Nike’s 10 Greatest Easter Sneakers of All Time

Nike rarely misses a chance to celebrate annual events whether that be a street basketball tournament in Paris or their month-long homage to Air Max during March. With that said, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that they never miss the opportunity to celebrate key holidays such as Easter!

Each year, a whole new collection of spring-ready sneakers arrives at Nike. These are usually bright and colourful, often covered in pastel shades. Here we look back on 10 of the greatest styles, many of which are considered “grails” amongst collectors!

A hunt to find Nike’s best Easter sneakers wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one or several of the Air Force 1s. A new style releases annually and they seem to get more colourful as the years go on. Admittedly, this pair from 2005 wasn’t only eye-catching thanks to the pastel colour scheme but these featured patent leather too. Like many of these exclusives, an Easter egg motif gets stamped across the tongue.

The following year and Nike followed up with yet another patent covered Air Force 1. The theme was just as colourful only this time, shades of lemon and mint frost contrasted against panels of purple coloured leather. These are also the only AF1 “Easter” to feature a set of coloured yellow laces.

Tinker Hatfield’s premium running shoes from the 90s finally received an Easter makeover in 2006. This pair launched in limited quantities which would explain why sizes still resell for close to £300. Those recognisable pastel colours of purple, turquoise and yellow set this apart as one of the more unique Air Max 180s. Completing the look is an embroidered Easter egg stamped to the tongue.

Nike opted for a less than conventional style in 2019 by unveiling this Jordan 1 which was entirely void of colour. Instead, white leather uppers sit alongside a panel of woven leather as a nod to traditional easter baskets. The only contrast featured in the form of a gum outsole underfoot.

The lighter and more contemporary Lunar Force was the focus for Nike’s Easter Pack in 2013. No less than six colourways were up for grabs, each featuring the same white synthetic uppers with a translucent section across the sidewall. That ultra-comfy midsole brought the contrast with each pair from the “Easter Hunt” Pack featuring a different coloured outsole.

Technically, these didn’t arrive as an “Easter” Pack but they are remembered by many as releasing during the holidays. The launch from 2015 was actually a celebration of the brand’s 30th anniversary and more specifically Jordan’s Space Jam advertising campaign from the early 90s. With colours inspired by Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes, these are arguably the most unique Jordan 1 Mid to ever get released.

One of the more recent Air Force 1s launched with patchwork style uppers. A variety of materials was used on this pair from stretch canvas to patent leather. Not surprisingly, these were quick to sellout. The cracked egg motif and colour blocking scheme continues the heritage but this pair looked pleasantly different compared with those earlier releases.

Releasing in 2018 to coincide with that Air Force 1, this Blazer Mid also featured a colour blocking theme with both suede, canvas and patent leather all rolled into one. The look was more subdued than others in this list thanks to a cream Swoosh and midsole. Arguably more versatile, this high-top was not only a winning choice for spring but one of those shoes that looks good year-round!

A shimmering patent mudguard features to plenty of Jordan 11s but this Easter rendition was especially unique thanks to that iridescent hue. This is balanced out by white uppers and all of the classic AJ11 details from a set of chunky rope laces to the iconic Jumpman branding. An icy outsole finished the look with that same iridescent glow as the upper. These launched and quickly sod-out in 2018.

With the recent rival of the Nike SB Dunk, this silhouette couldn’t be more on trend. Although delayed here in the UK, this 2020 release should be arriving soon as a celebration of diversity in that familiar colour-blocking theme. Premium suede makes these especially striking not to mention the use of an opposing colourway which is different on each shoe.

Take a look at more of the latest Spring releases that are available now via our Shop Footwear section!