Exactly 45 years ago, in 1974, a retail chain was born that was going to change popular culture forever. Foot Locker has actively shaped and transformed the sneaker culture from a niche passion for just a few enthusiasts, into a global phenomenon: if in 1974 entering a Foot Locker store had only shopping implications, today it’s much more a cultural fact. We all now unconsciously associate the black and white vertical stripes to the iconic uniforms of the Foot Locker sales assistant, and that’s here that lies the real strength of Foot Locker: it has now become part of the collective imagination.
To celebrate such an important anniversary, Foot Locker has decided to launch a special campaign starring the European sneakerheads, to pay homage to the sneaker culture, sharing their selection of the best 5 sneakers of all time and inviting their community to do the same. One of the Italian faces of the #NameYour5 campaign is Luca Santeramo, one of the most well-known Italian sneakerheads with a collection of unique and coveted silhouettes.
Over the years, nss magazine has become a real reference point within the Italian and European streetwear and sneaker world, we’ve been closely following the evolution of the scene, without ever missing a drop or a release. That’s why we’ve decided to select our Top 5 as well, the 5 sneakers that mean the most for us. Along with us, also Ilaria Bigg and Kola Tytler of Dropout have joined the challenge, sharing their personal Top 5.
Everyone is welcome to join the conversation, you can share your personal Top 5 on your IG profile using the hashtag #NameYour5.
nss team
Top 5 Sneakers
Nike
Air Force 1 Low.05
An iconic silhouette that needs no introduction; legendary minimalism that goes with any kind of style, simply unique. With such a high-sounding name, inspired by the Presidential airplane and sung also by Nelly in a legendary song, they must be worn extra white and always clean.
Converse Chuck ’70.04
Another icon. A silhouette that embodies strength and a versatility that goes from the basketball courts to the street style of the world, without forgetting the world of music and of cinema. Released in a number of different versions, the rule is less is more when it comes to this style.
New Balance 991 Grey .03
When normcore became cool. It didn’t take long for this sneaker to conquer our hearts, thanks to her unique design and elegance. A shoe with a high level of quality, thanks to its Made in America production.
Nike Air Max 97 OG.02
Especially in Italy, this sneaker represented a magic period for the sneaker culture. It was one of the first sneakers to have a cultural impact and to be viewed as a symbol of belonging. The Air Max 97 OG was moreover the first sneaker to appear on a catwalk, destroying any wall between high fashion and streetwear. This sneaker keeps selling like hot cakes, even though it’s been years since its first release.
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High Og.01
Probably the most famous sneaker of all time, impressed in our memory at the feet of Micheal Jordan, who made it absolutely unforgettable. Our love got even stronger following the 2015 release in the OG colourway and Nike branding on the tongue.
Converse Chuck ’70.04
Another icon. A silhouette that embodies strength and a versatility that goes from the basketball courts to the street style of the world, without forgetting the world of music and of cinema. Released in a number of different versions, the rule is less is more when it comes to this style.
Nike
Air Force 1 Low.05
An iconic silhouette that needs no introduction; legendary minimalism that goes with any kind of style, simply unique. With such a high-sounding name, inspired by the Presidential airplane and sung also by Nelly in a legendary song, they must be worn extra white and always clean.
New Balance 991 Grey .03
When normcore became cool. It didn’t take long for this sneaker to conquer our hearts, thanks to her unique design and elegance. A shoe with a high level of quality, thanks to its Made in America production.
Nike Air Max 97 OG.02
Especially in Italy, this sneaker represented a magic period for the sneaker culture. It was one of the first sneakers to have a cultural impact and to be viewed as a symbol of belonging. The Air Max 97 OG was moreover the first sneaker to appear on a catwalk, destroying any wall between high fashion and streetwear. This sneaker keeps selling like hot cakes, even though it’s been years since its first release.
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High Og.01
Probably the most famous sneaker of all time, impressed in our memory at the feet of Micheal Jordan, who made it absolutely unforgettable. Our love got even stronger following the 2015 release in the OG colourway and Nike branding on the tongue.
Ilaria Bigg
One of the few Italian female sneakerheads revealed the Top 5 sneakers of her eclectic and unexpected collection.
Converse Chuck Taylor Vulcanized x Off-White.05
I had to mention one of the most interesting silhouettes of the last few years. As a big fan of the Converse Chuck Taylor - a sneaker that I’ve been wearing for all my life, also in the craziest color ways - I had to appreciate this Converse Chuck Taylor Vulcanized x Off-White. The perfect combination between past and present, I immediately fell for this sneaker. In my opinion, the best creation of The Ten collection, I’m so in love with it that I hardly wear them: I’m too afraid to ruin them.
Nike Air Presto Lightning.04
I might as well say it immediately: I own two different pairs of this sneaker, one to rock and one to rock in 10 years. I’ve been obsessed with this sneaker since I was a little girl, when it was impossible to find my size. In 2000, when the Nike Air Presto was first released, I was 5 years old and I immediately fell in love with it. A love that has never faded, but only grown, thanks to the knowledge of the history and of the process that lies behind this creation. The Lighting colourway has always fascinated me, not only because it’s the first printed Nike, but also because it reflects my personality.
Air Jordan 4 Bred.03
In 1989 the love between Hatfield and Jordan gave life to another incredible sneaker, that although it wasn’t immediately appreciated by all, it has now become a real pop item. The fact that it can be laced in 18 different ways (I still have to try them all), makes the Air Jordan 4 Bred a must have item in my collection.
Air Jordan 3 Black Cement.02
And when Tinker Hatfield gets in the game, things get interesting. My love for this sneaker derives mostly from its story. The real courtship that Hatfield had to do to convince Jordan to say yes to his idea and to not leave Nike, the huge innovations applied to this sneaker, and thousands of other secrets and stories that we will never know, they’ve always fascinated me. For such a nerd of sneakers like me it’s important to know all the details and the story of what I’m wearing, and the story of the Air Jordan 3 is full of interesting facts. The Air Jordan 3 Black Cement was also worn by my idols, including icons like Kid Cudi and Kanye West, making this silhouette absolutely unforgettable.
Air Jordan 1 Royal.01
There’s no sneakerhead who’s not in love with the Air Jordan 1. The story that lies behind every colourway, its versatile silhouettes, and a number of other details make this the sneaker par excellence. I have to admit that besides the OG colourway, I’m not a huge fan of this sneaker. Maybe because it’s too easy to say that your favorite sneaker is a Jordan 1, and I don’t like to take things for granted. The Royal represents a big exception for me though. Always left a bit behind, even though it’s part of the Top 3 along with the Chicago and the Banned, it has always had a special place in my heart. I think the combination of Black and Royal Blue is one of the best combinations of all time – a real joy for the eyes.
Converse Chuck Taylor Vulcanized x Off-White.05
I had to mention one of the most interesting silhouettes of the last few years. As a big fan of the Converse Chuck Taylor - a sneaker that I’ve been wearing for all my life, also in the craziest color ways - I had to appreciate this Converse Chuck Taylor Vulcanized x Off-White. The perfect combination between past and present, I immediately fell for this sneaker. In my opinion, the best creation of The Ten collection, I’m so in love with it that I hardly wear them: I’m too afraid to ruin them.
Nike Air Presto Lightning.04
I might as well say it immediately: I own two different pairs of this sneaker, one to rock and one to rock in 10 years. I’ve been obsessed with this sneaker since I was a little girl, when it was impossible to find my size. In 2000, when the Nike Air Presto was first released, I was 5 years old and I immediately fell in love with it. A love that has never faded, but only grown, thanks to the knowledge of the history and of the process that lies behind this creation. The Lighting colourway has always fascinated me, not only because it’s the first printed Nike, but also because it reflects my personality.
Air Jordan 4 Bred.03
In 1989 the love between Hatfield and Jordan gave life to another incredible sneaker, that although it wasn’t immediately appreciated by all, it has now become a real pop item. The fact that it can be laced in 18 different ways (I still have to try them all), makes the Air Jordan 4 Bred a must have item in my collection.
Air Jordan 3 Black Cement.02
And when Tinker Hatfield gets in the game, things get interesting. My love for this sneaker derives mostly from its story. The real courtship that Hatfield had to do to convince Jordan to say yes to his idea and to not leave Nike, the huge innovations applied to this sneaker, and thousands of other secrets and stories that we will never know, they’ve always fascinated me. For such a nerd of sneakers like me it’s important to know all the details and the story of what I’m wearing, and the story of the Air Jordan 3 is full of interesting facts. The Air Jordan 3 Black Cement was also worn by my idols, including icons like Kid Cudi and Kanye West, making this silhouette absolutely unforgettable.
Air Jordan 1 Royal.01
There’s no sneakerhead who’s not in love with the Air Jordan 1. The story that lies behind every colourway, its versatile silhouettes, and a number of other details make this the sneaker par excellence. I have to admit that besides the OG colourway, I’m not a huge fan of this sneaker. Maybe because it’s too easy to say that your favorite sneaker is a Jordan 1, and I don’t like to take things for granted. The Royal represents a big exception for me though. Always left a bit behind, even though it’s part of the Top 3 along with the Chicago and the Banned, it has always had a special place in my heart. I think the combination of Black and Royal Blue is one of the best combinations of all time – a real joy for the eyes.
Kola Tytler
One of the founders of Dropout Milano, the first consignment store of the city, tells us his Top 5 sneakers.
adidas Yeezy Boost 350 Turtle Dove.05
The first low sneaker born from the collaboration between Kanye and adidas, the Turtle Dove was the first shoe that I’ve ever worn in a raffle, starting a rather lucky period for me when it came to raffles for limited edition shoes.
adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Beluga.04
The first colorway of the reiteration of the Yeezy Boost 350. It’s probably the most comfortable sneaker that I own, that’s why it had to be part of my Top 5. I won it through a raffle at Foot Locker and I wear it to this day.
Nike Air Max 97 Gold.03
An iconic sneaker of the late ‘90s, inspired by the Japanese bullet trains, the 97 is a sneaker that has always fascinated me, and that made me want to know more about the sneaker world. A must have.
Nike Air Yeezy 2 Red October.02
Dropped as a surprise, after Kanye had announced his partnership with adidas, the Red October is definitely one of the most sought after silhouettes for the sneakerheads of the world. I couldn’t get them the day of the release, but I was able to get a pair a few years later.
Nike MAG 2011.01
For many the grail par excellence, the Nike MAG was sold in 2011 in just 1500 pairs on eBay, and the proceeds of the sales were donated to the Micheal J Fox’s charity for the research on Parkinson. I bought a pair three years ago and to this day it’s still one of the only Nike MAG sneakers around.
adidas Yeezy Boost 350 Turtle Dove.05
The first low sneaker born from the collaboration between Kanye and adidas, the Turtle Dove was the first shoe that I’ve ever worn in a raffle, starting a rather lucky period for me when it came to raffles for limited edition shoes
adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Beluga.04
The first colorway of the reiteration of the Yeezy Boost 350. It’s probably the most comfortable sneaker that I own, that’s why it had to be part of my Top 5. I won it through a raffle at Foot Locker and I wear it to this day.
Nike Air Max 97 Gold.03
An iconic sneaker of the late ‘90s, inspired by the Japanese bullet trains, the 97 is a sneaker that has always fascinated me, and that made me want to know more about the sneaker world. A must have.
Nike Air Yeezy 2 Red October.02
Dropped as a surprise, after Kanye had announced his partnership with adidas, the Red October is definitely one of the most sought after silhouettes for the sneakerheads of the world. I couldn’t get them the day of the release, but I was able to get a pair a few years later.
Nike MAG 2011.01
For many the grail par excellence, the Nike MAG was sold in 2011 in just 1500 pairs on eBay, and the proceeds of the sales were donated to the Micheal J Fox’s charity for the research on Parkinson. I bought a pair three years ago and to this day it’s still one of the only Nike MAG sneakers around.
Luca
Santeramo
Luca Santeramo, one of the most well-known Italian sneakerheads with a collection of unique and coveted silhouettes, has shared his Top 5.
adidas Yeezy Boost 700 Wave Runner .05
I liked it so much that the day of the release in Italy I had to buy two pairs.
Air Jordan 4 Bred.04
From 1985 until today, it’s one of the most beloved sneakers of all time.
Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard.03
Not an OG colorway, but it took it very little to conquer the hearts of everyone, including mine.
Air Jordan 1 Chicago.02
Besides being my favorite Jordan, it reminds me of that night that I spent outside of a Foot Locker store to try and get one pair.
Nike Mars Yard 2.0 Tom Sachs Off-White.01
My favorite sneaker of all time.
adidas Yeezy Boost 700 Wave Runner .05
I liked it so much that the day of the release in Italy I had to buy two pairs.
Air Jordan 4 Bred.04
From 1985 until today, it’s one of the most beloved sneakers of all time.
Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard.03
Not an OG colorway, but it took it very little to conquer the hearts of everyone, including mine.
Air Jordan 1 Chicago.02
Besides being my favorite Jordan, it reminds me of that night that I spent outside of a Foot Locker store to try and get one pair.
Nike Mars Yard 2.0 Tom Sachs Off-White.01
My favorite sneaker of all time.
Celebrate Foot Locker's 45th anniversary by sharing your Top 5 sneakers using the hashtag #NameYour5 and by tagging @Footlockereu.