From Astroworld to Footwear: The Definitive Ranking of Travis Scott x Nike Collabs
Who is Travis Scott?
Travis Scott is a highly acclaimed hip-hop artist and a prominent figure in the fashion industry. Born Jacques Bermon Webster II on April 30, 1991, in Houston, Texas, Travis Scott rose to prominence with his unique blend of trap, hip-hop, and alternative rap. His innovative sound, energetic performances, and captivating lyrics have garnered him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
Beyond his musical achievements, Travis Scott has made a significant impact on the fashion world. He is known for his distinctive personal style, often incorporating elements of streetwear, high fashion, and his own merchandise into his wardrobe. His fashion collaborations and partnerships with renowned brands have further solidified his influence in the industry.
How Did the Sneaker Collaboration with Nike Start?
The sneaker collaboration between Travis Scott and Nike began in 2017. The partnership was part of the brand's ongoing efforts to work with influential figures in music, sports, and pop culture to create special editions of their iconic sneakers.
Travis Scott's partnership with Nike began with the release of the Air Force 1 Low "Travis Scott" in November 2017. The shoe featured a range of unique design elements, including removable Swoosh logos, canvas and suede uppers, and a gum sole. It was a highly sought-after release and quickly gained popularity among sneaker enthusiasts and fans of Travis Scott.
The 7 Best Travis Scott x Nike Collabs and Why (in My Opinion)
Here I will be ranking the best of Travis Scott x Nike collaboration models in my own opinion. I will be ranking the 7 of Travis Scott's models from the 7th down to the 1st. I am not saying one is better than the other, this is my take on the models. As I have had an interest in sneakers since I could tie my own shoelaces, as well as personal experience in the sneaker game for years. I would be thrilled to hear your opinion on your favourite Travis Scott collaborations at the bottom of the page.
7. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG "Mocha"
The Air Jordan 1 Low Travis Scott is a highly sought-after sneaker going for around £700 on resale nowadays. It brings together the iconic Air Jordan 1 Low silhouette with Travis Scott's unique design aesthetic, resulting in a truly standout shoe.
In my opinion, what makes these shoes so hot is their rich and textured appearance. The shoe features a mix of suede, leather, and canvas, a combination of earthy tones and contrasting accents, which all combine to give it a distinct visual appeal. It incorporates Travis Scott's personal branding details throughout, such as the backward Swoosh logo and co-branded Nike and Travis Scott logos. This model fits perfectly with whatever outfit you throw at it.
The reason I have placed these in 7th is due to the fact that, although they are appealing and versatile, they are less distinct than some other models we will get to higher up the ranking.
6. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 Retro "Olive"
This particular Jordan 6 had people lining up around the block and refreshing their screens in an attempt to get their hands on a pair. It combines the iconic Jordan 6 silhouette with Travis Scott's unique design elements, in a standout colourway, resulting in a unique shoe.
This model embraces suede all over, giving it a luxurious and textured look. The colour palette is really what sets it apart with shades of olive green, black, and neon orange details, creating a distinct aesthetic. It incorporates Travis Scott's personal touches, such as a pocket on the collar, glow-in-the-dark accents, and co-branded details.
These Jordans are one of a kind. They are eye-catching yet somehow subdued at the same time, thanks to their earthy tones. Personally, however, I find the pockets on the collar to be too much, which is why I have placed them 6th on the list. It’s a unique detail but makes the shoe a little too bulky and difficult to wear with long pants.
5. Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Reverse Mocha’
Among the sought-after Travis Scott collaborations, the Air Jordan 1 Low "Reverse Mocha" holds a special place and easily ranks as one of my personal favourites for everyday wear. Drawing inspiration from the classic "Mocha" Air Jordan 1, this shoe features a captivating twist with reversed colour blocking. The predominance of rich brown hues, complemented by creamy accents, creates a stylish and attention-grabbing aesthetic. The clever use of materials, including leather and suede, adds texture and depth to this sneaker's overall appeal.
The "Reverse Mochas" received significant acclaim and admiration from sneaker enthusiasts, owing to their unique pastel yet versatile colour palette. In my opinion, this model exudes a certain sleekness that is really hard to replicate, placing it a firm 5th on my list of favourites. Nevertheless, it might just be a little too understated for a Travis sneaker, which is why I ranked it here.
4. Nike SB Dunk Low
The Nike SB Dunk Low Travis Scott is the only collab of the entire lineup that is in partnership with Nike’s skateboarding division. This is something that immediately sets the shoes apart through certain details such as the enlarged tongue and gel insole, which are only ever present on SB versions of Dunk shoes. They feature a unique colour palette, including beige, navy, and black, and heavily lean on a bandana pattern which just takes the panelling to a whole new level. Furthermore, these are designed to be skated, since as the denim panels with the bandana pattern wear off from all of your kickflips, there is actually another pattern revealed underneath!
While some may call aspects of this model “gimmicky”, I firmly believe that they can be almost singlehandedly praised for reviving the SB Dunk lineup for Nike. This earns them a solid 4th spot in our countdown.
3. Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘White’
When it comes to Travis x Nike, his version of the Air Force 1 Low in white canvas was the shoe which laid the foundations for what would evolve into a fruitful partnership, lasting many years. The genius of this model can be seen in its absolute simplicity. On the surface, it’s a regular white canvas Air Force 1 with a gum sole, right? However, point a camera flash at it and the panel seams give off a 3M reflection in multiple colours. Take a closer look at the Swoosh - it’s reflective chrome and you can remove it! Other colours and variations are included in the box to truly help make this sneaker your own. Finally, grills on the laces, whaaaat?!
These Air Force 1s are truly something else. Although I am personally not the biggest fan of the silhouette, this collaboration is undeniable genius and put just the right amount of flavour into this shoe without making it too loud.
2. Air Jordan 1 High Retro OG
Released in 2019, this is undoubtedly THE shoe that everybody thinks of when you mention a Travis Scott Nike sneaker. Although it technically isn’t the “OG”, it has become somewhat the “granddaddy” of the entire collaboration lineup.
The design itself is simple on the surface - it dresses the iconic Air Jordan 1 High silhouette in a lovely cream tumbled-leather upper with sublime mocha-coloured suede panelling. Next, we reach the backward Swoosh on the lateral side. Arguably one of the most famous design details on a sneaker ever, this particular model was the first time the backward Swoosh was ever used, after which it very quickly became a staple of all Travis Scott collaborations with Nike. This, along with additional details such as the hidden pocket in the collar of the shoes, truly gives this collab an undisputed spot in the sneaker history hall of fame. Nowadays it is extremely rare to see someone rocking these bad boys out in the open, as they command truly insane retail prices.
1. Air Jordan 4 Retro OG ‘Cactus Jack’
In first place, we have the shoe that started it all. The real “OG’s”. The Air Jordan 4 Cactus Jack.
These sneakers feature a unique colour scheme, are dressed in high-quality suede, and are peppered with Travis Scott and “Cactus Jack” branding throughout. Being the first to release from the collaboration, this shoe is highly coveted and almost impossible to get at a reasonable price these days. Despite them not being a favourite of many sneakerheads, I personally absolutely love the blue colour of the upper, specifically how it combines with the red sock liner and splattered black lace guards and heel tab. My personal affinity for these, combined with the fact that they are the shoes that marked the start of this legendary collaboration, means that I absolutely need to give them the recognition of the top spot in this countdown.
How did Travis Scott’s Collaborations become so Popular?
La Flame's immense influence as a chart-topping rapper and performer has greatly contributed to the success of his Nike collaborations. His large fan base and magnetic personality have propelled these releases beyond the realm of sneakers, turning them into cultural phenomena.
The Travis Scott x Nike collaborations boast distinct designs that stand out from the crowd. Bold colours, unconventional materials, and intricate details make each release a work of art, captivating sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts alike.
By employing limited-release strategies, Nike and Travis Scott are able to create a sense of scarcity and exclusivity around these collaborations. The restricted quantity of sneakers ignites fervent demand, turning each release into a highly sought-after commodity.
Additionally, Travis Scott and Nike have infused their collaborations with captivating narratives inspired by Scott's personal experiences and musical repertoire. This storytelling element strikes an emotional chord with fans, deepening the connection to the sneakers to a more meaningful level.
My Opinion on the Travis Scott x Nike Collabs
Travis Scott's collaborations with other artists have consistently led to exceptional end results. Whether it's his joint projects with fellow musicians, his contributions to film soundtracks, or his ventures in fashion and branding, Travis Scott consistently brings innovative and captivating energy to each endeavour. His collaborations have a distinct flavour that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impact.
It's evident that Travis Scott's creative vision and commitment to excellence have played a significant role in his success. His relentless pursuit of pushing artistic boundaries and his ability to connect with his audience on a deep emotional level has made him a true icon of our time. He has proven time and time again that he can transform any project into something extraordinary.
Where can I get a pair of Travis Scott x Nike sneakers at an affordable price?
1) The retail route:
Most sneakerheads hope to buy the Travis Scott x Nike sneakers at their retail prices (£120-£200) when they release on Nike's SNKRS app. Due to their popularity, bots and resellers may grab most pairs, leaving many empty-handed. It's worth trying to sign up for a retail pair, but it's not an option after thier official release dates unfortunately.
2) Purchasing from a reseller at a premium:
Popular alternatives to buy Travis Scott x Nike sneakers include online marketplaces like StockX ,Depop and Grailed. However, these sites have drawbacks, such as the high prices that are set by sellers and the risk of receiving fake sneakers. Recently, StockX faced a lawsuit from Nike for selling counterfeit shoes, causing concerns about the reliability of online sneaker marketplaces.
3) An affordable option you’ll be comfortable actually wearing:
An increasingly popular option for grabbing a pair of Travis Scott x Nike sneakers is to buy a UA (Unauthorized Authentic) version. While some sneakerheads may turn their nose up at this idea, UA sneakers are almost identical to the original product, with some even being made in the same factories. They provide a cost-effective solution for those who missed out on the release, as they are priced similarly to retail and can actually be worn without the fear of damaging a valuable collector's item. However, it is important to purchase UAs from a reliable source to avoid getting average-quality reps. Our personal experience has shown that Drip Locker offers the best quality and customer service compared to other online options. We regularly wear shoes from them around the office and recommend them to our sneakerhead friends.
If you decide to purchase from them, make sure to use code “DRIPBIBLE” for 10% off your order:
Travis Scott x Nike from Drip Locker