Hitting the big screen on June 8, 1984, Ghostbusters went on to become one of the cultural phenomenons of the decade, combining comedy with a not-so-serious supernatural plot line. Following a trio of eccentric parapsychologists who excel in the ghost-catching business in New York City, the franchise has spawned sequels, spinoffs and, thankfully, sneakers.
While the follow-ups to the films have been hit or miss, the footwear has been nothing short of spook-tacular. Gear up your Proton Packs, sneakerheads! Here are the best ever Ghostbusters sneaker collaborations.
atmos x Secret Base x PUMA Suede ‘Ghostbusters’
Who ya gonna call? PUMA! Japanese sneaker stalwarts atmos did just that in 2016, teaming up with the Big Cat and toymakers Secret Base for a special Suede collaboration. Covered in textual references all over the upper, the sneaker makes no secret of its inspiration, with the iconic Ghostbusters logo on the tongue.
Every pair of the themed colourway came packaged with a special edition Stay Puft Marshmallow Man figurine in Secret Base’s signature split design, with one side showing its skeleton underneath.,
Luka Dončić’s Nike Hyperdunk X Low Custom
It may not be an official collaboration, but these custom Nike Hyperdunk X Lows made for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić deserve their own special place on this list.
Done by all-star custom creator Melon Kicks, the sneakers are smattered with plenty of nods to the franchise, most notably ‘Slimer’ green detailing, and a depiction of Stay Puft Marshmallow Man on the heel.
Ghostbusters x A Bathing Ape BAPE STA
After a sell-out Ghostbusters apparel collaboration in 2009, streetwear kings A Bathing Ape followed things up with another capsule 10 years later. However, this time, they included two special edition BAPE STAs for the film’s 35th anniversary. A ghoulishly good move.
One colourway came dressed in a predominately red upper, while the second pair made use of an all-white scheme. Both pairs came embellished with Ghostbusters branding, and a decal of Baby Milo on the heel, while a special themed box ensured the packaging was seriously deluxe.
Ghostbusters x K-Swiss Capsule
Another drop for the 35th anniversary, K-Swiss conjured a special Foot Locker–exclusive capsule featuring their Classic 2000 and Si-18 International silhouettes. The former is an unmistakable ode to the beloved Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, while the latter is covered in the Ectoplasm green of Slimer.
One for the true fans, the special edition capsule was sold at the Ghostbusters Fan Fest before being released at Foot Locker.
Ghostbusters x Reebok
We love it when brands go all-in with a themed drop, and Reebok’s Ghostbusters collaboration from 2020 did just that, delivering one of wildest sneakers of the year in the process. While the Classic Leather from the collection was an understated apparition, the all-new Ghost Smasher silhouette was a kindred spirit.
Named after an early working title of the film, the Ghost Smasher combined two 80s fictional favourites in Ghostbusters and… Aliens?! Designed by Chris Hill, the Alien Stomper high-top was pumped up with otherworldly details, most notably the Proton Pack on the heel, complete with coloured hoses and hardware. Definitely ‘something strange’ – but that’s certainly not a bad thing!
