The iconic sneakers of cinema and their timeless style

Sneakers are not just shoes—they have become true cultural symbols over time, often immortalized by cinema. From the 1970s to the 1990s, certain models made history thanks to legendary scenes and iconic characters. Today, these classics are still beloved and perfect for pairing with a vintage look, perhaps with an authentic leather jacket.

At our store, Archivintage, you’ll find genuine pieces that capture the essence of those eras. Let’s take a look at some of the most famous sneakers to ever hit the big screen!

Nike Cortez – Forrest Gump (1994)

One of the most iconic sneaker moments in cinema is the scene in Forrest Gump where Tom Hanks runs across America wearing a pair of white Nike Cortez with red and blue details. Originally released in the 1970s, this was Nike’s first major running shoe and quickly became a symbol of casual style. Recently, Nike has re-released the Cortez in fresh new colorways.

How to style them? The Forrest Gump look embodies the sporty aesthetic of the ‘70s. They pair perfectly with a vintage varsity jacket or a leather bomber like the ones available on our site Archivintage.

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 – Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003)

In 2003, Quentin Tarantino brought back a true classic with Kill Bill. Uma Thurman’s character, Beatrix Kiddo, sports a striking yellow-and-black fighting outfit, paired with the legendary Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 sneakers in the same colors. This Japanese model was already iconic among athletes in the ‘60s, but the film turned it into a pop culture phenomenon.

How to style them? If you love ‘70s and ‘80s streetwear, these sneakers are perfect with a vintage biker jacket for a bold, personality-packed look. Find your unique piece at Archivintage.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star – Rocky (1976)

The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star is one of the longest-running sneakers in history. In Rocky (1976), Sylvester Stallone wears them while training on the streets of Philadelphia, turning them into a symbol of hard work and determination. This model was already popular among athletes and skaters in the ‘70s, and the film helped solidify its legendary status.

How to style them? The ultimate training look? An oversized vintage sweatshirt and a retro sports jacket. Check out our selection here .

Nike MAG – Back to the Future II (1989)

Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) took sneakers into the future with the Nike MAG, featured in Back to the Future II. In the movie, these shoes self-lace and have a futuristic design that captured the imagination of generations. Nike later released two limited-edition versions in 2011 and 2016, with the latter featuring real self-lacing technology just like in the film.

How to style them? If you want a futuristic look with an ‘80s twist, an oversized leather bomber jacket is the way to go. Check out the perfect models here on Archivintage.

Air Jordan 11 – Space Jam (1996)

When it comes to iconic sneakers in cinema, the Air Jordan 11 from Space Jam is a must-mention. Michael Jordan wears them in the legendary game against the Monstars, making them a symbol of both sports and style. With their patent leather upper and sleek design, they remain one of the most beloved Air Jordan ever.

How to style them? Pure ‘90s vibes: pair them with a college jacket or an oversized leather jacket, available here.

Nike Air More Uptempo – George of the Jungle (1997)

An unexpected sneaker moment in cinema history, but one that left its mark: in George of the Jungle, Brendan Fraser wears the Nike Air More Uptempo, the famous basketball sneakers featuring the bold “AIR” lettering on the sides. This model dominated both the basketball and streetwear scenes in the ‘90s.

How to style them? For a true ‘90s-inspired outfit, pair them with a leather bomber or an oversized sports jacket. Find the perfect vintage pieces at Archivintage.

The sneakers seen in movies have left an indelible mark on pop culture and are still highly sought-after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts. To truly capture the essence of the eras when these shoes ruled the big screen, nothing beats an original vintage jacket.

At Archivintage, you’ll find authentic pieces that perfectly complement these legendary sneakers, while hypeclothinga.com offers all the most iconic sneaker models. Check out the collection and create your perfect look!