When it came to choosing 10 of the best Valentine’s Day sneakers, the decision was tough. The romantic day has often been a key moment in the sneaker calendar, with brands releasing a number of heart-warming shoes. Of course, some Valentine’s Day sneakers are certainly, shall we say, “pink”. As the most romantic day in the year, brands tend to go overboard when it comes to Valentine’s Day sneakers that they make. Thankfully, we’ve decided to show you some of our favourites.
Although there may be no restaurants, fancy hotels or just Netflix and chilling this Valentine’s Day weekend, there will be some new sneakers. Below, we’ve chosen 10 of the top Valentine’s Day sneakers for you to take a look at. For the best part of two decades, sneaker companies like Nike, adidas and Jordan Brand have been releasing some cute kicks. You can probably imagine, that’s meant that choosing only 10 was rather difficult.
Without further delay, let’s take a look at some of the best Valentines Day sneakers!
Disclaimer: this list is in no particular order!
Air Jordan 5 GS “Valentine’s Day” (2013)
It is known that sneakerheads often create an emotional connection to their sneakers. While some people consider them nothing more than leather, suede and mesh, we know they are much more than that. People think that love at first sight only applies to people. Well, they’ve clearly never seen a classic sneaker brought back or an Off-White™ collaboration revealed. Fortunately, Jordan Brand merged these two details together eight years ago.
Kicking this list off we have the Air Jordan 5 GS “Valentine’s Day”. Released back in 2013, the shoe dropped in GS sizing and quickly sold out. Featuring a red patent leather upper, this Air Jordan 5 featured a pink midsole, complete with red speckled shark teeth and an icy blue midsole. The pink sockliner works perfectly with the 3M reflective silver tongue, but it’s the little details on this AJ5 we love. The basketball in a heart shape, as well as the pink Jumpman on the heel, really stole the show.
Nike Air Force 1 Low “Valentines Day” (2020)
As any sneakerhead will know, Nike tends to go big for Valentine’s Day. Since first launching its Valentine’s Day sneakers programme, the brand has made sure that it lets the sneaker community know it loves them. One of the most popular Nike Valentines Day sneakers is the Air Force 1. For over 15 years, a Nike Air Force 1 Valentines Day sneaker has dropped in February. Thankfully, 2021 looks to be no different, but one of our favourites comes from last year.
In 2020, Nike released a simple yet effective Air Force 1 Low “Valentine’s Day”. Donning a soft pink leather upper, the shoe was well contrasted by a black Swoosh and matching black tongue tag. A crisp white midsole allowed the upper to do all the talking, complete with a clean black sole unit for good measure. Other notable additions included the heart-dotted “i” in “Nike” on the heel tab. Released exclusively in GS sizing, these AF1s had to make the list.
Reebok Question Mid “Valentine’s Day” (2015)
The Reebok Question Mid is one of the greatest Reebok sneakers of all time: fact. As Allen Iverson’s signature shoe, the Question became synonymous with his style of play and spirit. Although Iverson may be one of the NBA’s bad boys, he, of course, has a heart too. Recognising the opportunity to merge the two opposing themes together, Reebok dropped a special “Valentine’s Day” Question Mid back in 2015 exclusively for the ladies.
Draped in eye-catching pink, cherry red and metallic silver colour scheme, this Reebok Valentines Day sneaker was definitely bright. Constructed in the traditional premium leather, the glittery silver toe cap and matching silver accents gave this shoe a sparkle. On the heel tiny silver love hearts work against the red leather to create a nice effect we’re all for. Whilst they may have been forgotten about quickly after, the Reebok Question Mid “Valentine’s Day” is one of our favourites.
Nike Air Max 95 “Valetines Day” (2004)
It wouldn’t be a Valentine’s Day weekend without a themed Nike Air Max release. Historically, Nike has always dropped some great pairs around Valentine’s Day, from Air Max to Air Force and just about every pair in between. Some have been better than others but in our opinion, there are some truly great Valentines Day sneakers. One of those happened to release in 2004 in the form of this bright Nike Air Max 95 “Valentine’s Day”.
Dropped as a women’s exclusive, this Air Max 95 “Valentine’s Day” is a great pair. Constructed in bright red suede on the upper, the shoe features white accents throughout. A white midsole is complete with red air units and a matching red sole. However, the details are a great part of this AM95. On the tongue, the traditional Air Max 95 tongue tag is replaced with a love heart. Whilst not visible, a love heart is also placed on the PSI section of the sole. It’s the little things, isn’t it?
adidas Superstar “Valentine’s Day” (2020)
Sometimes the best things in life are simple. As one of the most iconic shoes in history, the adidas Superstar has always been a big part of pop culture. Remixing a classic silhouette can have a negative impact, but fortunately for adidas, it knows how to do it just right. Last year adidas revealed a number of “Valentine’s Day” Superstars. However, in our opinion, there was only one real winner.
Using the triple white colour scheme, the adidas Superstar “Valentine’s Day” was a playful update to the familiar model. A combination of different coloured love hearts, as well as small adidas Trefoil logos, adorned the shoe. Heart laden laces also made for a nice touch, rounding off one of the best adidas Valentines Day sneakers we’ve seen.
ASICS Gel-Lyte III “Haters” (2014)
ASICS is one of the most important brands in sneaker history. Without ASICS Onitsuka there would be no Nike. The famous Japanese sneaker company has been making shoes for the best part of 60 years with great success. Although it does not tend to go in for themed sneakers, that all changed in 2014 when it dropped a “Lovers and Haters” pack. One of the simplest pairs on this list, the ASICS Gel-Lyte III “Haters” is one of our favourite Valentines Day pairs.
As the “Hater” in this relationship, this ASICS Gel-Lyte III was not like the traditional Valentines Day sneakers. A combination of black suede, leather and mesh made up most of the upper, contrasted nicely with crimson accents on the Tiger Stripes and lining. Gold detailing marks out the classic “GEL LYTE III” on the heel sitting perfectly against the textured rear panels. Rose graphic insoles were also a nice touch making for a nice detail against the black satin split tongue. These Valentines Day GL3s were a no brainer.
Air Jordan 1 “For the Love of the Game” (2017)
When Jordan Brand drops a Valentines Day sneakers, it doesn’t do it in half measures. From the Air Jordan 5 to the Air Jordan 8, there have been a number of big Valentines Day Jordans. It would be hard to make this list without including at least two Valentines Day Air Jordans. There have been very few Valentine’s Day Air Jordan 1s that are wearable, but there is one, in particular, that’s our favourite. Called the Air Jordan 1 “For the Love of the Game” this is a great Valentines Day sneaker.
Back in 2017, Jordan Brand went on a bit of a pink streak. The Air Jordan 1 “For the Love of the Game” was one of those sneakers. Taking the OG style colour blocking found on Air Jordan 1s, the sneaker featured a black suede toe and crisp white leather. Hyper pink accents on the heel made for a rather bright pair of AJ1s. These overlays, as well as the Swoosh, happened to be 3M reflective meaning they shone in the light. The familiar basketball heart on the heel and For the Love of the Game embroidery round of this lovely Jordan 1.
New Balance 574 “Valentines Day” (2019)
Whilst there may not be many Valentine’s Day New Balance sneakers, there are a couple of slick pairs. Much like ASICS, New Balance rarely dabbles in its Valentines footwear. However, back in 2019, the Boston-born sneaker brand dropped a “Valentine’s Day” pack that we were a big fan of. Taking the New Balance 574, the shoe came in a subtle grey and pink colourway and a bright red pair, the latter of which made this list.
Using the classic silhouette, the New Balance 574 “Valentine’s Day” features bright red suede throughout the upper to create a luxurious looking pair. White detailing on the “N” emblem, tongue and heel gave the shoe a nice balance without feeling cliche. A set of adorable heart stamped laces also came with each shoe for good measure. Sitting atop the familiar ENCAP midsole, this is a New Balance sneaker that has our whole heart.
Emotionally Unavailable x Nike Air Force 1 High (2019)
When it comes to underground brands, Emotionally Unavailable is one of those “if you know, you know” labels. Founded in 2014 by CLOT’s Edison Chen and Kybum Lee, Emotionally Available quickly gained a lot of fans, though it started out as a light-hearted project. However, back in 2019, both creatives quickly recognised the opportunity that had presented itself. Soon after, it released a limited edition Nike Air Force 1 collaboration.
Loosely based on the Nike Vandal, the EA x Air Force 1 featured a red canvas base and is accented with a pink chenille Swoosh. A white strap came complete with “E.U AIR” and matches the branding on the tongue, but that’s not all. The removable zip-up lace section hid a set of simple white laces. Sitting atop a white midsole and red sole, these are some of the best Valentine’s Day Air Force 1s that are out there. It’s easy to see why.
Strangelove Skateboards x Nike SB Dunk Low (2020)
The Nike SB Dunk has come back with full force over the past two years. Big-name sneakerheads like Travis Scott have been paramount in making sure the SB Dunk gets the credit it deserves. As one of the most important sneakers in history, the Nike SB Dunk is woven into the fabric of the community. Since the start of the new decade, Nike has been slowly bringing back some old favourites as well as future classics. One of those pairs was the Strangelove Skateboards x Nike SB Dunk.
Dropping in early 2020, the Strangelove SB Dunks quickly become one of the most sought after pairs of the year. The brainchild of Sean Cliver, Strangelove Skateboards is all about pushing boundaries. Playing on the connotation of love in its name, Strangelove Skateboards first Nike Dunk was a real hit with the sneaker community. Crushed pink velvet is matched with equally as romantic colours, making for one of the best Valentine’s Day Nike sneakers ever made.
Final Thoughts
That concludes our list of the best Valentine’s Day sneakers of all time! There were a number of pairs that we could have included, but we think these 10 were the best. Of course, if you want to make your own list, let us know what you’d pick. We hope you enjoyed our selection and make sure you check out more Valentine’s Day sneakers on KLEKT!
