Sneakermania: Kicks Worn By Wrestlers In & Outside of the Ring

words // Brandon Richard

Throughout the course of history, professional wrestlers have been known to lace up a pair of high-cut leather boots for in-ring competition. Some of the boots have even become famous in their own right. The Iron Sheik's curled-toe Persian boots, Hulk Hogan's bright yellow leather boots and Bret Hart's Concord XI-like patent leather boots are a few that are recognized outside of the world of wrestling.

While the boot is still standard in-ring gear, sneakers have turned up between the ropes more often in recent years. A lot of this started in the late 90s, when wrestling promotions moved away from traditional set-ups for more a more edgy and current feel with their product. You've probably heard of John Cena, a current WWE superstar who has made basketball shoes a part of his usual match get-up. Before him, guys like Kevin Nash and Shane McMahon frequently wore shoes that would be considered "heat" in the sneaker community inside the ring.

We here at Sole Collector can even make the claim of having a hand in blending sneakers and wrestling. Long-time readers of our magazine may recall that we shot WWE Divas for Issues 4 & 5 and TNA Knockouts for Issue 13. Names like Stacy Keibler, Trish Stratus. Torrie Wilson and Christy Hemme are just a few that have graced the SC pages.

Today, the WWE will present the 27th edition of their annual spectacle, Wrestlemania at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. There's an increased buzz surrounding this year's event due to the return of the People's Champ, The Rock, who will be hosting the show. To celebrate Wrestlemania XXVII and bridge the gap between the sneaker world and professional wrestling, let's recap some of the best sneakers we've seen worn by wrestlers, inside and outside of the ring.

2010: Bret "The Hitman" Hart - Jordan True Flight

2010: John Cena - Jordan Jeter Throwback

2009: Shane McMahon - "Cement" Air Jordan Retro 3

2010: Santino Marella - Nike Air Max Wavy

2011: Lisa Marie Varon aka Victoria aka Tara - Nike Air Max LeBron 8 V/2

2010: John Cena - Jordan Flipsyde

2004: Stacy Keibler - Air Jordan XI Low White/Pink Sample

2009: Shane McMahon - Air Jordan Retro 1 "Olympic"

1998: Bret & Owen Hart - Nike Zoom T-Bug Flight

2007: John Cena - Reebok Pump Omni Lite

2006: Christy Hemme - Sole Collector x Nike Air Max 95 - "Cowboy"

2010: Hulk Hogan - Nike Shox Turbo VI iD

2009: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson - Nike Air Max 360 III

2010: John Cena - Jordan Flight 9

2000: Kevin Nash - Nike Air Garnett III

2010: Jeff Hardy - adidas Superstar II

2004: Trish Stratus - Nike Shox Turbo

2009: Batista - Nike Zoom Kobe IV POP

2011: John Cena - Jordan 1 Fund 5/8

2006: Hulk Hogan - Nike Shox Elevate

2004: Lisa Marie Varon aka Victoria aka Tara - Air Jordan XVI

2007: Shane McMahon - "Fire Red" Air Jordan Retro 3

2004: Stacy Keibler - Air Jordan X

2006: John Cena - Reebok Pump Bringback

2010: Edge - Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Hi

2009: John Cena: Under Armour Proto Speed II

2006: Shane McMahon - "True Blue" Air Jordan Retro 3

2004: Stacy Keibler - adidas a3 Superstar Ultra T-Mac PE

2009: John Cena - Air Jordan 2009

1998: Kevin Nash - Air Jordan XIII

2006: Gail Kim - PUMA Suede

2009: Hulk Hogan - New Balance 8574

2007: John Cena - Reebok Pump Show Stopper

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2011: The Rock - Under Armour Proto Speed Trainer

2004: Torrie Wilson - Reebok G-Unit G6 Women's Mid

2002: Kevin Nash - Air Jordan Retro 11 Black/Red

2007: Shane McMahon - "Papa Bear" Nike Dunk High SB

2009: Kelly Kelly - Nike Big Nike High GS