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Drake and Kendrick Lamar have battled for years, but their rivalry isn’t just about rap. It also plays out in fashion and sneakers. Both artists have used shoes to tell stories, build brands, and connect with fans in their own way. Drake’s style leans luxury and hype, while Kendrick’s is all about meaning and message. But when it comes to lasting impact, only one has truly shaped sneaker culture. So, who wins when we put their best collabs against each other? Well, we're taking a closer look. Read More: Nike LeBron 23 “Grand Opening” Cleats Honor LeBron’s Ohio Roots Kendrick Lamar’s Best Sneaker Collabs Reebok Ventilator “Blue/Red” Image via StockX Kendrick Lamar’s Reebok Ventilator “Blue/Red” marked his first sneaker collaboration, and it was anything but ordinary. Released in 2016, the pair came dressed in an unassuming off-white suede upper, but its meaning ran deeper. The name “Blue/Red” hints at the shoe’s purpose: to call for unity between two of Los Angeles’ most infamous street gangs the crips and the bloods. Instead of bold color-blocking, Kendrick used subtle rope laces accented with both blue and red to carry the message. This wasn’t a hype-driven release, there were no raffles or resale chaos. But for fans of Kendrick’s music and message, it's powerful. The gum sole gives it a lifestyle touch, while the minimal Reebok branding allowed the design speak for itself. As a first collab, it set the tone for what Kendrick would become known for in sneakers. While it didn’t move units like a Travis Scott Jordan, the Ventilator “Blue/Red” stands out as one of the most thoughtful hip-hop sneaker releases of the 2010s. Reebok Club C “Neutral” Image via StockX The Reebok Club C “Neutral” was Kendrick Lamar’s final sneaker collab with Reebok, and it was easily his most understated. Released in 2017, this pair took a quieter approach than his earlier drops, ditching bold color hits for a washed black-and-white canvas upper. Kendrick used this shoe to explore ideas of balance, growth, and duality, also the common themes in his music and life. The faded look hints at lived experience. The red accents on the tongue and heel nod to past collabs and the struggle for peace and progress. This was Kendrick moving away from loud statements and into something more personal. The Club C is already known as a clean, timeless silhouette, and he made it feel even more thoughtful. As Kendrick’s time with Reebok came to a close, this shoe felt like a proper goodbye. Like much of his work, the message was there if you were willing to look. Nike Cortez “Kenny 1” Image via StockX The Nike Cortez “Kenny 1” dropped in 2018 during the height of Kendrick Lamar’s "DAMN." tour, and it quickly became one of his most visible sneaker collaborations. The design takes the classic Cortez, already a staple in LA streetwear, and gives it a personal twist tied to his album’s themes. The standout feature is the bold red “DAMN.” lettering stitched across the upper, directly linking the sneaker to Kendrick’s award-winning album. The Cortez holds deep meaning in West Coast culture, especially in the neighborhoods Kendrick grew up in. By choosing this silhouette for his Nike partnership, he rooted the collab in his home turf. The color scheme is simple, mostly white with red stitching and a black tongue, but it’s the connection to place, music, and legacy that gives the shoe weight. Fans saw Kendrick wearing the Kenny 1s throughout his tour, further building the link between the sneaker and the music. Unlike other celebrity collabs that feel disconnected from an artist’s real life, this one matched his message, his city, and his stage presence. It’s one of his most memorable sneakers for a reason. Nike Cortez “House Shoes” Image via StockX The Nike Cortez “House Shoes” was Kendrick Lamar’s final collaboration with Nike before parting ways with the brand. Taking the familiar silhouette of the classic Cortez, Kendrick reimagined it as something more relaxed, almost like footwear you’d wear while unwinding at home. The nickname “House Shoes” isn’t just for show, it’s a direct nod to West Coast culture, where comfort and familiarity matter just as much as flash. This version ditches laces altogether in favor of a slip-on design with a toggle at the heel for tightening. The upper is made from white canvas with oversized black Swooshes, giving it a clean and minimal look. It may not be as flashy as other collabs, but it’s deeply intentional. Kendrick wanted a shoe that reflected stillness and simplicity. The “House Shoes” Cortez didn’t make waves in the resale market, but that was never the point. It capped off his time with Nike on a quiet, thoughtful note. For fans who appreciated his laid-back approach to sneaker design, it was a fitting sendoff. Drake’s Best Sneaker Collabs OVO x Air Jordan 10 “White/Gold” Image via StockX The OVO x Air Jordan 10 “White/Gold” is one of the cleanest and most luxurious takes on the Air Jordan 10 we’ve ever seen. Released in 2016 during the height of Drake and Jordan Brand’s partnership, this sneaker quietly exudes premium detail. The upper is covered in smooth white leather with textured stingray-style overlays which are subtle at first glance, but deep once you take a closer look. What really makes this pair stand out is the gold OVO branding. It’s not everywhere, just enough to make a statement. You’ll find the signature owl logo inside the insole and a gold Jumpman on the heel. The icy outsole also has gold flakes embedded in it, tying the whole theme together. It dropped in extremely limited numbers during NBA All-Star Weekend in Toronto, which made sense given Drake’s hometown roots. Even years later, it’s one of the most sought-after OVO sneakers and commands a hefty price on the resale market. For fans of Drake’s sneaker catalog, this one represents a high point, both in style and exclusivity. OVO x Air Jordan 12 “Black" Image via StockX The OVO x Air Jordan 12 “Black” is easily one of the most luxurious all-black sneakers ever released by Jordan Brand. The design sticks to a monochrome palette, but nothing about it feels plain. The upper is made of high-quality suede with stingray-textured leather along the mudguard, giving it a rich and premium look. That subtle shine from the leather adds just the right amount of contrast. This sneaker dropped in 2017 and followed the earlier white version, but many fans preferred this darker take. The gold accents were gone, but the details were still there like the hidden OVO owl on the insole and translucent outsole with OVO underneath. It’s a sneaker that lets materials and craftsmanship speak louder than logos or bright colors. The OVO 12 “Black” doesn’t just look good. It’s a sneaker that commands attention without being loud, which fits Drake’s brand perfectly. NOCTA Glide Image via StockX The NOCTA Glide is definitely one of Drake's more divisve releases. Inspired by the Nike Zoom Flight 95, this sneaker reworks a 90's basketball silhouette into something more futuristic and fashion-forward. The most eye-catching feature is the carbon fiber-style paneling along the sides, paired with the wavy white foam midsole and icy outsole. There are plenty of nods to Nike’s heritage with the small “N I K E” labels running across the upper, but it’s also very much NOCTA. The black mesh upper, sleek lines, and chrome Swoosh make the Glide feel more like a statement shoe than a performance sneaker. Some people loved the risk Drake took here. Others felt like the design was a little too left-field. Still, the NOCTA Glide feels like a natural step for Drake’s role at Nike. NOCTA Hot Step Air Terra Image via StockX The NOCTA Hot Step Air Terra was Drake’s first true signature shoe with Nike, setting the tone for what his line would become. Designed to feel both athletic and luxurious, this all-black pair walks the line between retro trainer and lifestyle sneaker. It features a layered leather upper with tiny perforations throughout, sitting atop a chunky midsole with visible Air and bold chrome detailing. The mini Swoosh and curved lines give it a subtle futuristic vibe, while the all-black colorway keeps things understated. Drake’s goal here was to build something versatile that still had personality. Some fans were all in, others were left wanting more. Either way, the Hot Step helped define NOCTA’s lane. Who Wins Sneaker Battle Between Drake and Kendrick? LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 12: Drake performs live on stage during day two of Wireless Festival 2025 at Finsbury Park on July 12, 2025 in London, England. Drake is headlining an unprecedented all three nights of Wireless Festival. (Photo by Simone Joyner/Getty Images for ABA) But if we’re talking about who wins in terms of reach, consistency, and long-term impact: Drake takes it. His collabs had more visibility, way more demand, and helped shape modern sneaker hype culture. Kendrick’s pairs meant a lot to those who paid attention. But Drake’s shoes were the ones people lined up for. So while both bring their style to the table, Drake’s sneaker run has the bigger footprint.
