June is not only the official start of summer here in the UK, it’s also the month of rainbow coloured flags, peaceful protests and carnivalesque street parties. Of course, this can only mean one thing; Pride month is well underway.
Why does it take place every June, you ask? This is a symbolic month for the LGBT+ community. It was the Stonewall Riots of June, 1969 that sparked the modern gay rights movement. Today, people of all sexualities recognise the influence of this movement and bring awareness to the inequalities that are still being fought. Here in the UK and across the globe, a vibrant schedule of events usually includes everything from parades and community events to educational sessions too.
The only slight problem this year; a global pandemic continues to cause havoc! Thankfully, the celebrations are only postponed and expected to get started as we head towards the end of the month. But that shouldn’t stop you from showing some love and support. All you need is a pair of sneakers.
With major brands releasing Pride collections every year, there's no shortage of colourful creps to choose from. Here we list 10 of the best from your favourite brands!
Nike Air Max 90 “Be True” (2019) Whilst almost all of the sneakers on this list have been inspired by the Pride flag in some way, few have so seamlessly intertwined that symbol of diversity. Nike weren’t content with just placing the Pride flag across the heel, instead they reinvented their iconic branding. That’s right, it’s the repeated Swoosh, featuring in every different colour, that made these an instant hit with sneakerheads.
Nike Flyknit Racer “BeTrue” (2017) For the first time ever, no less than eight colours were used for the production of a Flyknit crafted Swoosh. It made an appearance on the ultra-popular and sleek Flyknit Racer. The rest of the design balanced out that eye-popping branding, featuring in a simple black and white colourway. Not only a head-turner, thanks to the unreliably lightweight design these might just be the comfiest Pride trainers of all time too.
adidas I-5923 “Pride” Pack (2018) For those of us who prefer to show their support without rocking an eye-popping colourway came this perfect compromise in 2018. The Three Stripes held back on their usual splash of loud colours instead opting for pastel shades. It’s arguably one of the more understated of adidas’s Pride releases, a shoe that remains a popular resell commodity to this day.
Converse Chuck Taylor “Pride” Pack (2019) 2019s line-up from Converse not only took its inspiration from the pride flag but also borrowed the light blue and pink found across the Transgender flag. This features on one of several glitter-drenched sneakers, all arriving as a homage to glam of late 60s fashion. Each style was also represented by six influential figures within the LGBTQ+ community from a trans activist and retired US Navy Seal to a pro skateboarder.
Nike Vapormax “Be True” (2017) Only several months after the Nike Vapormax first debuted and Nike were already unveiling limited-edition colourways! This pair launched alongside several others as part of the 2017 “Be True” collection. It was arguably the most popular of the bunch, not surprising given the colour changing Air Bubble!
Todd Snyder x New Balance 997 “Love” (2019) Another pair to showcase pastel vibes was this New Balance exclusive in collaboration with Todd Snyder. Like many from the retro New Balance range, it’s the ultra-premium use of material that sets these apart. A wider “Love” campaign from the brand put the spotlight on members of the LGBTQ+ community, with each person delivering a unique and powerful message about equality.
Puma Clyde “Pride” (2018) One of Puma’s most iconic silhouettes got drenched in colour back in 2018, or at least the midsole did! Those white uppers put even more focus on the use of colour which also made an appearance to the branding along the sidewall and tongue.
Nike Air Max 720 “Be True” (2019) American artist Gilbert Baker and creator of the Pride flag gets honoured with this chunky sneaker from back in 2019. At the time, the Air Max 720 had only just released and was already a hit with sneakerheads. This pair only fuelled the hype, featuring a loud and proud upper along with Gilbert’s signature etched across that 720-degree Air Unit.
Nike Sock Dart “Be True” (2015) One of Nike’s earliest Be True models was just as striking as it was comfortable. An all-black colourway was utilised for that stretchy sock-like upper but the look gets more radical thanks to a transition of purple to blue which features across that synthetic strap.
Converse All Star “Pride Pack” (2017) A sizeable collection of 8 sneakers launched from Converse in 2017, each pair honouring a different era of the LGBT movement. Celebrating the psychedelic 70s, this All Star was amongst the most popular. You've got to love those rainbow patches and disco prints!
Image via The Sole Supplier
Nike Air Max Zero “Be True” (2016) An all-white sneaker to celebrate Pride might sound underwhelming but these were far from it. Admittedly, these were totally unique thanks to the use of colour on the midsole. It’s also one of the few Air Max trainers to ever feature a multi-coloured Air Unit. Releasing in the same year that the Air Max Zero made its debut, it’s hardly surprising that these were so popular.
adidas Superstar “Pride Pack” (2015) 2015’s Pride month was especially important given it was the 50th anniversary of the first gay pride parade which took place in Philadelphia. As a nod to the legacy, adidas released several paint splattered sneakers including this Superstar. More like a unique custom, this work of art manages to completely reinvent that iconic sneaker.
Reebok Club C 85 Pride Multi (2020) It’s not just the tie dye print which makes these Reebok trainers so special. A powerful message features to the tongue, headlined by the phrase “ALL TYPES OF LOVE”. As Reebok puts it, “Each of is one-of-a-kind” and they call for everyone “to better ourselves individually and together”. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
adidas NMD R1 "Pride" (2020) “Love unites” is the message from adidas in 2020 as they reveal a collection of statement sneakers. One of the craziest has to be that NMD which sits on a multi-coloured Boost midsole. Elsewhere and all-white uppers provide a stark contrast. To finish the look, the phrase “love unites” gets printed along the laces.
Nike Air Force 1 “BeTrue” (2020) The Pride flag is somehow even more colourful on this 2020 Air Force 1. Rather than featuring the original flag, Nike instead choose the More Colour, More Pride Flag that was introduced in 2017. With the addition of black and brown stripes, this further celebrates people of colour in the LGBTQIA+ community. If that unique feature wasn’t enough, a glowing icy midsole compliments underfoot and a Nike Air emblem also gets the rainbow treatment.
Be sure to browse more of the 2020 Pride inspired sneakers as well as all the latest drops via our Shop Footwear section!
