We all know about that time the Game threatened to kill you if you tried him for his Air Max 95s, but what about all the sneaker references in the world of music? Don’t they deserve some shine? I headed to streaming platforms to see what all the other crop of trainer-related songs were like and more importantly if they were any good.

In no particular order, here are a list of songs that stood out for one reason or another:

1 – New Balance – Dijah SB

Starting off the list is this upbeat track from Dijah SB. The instrumental and vocals speak of a solid level of production with a chorus that will sure to have you singing along.

2 – Reebok Classic – Chimpo

Big Manc DnB energy on this track from Chimpo, along with a nice reference to the more under-appreciated part of the sneaker world. Salo smashes the chorus with her vocals so its a nice pairing once again.

3 – LA Trainer – Johno37

This German cloud rap song has a fun instrumental and catchy chorus which will have you rapping along even if you don’t have a clue what they’re saying. I picked up some LA Trainers for £20 from the local JD the other day and found the track, was pleasantly suprised so you know it had to make the list.

4 – 95 Air Max – Cavalli Rich, Chuck Swagg

Channeling that OG Atlanta Trap rap energy is this track from Cavalli Rich where he talks about the exploits of being a hustler. “We don’t wear Air Max but we Air Max” – yes, you heard right.

5 – Asics – DrippieL

Another German track, this one’s just got a fun instrumental and the lyrics are the most chilled. Got a – lets make a song about this pair of ASICS I love from my home studio vibe, but I’m here for it.

6 – AIR FORCES 3 – Da BP, Yodha

This one is chock full of references, even sampling a bunch of the more popular sneaker related bars from the US Rap songs. Plus the instrumental is pretty good so this one’s a solid addition to the line-up.

7- Air Max – Pika

One of the few songs with an actual music video – which is actually fairly decent. Got a nice Reggaeton feel to it and is pretty catchy, even if you don’t really wear the exposed bubbles on your feet.

8 – Adidas – Peach Pit

One of the few Indie tracks on the list but with good vocals and solid song writing, there’s a lot to like here. The chorus that mentions adidas is also worth checking out.

9 – Swoosh – JONNY5

A German artist that I found myself listening to a fair bit during my lockdown runs, this track takes notes from French Plug music and early Playboi Carti era stuff, so right down your lane if that’s your thing.

10. OG Max’s – Pre Dolla

Probably the most typical song when compared to the classic sneaker-based American Rap songs. Has a hint of The Madd Rapper in the Pre-Dolla’s voice, which along with the instrumental, makes for a good listen. Fair few direct references to the shoe game too so the most on the nose out of the list too.