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
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
Retro-Inspired Sneaker Hybrids
Martine Rose and Nike Create a Hybrid Air Max Sneaker
AI-Generated Footwear Designs
PUMA Launches AI-Enhanced Inverse Sneaker Collection
Japanese Wrap-Inspired Shoes
Vibram's Furoshiki Kicks Don't Require Shoelaces
Sustainable Repairable Sneaker Designs
Disassembly Lab Footwear is Easily Repaired by Consumers
Plush Textural Artful Sneakers
Nina Chanel Abney Designs her Own Jordan 3 Sneaker
Deadstock Denim Clogs
Levi’s x Crocs Upcycles Fabric Into One-of-a-Kind Footwear Designs
Collaborative Donut-Inspired Sneaker Designs
The Tim Hortons x adidas Sneakers are Ultra-Playful
Dynamic Thigh-High Tech Sneakers
Voo Store Joins On Running to Create a Unique New Sneaker
Customizable Shoe Decorating Events
adidas Hosts a DIY 'Style Your Toe' Pop-Up Event in Hong Kong
Retooled Reimagined Lifestyle Sneakers
Masha Popova Remixes a Pair of adidas Superstars
Artist-Inspired Printed Sneakers
Tyler, the Creator Reunites with Converse for a Sneaker Launch
Juxtaposing Dynamic Running Shoes
The adiSTAR Cushion Sneakers have a Retro Design
Vegetable-Inspired Tonal Skate Shoes
Yuto Horigome Presents a Nike SB Dunk Low Asparagus Colorway
Collaborative Artful Shoe Designs
ECCO and Illya Goldman Gubin Drop the Metropole Seoul Derby
Comfort-Focused Fashion Clogs
Free People x Dr. Scholl’s Refreshes a Style for a New Generation
Chunky Collaborative Fashionable Shoes
adidas and Y-3 Introduce the Newest Range of Footwear
Cosmic-Inspired Running Shoes
Nike Introduces a Look at its New Cosmic Runner Model
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
Vibrant Rugged Skate Sneakers
Vans Tokyo Design Collective Introduces the Vans Varsity Collection
Loafer-Style Sneakers
The New Balance 1906L Toes the Line Between Formal and Casual Style
Collaborative Lifestyle Revived Shoes
Levi's Revives the Iconic New Balance 992 Sneaker Model
Textural Breathable Lifestyle Shoes
CLOT Takes a Spin at a Pair of the adidas Gazelle Sneakers
Street-Style Moccasin Shoes
Supreme and Clarks are Teaming Up to Debut a Line of Wallabees
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
Boldly Tonal Patient-Designed Sneakers
Nike Unveils the 2024 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection
Sophisticated Monotonal Footwear
adidas Spotlights the Formal Stan Smith Freizeit Shoe
Minimal Sleek Skate Sneakers
CLOT and adidas Remix a New Pair of Gazelle Sneakers
Premium Low-Cut Lifestyle Sneakers
Nike Unveils a Stealthy Air Force 1 Low Paris Sneaker
Bold Suede Fashionable Sneakers
The New Dries Van Noten Suede Sneaker Boasts Bright Hues
NYC-Inspired Sneaker Designs
The Coach Soho Sneaker Collection is Chic and Urban-Informed
Artistic Sneaker Collaborations
The 'Skechers x Vexx' Collection Highlights Bold Graphics
Formal-Ready Collaborative Footwear
CLOT and adidas Join Forces on a New Sneaker Model
Cutting-Edge Reimagined Sneakers
HOKA and paria /FARZANEH Create a Restore TC Chukka Shoe
Randomness-Inspired Designer Footwear Lines
HVÓYA's Beauty in Chaos Capsule is Unique and Chic
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
Bright Video Game-Inspired Footwear
Onitsuka Tiger Launches a Street Fighter-inspired Sneaker
Trout-Inspired Textural Sneakers
adidas' Mocaturf Blends a Sneaker with a Moccasin Together
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
Collaborative Textual Patchwork Sneakers
atmos Japan and adidas Join on the New Gazelle 85 Shoe
Bright Collaborative Running Sneakers
Extra Butter and Brooks Present the Cascadia 18 Sneaker
Olympic-Inspired Skate Sneakers
The Nike SB Dunk Olympic Safari Honors the Global Games
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
Gold-Toe Sneaker Lines
The Made in Schiaparelli Sneaker Blends Streetwear & High-End Sensibilities
Sneaker Loafer Hybrid Designs
Converse Unveils a Sneaker Loafer with the Trekwave Loafer
Dynamic Sci-Fi Fashion Collabs
Fendi and MAD Architects Join Forces on a Futuristic Capsule
Sustainable Color-Blocked Sneakers
Colville Taps Diadora to Design a Colorful Shoe Silhouette
Fashionable Bowling-Inspired Sneakers
Adidas X Brain Dead X DSM Reimagine a Classic Shoe
Woven Midsole Sneakers
Nike and Jacquemus' JF1 Reimagines the Iconic Air Force 1 Style
Sleek Monochromatic Footwear Designs
CamperLab Draws Attention to its Caramba Footwear
Offbeat Fashion Campaigns
ASOS 'Inspired By' Delivers Non-Traditional Inspiration to Style-Seekers
Packaging-Inspired Footwear Designs
adidas Introduces the Unique Box Shoe Through its App
Luxurious Spring-Ready Sneakers
Burberry Introduces the Dynamic Box Sneakers to its Lineup
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
Fashion-Forward Hybrid Sneakers
The COPERNI x Puma 90SQR Sneaker Capsule is Somewhat Futuristic
Designer-Backed Low-Cut Sneakers
adidas and Stella McCartney Create a New Court Boost
Co-Designed Lifestyle Shoes
PUMA Hoops and LaMelo Ball Announce Their New Shoe Silhouette
Sculptural Shoe Activations
Briony Douglas Created a Striking Sculpture Exhibit for Browns Shoes
Mushroom Leather-Made Sneakers
Sean Wotherspoon Designs More adidas Gazelle Sneakers
Affordable Monochromatic Sneakers
Blowfish Malibu Introduces the Summer-Ready Luna Model
Spikey Base Collaborative Shoes
Louis Gabriel Nouchi Creates a New PUMA Mostro Shoe
Canvas Co-Branded Hi-Top Sneakers
Nike and Converse Join Forces on a Pair of Chuck Taylors
Olympic-Ready Elevated Footwear
Nike Optimizes its Air Cushioning Tech in New Range of Shoes
Pre-Distressed Sneaker-Inspired Mules
Balenciaga Drew Inspiration from an Old Footwear Design
Fashion-Forward Sporty Apparel
CLOT and adidas Join Forces Once Again on a New Collection
Breathable Eco-Friendly Sneakers
The National Geographic Launch the Contour Zero Sneakers
Dynamic Collaborative Bright Clogs
Nike and Supreme Join Forces on a Pair of Clogposite
Dynamic Collaborative Sneakers
adidas Presents the CLOT Superstar Sneaker with Bold Accents
Artistic Floral Footwear Designs
Ohana Hatake Footwear Was Created by Takashi Murakami
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
Dynamic Fashion-Forward Basketball Shoes
Balenciage Presents its First Basketball Sneaker Model
Fashion-Forward Lifestyle Sneakers
Valentino Garavani Unveils a New Pair of Premium Sneakers
Collaborative Multi-Material Sneakers
Nike and Stüssy Unveil a Special Pair of the LD-1000 Sneaker
Recycled Rope-Made Footwear
SHORE Presents a New Footwear Capsule with a Sustainable Build
Dessert-Inspired Collaborative Shoes
Randomevent and New Balance Join on Sweetness of Kin Shoe
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
Ultra-Thin Premium Fashion Sneakers
Prada Introduces a Look at the Dynamic Collapse Sneaker
Retro Collaborative Textural Sneakers
Fear of God and adidas Present a Collaborative 86 Lo Shoe
Heroic Luxury Footwear
The Christian Louboutin x Marvel Collab Unleashes Super Stylish Footwear
Futuristic Collaborative Footwear
Feng Chen Wang Unveils a new Crocs Collaboration
Symbolic Knot-Inspired Footwear
Nike's Dunk Low Sneaker Gets a Friendship Knot Model
Laceless Textural Mid-Cut Sneakers
Di'orr Greenwood Creates a Pair of the Nike SB Sneaker
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
Stunning Japanese Art-Inspired Footwear
Christian Louboutin Collaborates with Shun Sudo
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
Couture Technical Sneaker Models
Juntae Kim Remixes a Pair of Salomon Sneakers for Fashion Week
Collaborative Modern Clogs
Birkenstock Joins Union to Introduce the Bimshire Shoe
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
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
Futuristic Minimal Basketball Sneakers
adidas Originals Launches the Crazy Infinity Shoe Today
Collaborative Slim Lifestyle Sneakers
Crazy Raccoon Takes a Go at It Own adidas Samba Sneaker
Hamburger-Inspired Sleek Footwear
Vandy the Pink Joins Clarks Once More on New Designs
Brogue-Style Skateboard Sneakers
The Vans Varsity Sneakers are at Once Laidback and Preppy
Colorful Collaborative Lifestyle Sneakers
New Balance and Levi's Join Forces on the MT580 Shoes
Sustainable Dad-Style Sneakers
Reformation Launches a New Footwear Silhouette with Veja
Retro Racecar-Inspired Shoes
L'Art de L'Automobile and Salomon Create a Porsche 911 GT1
Game-Inspired Breathable Footwear
Fortnite and adidas Join on an UltraBOOST Collection
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
Stealthy Collaborative Skate Footwear
Nike and Supreme Launch a New SB Dunk Low Sneaker
Loofah-Inspired Textural Sneakers
Caroline Hu Joins adidas on a Special SS24 Collection
Luxe Organically Shaped Shoes
MAD Architects and Fendi Create a Dynamic Sneaker Model
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
Patterned Color-Blocked Skate Shoes
Nike and Arts-Rec Join Forces on the SB Dunk Low Model
Elegant Footwear Collections
ARCH NYC Has Unveiled Its Contemporary Fall 2023 Collection
Fashion Collaborative Sneaker Models
CLOT and adidas Join Forces Once Again on a SS24 Series
Venice Beach-Inspired Footwear Designs
Puma Hoops Partners with the Venice Basketball League
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
Boldly Patterned Colorful Sneakers
COMME des GARÇONS Presents a Salomon SR811 Platform
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
Harajuku-Inspired Slip-Ons
Vans Taps Guest Designers on the Harajuku Punk Design Series
London Creative Loafer Campaigns
G.H. Bass Taps Creatives for the Stepping Out Campaign
Vegan Fashionable Boundering Shoes
Boris Bidjan Saberi Designs the Athletic Bouldering Shoe 1
Smart Customized Footwear Designs
Kristýna Hrabánková Designs New Sandals for URBNC3
Stylish Corduroy Shoe Designs
Clarks Originals Collaborates with Aleali May on a New Collection