Five of the Best Carhartt Sneakers Ever
Founded in 1994, Carhartt Work In Progress have strived to readapt the brand’s legendary workwear cuts for the street, while remaining true to the core values of durability and comfort. Their sneaker projects have been few and far between, but Carhartt WIP are definitely putting in the hard work.
Carhartt have dropped some pretty crazy releases over the years, such as the and the – helping the iconic brand to cement their legacy within the sneaker game.
Previous Carhartt collaborations are some of the most sought-after Grails out there, while others have floated under the radar. The brand’s workwear roots have also been the inspiration for killer customs and non-collaborative drops. So, let’s take a look back at some of the best-ever Carhartt sneakers.
Eminem x Air Jordan 4 'Carhartt'
Safe to say, all credibility would’ve been lost if we hadn’t included these on the list! One of , the ‘Carhartt’ 4s originally dropped back in 2015 and were given to Slim Shady’s close family and friends. Ten additional pairs were subsequently auctioned off on eBay, with some fetching over $20,000.
Earlier this year, when he rocked ‘em on court for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get help the team over the line as they lost to the Chicago Bulls (Butler’s former team) by a point.
Don’t worry, Jimmy — we’re sure your ex-teammates had plenty of shoe-envy.
Nike SB Dunk Low 'Carhartt Shale'
Not a collaboration per se, but it’s hard to deny the timeless steez of the Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Carhartt Shale’. Earning its moniker due to its rugged canvas upper, the brown material was intended to resemble traditional workman’s boots. A ‘peanut butter’ midsole and black outsole round out this classic fan-favourite Dunk.
They were ubiquitous when they dropped back in 2004, but they’re certainly much harder to come by nowadays. I’m sure there’s plenty of Dunkheads out there (like me), still kicking themselves over passing on these.
Carhartt WIP Michigan 'Tobacco and Natural'
The list wouldn’t be complete without Carhartt WIP's very own OG sneaker — the Michigan. Named after one of the brand’s signature jackets, it’s a timeless silhouette constructed from cotton canvas. We love the simple branding, as the iconic Carhartt square label is stamped on the tongue, with a heel plate adorning the midsole’s rear.
The best part? The chunky midsole is fitted with a unique textured protective toe-piece, keepin’ it worksite-ready — can’t forgot your roots, after all.
Carhartt WIP x Vans Era 'Mitchell Camo'
Carhartt WIP hooked up with Californian skate stalwarts Vans for this killer Era colourway . The iconic canvas low-top wears a Mitchell Camo on upper, the same leafy pattern used by the United States Marine Corps in 1953.
A clean white midsole with no foxing stripe joins a matching outsole and lining, completing this colab between two heritage giants.
BespokeIND's Carhartt-inspired Nike Air Max 1 'Tiger Camo' Customs
As always, the Melbourne-based customisation connoisseurs didn't cut any corners with their jaw-dropping Carhartt-inspired AM1s.
Premium provisions like quality calf suede, Japanese yearling vegetan, Japanese Kimono Obi Belt textile and Australian lambskin are all used. And, of course, the genuine Carhartt tiger-camouflage textile and canvas ensures you’re fly whether you’re on the worksite or be-seen sidewalks.
This release is part of BespokeIND’s ‘Nike Air Pack’, which includes another Carhartt-themed and a . All killer, no filler.