In the fast-paced world of streetwear, few names dominate headlines like Supreme. What began as a small skate shop in downtown New York City has evolved into a global brand, known for its minimal red box logo and unmatched influence in fashion, culture, and hype. Supreme’s ability to consistently surprise its audience with unexpected, bold moves is what keeps it at the forefront of the game. One of the best examples of this is the Supreme x Nike Shox Ride 2—a collaboration that brought back an early-2000s sneaker silhouette with a fresh, street-ready twist.
In this article, we’ll take a look at Supreme’s roots, its powerful alliance with Nike, and the impact of the Supreme Shox on the sneaker world.
The Birth and Rise of Supreme
Founded by James Jebbia in 1994, Supreme started as a skate shop tailored to New York City’s underground skateboarding scene. What set Supreme apart wasn’t just the clothing—it was the lifestyle. Supreme built a brand that reflected the real-world culture of skateboarding, art, and punk. Instead of mass production, Supreme focused on limited releases and unique collaborations, creating demand through scarcity.
As the brand grew, so did its reach. Supreme began attracting attention from celebrities, artists, and fashion designers, becoming a symbol of cool without ever asking for the spotlight. It was—and still is—anti-establishment meets high fashion, all wrapped up in a red and white logo.
Supreme and Nike: A Powerful Partnership
Among Supreme’s many collaborations, its partnership with Nike stands out. This relationship has led to several iconic sneaker drops, from the Air Force 1 and SB Dunk to Foamposites and Air Max 98s. Each release became a massive hit, selling out within minutes and often reselling for triple the original price. But in 2022, Supreme made a move that surprised many: bringing back the Nike Shox Ride 2, a silhouette that hadn’t been seen on the streets in years. Why this shoe? And why now?
Nike Shox: A Look Back
If you remember the early 2000s, you probably remember Nike Shox. Known for their futuristic heel design—featuring spring-loaded columns—Shox were marketed as performance runners that offered responsive cushioning and shock absorption. While they were innovative for the time, they eventually faded out of style as sneaker trends moved toward sleeker silhouettes. Yet, Supreme has a habit of reviving the unexpected. And in true Supreme fashion, they turned a “forgotten” model into the most talked-about sneaker of the season.
The Supreme Shox Ride 2: A Breakdown
The Supreme Shox Ride 2 released in four colorways: black, white, red, and camouflage green. Each pair featured a combination of mesh and synthetic leather for breathability and structure. The signature Shox heel columns remained the centerpiece of the shoe, but Supreme added its magic touch—bold “SUPREME” branding wrapped around the heels, metallic lace tips, and co-branded insoles.These shoes were loud, unapologetic, and unmistakably Supreme. They didn’t just revisit a retro model; they completely recontextualized it for a new generation of streetwear enthusiasts.
Launch Day and Instant Sellout
The Supreme Shox dropped in June 2022 via Supreme’s online shop and physical locations. Retailing at around $170, they were gone in seconds—typical of Supreme releases. The instant sellout led to a surge on resale platforms, where prices quickly climbed to $300-$500 depending on the colorway and size.The buzz around the Shox showed that even a polarizing silhouette could become a must-have, as long as it had Supreme’s name on it.
Public Reaction: Controversial Yet Captivating
Reactions to the Supreme Shox were mixed—exactly as Supreme intended. Some loved the nostalgia and bold design, while others criticized the bulky shape or “ugly-cool” aesthetic. But that’s what Supreme does best: it challenges the status quo. The Shox weren’t made for everyone—they were made for the bold, for the people who lead trends rather than follow them.
Fashion influencers, rappers, and sneakerheads were seen rocking the Shox, giving them even more visibility on social media and in street-style galleries.
How to Style the Supreme Shox
The Supreme Shox are chunky and eye-catching, so it’s best to build your outfit around them. Here are a few tips:
- Pair with baggy cargo pants or techwear-inspired outfits for a balanced silhouette.
- Layer with oversized Supreme hoodies or utility vests for a street-savvy look.
- Keep the color palette neutral to let the shoes be the focal point.
These sneakers work well in both men’s and women’s fashion, showing the unisex appeal of streetwear today.
More Than a Sneaker: A Cultural Statement
The Supreme x Nike Shox collaboration was more than just a sneaker release—it was a statement. It reminded the fashion world that nostalgia, innovation, and bold branding still win when executed right. Supreme didn’t just revive a retro shoe—they reinvented it for a new generation hungry for individuality.In a sea of safe sneaker releases, the Supreme Shox stood out as daring and disruptive—true to the core of both Supreme and Nike.
Conclusion
The Supreme x Nike Shox Ride 2 is a perfect example of how streetwear continues to evolve by looking backward while pushing forward. Supreme’s ability to breathe new life into an old-school silhouette proves once again that they are not just a brand, but a cultural architect. In a world filled with trends that come and go, the Supreme Shox were more than a flash in the pan—they were a bold reminder that risk and style go hand in hand.