Marshall graced the cover of Issue 28 of Sole Collector Magazine back in 2009.
words // Luis Sanchez
For the past ten years or so, the man known as Marshall Mathers has put together a collection of Nike collaborations that's challenged by very few.
From Air Maxes to iconic Air Jordan silhouettes, Eminem has displayed his sneaker knowledge and own unique style with a range of timeless Nike styles. Shady's Nike kicks helped launch a variety of charitable efforts involving Mr. Marshall Mathers, and also helped celebrate the launch of some of Eminem's records over the years.
With the Detroit native celebrating his 40th birthday today, we here at Sole Collector decided to take a look back at Shady's historic collection of Nike collaborations.
Enjoy a look below and be sure to cast your vote for your favorite Eminem x Nike collaboration.
img via crisuno
2003 Nike Artist Series "Shady Burst"
The 2003 Nike Artist Series included a variety of iconic sneakers such as the ESPO x Nike AF2 and the Neptunes x Nike Dunk High. None however as memorable and storied as the Eminem x Nike Air Burst. Nicknamed the "Shady Burst," Shady's take on the classic runner displayed a traditional grey color scheme over a suede and mesh build. One of several Nike models frequently seen on Eminem back in the day, the "Shady Burst" Air Burst also featured classic Eminem logos on the sockliner, lace dubret and outsole below.
image via FC
2004 Nike Air Force 1 Low "Shady Records"
In 2004 Nike also treated Eminem to several friends & family versions of the Air Force 1 Low. Gifted to Shady Records to celebrate the release of Eminem's fourth major album Encore, this particular pair feaurued a Black/Grey-White color scheme, Shady Records on the heel, and Eminem personalization on the forefoot.
2004 Nike Air Force 1 Low "ENCORE"
The second Air Force 1 Low done up for the Release of Encore was also produced in friends & family numbers, featuring the same Black/Grey-White color scheme. Eminem's signature reverse E on the heel badge instead of the forefoot overlays.
image via FC
2004 Nike Air Force 1 Low "Shady Records"
The final Air Force 1 gifted to the Shady Records fam back in 2004 featured a traditional White/Ice build, similar to past Artist exclusive AF1's during the early 2000s. The Shady Records version featured the label's logo on the heel and through the translucent outsole below, along with a sockliner reppin for D12, 50 Cent, Green Lantern and the rest of Shady.
2005 Air Jordan 4 Retro "ENCORE"
By far the most coveted collaboration to come from Nike and Eminem is the 2005 "Encore" Air Jordan 4 Retro. Limited to only 50 pairs or so, the "ENCORE" Air Jordan 4 Retro was produced in friends & family numbers with a small amount of pairs released to the public through a contest. Eminem's Air Jordan 4 sports an eye-catching blue suede build with red, grey and black accents. ENCORE and Eminem branding is also seen behind the tongue and heel tab.
2006 Charity Nike Air Max 1 "BIG PROOF"
in 2006 Eminem and the Swoosh joined forces once again to raise money for a great cause. Looking to benefit Eminem's Marshall Mathers Foundation, Shady Records dressed eight different Air Max styles and limited them to eight pairs to be auctioned off via eBay and several Nike retail locations across the globe. The charity pack was headlined by the "BIG PROOF" Air Max 1, honoring the memory of Eminem's best friend and D12 member Proof who was gunned down back in 2006.
2006 Charity Nike Air Max 90 - EMINEM
The Charity Air Max series was continued with an Air Max 90 by Eminem. Limited to eight pairs as well, the Air Max 90 featured a patent, suede and leather build covered in a combination of blue, grey, white and green. Classic Eminem branding was also stitched into the heel on these.
2006 - Charity Nike Air Max 93 - D12
Eminem's Detroit 12 also inspired a classic as part of the Charity Air Max Series, utilizing the Air Max 93 to bring to life a unique look for the often overlooked runner. The D12 Air Max 93 features a grey base, an elephant print mudguard and the famous D12 logo stitched in the toebox.
2006 Charity Nike Air 180 - Shade 45
Eminem's Satetlite Radio Station Shade 45 was also represented as part of the Charity Air Max series, coloring up the classic Air 180 runner. The Shade 45 Air 180 features a White/Black-Grey-Orange colorway, with Shade 45 branding stitched into the heel.
2006 Charity Nike Air Max 95 - By Paul Rosenberg - "Goliath"
Em's manager and Shady Records co-founder Paul Rosenberg designed his own Air Max 95 for the Charity Air Max series, covering the classic runner in a Goliath-inspired color scheme. The Goliath theme was brought to life by Rosenberg with a grey leather base, white/orange accents, and subtle graphic-printed underlays.
2006 Charity Nike Air Max 97 - Shady Records
The timeless Air Max 97 was also auctioned off in limited numbers as part of the 2006 Eminem Charity Air Max series. The 97 featured a traditional build, covered in a combination of bright hues. Shady Records branding was placed on these as well, and limited to eight pairs as part of the charity auction benefiting the Marshall Mathers Foundation.
2006 Charity Nike Air Max 360 - By Christian Clancy - Interscope Records
Current OddFuture Manager and former Marshall Mathers LP Product Manager Christian Clancy designed the Air Max 2003 as part of the Eminem Charity Air Max series. The former Interscope Records Exec hit the Air Max 2003 with a rather subtle color scheme and Interscope branding on the heel.
2006 Charity Nike Air Max 2003 - EMINEM
The 2006 Eminem Charity Air Max series was closed out with an Eminem-branded version of the Air Max 2003. The now almost ten year old runner features a black base with orange accents, and Em's popular "E" logo screenprinted on the forefoot area.
2008 Air Jordan Retro 2 - The Way I Am
The most recent Eminem kicks to release was the "The Way I Am" Air Jordan Retro 2. Marshall's first-ever pair of Air Jordans growing up, the Air Jordan II became his favorite and eventually helped promote the launch of his 2008 autobiography "The Way I Am." A combination of grey suede and black leather took over the Air Jordan II, with Eminem's lyrics scribbled along the mudguard and collar. The shoe was limited to 313 pairs in honor of Eminem's hometown of Detroit and released exlcusively online via the Air Jordan Flight Club.
