Prince wasn’t just a style icon, he was a trendsetter. From his perfectly tailored clothes to his hair and custom-designed jewelry, Prince was very much ahead of the curve in creating a unique look that not only embraced all aspects of his identity, every button, ear clip and zipper was deliberate and designed by him in collaboration with those who made the actual items.
When I was 9 years old, not only did my fascination with Prince begin, but so did my love of his shoes. The man had amazing shoes that were designed specifically for him. Most men are not secure enough in their masculinity to get away with Prince’s shoe choices. I know that as a woman, his style in that department has influenced my own choices and the proof is in the collection of shoes I have amassed over the years. But if low-cut, high heeled booties aren’t your thing, you may want to check out the athletic shoe department.
Prince, who died three years ago this Easter Sunday, was an avid basketball fan. It is fitting that companies like Nike and Reebok have created sneakers and athletic gear paying tribute to him. Worn by his hometown NBA team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Spike Lee and others, here are some of my favorites:
Fire: Minnesota Timberwolves “City Edition,” Prince-Inspired Jerseys
In November, 2018, the Minnesota Timberwolves debuted their new “City Edition” Prince-inspired jerseys. The jersey’s are in Prince’s signature color, purple, with “Wolves” written in the font style used by Prince in the Purple Rain era. Timberwolves forward, Robert Covington, described the new jerseys as, “Fire. Fire. We just did the shoot yesterday and I’m looking forward to being there tonight,” he said. “That’s a legend. To be able to come out with a jersey, like I said, fire.”
Timberwolves #32, Karl-Anthony Towns, known for his eclectic themed shoes on the court that reflect his own uniques style, is a standout in custom designed Nikes bearing the Wolves’ new logo, but also Prince’s picture.
Award-winning: Spike Lee’s Custom-made Prince Air Jordans
On June 7, 2016, on what would have been Prince’s 58th birthday, 2019 Oscar winner Spike Lee hosted a dance party that brought almost all of Brooklyn and about half of the Bronx. Lee, dressed in a Prince T-shirt wore these custom-made Air Jordans that paid homage to two of Prince’s best selling albums, “Purple Rain” and “Sign ‘O The Times”
“Fury”: Reebok’s Summer 2011 Tribute to Prince and the 80s
In 2010, Reebok announced it would make a series of RBK Pumps with designs inspired by 80s film. Prince joined actors like Harrison Ford with a line made in his honor. There were several styles, some that used the Purple Rain font, another had a paisley trim, but all were purple. It is unclear, however, whether or not Reebok consulted with Prince on this effort.
Of all the Prince-inspired shoes, my all-time favorites are the ones made by fans and I’d like to see them. Tweet me your custom-made Prince shoes @AishaStaggers. I’d like to see your tattoo’s, too!
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What are your favorite iconic Prince moments? Let us know down in the comments!
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