As time progresses further into the mid 2020s, the collective nostalgia for 2000s and even early 2010s culture only seems to deepen. Fashion wise, the aughts brought about a number of quintessential looks, from velour tracksuits to dresses layered over jeans. The decade also proved fruitful for the celebrity footwear imprint in the fashion industry, paving the way for the plentiful ambassadorships with household names that saturate the market today, as well as celebrity-founded brands.
In the sneaker world specifically, musicians and other stars made their marks. For example, the 2000s saw multiple hip-hop artists team up with Reebok — Jay-Z launched his S. Carter line in 2002, 50 Cent and his rap group G-Unit launched their line in 2003, and Pharrell Williams and Nigo dropped their Ice Cream footwear line in 2004, all in collaboration with Reebok.
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But Reebok wasn’t the only brand getting in on the popularity of hip-hop. Adidas partnered with Missy Elliott for her “Respect M.E.” line, which hit the market in 2004. And Jump worked with Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas on a sneaker line, which launched in 2009.
Skechers also capitalized on celebrity power. The comfort-focused, California-based brand tapped stars like Christina Aguilera, Robert Downey, Jr., Ashlee Simpson and Brandy to front campaigns. In 2010, a partnership with the Kardashian family was announced.
Some celebrities started their own brands. Angela and Vanessa Simmons, for example, daughters of Rev. Run, created the Pastry brand, which included many sneaker options. Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. fashion venture — Love Angel Music Baby — was launched in 2003 and got into men’s sneakers in 2005 in collaboration with Royal Elastics.
Below, discover or revisit the celebrity footwear moments that defined the 2000s and early 2010s.
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G-Unit and Reebok
Rapper 50 Cent arrives November 4, 2003, at his and Reebok’s launch party for Answer 7 and G6 footwear at Capitale in New York City.
Jay-Z and Reebok
Jay-Z during a photocall at Stansted Airport, to launch a new range of customised Reebok trainers, the S.Carter Collection.
Jay-Z and Reebok
Rapper Jay-Z signs autographs at a media conference for the release of his second signature footwear line, the “S. Carter Collection by RBK,” at Footlocker in Harlem on June 30, 2003 in New York City.
Missy Elliott and Adidas
Missy Elliott poses for a photo during a press conference to annouce her partnership with Adidas and present her Adidas clothing line “Respect Me” at the Adidas Store April 13, 2004 in New York City.
Missy Elliott and Adidas
Missy Elliott shows off new clothing line at Adidas Store, 120 Wooster St on April 13.
Missy Elliott and Adidas
Some of Missy Elliott’s new designs are seen during a press conference to annouce her partnership with Adidas and present her Adidas clothing line “Respect Me” at the Adidas Store April 13, 2004 in New York City.
Billionaire Boys Club and Reebok
Musician Pharrell Williams attends the press conference launching “Reebok’s Billionaire Boys Club apparel line and Ice Cream footwear collection” at The Lounge on August 11, 2004 in Los Angeles, California.
Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. Brand
Gwen Stefani launches L.A.M.B. Men’s Sneaker Collection at Barneys in New York City.
Ashlee Simpson and Skechers
Ashlee Simpson attends photocall at Skechers Store in London for her Skechers campaign.
Angela and Vanessa Simmons’ Pastry Brand
Vanessa Simmons and Angela Simmons unveil their Pastry shoe line at Underground Station shoe store on April 3, 2008 in Lithonia, Georgia.
Angela and Vanessa Simmons’ Pastry Brand
Television personalities Angela Simmons and Vanessa Simmons sign autographs during a launch for their Smoothie line of their Pastry brand shoes at Underground Station in The Boulevard Mall on August 30, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Angela and Vanessa Simmons’ Pastry Brand
Television personalities Angela Simmons and Vanessa Simmons sign autographs during a launch for their Smoothie line of their Pastry brand shoes at Underground Station in The Boulevard Mall on August 30, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Kardashians and Skechers
Khloe Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian attend the Skechers global partnership announcement at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on November 22, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California.
The Kardashians and Skechers
Kim Kardashian attends the Skechers global partnership announcement at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on November 22, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California.
Taboo and Jump
Taboo of Black Eyed Peas promotes the Taboo Deltah 3008 sneaker made with Jump at Loveless Japan on February 25, 2011 in Tokyo, Japan.