Come every April, the 20th is one of the most anticipated days of the year. Why? Because of the care-free lifestyles it promotes for many. With the territory, footwear brands have pushed various sneakers inspired by “4/20.” Below, the team at Nice Kicks has documented our 20 favorite cannabis-inspired sneakers. Take a look below and let us know which ones are you favorites.
The Nike SB team is credited with starting 4/20 homage sneakers, and the 2011 “Cheech and Chong” Dunk High was a historic sneaker for the easy-going holiday. Underneath the tear-away white canvas upper features a hairy green suede reminiscent of the herbal green bud. Elsewhere, a red paisley bandana is seen on the left pair’s heel.
The Nike SB Dunk Low “Hemp Pack” featured three different hemp-constructed pairs. Each pair was constructed entirely through hemp materials, while gum soles rounded out the underfoot design. Individually, each had their own pop of either “red mahogany”, “bonsai,” or “cascade blue.” Super breathable, the collection was prepared for any amount of blaze.
It doesn’t get more 4/20 than a “White Widow” strain of cannabis, which not surprisingly was the inspiration for this Nike SB Dunk Mid. The smoky grey tone traverses across the hairy suede upper, while hints of mint appear on the toe-box and mid-panel. Hues of red symbolize the post-smoke aftereffects. Tributing details like the stash pocket within the tongue finish off the celebratory pair.
The Nike SB Dunk High “Strawberry Cough” references the popular strain of cannabis, taking the red fruit namesake in the most literal sense. A textured red upper surprisingly transitions nicely to the hairy green suede heel. Along the lateral heel, a coughing strawberry is placed. Translucent soles finish off the fruit-like design.
Compared to its other SB brethren, the Nike SB Dunk High “Dog Walker” is a subtler nod to the rich green hues of cannabis. A bright red Swoosh finds its way along the mid-panel, while a Dalmatian pattern is seen underneath. Brown dog tags accompanied by complimenting doggie bags complete the homage pair. What better way to celebrate the care-free day than with a man’s best friend?
When people think of 4/20 inspired sneakers, the Nike SB Dunk High “Purple Skunk” often comes to mind. Inspired by the purple-tinted cannabis strain, hairy suedes construct the upper’s entirety. The limited-edition silhouette was released with only 420 pairs, making it one of the most exclusive pairs Nike has dropped.
Known as the OG 4/20 sneaker, the Nike SB Dunk High “Skunk” kicked off a series of weed-influenced collaborations with skate artist Todd Brataud. Different shades of green mark the hairy suede upper, while purple accents appear on the Swoosh and outsole. Slight hints of red are found on the tongue branding. If you’re a fan of sneakers with a cannabis-connection, look no further than this 2010 pair.
This iteration of the adidas Superstar II “Hemp” features an upper constructed entirely out of environmentally friendly hemp fabric. Even more of a nod to the green flora, a tag displaying “HEMP” is connected to the lateral side. The green, yellow, and red colors seen on the Three Stripes branding finish off the otherwise tonal pair, paying tribute to Rastafari and its promotion of cannabis culture.
How else should one feel on the smokefess holiday other than Happy? To commemorate that feeling, BAIT and adidas Skateboarding teamed up on a Stan Smith created through heat-pressed natural hemp. Like typical Stan Smiths, and in the color of a fresh nug, a green hairy suede marks the heel. Additional details like a Three Leaf branding, cork footbeds, and multiple laces all nod to the famous stoner day.
If you’ve seen South Park, you know that Towelie often partakes in using marijuana. The anthropomorphic towel has given the Campus 80 a new, “unique” inspiration. Towel-like materials construct the upper, establishing a baby blue foundation. White accents appear on the heel, while the tongue features Towelie’s large cartoon eyes, appearing in white and bloodshot.
Like the name suggests, the adidas ZX 420 is yet another Three Stripes sneaker designed with cannabis in mind. Dark hairy green suedes reminiscent of typical cannabis strains find way along the upper, while purple accents are seen on the heel counter, sock-liner, and Three Stripes branding.
Different than most “4/20” inspired pairs, this iteration of the Reebok Classic Leather is designed with morning blaze sessions in mind. Bright hues of yellow, orange, and teal represent early sunrises, while deeper greens pay homage to the beloved medicinal plant. Droopy eyes along the tongue bask in the gradient’s glow.
The Vans Vault Era “Palm Leaf” pack featured four different sneakers, with two arriving in the form of a SK8-Hi and the remaining two in an Era. The tropical design encapsulates true vacation vibes, with palm leaf graphics being seen along the upper’s design.
In collaboration with rapper Lil Wayne, the Supra S1W “Tree Camo” is designed with an all-over cannabis-like pattern. Dusty green nubs are on full display across the upper, while complimenting orange accents traverse the sneaker’s body. In no way inconspicuous, this sneaker is perfect for those who want to showcase their stoner lifestyle.
HUF’s Happy 420 Pack was an apparel and footwear collection all dedicated to the famous stoner holiday. Included with the collection, the HUF Hupper 420 featured an all-over green upper with hemp leaves appearing atop the base. White laces and a white midsole round out the not-subtle design.
Nick Diamond’s Diamond Supply has had a cult following within the skate world, of which is often associated with 4/20. Combining together both cults, the Diamond Cuts “Green Weed Camo” pair features a canvas profile with green weed graphics displayed throughout the silhouette. A shoe that truly embodies the “roll one and then skate some” attitude.
The IPath Grasshopper Natural Hemp shoe has an upper constructed entirely out of 4/20 friendly hemp material. Most significant, a hidden pocket is attached to the tongue, allowing for easy stash-ability. The Rastafari-colored ankle strap finishes off the design.
In celebration of 4/20 over nine years ago, Curren$y and Diamond Supply came together to drop a low-top and high-top iteration of the Brilliant. The uppers of both silhouettes feature hemp leaf prints, with a Diamond Supply logo along the tongue. Without a question, these were made just for the occasion.
The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro “Wallenberg” was inspired by a small tree growing along the path of the Wallenberg Four, a famous skate spot in San Francisco. Two-toned green suedes construct the upper, while an off-white overlay adds a pop of color. Black rubber outsoles finish off the skate design.
The Radii Jax “420” was another cannabis tribute, as seen with the hemp leaf pattern across the upper. Black accents are found across the pair, and a bright orange print is seen along the tongue. A weekend pair perfect for lounging and enjoying the stoner holiday, these were a commodity in 2014.
