Ranking the Best Sneaker Collaborators of 2025: Inside the Complex Sneakers Podcast

The sneaker world never sleeps, and neither does the conversation around the biggest names shaping sneaker culture. In a recent episode of the Complex Sneakers Podcast, hosts Joe La Puma and Matt Welty welcomed a fresh voice to the table—Mike, also known as Upscale Vandal—to dive deep into the 2025 ranking of the top sneaker collaborators. Spanning decades of sneaker history, industry insider insights, and cultural impact, this episode offers a rich exploration of who’s leading the charge in sneaker collaborations today.

A New Era, A New Voice

The episode kicks off with the hosts acknowledging a significant hiatus and introducing Mike, who brings a unique perspective grounded in years of experience in sneaker retail, marketing, and culture. Mike’s background as a former sales director at On Noir, a brand that melded streetwear with high fashion, sets the tone for a conversation that balances nostalgia with current trends.

Mike’s anecdotes about On Noir’s early collaborations and his role in bridging the gap between streetwear and high fashion illustrate how sneaker collaborations have evolved from niche markets to global phenomena. The hosts reminisce about early Nike collaborations and the impact of pioneers like Rob, who had access to exclusive releases that influenced sneaker culture’s trajectory.

The GR King and the Value of General Releases

Mike proudly claims the title of “GR King,” emphasizing the importance of general release sneakers (GRs) in sneaker culture. While hype and limited editions often dominate headlines, Mike argues that the ability to rock a GR with style and respect is a true mark of sneaker savvy. He recounts his recent quest to find a particular GR shoe across multiple stores, highlighting the thrill and community aspect of sneaker hunting.

This segment underscores a key theme of the podcast: while exclusive drops generate buzz, GRs remain the foundation of sneaker culture, accessible to many and essential for sustaining the community.

Honoring Sneaker Legends and the ATF Legacy

Mike pays homage to the legendary ATF crew—Clark Kent, Mayor, Frank All Day, Abdul, Shan McBride, and Dave Jeff—crediting them for shaping his love for sneakers and the culture surrounding them. He shares personal stories about how these figures inspired him and opened doors in the sneaker world, emphasizing the importance of legacy and mentorship.

Clark Kent’s influence is particularly highlighted, with Mike sharing that he wore Clark’s actual last pair of sneakers from a significant documentary project. This personal connection adds emotional depth to the discussion and reminds listeners of the human stories behind sneaker culture.

Complex’s Sneaker Collaborator Power Rankings: Criteria and Controversies

The heart of the episode revolves around Complex’s annual list of the top 25 sneaker collaborators. The hosts and Mike dissect the criteria behind the rankings, which consider not only recent output but also overall impact on brands, artists, and sneaker communities.

They acknowledge the complexities of ranking such diverse collaborators, noting that some have massive resumes with consistent output, while others may have fewer releases but significant cultural impact. The discussion also touches on the saturation of collaborations in the market and the challenge of standing out.

Spotlight on Notable Collaborators

The podcast delves into detailed discussions about various collaborators, their strengths, weaknesses, and cultural significance:

Edison Chen (Clot): Recognized for a range of Adidas collaborations, though opinions are mixed on some of the designs. The Anthony Edwards AE1 sneaker is praised as a standout release.
Tyler, The Creator: Celebrated for his strong brand identity and long-standing Converse collaborations. While his sneaker output may not always resonate with traditional sneakerheads, his influence on fashion and culture is undeniable.
Jay Tips: A rising collaborator with notable work on the Sakin brand, bringing community engagement and creative storytelling.
Tom Sachs: Known for limited but impactful releases, particularly the General Purpose Shoe, which has become a cult favorite despite controversy.
Rocky (A$AP Rocky): A fashion icon whose Puma collaborations have sold out rapidly, blending streetwear with high fashion sensibilities.
Forel: Credited with revitalizing Adidas collaborations with the “Jellyfish” sneaker, which sparked significant buzz and demand.
Teddy Santis: Designer behind ALD and key figure in the New Balance resurgence. His influence is acknowledged, though some feel his brand has cooled slightly.
Wales Bonner: Praised for her aesthetic and influence on Adidas collaborations, especially among women and urban fashion circles.
James Whitner: Known for his Air Max 95 colorways, though some debate whether his output has become repetitive.
Supreme: Despite ups and downs, Supreme remains a cultural powerhouse with consistent sneaker releases that maintain hype.
Jounded: Recognized for consistency, particularly with Salomon collaborations, though fans desire more innovation.
Awake NY: Celebrated for impactful releases, notably the Air Jordan 5 collaborations in bold colorways.
Action Bronson: A rapper and sneaker collaborator who blends artistic expression with sneaker culture, bringing unique colorways and storytelling.
Cactus Plant Flea Market (CPFM): Noted for maintaining brand anonymity while delivering high-quality, coveted collaborations, including work with major designers and brands.
Lil Yachty: Known for his Air Force One collaborations, with mixed reception but undeniable street presence.
Bibby Jordan: Emerging collaborator focused on educating younger audiences about sneaker heritage.
Joe Fresh Goods: A Chicago-based designer known for granular, experience-driven collaborations, though recent output has slowed.
Union: Making a comeback with highly visible Air Jordan collaborations, continuing a legacy of impactful releases.
Undefeated: Returning to prominence with sought-after Jordan collaborations, rekindling excitement among sneakerheads.
Cortez: Rising sharply with successful IRL rollouts and a strong connection to sneaker culture.
Ronnie Fieg (Kith): A titan of sneaker collaborations, credited with pioneering many trends and consistently delivering high-profile releases. Despite some criticism for occasional cookie-cutter projects, his influence is undeniable.
Bad Bunny: Catapulted into the top ranks with his culturally resonant collaborations that transcend sneaker culture and connect deeply with the Latino community.
Nigel Sylvester: The surprise runner-up on the list, praised for his authentic connection to sneakerheads and consistent, high-quality releases that resonate deeply within the community.
Travis Scott: Holding the top spot, Travis is recognized for his massive impact on sneaker culture, blending storytelling with innovative designs and maintaining widespread popularity.

The Dynamics of Collaboration: Impact, Community, and Legacy

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize that successful sneaker collaborations must benefit not only the brand and artist but also the broader sneaker community. Collaborations that resonate culturally, push creative boundaries, and foster loyalty stand out.

They also discuss the challenges collaborators face, from navigating corporate hurdles to balancing creative vision with market demands. The sneaker industry’s fast pace and oversaturation make it difficult to maintain relevance, making the achievements of these top collaborators all the more impressive.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Sneaker Collaborations?

The episode closes with reflections on the future of sneaker collaborations. The hosts express hope for more storytelling-driven projects and innovation beyond retro releases. They highlight the importance of authenticity and cultural connection in sustaining sneaker culture’s vibrancy.

Mike shares his dream collaboration picks, naming Cactus Plant Flea Market, Teddy Santis, and Travis Scott as top choices for a project with unlimited budget and creative freedom.

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Complex Sneakers Podcast offers a compelling, comprehensive look at the sneaker collaboration landscape in 2025. From honoring sneaker legends to analyzing current trends and ranking today’s top collaborators, the conversation captures the passion, complexity, and cultural significance of sneaker culture.

For sneaker enthusiasts and industry insiders alike, this deep dive provides valuable insights into what makes a collaboration successful and who is shaping the future of the sneaker world.