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The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have been a staple in the music scene since 1984, showcasing not just the hottest music videos but also setting the stage for some of the most iconic moments in sneaker and pop culture.
Known for its wild performances, standout fashion, and straight-up jaw-dropping surprises, the VMAs have always been more than just an award show but rather a platform where artists make a statement, push boundaries, and leave their mark.
From Madonna’s game-changing “Like a Virgin” performance to Kanye famously interrupting Taylor Swift, the VMAs have given us moments that still get people talking years later. And let’s not forget the bold fashion moves, like Lady Gaga’s meat dress, that continue to inspire style in and out of the music industry.
But like most cultural moments, the sneakers of the VMAs have always been part of must-see TV as some of the hottest shoes have taken over the red carpet, performances, and award-winning speeches.
We go down memory lane and take a look at the best sneaker moments in MTV Video Music Awards history.
Take a look at some of the best moments below.
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Frank Ocean // Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low “Black Cement”
- The Supreme x Nike relationship has been one of the most fruitful partnerships in sneaker history and the 2002 “Black Cement” Nike SB Dunk Low is a prime example of why
- The shoes are so good that the rest of Frank Ocean’s fit gets a pass from us
Kanye West // Kanye West x Louis Vuitton Don “Red”
- These the (pre-)Red Octobers
- Before Kanye and Nike kicked off the Yeezy partnership, the Louis Vuitton Don teamed up with the luxury Maison for a collaborative, all-red LV Don, inspired by Kanye’s self-appointed nickname
Offset // Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Gold” + DJ Khaled // OFF-WHITE x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Brooklyn”
- Offset and DJ Khaled were both in their bag, wearing some of Virgil Abloh’s most coveted creations from the groundbreaking LV x Nike AF1 partnership to his museum series, also tapping into the AF1
- Long live Virgil
Ed Sheeran // Air Jordan 5 “Bel-Air”
- Ed Sheeran brought the heat to everyone’s surprise wearing the “Bel-Air” Air Jordan 5s
- Inspired by Will Smith and the hit TV show (which had memorable sneaker moments as well), the “Fresh Prince” AJ5 is a cult-classic
Eminem // Air Jordan 15 Low “Black/Silver”
- Eminem’s relationship with Jordan Brand has always been top-tier from wearing classics to having his own collaboration
- While the AJ15 and its low-top variant don’t get as much love, we can thank Eminem for showcasing the shoe’s versatility
J Balvin // Nike SB Dunk Low “Baby Bear”
- While there’s a lot of back & forth on whether the “Three Bears” pack is a classic in Nike SB lore, we can all agree that the pair will always be a head-turner
- It takes a lot for the “Baby Bear” Nike SB Dunk Low not to be the wildest part of anybody’s outfit
Travis Scott // Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4 “Purple Suede” F&F
- In terms of modern sneaker partnerships, there’s arguably not one greater than La Flame and the Jumpman
- We’re still hoping for a release on these
Kendrick Lamar // Nike Cortez “Triple White”
- While the Kung Fu Kenny and Nike partnership has fizzled out, Kendrick delivered a lot of great Swoosh memories
- Perhaps we’ll see the two rekindle at the 2025 Super Bowl
Pharrell Williams // Pharrell x BAPE Roadsta FS-034 Low “Purple/Green” + NIGO // BAPE Roadsta FS-034 Low “White/Green”
- A lot has changed since 2006 as Pharrell now leads the creative direction for Louis Vuitton and is still going strong with his adidas Human Race partnership
- On the other hand, NIGO has since left the creative direction of BAPE and is ready to launch his Nike series after an end to his nearly-20-year partnership with adidas
Jay-Z // Air Jordan 5 “Fire Red”
- When it comes to Air Jordan 5s, there’s arguably not one more iconic than the “Fire Red” colorway
- Jordan jersey, capri-like jorts, and a crisp pair of “Fire Red” AJ5s: truly, a sign of the times
Wale // Air Jordan 4 “Bred”
- The “Bred” Air Jordan 4 has always been a fan favorite at “The Shot” by his Airness certainly helps with the shoe’s legendary status
- For those new to Wale’s sneaker game, he’s been doing this for decades
Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit) // Osiris D3 “Navy/Orange/Gum”
- Believe it or not, Limp Bizkit (specifically Fred) has had iconic sneaker moments on more than one occasion
- Though Osiris is a more niche brand, real skaters know the brand’s stake in the skate game
Canibus // Nike Total Air Foamposite Max
- Many might not recall Canibus’ VMA moment but we all remember his legendary fit
- The Nike Total Air Foamposite Max, Tim Duncan’s signature shoe, is a late 90’s classic as the pair is remembered for its futuristic design
Kanye West // Nike Air Yeezy 2 “Pure Platinum”
- Kanye has had plenty of memorable VMA moments and wearing his “Pure Platinum” Nike Air Yeezy 2s is undoubtedly up there
- While not the “Pure Platinum” is not as revered as the “Solar Red” or “Red October” colorways, the Yeezy 2 paved the way for a multitude of collabs and creations
Kaine (The Ying Yang Twins) // Air Jordan 19 “West Coast”
- The Air Jordan 19 marked a new era for the brand as the 2004 game shoe had a futuristic design inspired by high-end fashion and sports technology
- While The Ying Yang Twins might not be remembered for their sneakers, the AJ19 is an elite choice from Kaine
Kevin Hart // Air Jordan 7 “GMP”
- Though not an original colorway, the “Golden Moments Pack” Air Jordan 7 and Air Jordan 6 are a collector’s dream
- While the “DMP” and “GMP” days are behind us, is it time for Jordan Brand to bring back pack releases?
Eminem // Air Jordan 4 “White Cement”
- Again, Eminem’s Jumpman game is elite
- The Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” will forever be hailed as a classic. And while it has released a plethora of times, the culture will never get enough
Tommy Chong (Cheech & Chong) // Cheech & Chong x DIZYGOTIC Project Alpha “A Journey from 420 to 710”
Logic // Concepts x Nike SB Dunk High “Ugly Christmas Sweater”
- DIZYGOTIC, known for premium materials and thoughtful storytelling, teamed up with Cheech & Chong for a memorable sneaker collaboration
- We really got a Cheech & Chong sneaker before GTA 6
- While the “Lobster” series is Concepts’ bread & butter, the “Ugly Christmas Sweater” pack from the Boston-based retailer deserves its flowers too
- The orange lace swap is an elite choice
