Nike’s best celebrity collaborations of all time

Trying to capture Nike’s influence on fashion and the field is like trying to capture lightning in a bottle. It’s exciting, gorgeous and impossible to ignore.

Nike isn’t just a sportswear brand, it’s a trendsetter that has had celebrities and sneakerheads chanting “Just Do It” for years. Whether it’s on the silver screen or on a regular court nearby, the shiny swoosh logo dominates the sneaker and fashion world everywhere, thanks to Nike’s stellar collaborations with celebrities that keep its popularity growing.

That is, if you’ve watched recent sports dramas Airyou must have seen how cool these athlete partnerships are for a company.

Well, rewind the scroll a little and you’ll find where it started – 1984, the year Michael Jordan gifted the world with his iconic Jordans, kicking off a sneaker revolution that’s still with us today.

Fast forward to ’96 and golf legend Tiger Woods comes on the scene, not only conquering the greens but making Nike a giant in the golf industry. His association with the sports giant became a legend that spanned three decades and has sadly now come to an end.

As Tiger’s long-term partnership comes to an end, we take a look at some of Nike’s best celebrity collaborations that turned the athletic brand into a cultural phenomenon.

List of Nike’s top ten celebrity collaborations over the years

Here are Nike’s top partnerships that not only elevated the brand but transformed it into the cool, trend-setting force we know and love today. So record your kicks and get ready for that iconic run!

Michael Jordan

We have to start our list of Nike’s best celebrity collaborations with the legendary Michael Jordan. In 1984, Michael took to the court with Nike. This is not just a collaboration, but a significant shift in the world of sports and marketing. After a whirlwind courtship, Nike signed the NBA star to a five-year, $2.5 million contract—an astronomical sum that was three times the amount of any NBA contract at the time.

The contract marks a series of changes for Jordan and the shoe brand. Nike, then a rising star, found its cosmic companion in Jordan. The iconic Air Jordan sneaker was quickly launched and had a profound impact around the world. Hook meets dunk, Jordan’s fame soared, and he rewrote the script for athlete endorsements.

It’s no wonder that every sneakerhead these days owns a pair of Jordans or has a pair on their wish list.

Tiger Woods

When it comes to the intersection of golf and style, Tiger Woods’ partnership with Nike is the stuff of legend. Since turning pro in 1996, Woods has been the embodiment of Nike Golf’s prowess, serving as a dynamic brand ambassador who not only plays the game, but changes it.

His immense talent and unparalleled success on the greens not only made him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, but also turned his endorsement deal with Nike into a lucrative partnership. Although Woods has used Nike shoes, hats and other merchandise, he is perhaps best recognized for the swoosh logo on the fire-engine red polo he wore during his first Masters victory in 1997 and for playing golf with Tiger Woods ’13 Sneaker collaboration.

His endorsement increases brand awareness and sales, influencing golf enthusiasts to choose Nike golf products. Along the way, Woods played a crucial role in solidifying Nike’s position as a giant in the golf market.

However, in January 2024, after an incredible 27-year journey, Woods’ partnership with Nike came to an end, marking the end of an era.

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant’s partnership with Nike is one of the most iconic collaborations ever for an athletic brand. It remains a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of basketball and sports fashion.

The partnership between the late basketball legend and the sportswear giant began in 2003, when Bryant signed a multi-year deal with Nike following his departure from Adidas. The initial release of the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 marked the beginning of a redefinition of the basketball shoe franchise. As Kobe’s accomplishments on the court multiplied, his signature line continued to evolve, with each sneaker embodying his unparalleled skills and competitive spirit.

Over the years, Nike has introduced innovative technologies such as Flywire and Zoom Air into Kobe’s signature shoes, enhancing performance and comfort. The partnership has reached new heights, resulting in some popular products such as the Kobe 4, known for its low-cut design, and the Kobe 9, which showcased Flyknit technology.

Unfortunately, Kobe and his daughter Gianna passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020. To pay tribute, Nike has decided to continue his legacy by re-releasing select Kobe shoes, ensuring his contribution to basketball and footwear culture lives on.

travis scott

Next on the list is Travis Scott, who is collaborating with Nike in 2021 to release the iconic “Air Jordan 1 Low Travis Scott x Fragment’, This is one of the best celebrity sneaker collaborations we’ve seen in recent years.

Echoing the collaboration between the savvy rapper and the iconic sportswear brand, this collaboration is more than just a shoe but a fusion of creative minds, with Scott and Jordan seamlessly intertwining to create a A sneaker that resonates with the soul of sneakerheads.

Travis Scott’s talents in music and fashion prove that he is not only a celebrity, but a true business partner in the creative industry. As footwear enthusiasts around the world await the next chapter of this collaboration, the success of the Air Jordan 1 Low is a sign of greater things to come.

LeBron James

LeBron James has been a staunch brand ambassador for Nike since 2003, not only dominating the court but also leaving his mark on the fashion world.

LeBron’s partnership with Nike has created numerous signature shoes and apparel lines. The Los Angeles Lakers player debuts his Nike LeBron 19 silhouette in 2021 comedy Space Jam 2: A New Legacy. The shoe comes dressed in a “Space Jam” colorway – a combination of red, orange and blue.

His partnership with Nike played an important role in reshaping the basketball market. With a signature shoe that blends performance with cutting-edge design, James not only expands Nike’s reach but sets a new standard in the basketball world.

Kevin Durant

Since launching his partnership with Nike in 2007, Kevin Durant has had an iconic partnership with the sportswear brand, showcasing not only his prowess on the court but also his commitment to the The promise of social change.

Durant is the epitome of versatility and skill on the basketball court and a staunch Nike ambassador. His partnership with the brand reflects his career – a rollercoaster of ups and downs, characterized by a relentless work ethic and embodying Nike’s spirit of constant evolution and innovation.

Durant’s Nike sponsorship boasts the iconic KD signature line. Each sneaker in the collection tells the story of Durant’s journey and captures the essence of his pursuit of excellence.

Beyond the court, his star’s partnership with Nike extends to a higher purpose – advocating for social change and community empowerment. His Nike contract aligns perfectly with his off-court efforts, painting him not only as a basketball star, but as a role model dedicated to making a positive impact.

Russell Wilson

In 2016, Nike teamed up with quarterback Russell Wilson in a powerful partnership. Russell Wilson’s dominance in the NFL has solidified his status as a top player. Wilson’s journey from undrafted to Super Bowl-winning quarterback aligns perfectly with Nike’s values ​​of determination and leadership.

A charismatic leader on and off the court, Wilson embodies the spirit of Nike. The RW signature shoe series born from this collaboration is the visual embodiment of Wilson’s precision and agility on the football field. Designed to reflect the quarterback’s unique playing style, these cleats are more than just footwear – they’re an extension of Wilson’s journey to success.

Beyond competition, Wilson’s partnership with Nike involves community impact. The partnership showcases a quarterback transcending the confines of the football field to become a renowned athlete and community advocate.

roger federer

Roger Federer is more than just a name, he’s a force to be reckoned with and his partnership with Nike has become synonymous with his unparalleled success and style. Federer holds the coveted title of the world’s top tennis player, and as of 2018, his partnership with Nike has spanned 24 years and has transcended the boundaries of sports.

Federer is popular for his casual Nike Henleys and off-white and Kelly green joggers. In 2016, he also redesigned Nike’s Tennis Classic Ultra Flyknit sneakers in slate gray and navy, which again became a hit.Besides thatThe Nike Vapor shoe was crafted in collaboration with Federer to reflect not only his personality but also his unique style of play.

(Hero and feature photo credit: Instagram/Tiger Woods/Kobe Bryant)