japanese streetwear had some absolutely colossal crossovers between titan brands. NEIGHBORHOOD and visvim was inevitable, and they worked on some moccasin chukkas and boots, but their Christo sandal remains an absolute flex. They were on the anti-sneaker mulement well over a decade ahead of everyone else. Don’t even bother looking for a pair.
NEIGHBORHOOD x Izzue (NHIZ) x Reebok Classic Leather (2016)
NEIGHBORHOOD teamed up with Hong Kong streetwear label Izzue on co-branded apparel, and Reebok joined the fray with a simple black take on the Classic Leather. The branding was minimal, simply a custom tongue label and skull-and-crossbones screenprint on the heel counter.
NEIGHBORHOOD x Supreme x Vans Sk8-Hi (2007)
Supreme and NEIGHBORHOOD were both founded in 1994, and their early trajectory has drawn some parallels. The mid 2000s were instrumental for streetwear, so who better than these two brands to join in some cross-continental action? Vans provided the canvas of choice for a mean pack of Sk8-His.
NEIGHBORHOOD x Clarks (2020)
Clarks have always been a cultish favourite on the streets of Harajuku, so NEIGHBORHOOD definitely came correct when they dropped two takes on the Wallabee and Desert Trek. Of course, NEIGHBORHOOD distinguished their colab by imbuing the Wallabees with GORE-TEX lining and the Desert Treks with Vibram soles. Still a sleeper hit. Bonus nerd points for anyone that owns NEIGHBORHOOD’s 2009 Clarks Natalie colab!
NEIGHBORHOOD x adidas Superstar (2005)
The adidas Superstar 35th collection was one of sneaker culture’s most significant and expansive moments. NEIGHBORHOOD were part of the rarest releases from that drop, and are arguably their best ever colab in this list. Owning a pair is a way to tell people you’re an old head without telling them you’re an old head.
