20 most unusual and weird sneakers of all time

The sneaker world is ever-expanding with drops from various brands every other day. Few sneakers have gained popularity and left a lasting impression on the fans in this sea of choice. Some are known for their superior comfort and performance, while others gained popularity for their association with celebrities. However, some sneakers leave a lasting impression due to their unique and peculiar appearance. Here is the list of the 20 most unusual and weird-looking sneakers of all time.

1) Adidas x Jeremy Scott Bear

Designer Jeremy Scott's collaboration with Adidas, the JS Bear, is renowned for its quirky style, featuring a teddy bear head adorning the tongue of the shoe. The sneaker captures the playful side of fashion while maintaining Scott's signature eccentric design ethos. The upper mimics teddy bear fur, and with the attached tongue, this sneaker is eye-catching. In 2011, the sneaker made its debut, retailing for $200.

2) Nike Mars Yard Overshoe

The Nike Mars Yard Overshoe, conceptualized with artist Tom Sachs, is more than footwear; it's a bizarre-looking artistic statement. The shoe, which retailed for $550 in 2018, boasts an outer shell that draws inspiration from spacesuits, providing protection against urban environments. It's built with a removable inner shoe for versatility, showcasing a rugged, durable design with a unique mudguard. The limited release made it highly sought after.

3) Reebok ATV 19+

Reebok's ATV 19+ from 2013, at $140, was engineered for all-terrain use with its multi-lug sole, offering both style and functionality for outdoor enthusiasts. The all-terrain design was given by 19 large lugs on the sole, resembling the treads of an off-road vehicle. The shoe got admiration for its innovative design, but at the same time, many sneakerheads found them too unconventional to wear.

4) Reebok InstaPump Fury "Grinch"

The Reebok InstaPump Fury "Grinch" from 2014 is a holiday-themed sneaker that brings Dr. Seuss's Grinch to life through its green, plush upper, and red accents. It uses Reebok's InstaPump technology for a custom fit. At $200, this shoe was a festive addition to any collection, with its fur-like material adding to the character's mischievous charm, making it a standout in sneaker culture during the holiday season.

5) Air Max 1 Golf NRG "Grass"

The Air Max 1 Golf NRG "Grass," released in 2018 for $140, brings a playful twist to golf shoes with an upper that looks like grass. This design not only adds a whimsical touch but also enhances grip on the golf course. Combining the comfort of Air Max cushioning with a turf-like texture, it's both a performance shoe and a statement piece, appealing to golfers with a sense of humor and style.

6) MSCHF BWD

The MSCHF BWD, or Backward sneaker, launched in 2021 for $220, is a playful critique of shoe design conventions. It's designed to be worn backward, with features that accommodate this unique wear pattern, including functional heel tabs for grip. This shoe questions the norms of how we perceive and use footwear, making it a collector's item for those intrigued by experimental fashion.

7) Nike ISPA Road Warrior

The Nike ISPA Road Warrior from 2020, priced at $500, embodies Nike's ISPA philosophy (Improvise, Scavenge, Protect, Adapt). It features a split sole and a deconstructed upper that can be detached from the shoe, promoting sustainability through modularity. With its futuristic look and focus on adaptability, this shoe was designed for those who appreciate innovation in both aesthetics and functionality, pushing the boundaries of what sneakers can be.

8) Balenciaga Paris Sneakers

Balenciaga's 2022 Paris Sneakers, priced at $625, embody the brand's love for deconstruction. They feature a deliberately distressed look, contrasting with their high-quality materials. This aesthetic challenges traditional luxury by celebrating wear and tear as part of the design, appealing to those who appreciate fashion's commentary on consumer culture and the transient nature of trends.

9) Maison Margiela Tabi Sneaker

The Maison Margiela Tabi Sneaker, introduced in 2019 for $490, continues the brand's tradition of the split-toe design inspired by traditional Japanese Tabi socks. The design plays with proportions and materials, often featuring leather, mesh, or other luxurious fabrics, challenging conventional sneaker design while maintaining comfort.

10) Balenciaga Reptile Sneaker

The 2023 Balenciaga Reptile Sneaker sports an edgy look with its reptilian texture. This design not only plays with the concept of luxury through its exotic appearance but also pushes the boundaries of material use in high fashion. The sneakers are adorned with multiple logos, including the Balenciaga and 3B Sports logos at the toe. Priced at $1,890, they are among Balenciaga's most expensive sneakers.

11) Balenciaga Toe Shoes

Balenciaga's Toe Shoes from 2020, priced at $1,290, are an ultimate fusion of minimalism and functionality, featuring individual toe slots for a barefoot-like feel. This shoe is a testament to Balenciaga's commitment to redefining fashion norms, creating a product that's both visually provocative and surprisingly comfortable, appealing to those at the forefront of style experimentation.

12) Adidas Kobe 2

The Adidas Kobe 2 from 2001, at $125, was ahead of its time with its bulky, futuristic aesthetic, reflecting Kobe Bryant's innovative approach to basketball. Featuring a visible air unit in the heel, this shoe combined performance with a unique design. Some admired its seamless aesthetics, whereas many criticized it for being bulky. The shoe, however, did not meet the expectations of the fans.

13) Balenciaga Sock Sneaker

Introduced in 2017 for $595, the Balenciaga Sock Sneaker offers a seamless, stretchy knit upper that hugs the foot like a sock. It's a combination of comfort and high fashion, becoming an icon in luxury streetwear. The lightweight and breathable material, along with the thick, textured sole, makes these unique-looking footwear offer comfort.

14) Nike Flea 1 x Cactus Plant Flea Market Green Forest

This 2022 release at $210 from the Nike and Cactus Plant Flea Market collaboration features whimsical, oversized design elements with a playful color palette. The design includes "moss-covered" laces and a hidden zipper pocket on the tongue for storing small items, like cash or keys. These weird-looking sneakers were seen as outlandish by many sneaker fans.

15) Adidas x Jeremy Scott Totem

The 2013 collaboration with Jeremy Scott for the Adidas Totem sneakers at $250 each brought vibrant, culturally inspired totem pole graphics to Adidas' classic silhouettes. The upper is made from full-grain leather and includes stylized eagle wings and a totem face on the tongue. Many praised the unique design and vibrant colors; on the other hand, some felt that the sneakers were too bold and not suitable for everyday wear.

16) Nike Cpfm Air Flea 2 Cactus Plant Flea Market Black Alabaster

These sneakers were released on October 18, 2023, for $220. They feature a striking all-black design with an exaggerated tread that wraps around the toe and heel, reminiscent of cycling shoes. The standout Alabaster Swoosh contrasts sharply with the black base, complemented by two elastic straps across the midfoot and forefoot. Dual pull tabs on the heel and additional branding on the tongue add unique touches to this collaboration.

17) Animatronic Flesh Shoe

The Animatronic Flesh Shoe was designed by Canadian artist Adam in 2004. Made from latex, steel, gear motors, circuits, and human hair, it mimics the appearance of human flesh. The shoe twitches and moves, serving as a striking commentary on sweatshop labor and consumerism. It's a bold statement piece that challenges conventional footwear design.

18) The Melting Sadness x Adidas Superstar Halloween

These playful sneakers feature Halloween-themed designs, perfect for those who love a touch of unpredictability in their footwear. With creative elements like ghost and pumpkin graphics, they add a festive flair to any outfit. Released in 2020, they were priced at $140, making them a fun and spooky addition to any sneaker collection.

19) Crocs x Balenciaga Stiletto Clog

This shoe combines Crocs' signature clog silhouette with a high-fashion stiletto heel, challenging traditional footwear norms. It retains the iconic holes of Crocs for breathability but enhances the design with Balenciaga's branding and materials, creating a piece that's as controversial as it is iconic. Launched in 2021, the Crocs x Balenciaga Stiletto Clog was an audacious blend of comfort and luxury fashion, priced at $625.

20) Salehe Bembury x Crocs Juniper

Released on December 5, 2024, the collaborative sneaker design of Crocs and Salehe Bembury in “Sudd” colorway was dropped with a selling price label of $140 per pair. The Juniper "Sudd" sneakers feature a combination of green and yellow tones influenced by rich natural settings, with bright orange accents looping around the sole. The combination of colors embodies Bembury's unique style of combining earthy elements with modern design.