The All-Time Greatest Beer-Inspired Sneakers
Is there anything more satisfying in life than a fresh pair of sneakers and an ice-cold beer? We’ve compiled a list of the best beer-inspired sneakers ever, for all of our hop-loving brothers and sisters across the globe. It's time to pour one out (not in your shoe, please!).
Prost!
Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Newcastle’ (2008)Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Newcastle’ (2008)
Debuting in 2008, the Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Newcastle’ paid homage to the one and only Newcastle Brown Ale. Refreshing our palettes in brown and beige uppers, the ‘Newcastle’ brew was enlivened by a blue Swoosh reminiscent of the beer label’s iconic star.
How does the Newcastle Ale create such a golden brown hue? The beer is made by combining two seemingly incompatible malts: English Pale and Dark Caramel.
One of the tastiest Dunk renditions in recent times, the Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Newcastle’ released on June 2008 at a retail price of $90, but now fetches a whole lot more on the resale market.
Nike SB Dunk High ‘Tecate’ (2010)Nike SB Dunk High ‘Tecate’ (2010)
Inspired by the Mexican golden lager ‘Tecate’ (one of the country’s most popular beers), this Nike SB Dunk High landed in 2010.
Manufactured in ‘Sport Red’ suede, the SB Dunk implemented neck-cranking ‘Gold Metallic’ midfoot panels, clearly referencing the beer’s aluminium can.
Taking its namesake from the city of Tecate, in Baja California, the beer was first produced in 1943. Fun fact: Tecate helped popularise the concept of squeezing a lime into your beer.
Salud!
The Simpsons x adidas Originals Forum Low ‘Duff Beer’ (2021)The Simpsons x adidas Originals Forum Low ‘Duff Beer’ (2021)
Can’t make it to Moe’s Tavern? This adidas Forum is here to quench your thirst. Taking cues from the classic aluminium beer can, the Forum’s glossy synthetic exterior is manufactured in ‘Silver Metallic’, ‘Scarlet’, ‘Core Black’, ‘Gold Metallic’, and ‘Footwear White’. The Duff Beer logo is stamped on the tongue, while a can of the thirst-quenching beverage hits the lace dubrae.
Erupting in popularity in 2021, the Forum’s had plenty of support from Team Trefoil this year. Still, this might be our favourite so far.
Sneakersnstuff x adidas Brewery Pack (2015)Sneakersnstuff x adidas Brewery Pack (2015)
In 2015, Swedish sneaker boutique Sneakersnstuff hooked-up with adidas for the ‘Brewery Pack’, a series of three sneakers inspired by the process of creating man’s greatest invention. While the EQT Guidance ’93 ‘Malt’ represents the brewery across the street from their store, with its malt base colour and minty copper tones across the upper, the ZX Flux ‘Aged Copper’ references the rusty roof on top, and the ‘Copper Kettle’ Stan Smith refers to the humongous copper kettles commonly found in breweries.
Todd Snyder x New Balance 990v3 ‘Pale Ale’ (2018)Todd Snyder x New Balance 990v3 ‘Pale Ale’ (2018)
New York–based menswear designer Todd Snyder and New Balance had already joined forces for a couple of alcoholic beverage-inspired kicks, teaming up for both ‘Black and Tan’ and ‘Dark and Stormy’ takes on the 998. But it’s the New Balance 990v3 that really takes the cake, the ‘Pale Ale’ rendition coupling creamy tones with a suede and mesh construction.
Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Heineken’ (2003) Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Heineken’ (2003)
Inspired by the classic green beer bottles from the Dutch label, the Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Heineken’ is truly one for the ages.
Emblazoned with the iconic Heineken red stars on the lateral heels, Nike ended up in hot water in the lead-up to the release in 2003, their lawyers pulling the design from skate stores after the Dutch brewmasters took umbrage with the colourway.
The Heineken Dunk’s limited numbers (reportedly around 4000) made it one of the most coveted sneakers of all time, the super rare pair bubbling-up occasionally on the resale market for around $7000.
How much do you think Heineken would pay the Swoosh for an official collaboration in 2021?
