In a galaxy far far away...Star Wars is a galaxy that needs no introduction, but if you live under a rock, Wikipedia describes it as a space opera media franchise created by the mind of George Lucas. Beginning in 1977, the first movie in Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope, has grown to a long-lasting franchise for nearly 50 years. Personally, I didn’t begin watching the series until I was much older and had grown an mutual respect for the passion of the story, its characters and its body of work. Star Wars, like many other media properties, has a strong and determined fan base. Within that subsection comes a whole new world of fantasy and possibilities. What did I mean by this?
Well, fandoms of any kind tend to create their own theories/fantasies as realities. Some theories such as – Oh spoilers for Star Wars –
Did Boba Fett kill Luke’s parents… (I think so)
Was Anakin “really” the Chosen One… (I think so)
Did the Emperor plan to transfer his spirit into Luke’s body…. (umm…I don’t think so, but it be crazy if he did)
and Did Han shoot first….
(Yes, He did).
This leads to different fantasies that fans may think of which opens the fandom further.
Like, what color lightsaber I would have?… (Duh..easy..Purple please)
What’s your favorite Star Wars movie?… (Rogue One… with second favs going to Episode III).
What is your Star Wars name and / What planet would you be from?… My name is Wins Ardan…and I’m from the planet Vortex.
Or What side would you choose Light or Dark side?…(The Dark Side!)
For the sake of the article, I choose a reality that’s reliable to this website.
If Star Wars characters wore sneakers,… what pairs could you see them in?
Without further delaying y’all let’s jump right into it.
Episode I. Darth Vader- Black AF1
The story of Darth Vader that is told in the Star Wars movies is something truthfully like no other. Darth Vader’s oath to his Sith Master (Palpatine) makes Vader a formidable foe to the Rebel alliance against the Galactic Empire. Vader is a force… (pun intended) to be reckoned with. I could see Darth in a pair of Black Air Force 1s. The energy and personality radiating through Vader make him perfect for that black AF1 energy.
Nike Air Force 1 Black
Episode II. Stormtroopers- Adidas Superstar
Not just one character but mainly characters and personalities' all under the same helmet. Stormtroopers can be viewed in lore and fandom as the “punching bag” of the series. Too often we see many of them getting killed in battle do to them being label as a number and not really a person behind the helmet. Regardless of their faiths Stormtroopers have a mostly white color scheme for armor and black accents for underlays. Adidas Superstars are the ones for the Empire, mostly white scheme matching the uniforms of the troopers with black lines representing the Adidas 3 stripes and along the tongue of the shoe. Considering a fitting matches of the black color complementing the black underlays of the troopers outfits.
Adidas Superstar White/Black
Episode III. Luke Skywalker- White AF1/ Jordan 3s White Cement/ Jordan 11 Concord
From a farm boy to becoming one if not the greatest Jedi the galaxy has ever known, Luke Skywalker started off as a young man looking for adventure beyond the stars. With his Rebel friends by his side, they would do what they could to overthrow the Galactic Empire and revolutionize a new hope for the galaxy. Luke’s nobility, bravery, and determination are all signs of a protagonist looking for an adventure. For the beacon of hope that is Luke, I see him rocking the AF1s in the all-white colorway, that represents Lights battle against the Dark side. Personally, I see Luke in two other pair of sneakers, Jordan 3s White Cement and Jordan 11 Concord. Both pairs share a mostly white colorway, reflection of the hero’s journey.
(Left to Right) Nike Air 1 White, Jordan 3 White Cement, Jordan 11 Concord
Episode IV. Princess Leia- Cooked AF1s/ Chuck Taylor High all-white
Leia, a strong leader in her own writing, helps lead the Rebel Alliance to overturn the tyranny of the Empire. In these fictional fantasies I could see Leia wearing a pairing that is like Luke and Vaders but different in a way. Somehow all of them being connected in some way. The pair, White AF1, the difference, Leia sneaker would have more wear and tear on her pair more representative of her. This term is called “cooked”, the perception on sneakers has came over the last few years and the best look is mostly wearing what you want and not what others think you should. Leia personally doesn’t have time to clean her pair of AF1s because she has a galaxy to save, personally I see her just putting them on and going about her day. Another pair I will probably see her in is a pair of Chuck Taylor Highs in the all-white colorway. Matching her outfit in her first appearance in a New Hope and snowier outfit in the sequel Empire Strikes Back.
(Left to Right) "Cooked" Nike Air Force 1, Converse Chuck Taylor High White
Episode V. Han Solo- Black Tims
Probably one of the hardest ones to find a pair was Han Solo. The smuggler from the universe and the Captain of Millennium Falcon Han Solo became difficult due to his nature. Han Solo didn’t really do so much in the beginning and later played a big role in the overall galaxy. So how was I supposed to find a sneaker that has a nonchalant feel in nature. I didn’t know, so I did my best to keep it basic..(you could also say I’ve cheated a little bit but who cares). Black Timberlands for Han Solo, it shows he doesn’t care so much, yet internally you can view Han as a person who is not just in the for the money, but really wanted some friends in the process.
Timberland 6' Boots Black
Episode VI. Obi-Wan Kenobi- Nike Monarchs (Old Kenobi)/ New Balance 990 V5 (Young Kenobi)
Star Wars has two versions of Obi-Wan and two actors who played as well. It was only right that I do two versions of the characters sneaker series. Young Kenobi apart of the Jedi council until the execution of Order 66 which got rid of all the Jedi and the introduction of the Empire of the series. Young Kenobi was left on the run hiding until his later dates. The sneaker would fit the circumstance is the New Balance 990 V5, 5th of the 990 series in New Balance’s line. This comfortable feel and timeless style comfort the times in Kenobi when the Jedi was no more and left in hiding.
New Balance 990v5
When the Rebel alliance began, and things start to take surface for the rebels, Obi-Wan at the time became much older, not as young and spry as his days of the past but able and capable of using a lightsaber as once before in his time. A sneaker that could help aid him in his later days are the Nike Air Monarchs. The older generation find these to be a comfortable ride for feet. Not knocking Obi-Wan's talent to stay up to date with youth but the change up would be necessary to battle the like of Darth Vader and the Empire.
Nike Air Monarchs IV
Episode VII. Chewbacca- Uggs Tasman
Chewy is the Co-Captain to the Millennium Falcon and best friend to Han Solo. His contribution to the Rebel Alliance at times would go unnoticed such as after helping the rebellion in a space in A New Hope, he was honored, but not rewarded with a medal of his own unlike Luke and Han respectfully. He’s very hard to miss though, standing up at a height of 7’5 and body covered in fur. One may say Chewy wouldn’t need any shoes to wear, but this is a fantasy, and I could only imagine. The Uggs Tasman, the low version Uggs high structure, gives Chewy a soft fluffy ride every time he steps.
UGGs Tasman
Episode VIII. C3PO- Nike Air Foamposite One Metallic Gold
Created by Luke’s father C3PO became a servant for Luke and Rebel Alliance to help along the way. Best friend to R2-D2, C3PO has a gold exterior around him, which is its noticeable trait about him. Throughout the series he has a little annoyance personally but that’s just what makes him C3PO. The Nike Foamposite is the futuristic vibe 3PO we could imagine him wearing, not just any pair of foams. A version for him, the metallic gold foam wrapped along the shoe that would fit him nicely.
Nike Foamposite Metallic Gold
Episode IX. R2-D2- Nike Air Bo Jackson Trainer SC High
R2-D2, robot in search of Obi-Wan Kenobi with the Death Star plans attach to him. Arguably why is there Hope in the galaxy against the Empire. R2, a key apart in the Rebel Alliance and we could say is an unsung hero. The sneaker I chose for R2 is another hero that doesn’t get the credit he deserves. I’m talking about the 2-sport athletic-phenom that is Bo Jackson. And his sneaker the Nike Air Trainer SC High. The colorway is mostly white and blue matching robotics and colors of R2-D2.
Nike Air Trainer SC High
Episode X. Yoda- Nike Air 95 Neon/Saucony Green
Yoda, Jedi Master has a strong connection to the force and studied it for over 800 years. Guiding the Jedi order new hope Luke Skywalker. Yoda being a Master of his craft needs a shoe that allows him to move around freely. Yoda teaching young padawans in two pairs of sneakers. The Nike 95 Neon, classic sort of timeless shoe, that feels good for running. Or a pair of Saucony, mostly for the colorways. The Yoda green is an iconic look, and keep an eye out when looking for pairs, we should.
(Left to Right) Nike Air Max 95', Saucony Green
Episode XI. Mace Windu Jordan 1 Court Purple
Champion of the Jedi Order, Mace had one of the highest honors in the Jedi counsel. Second to only Yoda in Jedi mastery, and feared against his foes Mace has an iconic look with him, that's due to his purple lightsaber. The actor Samuel L. Jackson favorite color is purple, and requested the color of the role. To his surprise George Lucas made one for him and written his lightsaber into the lore of Star Wars. It’s only right that Mace would wear a pair of kicks that match his purple energy. Jordan 1 Court Purple.
Jordan 1 High Court Purple
Episode XII. Darth Maul Jordan 1 Black/Red
Formidable foe Darth Maul is an “ally” to the Sith, the Dark side. Black and Red skin tattoos cover his entire body which opponents fear, nonetheless. Maul can be remembered by his iconic look or his lightsaber. One of the first in the series to wheel a dual lightsaber, light shining on both ends of the blade. I see no other choice than Maul wearing an iconic shoe that had people at the time turning heads like the way Maul maneuvers his lightsaber. Jordan 1s in the Black/Red had an oral about them around 1985, so much so the NBA had banned the colorway in games.
Jordan 1 Black/Red "Banned" Commercial
Nike Air Jordan 1 Black/Red
Episode XIII. Emperor Palpatine- Crocs
Darth Sidious born Sheev Palpatine restored the Sith Empire by living a double life disguising himself as a Senator who “allied” to the Jedi Council. He orchestrated a plan to destroy the Jedi Order and created his own Galactic Empire. The execution of Order 66 which destroyed the remaining Jedi during the clone wars leaving the remaining ones killed in the process. If they were any Jedi remaining were now in hiding. After all this I would think Palpatine would sit on his throne and kick up his feet and enjoy his life as the galactic ruler. Arguably the most comfortable shoe ever are a pair Crocs, a lot of people choose comfort over anything more often then not, you could probably see people where crocs in the world I live in. In terms of the Star Wars universe, I would see this on brand for the emperor and the people following the emperor’s lead of choosing comfort over style and stability.
Crocs - Black
And that’s my list, I tried to get the most notable characters from the universe but that doesn’t mean your favorite character isn’t important to it. Also, if you have a different opinion on what characters would where please let me know, until then.✌🏾
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