Puma’s latest collaboration with Harry Potter has proven that pop-culture-inspired sneaker drops are still a thing. And honestly, why not? In a world where nostalgia is currency, what better way to relive your favourite cinematic moments than by lacing up with a bit of movie nerd history?
Some collections tap into childhood nostalgia, others pay homage to cult classics, but all prove one thing: the right pair of sneakers can turn any sidewalk into a red carpet. So, whether you’re channeling your inner Jedi, stomping around like a T-Rex, or keeping it casual with a Friends throwback, this list is your front-row ticket to the best movie- and TV-inspired footwear.
Vans X Marvel
Vans didn’t just dip a toe into the Marvel universe—it cannonballed in. The collection reimagined its classic models, like the Sk8-Hi, with artwork of Black Panther, Captain Marvel, and other heroes. The Black Panther pair pays homage to Wakanda’s warrior-king with tribal patterns and a stealthy black-and-purple design. Meanwhile, Captain Marvel’s sneakers pack a bold punch, much like the superhero herself, featuring her signature red, blue, and gold aesthetic.
Friends X Nike
The hit TV sitcom Friends has collaborated with Nike on multiple occasions. The first never made it onto shelves, but Nike did outfit the cast and crew with custom Friends logo-clad sneakers circa 1995-96. More recently, in 2019, Nike dropped a Friends version of Kyrie Irving’s signature sneaker, featuring a colourway and "Kyrie" logo inspired by the show. Apparently, Irving is a big Friends fan. That and his friendships even prompted him to get a tattoo based on the sitcom's logo.
Reebok X Jurassic Park
Reebok’s Jurassic Park collaboration brings prehistoric power to the sneaker world, with designs inspired by the franchise’s most iconic elements. The collection includes a take on the Reebok Instapump Fury, decked out in T-Rex colours, and a Dilophosaurus-inspired Club C, complete with acid-spitting aesthetics. But the real showstopper? A Dr. Alan Grant-inspired Reebok Club C with denim-like suede, drawing from his signature outfit.
Reebok Alien Stomper
The Reebok Alien Stomper is another sneaker that first featured in a cult movie and was later given a new lease of life. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1979 sci-fi horror Alien, Reebok relaunched the sneaker worn by Sigourney Weaver’s character Ripley.
Aptly dubbed the Alien Stomper, the 2019 version of the shoe shows Reebok spared no expense, including a number of Easter eggs in the design and packaging. The shoe box contains an official bug-stomping field guide, plus three different hang tags, including an official Alien 40th-anniversary badge.
Nike Air Jordan 5 "Transformers" Sample
Mark Wahlberg is no stranger to sneaker culture, having been gifted a Wahlburger-inspired pair for the opening of his Wahlburger fast-food chain. The Air Jordan 5 was gifted to him by Jordan Brand to celebrate the release of 2017’s Transformers: The Last Knight.
Nike SB Dunk Low “Freddy Krueger”
This Dunk Low is one of the most coveted Nike SB sneakers. It pays tribute to the killer in the A Nightmare on Elm Street horror series and was never officially released to the public, only existing as samples, explaining its high resale price.
Pokémon X Fila
In 2018, FILA in South Korea hit us with a healthy dose of childhood nostalgia with this Pokémon pack. Featuring a leather upper construction, adjustable hook-and-loop fasteners, and a Pokéball logo on the tongue, each Court Deluxe sneaker had a motif on the heel representing a different Pokémon.
Beavis And Butt-Head X Adidas Skateboarding
This was one for all mid-’90s MTV headbangers. Adidas Skateboarding dropped its first Beavis and Butt-Head collab in FW18 and followed that graphic-laden drop with another capsule for SS19. The pack above features a Matchcourt High RX and 3MC, with the two shoes also accompanied by a selection of apparel.
Air Jordan X Into The Spider-Verse
In 2018, Jordan Brand released a special edition Air Jordan 1 to celebrate Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The shoe featured the same red-and-white colour blocking as the original Jordan 1 Chicago but with webbed detailing and a semi-translucent sole, making it a perfect fit for Miles Morales' animated world. A sequel-inspired version followed in 2023, proving that Spidey’s sneaker game is just as strong as his swing
Back to the Future x Nike
If there were a trainer hall of fame, the Back to the Future Part II Nike Mag would sit front and centre. Originally appearing on Marty McFly in 1989, this self-lacing, LED-lit marvel became the very definition of a grail—rare, futuristic, and eye-wateringly expensive. Nike eventually made it a reality with highly limited releases, including a version with real power laces in 2016. The Mag’s influence didn’t stop there; its signature colourway reappeared on the “Marty McFly” Hyperdunks in 2015 and the Adapt BB in 2019.
Nike Vandal High “Terminator”
Worn by Kyle Reese in The Terminator (1984), the Nike Vandal High became the trainer of choice for time-travelling resistance fighters. In 2015, NikeLab brought the silhouette back, staying true to its metallic silver, velcro-strapped roots.
Space Jam x Jordan Brand
The Space Jam legacy isn’t just about basketball and aliens—it’s about trainers. Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan 7 “Hare” hinted at his partnership with Bugs Bunny, but it was the Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam” that stole the show. Worn during the film’s climactic game against the Monstars, the AJ11 “Space Jam” remains one of the most beloved Jordans of all time.
Toy Story x Vans
Vans has mastered the art of animated nostalgia, and 2016’s Toy Story collection was proof. Featuring character-inspired designs—from Woody’s cowboy aesthetic to Buzz Lightyear’s intergalactic flair—this drop was less about hype and more about childhood joy.
Adidas x Star Wars
The Star Wars saga has had its fair share of trainer collaborations, but Adidas took it to another level. Whether you’re drawn to Sith Lords or Jedi wisdom, there’s a pair for you—including a furry, Chewbacca-themed design. The Force is definitely strong with this one.
Dragon Ball Z x Adidas
In 2018, Adidas brought anime nostalgia to trainer culture with a Dragon Ball Z collection that transformed fan-favourite characters into footwear. Gohan, Frieza, and Majin Buu all got their own interpretations, with packaging that, when stacked, formed a Dragon Ball Z mosaic—a collector’s dream.
Game of Thrones x Adidas
Winter arrived for trainer culture in 2019 when HBO’s Game of Thrones teamed up with Adidas for a six-trainer Ultraboost collection. Each pair represented one of the show’s major houses—House Stark, House Targaryen, and House Lannister—alongside the Night’s Watch and the White Walkers.
