The red, white, and blue will be prominent this weekend, thanks in part to the United States of America’s Independence Day on Saturday and the U.S. Women’s National Team going for World Cup glory on Sunday. Show your patriotism with some red, white, blue, stars, and stripes on your kicks. We compiled 15 patriotic sneakers that will fit perfectly with the patriotic theme of the next couple days.
‘Murica!
Nike Air Force 1 Low “Independence Day”
The Air Force 1 is no stranger to special colorways for holidays, countries, or really any occasion. Somehow, throughout the huge catalog of AF1’s, these stood out. These dropped in 2014 featuring the stars and stripes theme. Done in a combo of canvas and leather, the spray painted and stenciled look was pulled off perfectly.
Air Jordan 7 “Olympic”
One of the most iconic Air Jordans had to make the list. They were worn by Michael Jordan himself during the 1992 Olympics as part of the Dream Team. The red, white and blue are joined by gold, foreshadowing the gold medal the team came home with. This pair is one of a few Jordans not to feature MJ’s #23 on it, but instead his Olympic number 9 on the heel.
adidas Originals JS Wings 2.0 “Stars & Stripes”
Not like a regular pair of Jeremey Scott Wings don’t stand out, then he went all out with the “Stars & Stripes” theme. The theme extended to a coat, track jacket, jersey, and shorts. If you wanna break some necks at a picnic this weekend, rock these patriotic sneakers.
Supra Skytop II “Firecracker”
These are not for those scared of high-high-tops. Supra has made a few “USA” inspired colorways over the years, but these Skytop II’s stand out the most. The sneaker adds the American flag motif onto a base of grey full grain leather and nylon. Special hangtags and numbered tongues were included with these 2011 sneakers.
New Balance 574 “USA Flag”
So, a funny thing about these 574’s: they were created by New Balance’s Japan division to pay homage to the American 2007 World Cup team. They also weren’t a “Made in America” sneaker. SStillno one would deny your patriotism if you wore these. Like Supra, New Balance has created a number of USA themed sneakers over the years.
Nike Air Max 1 “USA”
The simple colorblocking make this pair special but the cherries on top are American flags on both the heel and tongue of the sneaker. Made in the golden era of Air Max 1’s, this 2003 release is still one of the most sought after colorways for collectors. Good luck finding a clean pair now–12 years has not been nice to the mudguards or midsoles.
Babolat Propulse 3 “USA”
Yeah, a tennis sneaker made the list. Why? Well, it screams America. It screams Patriotic Sneakers. It’s bold, it’s loud, and it commands attention. These were worn by the last male American Grand Slam champion, Andy Roddick, during his final season (including the 2012 Summer Olympics and his last U.S. Open).
Nike KD IV “USA”
Another sneaker seen at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London was the KD IV ‘USA’. The KD IV was the Durant model that really took off and became popular. It also helped that he wore this colorway while aiding the USA to win gold. The simple blocking really showed off the different features of the model.
Vans Van Doren “Stars Stripes”
Okay this is two sneakers but they came in a pack. These Van Doren Vans released last year among a variety of print packs. Stars and Stripes were the focus for this pairing. The Authentic took a simple approach with the stars on one panel and stripes on another. The Sk8-Hi’s had an asymmetrical look thanks to the lateral side sporting the “Stars” and red striping while the medial side featured the “Stripes” with blue striping.
Asics Gel-Blur 33 2.0 “Flag”
A not so typical Asics Gel model makes its way into the group. This version of the Gel-Blur 33 2.0 was part of a “Flag” pack that consisted of the United States, Australia, Canada and Brazil. These stood out due to their bold appearance and mis-matched colorway. Limited to Foot Lockers and Asics stores, these had the normal sneakerhead thinking outside the box. Not many patriotic sneakers beat these.
Nike Air Max 95 “Doernbecher” by Mike Armstrong
So nice they released them twice. If Captain America had to wear some Air Maxes, these would be them. Originally released in 2007, they were made available again in 2013 to celebrate 10 years of the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital partnership with Nike. Mike Armstrong’s patriotic theme stemmed from his brother who served the country in Iraq. Special details included a special tongue logo, lasered words of inspiration, heartbeat on the heel, special insoles, and 3M lace holder.
Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Lyte III “KFE”
Surprise, surprise. An Asics Gel Lyte III made the list and it was designed by Ronnie Fieg. Part of the KITH Football Equipment Project (KFE), this is the USA pair (Brazil was represented by a GT-II). Playing off the men’s World Cup in Brazil, the sneaker was all about luxury. It featured premium gold leather on the upper and pigskin leather on the liner. Red and navy accents, mismatched on both sneakers, meant plenty of additional laces were thrown in.
Converse Chuck Taylor ’70 “Vintage Flag”
The Converse Chuck Taylor has been adorned by the US flag in many different ways, but this pair really stands out from the crowd. The high-top ’70s version takes the vintage approach to the flag. This special pair not only looked great but came with red, white, and blue laces as well as a vintage heel license plate and nickel eyelets that added to the overall theme.
Reebok Crossfit Nano 4.0 USA Flagpax
Yeah, it would have been easy to go with the 2009 Reebok “Flag” pack of the Omni Lite Pump or Insta Pump Fury, but these are better. For the Crossfit fans out there, you can get your workout on and show your American pride with this version of the Crossfit Nano 4.0. Released alongside five other countries that were represented in the 2014 Reebok CrossFit Invitational, we can’t help but love the US pair.
Nike LeBron X “USA”
Just like nearly every other NBA athlete with a signature model, LeBron has had many variations of the USA theme applied to his sneakers. However, this LeBron X version stood out thanks to its Sports pack capabilities and reversed Swoosh. The pair pictured here is the gold medal version worn during the final match of 2012 Summer Olympics which, of course, the USA won because, well, America!
What Patriotic Sneakers will you be rockin’ this 4th of July?
Nick Engvall
