Californian-based brand Stussy has had a long history of collaborating with different fashion labels. From collaborating with sportswear brands to luxury houses, these partnerships have produced some of the most iconic silhouettes in recent history.
Dive into our ranking of the most iconic Stussy sneaker collaborations, where we’ll explore the designs and cultural impact of each release.
10. Stussy x Converse Chuck Taylor
Stussy and Converse’s collab is a meeting of subculture titans. Their connection dates back to Stussy’s early days, where the Chuck Taylor‘s rebellious spirit synergised with the brand’s surfing and skateboarding origins. Early, limited-edition collabs ignited a global desire for the shoes, creating a sense of exclusivity among sneakerheads.
9. Stussy x Nike Vandal High
In 2023, Stussy revisited Nike‘s basketball roots with a fresh take on the Vandal High. Originally a baller’s favourite in the 80s, the Vandal found a second life in the hip-hop scene before fading away.
Stüssy’s version rekindled the flame in various colourways, each crafted with a unique hemp upper and featured embroidered Swooshes.
Extra details like a graphic tongue label, an additional hook-and-loop ankle strap, and multiple colorued laces completed the package.
This collaboration wasn’t just about aesthetics; it also highlighted Stussy’s ability to breathe new life into the forgotten.
The Vandal, once a basketball and hip-hop icon, received a revival for modern streetwear, amplifying Stussy’s creativity and their commitment to reviving the obscured.
8. Stussy x Nike Huarache
This isn’t just a shoe; it’s the origins of a long-lasting partnership. In 2000, Stüssy UK’s Michael Koppelman and Nike’s Fraser Cooke ignited a firestorm of grail-worthy collections with a limited-edition Stussy x Nike Huarache, exclusive to Stussy’s London store.
The “Desert Oak” and “Dark Olive” releases, although lacking in flashy branding, was rich in premium materials used to create it. Thus, the Stussy x Nike Huarache has cemented its place in history as the birth of a partnership which continues to mold the sneaker industry.
7. Stussy x Nike Blazer
This silhouette has a unique backstory between the two brands. While the Air Huarache and Dunk High are often seen as the first official Stussy x Nike footwear collab, the Stussy x Nike Blazer takes an interesting turn.
In 2008, Stüssy joined forces with Japanese streetwear label Neighborhood for a limited-edition “Boneyards” collection which featured the Blazer Mid. This early collaboration hinted at the Blazer’s potential within the Stussy x Nike universe.
A decade later in 2018 saw the drop of a full-fledged Stussy x Nike SB Blazer collection with legendary skater Lance Mountain. The Stussy x Nike Blazer story goes beyond a single release, showcasing the brands’ potential to evolve while staying true to its streetwear roots.
6. Stussy x Nike Penny
Stussy and Nike’s 2023 Air Penny mashup wasn’t their first rodeo with Penny Hardaway’s signature shoe, but instead gave a colourful twist to its heritage.
Although basketball wasn’t the initial focus when the partnership back in 2000, Hardaway’s iconic Air Penny silhouettes, particularly the Air Penny 2 with its wavy midsection identical to California’s waves, held a special place in sneaker lore.
The 2023 take revisited this classic, offering a modern spin with muted tones and a laid-back aesthetic – a departure from the originals’ vibrant colours. Two colourways, “Tonal fossil” and “Rattan,” featured plant-based materials and the Stussy branding.
This collaboration celebrated a timeless design recrafted for a modern audience, proving Stüssy’s ability to breathe new life into the old while staying true to its own design philosophy.
5. Stussy x Nike Air Max 95
Stüssy and Nike celebrated their long-standing partnership and influence on footwear with a commemorative Air Max 95 collaboration in 2015.
The release coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Air Max 95, a legendary silhouette designed by Sergio Lozano, and Stussy’s 35th year as a brand.
A subtle nod to their first collaboration, the Stussy x Nike Huarache, the silhouette featured neoprene tongues. Offered in olive green, dark blue, and black, the colourways catered to a wide audience.
The Stussy x Air Max 95 wasn’t just a shoe; it was a celebration of two distinct brands with a history of innovation and creativity throughout the years.
4. Stussy x Nike Air Force 1
Stüssy remade the iconic Air Force 1 in their image in their long-standing partnership with Nike which began in 2000. This collection paid tribute to previous Stussy x Nike materials, while subtle branding and special packaging planted their place as a highly-sought after addition to every sneakerhead’s rotation. This collaboration marked a celebration of a partnership which has evolved throughout the decades.
3. Stussy x Nike Dunk
The Stussy x Nike Dunk collaboration is every collector’s grail. In 2001, it marked the first-ever Nike SB team-up with a clothing brand, launching coveted Dunk Highs in various colourways. However, the real game-changer was in 2005 with the Dunk Low “Cherry.”
Inspired by Neapolitan ice cream, this silo was an instant hit which cemented the Dunk’s status and Stüssy’s streetwear influence. This collab not only delivered grails for collectors, but also paved the way for future Nike SB and streetwear partnerships.
2. Stussy x Nike Air Zoom Spiridon
The 2020 Stussy x Nike Air Zoom Spiridon collaboration was a revival of an old model. Stüssy, the Californian brand known for blending surf, skate, and streetwear into one, took the 2003 model, the Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2, and injected it with their own style.
This collection had 3 different colourways available, all crafted with premium materials which improved the shoe’s comfort and functionality. Additionally, subtle Stussy branding added a touch of exclusivity, thus making these a coveted addition for any sneakerhead’s collection.
1. Stussy x Christian Dior
In a surprising move that redefined luxury fashion, Dior and Stussy teamed up in 2020. Orchestrated by Dior Men’s creative director, Kim Jones, he directly partnered with founder Shawn Stussy himself for the Fall 2020 collection.
The result? A vibrant collection featuring reimagined Dior B23 sneakers, with some celebrating the Year of the Ox with special embroideries.
The Stussy x Dior collaboration transcended limited-edition clothing, hence it was a statement that streetwear is continues to influence future mashups between luxury and street aesthetics.
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Stüssy’s collaborative footwear journey began in the early 2000s with Nike, when the Dunk was gaining popularity.
Stussy’s collaborations have pushed boundaries by reinterpreting classic silhouettes and introducing streetwear elements to running and basketball shoes.
Stussy’s collaborations often combine classic silhouettes with fresh designs and premium materials, making them limited-edition collectibles for sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts.
Stussy has collaborated with various footwear brands beyond Nike, including Converse, Vans, Birkenstock, and New Balance.
The collaboration offered three distinct colourways: Fossil, Pure Platinum, and Black.
Both Blazer Low and Blazer Mid silhouettes have been used in the collaboration.
The 2018 collaboration with Nike SB focused on performance features for skateboarding, but others might prioritise aesthetics over technical details.
Both the Air Force 1 and Blazer offer classic comfort, but the Blazer’s lower profile and padded tongue might give it a slight edge.
Some of the most sought-after releases include the Air Huarache LE (2000), Dunk High (2001), Air Force 1 (2020), Air Max 95 (2015), and Blazer (2018).
The Stussy x Nike Dunk High is often cited as one of the most sought-after due to its historical significance as the first official Nike collaboration with a clothing brand.
Generally, yes. The limited nature and the prestige associated with both brands create significant hype. However, some collaborations might resonate more with specific audiences depending on the chosen silhouette and design.
Stussy’s unique blend of surf, skate, and streetwear aesthetics resonated with a growing youth movement in the 1980s and 90s. Their focus on high-quality materials, limited releases, and a rebellious spirit helped them solidify their place as a streetwear icon.
Stussy began in the early 1980s in Laguna Beach, California, founded by Shawn Stüssy. Initially focused on handcrafted surfboards with his signature logo, Stussy soon expanded into apparel, drawing inspiration from surf, skate, and hip-hop culture.
While some collaborations, like the Stussy x Nike Blazer Mid (2018), were designed with skateboarding in mind, others might not be ideal for intense athletic activities. Consider the specific shoe’s construction and materials before using them for sports.