New
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams has been a transformative force in music and fashion for over twenty years, significantly shaping the culture we know and love today. His early support for BAPE shoes brought bold and vibrant designs to Western audiences, paving the way for the evolution of streetwear. Today, Pharrell continues to innovate as a creative leader at adidas and Louis Vuitton. Keep an eye on his latest endeavors – specifically the adidas Jellyfish and LV ButterSoft – which are both releasing in 2025.
Joe Freshgoods
Joe Freshgoods has emerged as a pivotal figure in the sneaker collaboration space, transforming a single project with New Balance into a prolific series of releases. Beginning in Chicago’s grassroots fashion scene, his narrative-driven designs encapsulate authentic urban experiences, making each release a chapter in a larger story of cultural expression and community. He recently celebrated his creative journey with an “Aged Well” New Balance 992 that will likely chart favorably on 2025 Sneaker Of The Year lists.
GRACE WALES BONNER
Grace Wales Bonner has made the adidas Samba today’s “it shoe” through her large portfolio of collaborations with the Three Stripes. Her designs, which take inspiration from her European and African roots, have all resonated deeply with men and women alike. Bonner’s latest collaboration was unveiled at NBA All-Star Weekend; a luxe take on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s signature shoe crafted in collaboration with Willy Chavarria.
WALE
Not that his love for sneakers ever diminished, but Wale is only recently getting the proper attention he deserves. At one point one of the more influential celebrity figures in sneaker culture, the DMV-based rapper and footwear expert burst back onto the scene during the 2025 All-Star Weekend by debuting an upcoming Nike Basketball shoe, the GT Future. It can be argued that without Wale’s participation in this first look, the reaction may not have been nearly as good. Could Nike and Wale have an official collaboration in the works? We’ll see, but he’s firmly back on the radar.
JAE TIPS
Rapper, hat maker, and all-around creative maverick Jae Tips has brought new energy to Saucony through his deeply personal and community-focused collaborations. Each of his projects reflects his upbringing and musical influences, fostering a genuine connection with his audience. Tips’ approach not only elevates the brand but also strengthens the ties between sneakers, culture, and personal identity. His collabs with the New England brand charted high on SOTY lists in 2023 and 2024, so we’re expecting more great things in 2025.
CLINT419
Clint Ogbenna, better known as Clint419, embodies a raw and unfiltered London vibe that has a strong hold on the youth market. In collaboration with Nike, his brand Corteiz has become known for its disruptive, gamified sneaker releases that have injected some much needed excitement into the industry. Fans can look forward to another Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 in 2025, which is sure to ignite a frenzy among sneakerheads once again.
JAMES WHITNER
James Whitner is a monumental influence in the sneaker community through his leadership of The Whitaker Group, which includes A Ma Maniére and Social Status. His visionary projects, like transforming a historically segregated beach into a haven for creatives of all races, illustrate his commitment to cultural reclamation and community upliftment. Even disregarding his vast portfolio of work with Nike and Jordan Brand, his business acumen is impactful enough to earn him a spot on this list. Above, he’s an advisor behind the scenes to many of today’s impactful black-owned businesses.
NIGEL SYLVESTER
Nigel Sylvester might just be Jordan Brand’s trendiest collaborator. The first Jumpman-sponsored BMX athlete checked off his inaugural collaboration in 2018, but his “Bike Air” Jordan 4 RM from 2024 epitomizes how highly JB regards his name and likeness (not everyone can compel Jordan to switch up its “Nike Air” branding). He’s dropping a “Brick By Brick” Jordan 4 as well as a Jordan 1 Low in 2025, both of which will likely sell out quickly upon releasing.
KAI CENAT
Kai Cenat has become a defining voice for the younger generation, captivating over 16 million followers through his engaging Twitch streams. As Nike’s first sponsored streamer, Kai bridges the gap between physical footwear and digital ventures, amplifying Nike’s efforts in the metaverse like introducing Jordans to Fortnite via dotSWOOSH. If the idea of a steamer having a sneaker deal sounds crazy, remember that there was a time when musicians signing with brands was seen as taboo. Now it’s the norm.
SALEHE BEMBURY
Salehe Bembury has one of the most stacked resumes in the sneaker industry. He graduated from Payless to Versace, then went onto adidas Yeezy, and is now an integral part of the fabric at Crocs, New Balance, and PUMA. We’re particularly excited about his role at PUMA Basketball, which is said to deliver a Salehe-designed signature sneaker in 2025.
A’JA WILSON
A’ja Wilson stands as a paragon of black excellence in women’s basketball. Since joining Nike’s Athlete Think Tank in 2022, she has been instrumental in shaping products designed for women and girls. Nike is finally giving the future HOFer her flowers by releasing a signature shoe, the Nike A’One, in 2025. She’ll be the only current black WNBA player with a signature shoe until Angel Reese joins her in 2026.
TRAVIS SCOTT
Travis Scott has been an integral part of the fabric at Nike and Jordan Brand for the better part of a decade. Every Travis Scott shoe is all but guaranteed to sell out, a testament to the clout La Flame has over the general population at large. In 2025, the partnership is building on its strong catalog of Air Jordan 1s by focusing on two emerging signature models; the Jordan Jumpman Jack and Nike Field Jaxx. As always, we’ll be keeping a pulse on all things Travis Scott as the year rolls on.
12 Black Creatives Who Are Shaping Sneakers In 2025
There is no sneaker culture without black culture.
From the 80s and 90s onward, self-expression through footwear built the market we know and love today – fueled by hip-hop, a certain North Carolina hooper, and the boundless creativity of black culture itself. That same energy continues to drive the industry forward to this day.
For Black History Month, we’re spotlighting eleven black creatives shaping sneaker culture right now. Narrowing this list down wasn’t easy – not because of a lack of talent, but because there are countless others leaving their mark in their own way. Keep scrolling to see who’s pushing the game forward.
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams has been a transformative force in music and fashion for over twenty years, significantly shaping the culture we know and love today. His early support for BAPE shoes brought bold and vibrant designs to Western audiences, paving the way for the evolution of streetwear. Today, Pharrell continues to innovate as a creative leader at adidas and Louis Vuitton. Keep an eye on his latest endeavors – specifically the adidas Jellyfish and LV ButterSoft – which are both releasing in 2025.
Joe Freshgoods
Joe Freshgoods has emerged as a pivotal figure in the sneaker collaboration space, transforming a single project with New Balance into a prolific series of releases. Beginning in Chicago’s grassroots fashion scene, his narrative-driven designs encapsulate authentic urban experiences, making each release a chapter in a larger story of cultural expression and community. He recently celebrated his creative journey with an “Aged Well” New Balance 992 that will likely chart favorably on 2025 Sneaker Of The Year lists.
GRACE WALES BONNER
Grace Wales Bonner has made the adidas Samba today’s “it shoe” through her large portfolio of collaborations with the Three Stripes. Her designs, which take inspiration from her European and African roots, have all resonated deeply with men and women alike. Bonner’s latest collaboration was unveiled at NBA All-Star Weekend; a luxe take on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s signature shoe crafted in collaboration with Willy Chavarria.
WALE
Not that his love for sneakers ever diminished, but Wale is only recently getting the proper attention he deserves. At one point one of the more influential celebrity figures in sneaker culture, the DMV-based rapper and footwear expert burst back onto the scene during the 2025 All-Star Weekend by debuting an upcoming Nike Basketball shoe, the GT Future. It can be argued that without Wale’s participation in this first look, the reaction may not have been nearly as good. Could Nike and Wale have an official collaboration in the works? We’ll see, but he’s firmly back on the radar.
JAE TIPS
Rapper, hat maker, and all-around creative maverick Jae Tips has brought new energy to Saucony through his deeply personal and community-focused collaborations. Each of his projects reflects his upbringing and musical influences, fostering a genuine connection with his audience. Tips’ approach not only elevates the brand but also strengthens the ties between sneakers, culture, and personal identity. His collabs with the New England brand charted high on SOTY lists in 2023 and 2024, so we’re expecting more great things in 2025.
CLINT419
Clint Ogbenna, better known as Clint419, embodies a raw and unfiltered London vibe that has a strong hold on the youth market. In collaboration with Nike, his brand Corteiz has become known for its disruptive, gamified sneaker releases that have injected some much needed excitement into the industry. Fans can look forward to another Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 in 2025, which is sure to ignite a frenzy among sneakerheads once again.
JAMES WHITNER
James Whitner is a monumental influence in the sneaker community through his leadership of The Whitaker Group, which includes A Ma Maniére and Social Status. His visionary projects, like transforming a historically segregated beach into a haven for creatives of all races, illustrate his commitment to cultural reclamation and community upliftment. Even disregarding his vast portfolio of work with Nike and Jordan Brand, his business acumen is impactful enough to earn him a spot on this list. Above, he’s an advisor behind the scenes to many of today’s impactful black-owned businesses.
NIGEL SYLVESTER
Nigel Sylvester might just be Jordan Brand’s trendiest collaborator. The first Jumpman-sponsored BMX athlete checked off his inaugural collaboration in 2018, but his “Bike Air” Jordan 4 RM from 2024 epitomizes how highly JB regards his name and likeness (not everyone can compel Jordan to switch up its “Nike Air” branding). He’s dropping a “Brick By Brick” Jordan 4 as well as a Jordan 1 Low in 2025, both of which will likely sell out quickly upon releasing.
KAI CENAT
Kai Cenat has become a defining voice for the younger generation, captivating over 16 million followers through his engaging Twitch streams. As Nike’s first sponsored streamer, Kai bridges the gap between physical footwear and digital ventures, amplifying Nike’s efforts in the metaverse like introducing Jordans to Fortnite via dotSWOOSH. If the idea of a steamer having a sneaker deal sounds crazy, remember that there was a time when musicians signing with brands was seen as taboo. Now it’s the norm.
SALEHE BEMBURY
Salehe Bembury has one of the most stacked resumes in the sneaker industry. He graduated from Payless to Versace, then went onto adidas Yeezy, and is now an integral part of the fabric at Crocs, New Balance, and PUMA. We’re particularly excited about his role at PUMA Basketball, which is said to deliver a Salehe-designed signature sneaker in 2025.
A’JA WILSON
A’ja Wilson stands as a paragon of black excellence in women’s basketball. Since joining Nike’s Athlete Think Tank in 2022, she has been instrumental in shaping products designed for women and girls. Nike is finally giving the future HOFer her flowers by releasing a signature shoe, the Nike A’One, in 2025. She’ll be the only current black WNBA player with a signature shoe until Angel Reese joins her in 2026.
TRAVIS SCOTT
Travis Scott has been an integral part of the fabric at Nike and Jordan Brand for the better part of a decade. Every Travis Scott shoe is all but guaranteed to sell out, a testament to the clout La Flame has over the general population at large. In 2025, the partnership is building on its strong catalog of Air Jordan 1s by focusing on two emerging signature models; the Jordan Jumpman Jack and Nike Field Jaxx. As always, we’ll be keeping a pulse on all things Travis Scott as the year rolls on.
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The post 12 Black Creatives Who Are Shaping Sneakers In 2025 appeared first on Sneaker News.
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