Across the multiverse’s realities and dimensions, superhero-themed kicks have long swooped in like caped crusaders to find the feet of comic-obsessed sneakerheads.

Releases like 2018’s and 2009’s Lite ‘Kryptonate’ have united culture and comic book fandom, drawing attention for their bold designs and collectable appeal. An ever-growing interest in fictional worlds has smoothed the intersection between these realms into an increasingly seamless cross-over. No longer just a passing trend, superhero-themed kicks have become a powerful symbol that unites fans and sparks conversations spanning comics, culture and footwear.

From the first step onto the streets to the final punch in the battle against villainous resale prices, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best vigilante-approved releases (with a couple of colabs thrown in for good measure) that have saved the sneakersphere from total destruction! Check ‘em out below.

Nike Air Max 95 ‘Batman’ (2025)

New for 2025, the leans into the shadows. It dons a perfectly gloomy palette of black, anthracite and smoky greys, accented by pops of yellow that give a clear nod to Gotham’s pre-eminent vigilante. While the model is not officially tied to the DC Universe, the theme is impossible to ignore: its layered suede panels mimic the depth and grit of the city streets, while hits of yellow on the eyelets and branding offer a flash of the Dark Knight’s emblematic glow.

This certainly isn’t the first rodeo riding comic book energy, but the ‘Batman’ 95 feels particularly in sync with its silhouette. The bold, muscle-fibre-inspired design already carries the look of body armour, and this particular colourway only amplifies the energy.

Fans and collectors are already eyeing this one, confident in the knowledge it’s going to be a standout once it finally hits the streets. Whether it’s the look or the concept, the 'Batman' is already shaping up to be a save-the-day must-have.

Nike SB Dunk High 'Incredible Hulk’ (2003)

In 2003 we saw the arrival of the ‘Incredible Hulk’ – a colourway that helped define the energy of early SB. Inspired by the angry green giant, the model came with hairy emerald suede uppers and signature dark brown Swoosh, embodying the Gamma-irradiated Avenger’s iconic colour scheme with a decisive punch.

Landing well before the Dunk hype of late, the Nike SB Dunk High ‘Incredible Hulk’ has stood the test of time, setting itself apart from dated releases like 2006’s ‘Sea Crystals’ and ultimately evolving from an IYKYK flex into a must-have sneaker – now with a hefty resale price that may just get your blood boiling.

Kith x ASICS Gel Lyte 3 ‘Wolverine 1975’ (2023)

Released as part of , the ‘Wolverine 1975’ paid tribute to one of the most distinguished mutants in comic book history. Inspired by Wolverine’s first full appearance in the Giant-Size X-Men #1 comic from 1975, the split-tongued design took direct cues from Logan’s classic blue and yellow suit, with bold colour-blocking across the upper and claw-mark detailing across the heel and insole.

However, what truly elevated the collaboration to grail status was the packaging. Each pair came sealed in a blister-style box, deliberately mimicking the look and feel of retro action figure cases. The outer shell featured custom dual-branding alongside comic-book-style cover art. Inside, tissue paper printed with vintage comic panels wrapped the footwear, illuminating Wolverine’s debut era in every fold. Holographic hangtags styled like trading cards completed the set, transforming the unboxing experience into nostalgia-fuelled theatre.

Nike Air Force 1 'Invisible Woman' (2006)

Perhaps the most memorable pair from Nike’s ‘Fantastic Four’ pack, the ‘Invisible Woman’ arrived long before superhero sneakers were anything near as common as they are today.

Featuring light blue leather on the heel, eye-stays and Swoosh, the model came with a translucent forefoot which brought the character’s invisibility powers to life. Ground-breaking and revolutionary for its time, the see-through toe box quickly stood out among the label’s long history of creative designs, with many sneakerheads taking the opportunity to flex their sock game – and some even going as far as wearing them barefoot.

The translucent feature was later utilised within other silhouettes such as ESPO’s Air Force 2, and has since become a commonplace design choice. For better or worse – and we’re thinking Sue Storm would probably approve of the mystery – this pair definitely makes its mark on the list.

Marvel x adidas Ultra 4D Advanced 'Spider-Man 2' (2023)

Released alongside the buzz of Spider-Man 2 for PS5, the swung onto shelves in 2023 with a latticed-up look that blended performance tech with comic book flair. Dressed in a red, blue, and black colourway with symbiote-like graphics across the upper and 4D-printed midsole, the model offered a sleek tribute to your friendly neighbourhood web-head. While superhero colabs are far from rare these days, few strike the balance between function and fan service like this one.

Nike SB Dunk High ‘Iron Man’ (2010)

The ‘Iron Man’ was a bold salute to the armoured Avenger, crammed with both style and strength. Earning its nickname from Marvel mavens and sneakerheads alike, this Dunk embraced the Iron Knight’s signature red, gold and silver tones, repping the hero’s supercharged suit. The upper was crafted from premium leather and suede, with metallic gold accents paying homage to Tony Stark's high-tech taste, while the tongue featured a subtle Iron Man logo.

Released just in time for the character’s action-packed sequel, the Nike SB Dunk High 'Iron Man’ is just one of many Iron Man-themed releases to hit shelves over the years. Others include the Air Force 1 (2012), Air Max 90 (2013), and Air Max 97 (2016) – each taking its own spin on the futurist’s gold and red armour in true Stark fashion.

Nike Air Max Plus ‘Deadpool’ (2020)

Though never an official collaboration, the still managed to capture the chaos and charisma of Marvel’s wise-cracking anti-hero. With a black mesh base, blood-red cage overlays and sly hits of grey and crimson, the pair echoed Wade Wilson’s renowned suit with uncanny precision. A standout from the era of bold GR colourways, the model quickly earned its nickname from fans and collectors thanks to its dead-on resemblance to the character’s aesthetic palette.

While some dismissed the parallel as coincidental, others fully embraced the connection, making the Nike Air Max Plus ‘Deadpool’ a cult favourite among those who prefer their kicks with a bit of attitude.

Nike Zoom Kobe 5 'Chaos' (2009)

Originally released in 2009, the Nike Zoom 'Chaos' brought a lawless twist to the court, pulling unmistakable inspiration from Heath Ledger's 2008 portrayal of pop culture’s most infamous villain: the Joker. With its electric green laces, purple overlays, crimson accents and glow-in-the-dark sole, the pair delivered a colour palette straight from Gotham’s craziest nightmares. While never an official tie-in, the ‘Chaos’ nickname and its unhinged design direction made the connection loud and clear.

Part of Kobe Bryant’s run of bold storytelling through footwear, the 'Chaos' stood out for its ability to mess the line between sport and spectacle. Fearless and a bit mad, it’s become one of the most beloved non-collab nods to any comic book icon. It’s proof that even without a co-signed logo or licensing deal, a well-executed theme can leave a lasting mark. In true Joker fashion, it didn’t need permission to cause a little mayhem.

Nike Air Max 95 'Human Torch' (2006)

Before superheroes regularly graced sneaker shelves, the Nike ‘Human Torch’ lit the way. Part of a pack inspired by Marvel’s Fantastic Four, this undeniably bold pair brought Johnny Storm’s fiery persona into sneaker form with a blazing palette of orange mesh, red accents and a mega-glossy upper. Bold, brash and in your face – it was everything a Human Torch tribute needed to be.

At a time when pop culture references in footwear were still finding their footing, this release burned a path forward. Years on, it remains a reminder of a time when Nike wasn’t afraid to go full comic book. And though superhero-themed drops are more common now, this one truly remains a standout: not for its dignified restraint, but for its embrace of the chaos. A true trailblazer in every sense.

Air Jordan 4 Retro 'Doernbecher' (2011)

A fearless fusion of creativity and purpose, the Retro 'Doernbecher' redefined what it meant for a silhouette to carry meaning. Part of the Swoosh’s ‘Doernbecher Freestyle’ collection, this particular Air Jordan 4 was designed by Isaac Arzate, whose battle with leukemia inspired him to craft a pair that reflected his love for Superman.

Featuring a striking mix of bright blue, yellow and red accents, the model was a watershed release – not only for its bold colours but for the deeper story it told. The pair comes dressed in black nubuck, offset by hits of neon green across the laces, midsole and heel logo. An ‘S’ emblem sits on the tongue tab, while the red-tinted Air unit in the heel nods to the Kryptonian’s iconic colour palette. Scott’s own silhouette rounds things out on the heel, adding a personal stamp to the heroic theme.

Nike SB Dunk Low 'Silver Surfer' (2004)

The Nike ‘Silver Surfer’ marked a sparkling moment in the era of themed releases. With metallic silver overlays, cosmic blue hits and red detailing, the colourway channelled the interstellar mood of its namesake titan. But it wasn’t just about looks. The original release featured a silver Norrin Radd graphic on the insole, quietly connecting the shoe to comic lore and turning it into a collector’s dream. Arriving alongside two other Dunk colourways and a pair of Air Max 90s, the capsule became an unexpected cult classic for sneakerheads worldwide.

In 2024, the Swoosh bought back the model for an entirely new generation, albeit without the character detail on the insole. Even so, its legacy remains intact, gliding across time with the same slick confidence as its astral muse.

Air Jordan 1 Retro High 'Origin Story' (2018)

You’d be hard pressed to find a better blend of comic strip charm and history than the . Loosely based on the OG ‘Chicago’ but flipped to match Miles Morales, the drop landed right as Into the Spider-Verse swung into theatres. From a distance, it had all the makings of a classic AJ1, but up close? The dot-textured overlays and translucent outsole gave it that graphic-novel punch that set it apart.

Far more than just a tie-in, this pair marked a real moment where heritage, animation and culture were brought together in a way that felt both fresh and natural. It was also one of the first instances of Jordan Brand stepping both feet into the world of storytelling via film – and they nailed it. For collectors and fans alike, it ticked all the boxes: recognisable, wearable and rooted in a bigger narrative. Years on, it’s still seen as a standout entry in the Jay catalogue, and proof that when done right, even the boldest colabs can still feel effortless.