From doughnuts, ice teas and wasabi, to bridges, game consoles and renowned education-forward speaker series, there really seems to be no limit for unconventional shoe inspiration. Global and independent footwear brands are challenged with the extraction of an object's essence and its translation into a stylish footwear silhouette.
For instance, le coq sportif draws from the color palette of Levantine spreads for the creation of its LSC R800 'Hummus,' ARKK Copenhagen pays tribute to the city's famous Circle Bridge with its Velcalite CM H-X1 model and other non-footwear brands such as AriZona and Dunkin' Donuts offer their products as unconventional shoe inspirations to brands like Nike and Saucony.
If done right, the end result is successful in affirming that if one has a vision and creative design-thinking, even the most unconventional shoe inspiration can pan out as fashion-forward piece.
57 Unconventionally Inspired Shoes
57
Scuba-Inspired Shoes
The Prada Spring/Summer 2017 Shoes Draw Inspiration from Aquatic Equipment
56
Space Travel-Inspired Sneakers
This Conceptual New Balance Sneaker Design is Out of This World
55
Iconic Ice Tea-Themed Streetwear
AriZona Launches a Limited Edition Fashion Collection
54
Lipstick-Inspired Sneakers
Puma and MAC Joined to Create a Range of Monochrome Sneakers
53
Donut-Inspired Sneakers
Saucony & Dunkin' Donuts Collaborated on a Pair of Tasty Shoes
52
Grass-Inspired Combat Boots
Current Mood's 'On My Turf' Boots Boast a Novelty-Themed Design
51
Sports Drink-Inspired Sneakers
Nike Created a 'Like Mike' Range of Gatorade Air Jordan Shoes
50
Life-Size Gummy Sneakers
Trolli Recreated the adidas x James Harden Sneaker with Candy
49
Whiskey-Inspired Sneakers
The Shoe Surgeon and Jack Daniel's Recreated the Nike Air Force 1
48
Sandwich-Themed Sneakers
Diabora Designed a Pair of Philly Cheesesteak Sneakers with UBIQ
47
Baseball Glove-Inspired Sneakers
These New Air Jordan 9s Honor Michael Jordan's Career Change
46
Hummus-Inspired Sneakers
Le Coq Sportif's Shoe Designs Boasts Beige, Red and Green Hues
45
Sustainable Burger-Themed Sneakers
Allbirds & Shake Shack Teamed Up to Create a New Pair of Kicks
44
Game Console-Inspired Sneakers
These Nintendo-Themed Air Jordans are Any Gamer's Dream
43
Iconic Furniture Brand Sneakers
These IKEA Yeezy Boosts Reference the Retailer's Brand Identity
42
Candy-Inspired Slide Shoes
These Shoes Have Been Styled After Popular Candy Bar Wrappers
41
Caribbean Oasis-Inspired Sneakers
Concepts and Vans Joined Forces to Create the 'Jamaica' Series
40
Clay-Inspired Sneakers
Nike's New 'Dusted Clay' Collection Features Sleek Neutral Colorways
39
Shopping Bag-Inspired Sneakers
These Custom IKEA Sneakers Were Created by FRE Customs
38
Mythology-Inspired Pool Shoes
Versace White Medusa Pool Slides are Perfect for Lounging
37
Motorsport-Inspired Stilettos
These New Vetements Stilettos Boast a Racing-Inspired Look
36
Advertisement-Referencing Shoes
The Hanon x Reebok Collaboration References a 2000 UK TV Ad
35
Vivid Ice Cream Sneakers
The Latest InstaPump Fury Design was Inspired by Ice Cream Cones
34
Cereal-Inspired Performance Shoes
The Nike Lebron 15 Shoes are Multi-Colored and Texture-Rich
33
Bridge-Inspired Sneakers
ARKK Copenhagen's Velcalite CM H-X1 Takes Cues from the Circle Bridge
32
Video Game-Inspired Sneakers
SEGA and PUMA Rework the RS-0 Sneaker with Sonic and Dr. Eggman
31
Emoji-Inspired Soccer Cleats
adidas Football Unveils its Latest adizero 5-Star 7.0 Cleats
30
Sleek Bee-Inspired Fashion Lines
Dior Homme Fall 2018 Boasts Recurring Minimalist Design Motifs
29
Velvet Snack-Inspired Slippers
Del Toro's Foodies Collection Arrives on Luxe Slippers
28
Cupcake-Inspired Basketball Shoes
The Nike KDX Shoes Cheekily Reference Kevin Durant's Haters
27
English Bird-Inspired Sneakers
New Balance Reworked the 998 Sneaker After the Mallard Duck
26
Unconventional Shoe Design Inspirations
New Balance Offers a 'Caviar & Vodka' Three-Pack
25
Curry-Inspired Tonal Sneakers
Nike Unveiled Two New Colorways for the Air Max 1 Curry Sneakers
24
Designer Disney Footwear
The Feminine and Flirty Minnie Mouse Sandals were Designed by Oscar Tiye
23
420-Friendly Shoe Designs
The Latest Nike SB Dunk Mid Silhouette is a Unique Holiday Shoe
22
Water Gun-Inspired Sneakers
The New Instapump Fury Splash Collection Features Vivid Colorways
21
Speaker Series-Inspired Sneakers
The TEDx Nike Air Humara is Ultra-Sporty and Very Comfortable
20
Dolphin-Inspired Summer Sneakers
adidas' NmD R2 Model Receives a 'Miami Dolphins' Colorway
19
Minty Igloo-Inspired Sneakers
Nike's Latest Air Max 270s Boast a Sleek Blue and White Colorway
18
Wasabi-Inspired Running Sneakers
The Footwear Design of the END. X ASICS Silhouette is Adorable
17
Convenience Store-Inspired Sandals
Zizi Donohoe's Furry Slip-Ons Were Made for Runs to 7-Eleven
16
Swan-Inspired Sneaker Packs
The Laulujoutsen Pack by Karhu Looks to Archives from 1985
15
Currency-Inspired Sneaker Packs
The Nike Air More Uptempo Was Updated with Four Fresh Iterations
14
Lobster-Inspired Sneakers
End. & Saucony Draw Inspiration from the Sea to Rework Its Grid 8500
13
Sleek Alligator-Inspired Sneakers
New Balance's 247 Luxe Model Received a 'Reptile' Colorway
12
Cereal-Inspired Sneakers
The Nike Little Posite Pro 'Fruity Pebbles' Sneakers are Colorful
11
Shark Bite-Inspired Sneakers
Nike's 'Tuned Air' Sneakers Imagines Before and After Shark Bites
10
Tapestry-Inspired Platforms
The Jeffrey Campbell Candice Heels Feature a Bold Jaquard Print
9
Doll-Inspired Shoe Collections
American Girl Doll Created a Matching Line of Shoes for Children
8
Food-Themed Baby Moccasins
Freshly Picked's Foodie Collection is Covered in Sushi and Pizza
7
Mermaid-Inspired Platforms
YRU's 'LALA MERMAID' Sneaker Features Holographic Sequins
6
Peppermint Liquor-Inspired Sneakers
Overkill and Puma Launched on a New Design That Honors Pfeffi
5
Shark-Inspired Sneakers
Nike's New Air VaporMax Plus HL 'Zig-Zag' Prepares for Shark Week
4
Stained Glass-Inspired Sneakers
The Reebok Instapump Fury Interrupt Features the Sistine Chapel
3
American Bill-Inspired Sneakers
YCMC and New Balance Rework The 990v4 Sneakers in a Unique Color
2
Punch-Inspired Sneakers
These New Air VaporMax CS Sneakers Feature Bright Pink Accents
1
Tasmanian Devil-Inspired Sneakers
New Balance and Sneaker Freaker Joined to Create a New Design
Related Ideas
Superhero-Inspired Soccer Shoes
These Conceptual Marvel x Nike Football Sneakers are Comic-Like
Luxury Cartoon-Like Red Boots
MSCHF Launches a Bulbous Footwear Silhouette with Cushioning
Collaborative Sporty Footwear Styles
Coperni and PUMA Unite for a New Footwear Collaboration
Cushioned Computer-Generated Shoes
The Loewe x On Cloudtilt Uses Computer-Generated Midsole Tech
Fully Recyclable Sneaker Styles
The Nike ISPA Link Axis Has Interlocking Components with No Glue
Superhero-Themed Sportswear Shoes
Paul Parsons Creates Cool Marvel x Nike Concept Sneakers
Japanese Wrap-Inspired Shoes
Vibram's Furoshiki Kicks Don't Require Shoelaces
Sustainable Repairable Sneaker Designs
Disassembly Lab Footwear is Easily Repaired by Consumers
Deadstock Denim Clogs
Levi’s x Crocs Upcycles Fabric Into One-of-a-Kind Footwear Designs
Deconstructed High-Top Skate Sneakers
Vans Presents its new SK8-HI RECONSTRUCT Series of Shoes
AI-Powered Architectural Footwear
Str4ngeThing Envisions a Set of Renaissance Architecture Shoes
Dynamic Thigh-High Tech Sneakers
Voo Store Joins On Running to Create a Unique New Sneaker
Artist-Inspired Printed Sneakers
Tyler, the Creator Reunites with Converse for a Sneaker Launch
Architect-Designed Shoes
Koio Collaborates with Norm Architects on a Design-Forward Shoe
Nature-Inspired Invigorating Sneakers
Vasque Announces the Launch of Its New Re:connect Collection
Comfort-Focused Fashion Clogs
Free People x Dr. Scholl’s Refreshes a Style for a New Generation
Sustainable Sneaker Collaborations
The VEJA x Ref Venturi Sneakers are Offered in Two Colorways
Experimental Shoe Collections
CAMPERLAB Releases Highly Irregular Footwear Designs
Doll-Inspired Sneakers
The Superga x Barbie Collab Shares Fun, Nostalgic Styles
Textural Collaborative Retro Shoes
Salehe Bembury Designs His Own Iteration of the Clarks Lugger
Dipped-Aesthetic Canvas Sneakers
Humanrace and adidas Launch a MAUBS NMD S1 Sneaker
Minimalist Monochromatic Sneakers
The LOEWE x On Cloudtilt Comes in Six Colors
Plastic-Heavy Fashion Campaigns
Anonymous Club and PUMA Debut a New Collaboration
Collaborative Textural Lifestyle Sneakers
Nike and Union Join on the Field General Sneaker
Vibrant Fish-Inspired Footwear
Nike Unveils the Rainbow Trout Colorway of the Dunk Low Sneaker
Streamlined Split-Toe Luxe Sneakers
The Lamborghini Performance Sneaker Boasts a Sleek Look
Futurist Footwear Collections
Norse Projects Dropped the ARKTISK Footwear Capsule for 2023
Detail-Oriented Retro Sneakers
Footpatrol Launch a Version of the adidas Originals Campus 80s
Formal-Ready Collaborative Footwear
CLOT and adidas Join Forces on a New Sneaker Model
Artistic Sneaker Collaborations
The 'Skechers x Vexx' Collection Highlights Bold Graphics
Cheesy Snack-Inspired Footwear
Cheetos Works with PUMA on the Scoot Zeros Sneakers
Game-Inspired Textural Sneakers
New Balance Unveils a New Sneaker Inspired by Armored Core
Collaborative Chunky Skate Sneakers
always do what you should do Joins adidas on the Superstar
Floral-Adorned Sporty Clogs
adidas and Stella McCartney Expand with a Clogs Silhouette
College Sports-Inspired Sneakers
Nike's Air Huarache “Oregon Ducks” Colorway is a Limited Release
Bright Video Game-Inspired Footwear
Onitsuka Tiger Launches a Street Fighter-inspired Sneaker
Collaborative Textual Patchwork Sneakers
atmos Japan and adidas Join on the New Gazelle 85 Shoe
Vibrant Collaborative Footwear Collections
Daniëlle Cathari Reimagines Clarks Originals' Wallabee
Hospitality-Themed Shoe Designs
The JJJJound x Vans Collaboration Embraces Minimalism
Retro Minimal MInimal Sneakers
adidas and Sean Wotherspoon Designs a New Orketro Sneaker
Luxury Large Platform Sneakers
Louis Vuitton Introduces Its Latest Archlight 2.0 Sneaker
Collaborative Vibrant Skate Sneakers
Crenshaw Skate Club and Nike Launch a New SB Dunk
Psychedelia-Inspired Footwear Models
Aries & Clarks Originals Releases Two Psychedelic Shoe Models
Avant-Garde Dynamic Footwear
Rick Owens and Dr. Martens Join Forces on a Range of Footwear
Woven Midsole Sneakers
Nike and Jacquemus' JF1 Reimagines the Iconic Air Force 1 Style
Sneaker-Themed Glasses Frames
Concepts Recruits Oakley for a New 'Lobsterskins' Frame Collection
Upcycled Crushed Velvet Sneakers
Converse Made Its New Design from Discarded Clothes
Luxurious Spring-Ready Sneakers
Burberry Introduces the Dynamic Box Sneakers to its Lineup
Packaging-Inspired Footwear Designs
adidas Introduces the Unique Box Shoe Through its App
Halloween-Inspired Textural Sneakers
Nike Unveils a New Dunk Mid Sneaker with Snake-Like Detailing
Printing-Inspired Footwear
Taylor Tabbs Re-Imagines the Converse Mid-Tops with HP Aesthetics
Size-Inclusive Designer Shoes
Zalando and Seven Designers are Launching Footwear for All
Elegant Footwear Collaborations
UNITED ARROWS and Timberland Release Two Stunning Designs
Fashion-Forward Hybrid Sneakers
The COPERNI x Puma 90SQR Sneaker Capsule is Somewhat Futuristic
Co-Designed Lifestyle Shoes
PUMA Hoops and LaMelo Ball Announce Their New Shoe Silhouette
Japanese Festival-Inspired Sneakers
Nike Unveils New Nike Dunk Low Sneakers in 'Setsubun' Colorway
Fire-Inspired Colorful Shoe Collaborations
Gerrit Jacob Works with adidas on a New Collection
All-Black Vegan Sneakers
Sustainable Footwear Brand Rice Launches an All-Black Vegan Sneaker
Mushroom Leather-Made Sneakers
Sean Wotherspoon Designs More adidas Gazelle Sneakers
Sculptural Shoe Activations
Briony Douglas Created a Striking Sculpture Exhibit for Browns Shoes
Affordable Monochromatic Sneakers
Blowfish Malibu Introduces the Summer-Ready Luna Model
Floral Embroidered Low-Cut Sneakers
The Nike SB Dunk Low Decon Gets a New N7 Colorway
Pre-Distressed Sneaker-Inspired Mules
Balenciaga Drew Inspiration from an Old Footwear Design
Ultra-Comfortable Boot Designs
HIDDEN.NY and Suicoke Design an Extremely Comfortable Boot
Ultra-Distressed Shoe Designs
The New BEAMS x PUMA Silhouette is Inspired by Vintage Sweatshirts
Whimsical Inflatable Sneaker Concepts
UV-Zhu Uses Daily Objects for His Nike Concept Sneaker
Beer Brand-Inspired Tonal Sneakers
Nike Launches a New Dunk Low in a Heineken Colorway
Summer-Ready Premium Footwear Capsules
LANVIN and Suicoke Join Forces on a New Capsule
Collaborative Brogue Luxe Fashion
The New Church’s x Miu Miu Collaborative Range has a Free Spirit
Fashion-Forward Lifestyle Sneakers
Valentino Garavani Unveils a New Pair of Premium Sneakers
Olympic-Ready Elevated Footwear
Nike Optimizes its Air Cushioning Tech in New Range of Shoes
Car Brand Sneaker Collabs
Porsche Design and PUMA Unveils 3D Printed Sneakers
Dessert-Inspired Collaborative Shoes
Randomevent and New Balance Join on Sweetness of Kin Shoe
Futuristic Collaborative Fall Footwear
BOTTER and Reebok Present New Designs at Paris Fashion Week
Fashion-Forward Active Sandals
Chloé x Teva Reimagines Iconic Footwear Silhouettes
Iconic Heritage Brand Sneakers
Le TIGRE Unveiled an Exciting New Sneaker Collection
Singer-Inspired Vibrant Footwear
Popcaan and Clarks Originals Join on a Wallabee Iteration
Sustainable Vintage Shoes
Allbirds' New Sneaker Silhouette Represents Transformation for the Brand
Retro Collaborative Textural Sneakers
Fear of God and adidas Present a Collaborative 86 Lo Shoe
Hiking-Inspired Asymmetrical Shoes
Our Legacy Presents the Gabe in Chrome Peak Color
Futuristic Collaborative Footwear
Feng Chen Wang Unveils a new Crocs Collaboration
Heroic Luxury Footwear
The Christian Louboutin x Marvel Collab Unleashes Super Stylish Footwear
Laceless Textural Mid-Cut Sneakers
Di'orr Greenwood Creates a Pair of the Nike SB Sneaker
Colorful Collaborative Technical Sneakers
Salomon and LORENZ.OG Join Forces on the ACS+ Silhouette
Debut Sneaker Silhouettes
Stine Goya Launches the 'DON'T WALK' Sneaker Silhouette and Campaign
Self-Assembled Modular Footwear
Camper Unveils the Roku Modular Trainer with Minimal Design
Bespoke Vehicle-Inspired Partnerships
Can-Am & The Shoe Surgeon Create Bespoke Sneaker Designs
Luxe Frog-Inspired Clogs
JW Anderson Shares a Pair of Frog Clogs Ahead of Milan Fashion Week
Reimagined Classic Boat Shoes
Drake's and Sebago Join on the New Dockside Boat Shoes
Monochromatic Collaborative Footwear
COMME des GARÇONS and ASICS Join on a GEL-TERRAIN Sneaker
Lemonade-Inspired Waterproof Sneakers
Nike's Air Force 1 Low Sneakers Take Cues from Off-white™
Cork-Based Lifestyle Sneakers
CLOT Details the Nike Dunk Low Sneakers with Cork Details
Sustainable Food Material Sneakers
ID.Eight Brings 90s-Inspired Sneakers with Food Materials
Shoe-Inspired Lifestyle Apparel
Converse's Unveils its New Chuck Taylor Clothing Line
Warped Collaborative Breathable Footwear
Stone Island and New Balance Tease the C1 Sneaker
Motorsports-Inspired Footwear Collections
K-Swiss and McLaren Racing Launch Collaborative Footwear
Futuristic Minimal Basketball Sneakers
adidas Originals Launches the Crazy Infinity Shoe Today
Hamburger-Inspired Sleek Footwear
Vandy the Pink Joins Clarks Once More on New Designs
Stealthy Technical Sneaker Models
COMME des GARÇONS and Salomon Create a Special XT-6 Sneaker
Colorful Collaborative Lifestyle Sneakers
New Balance and Levi's Join Forces on the MT580 Shoes
Stunning Japanese Art-Inspired Footwear
Christian Louboutin Collaborates with Shun Sudo
Sustainable Dad-Style Sneakers
Reformation Launches a New Footwear Silhouette with Veja
Reimagined Footwear Releases
The Dr. Martens x ACW* FW22 Boasts an Incredibly Chic Aesthetic
Coastal-Inspired Blue Sneakers
BornxRaised Launch its Own Iteration of the SB Dunk Sneakers
Orange-Tinged Collaborative Footwear
Jacquemus Remixes the JF1 Sneakers for Fall with Nike
Co-Branded Footwear Designs
Vans Skateboarding Collaborates with Skate Brand Hockey
Deconstructed Contrasting Sneakers
ADER Error Joins Converse on its Own Chuck 70 Sneaker
Hot Honey-Inspired Sneakers
Mike's Hot Honey and Ewing Athletics Unveil New Collaborative Sneakers
Chinese Dynasty-Themed Footwear
LI-NING and Clarks Originals Launch a Through His Steps Shoe
Burgundy-Tonal Low-Cut Sneakers
The Nike SB Dunk Low Sneaker Gets an Adobe Colorway Palette
Zen Garden-Inspired Footwear
The Footpatrol x Clarks Originals Collection is Tranquil
Stylish Everyday Men's Footwear
Lululemon Introduces the New Men's Footwear Collection
Expansive Creative Footwear Series
Camper Presents its ROKU Shoe Line to Push Boundaries
Architecture-Inspired Boot Designs
A-COLD-WALL* Joins Timberland on a Collaborative Capsule
Elegant Footwear Collections
ARCH NYC Has Unveiled Its Contemporary Fall 2023 Collection
Savory Food-Inspired Tonal Sneakers
The New Balance 9060 Sneaker Model Gets a New Tonal Update
Color-Blocking Vibrant Sneakers
Nike Unveils a Doernbecher Version of the Air Jordan 1 Low
Futuristic Bold Tonal Sneakers
Beyoncé and adidas Present the IVY PARK Top Ten 2000 Sneaker
Fashion Collaborative Sneaker Models
CLOT and adidas Join Forces Once Again on a SS24 Series
Minimal Collaborative Lifestyle Shoes
Joe Freshgoods and New Balance Join Forces on the 650s
Nature-Inspired Outdoor Shoe Designs
Notre & Salomon Present an Overview of the Salomon XT-4 Model
Chair Patina-Inspired Sneakers
The Reebok x Eames Office Partnership Just Dropped a New Design
Ergonomic Bulbous-Shaped Shoes
Jacquemus Releases Its Ergonomic and Runway-Ready Les Mules Goia
Patterned Multi-Color Sneakers
Crenshaw Skate Club Unveils a New Collaboration with Nike
Sustainably-Minded Lifestyle Sneakers
Proto Collective Unveils Its First Earth-Friendly Sneakers
Zebra-Inspired Jacquard Sneakers
Rick Owens and Converse Joins Forces on the TURBODRK Chuck 70
Fashionable Bright Technical Footwear
LOEWE and On Join Forces on the New Cloudventure Shoe
Butterfly-Adorned Shoes
NEEDLES and Reebok Collaborated on a Chic Footwear Silhouette
Platform Lifestyle Customizable Shoes
Nike By You Adds the Cortez Silhouette to its Roster
Collaborative Rugged Skate Sneakers
Lucien Clarke's DCV'87 Joins DC Shoes on a Lynx Shoe
Activism-Themed Custom Upcycled Shoes
tareet Delivers Custom ASICS for the APOC Store
Punk-Inspired Leather Shoes
Junya Watanabe MAN and Stepney Workers Club Launch Punk Leather Shoes
Incredibly Chic Footwear Designs
Palace and C.P. Company Drop the Breathtaking Cornaro Model
London Creative Loafer Campaigns
G.H. Bass Taps Creatives for the Stepping Out Campaign
Retro Chunky Dramatic Sneakers
The Catfish Lo by Axel Arigato is Made from Sleek Leather
Smart Customized Footwear Designs
Kristýna Hrabánková Designs New Sandals for URBNC3
Sushi-Themed Sneaker Silhouettes
Connecting Plots and Menulog Debut a New Sushi-Inspired Campaign
Luxe Retro Lifestyle Sneakers
Loewe Unveils its New Premium Flow Runner for the Season
Elevated Platform Lifestyle Sneakers
The Rick Owens DRKSHDW Released New 'Abstract Sole' Sneakers
Stylish Corduroy Shoe Designs
Clarks Originals Collaborates with Aleali May on a New Collection