The cultural significance of Nike sneakers, which manage to stay relevant since the debut of the very first pair in 1972, can be discussed endlessly. The Air Jordan 1 model boasts a lengthy list of celebrity admirers – from Rihanna to Jennifer Lopez, who seemingly wears them almost non-stop, while Dakota Johnson and Emily Ratajkowski adore the Nike Cortez. This feature presents a guide to Nike sneakers that you will likely see in numerous celebrity ensembles in 2026 and beyond. So, stay tuned for inspiration for your next pair of sneakers.
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Nike Moon Shoe
One of Nike’s current bestsellers, the Moon Shoe, was initially introduced by the brand’s co-founder, Bill Bowerman, in the 1970s. Nearly 50 years later, Simon Porte Jacquemus stumbled upon the original prototypes in Nike’s archives, deciding to revive them for his Spring/Summer 2025 show. Characterized by their flexible construction, sleek silhouette, and textured sole – which bears a strong resemblance to many ballet flats – the Moon Shoe has already been spotted on Jacob Elordi, Dua Lipa, Solange Knowles, and Rihanna. It’s rumored that these sneakers will become the next Samba in the summer of 2026, so keep an eye out for updates.
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Nike Moon Shoes
Nike OG Moon Shoes
Nike Air Jordan 1 Low
From supermodels to everyday urban fashionistas, Air Jordan sneakers have hardly gathered dust since their debut in 1985. What began as a revolutionary basketball shoe quickly transcended the court, becoming one of the most influential models in fashion history. Decades later, this silhouette continues to bridge the worlds of sports, street style, and luxury couture. The Air Jordan 1 Low model has proven to be a particular favorite among celebrities due to its more understated design compared to the high-top version. These sneakers are versatile for most outfits, whether you pair them with sharp suiting elements, relaxed denim, or casual basics.
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Nike Air Jordan 1 Low
Nike Air Jordan 1 Low
Nike Cortez
The Cortez was initially designed as a running shoe and was released in white, blue, and red. There’s a famous scene in the movie “Forrest Gump” featuring the unboxing of these sneakers, and Whitney Houston chose a white and red pair for her iconic 1991 Super Bowl performance. More recently, Jeremy Allen White wore them as Carmy in the series “The Bear” and confessed to British GQ that they are his favorite footwear. While white iterations will forever remain a classic, photos of Dakota Johnson in a chocolate suede pair have literally made us fall in love.
Gotham
Nike Air Force 1
First released in 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 is a basketball shoe inspired by the architectural design of hiking boots to provide enhanced ankle support. Nike’s official website states that the Air Force 1 is “undeniably the best-selling Nike shoe of all time.” One of the most ardent fans of the model is Victoria Beckham; when she opts for a sporty style, she typically chooses all-white Air Force 1s.
MEGA
Nike Air Max Plus
The Air Max Plus model debuted in 1998 as an addition to the popular Air family. They were designed by Sean McDowell shortly after he joined Nike, tasked with creating a running shoe utilizing the Tuned Air technology. Despite being a technologically advanced running shoe, it evolved into a beloved everyday footwear. McDowell drew inspiration from Florida beaches, with their palm trees and stunning skies, but also incorporated his own eccentric touches and personal signatures – the signature logo here differs slightly from other models, as the designer was not provided with the standard template. Kendall Jenner is a fan of this silhouette; she has been repeatedly spotted on her way to Pilates in a white pair featuring the characteristic visible Air cushioning along the sole and heel.
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Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid
These are another heritage sneakers that hardly need an introduction. The Air Jordan is one of the most significant and successful footwear embodiments in history, initially developed to meet Michael Jordan’s stringent technical requirements for his signature jumps on the basketball court. When the sneakers went on sale in April 1985, they generated $100 million in profit in the first year, thanks to a strategic advertising campaign that skillfully leveraged the media hype surrounding Michael Jordan and the NBA. Nike Air Jordan sneakers have been front-page news and garnered media attention since 1985, as they are worn by Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, Beyoncé, Kaia Gerber, and many others. Jennifer Lopez rarely enters a dance studio without her favorite pair.
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Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid
Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid
Nike Shox
Footwear hybrids have emerged as a significant trend recently, and Nike’s response is the Shox model. The Shox MR4 was released in July 2022 in collaboration with Martine Rose, and these distinctive sneakers rapidly became a street-style staple. Hailey Bieber showcased an orange pair with neon yellow accents during a visit to London. The very first Shox model was developed in 1984 and remains a classic in Nike’s repertoire.
Neil Mockford
Based on material from vogue.co.uk