The 10 best Nike sneakers of all time

Upgrade your sneaker game with iconic Nikes.

The Swoosh. Just do it. More than defining Nike, these symbols are deeply rooted in pop culture, fashion, and athletic history. It all started with a simple idea—make better shoes for runners. And in 1964, Nike was born. Then came the Air revolution, where comfort met cool, changing the game for both performance and style. Sure, tech was the key, but so were the legends. Michael Jordan's debut cemented Nike sneakers as cultural icons, maintaining their popularity ever since.

Nike's story is one of innovation, savvy, and a whole lot of cool sneakers. So, if a fresh pair of sneakers is on your mind, dive into our list of the 10 best Nikes of all time.

Nike Air Force 1

The year was 1982. Basketball was hot, and Nike revolutionized the scene with the Air Force 1. Not just with the iconic design but by pioneering Nike Air technology that brought comfort and bounce to the court. Leather upper, tough outsole—the Air Force 1 could handle anything from slam dunks to breakdancing. Their clean design made them hip-hop favorites, adored by Jay-Z and alike. Today, AF1 are one of the most iconic sneakers, reimagined through stellar collaborations with Off-White, Billie Eilish, Supreme, and many more.

Nike Air Max 90

Introduced in 1990, Air Max 90s were a game-changer. Their visible Air unit offered comfort and traction, while the chunky design exuded timeless style. With durable mesh and synthetic upper, the Air Max 90s were built to last. Let’s not forget their sleek lines and bold colorways that made them into a fashion staple. Even after 30 years, the 90s are still the most popular Air Max sneakers.

Nike Air Jordan 1

Imagine a sneaker so cool it got banned. That's the Air Jordan 1. 1985 saw sneakers defy the ordinary with their striking colors, sparking a sneaker frenzy and million-dollar fines. The Air Jordan 1s were a synonym for performance, featuring premium leather, innovative Air cushioning, and the iconic Wings logo. With Michael Jordan dominating the court, the AJ 1 became more than just footwear. They became legends.

Nike Air Max 97

Sleek design, cloud-like comfort. The Air Max 97. With nods to Japan's silver bullet train, the 97s appeared futuristic. Their flashy look featured a unique full-length visible Air unit and metallic silver finish with reflective 3M stripes. The upper combined mesh and synthetic, paired with a foam sole and rubber outsole. Since their debut in 1997, the Air Max 97s have seen neat collaborations with UNDFTD, Sean Wotherspoon, and others.

Nike Cortez

Remember Forrest Gump running across America? Those comfy sneakers? Those are the Nike Cortez that went from track star to pop culture icon. Released in 1972 as Nike's first track shoe, the Cortez sparked the 70s running boom. They quickly emerged as lifestyle sneakers with a simple design featuring a nylon/leather upper and foam sole. Over the years, the Cortez sneakers have been tweaked through multiple collaborations like Union LA, Kendrick Lamar, and a trendy Stranger Things edition.

Nike Dunk

Nike Dunks—basketball shoes in 1985, skaters' faves today. Skaters fell for Dunks because of their durability. Sturdy leather/suede upper and a rubber outsole that offers superior traction. But it was Reese Forbes' collab with Nike SB in 2002 that confirmed their star status in the skateboarding scene. Some of the top Nike Dunk's editions include Raygun, Grateful Dead, atmos Elephant, Ben & Jerry's, Pigeon, and Parra Abstract Art.

Nike Air Max 95

The Air Max 95 redefined athletic footwear in 1995. The shoe set a new standard with its multi-layered structure and exposed Air units in the forefoot and heel. The AM 95s featured a breathable mesh and synthetic upper, foam midsole, and durable rubber outsole, pushing the limits of aesthetic and technology. The admiration for Air Max 95 exceeded sports, making them a streetwear favorite with popular colorways ERDL Party, atmos, Cav Empt, and alike.

Nike Air Max 270

The Nike Air Max 270 is the first model Nike launched as a lifestyle shoe. Released in 2018, the AM 270 had the largest Air unit at 32mm. This gave exceptional cushioning and impact absorption. The upper featured a multi-layered mesh that guaranteed a perfect fit. Combined with a dual-density foam sole, the Air Max 270 made you feel like walking on the air. Since then, the shoe has had a few special editions. The favored Nike Air Max 270 colorways include Metallic Red Bronze, the AM 270 React ENG, and Travis Scott’s Cactus Trails.

Nike Air Huarache

The 1991 Nike Air Huarache changed the sneaker game with its unique neoprene inner bootie. Totally reimagining sneaker comfort, it delivered a snug and sock-like fit. The lightweight materials and minimalist design made them feel more like socks than shoes. The Huarache became iconic in the early 90s after Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson sported them.

Nike Air Max 1

In 1987, Nike released their first visible Air unit sneaker, the Infrared Air Max 1. The shoe featured a unique midsole with see-through pouches filled with pressurized gel. This new aesthetic changed how sneakers looked. And some might say it’s where it all started for Nike. Today, the Air Max 1 stands among the greats, offering iconic colorways that extend from the OG Infrared to the daring design of the CLOT Kiss of Death, atmos Elephant, and the rebellious Dirty Denim edition.

Not enough? Check more Nike silhouettes and colorways.