From Lego to Harry Potter, Spongebob to Ninja Turtles—these pop culture-inspired kicks are keeping the sneaker game lit!
Any sneakerhead would agree—you can never, as in never, have too many shoes. They are not just footwear. A cool pair of sneakers is a trophy for a month of hard work or a cure after a bad day. It’s a reflection of your impeccable taste and, of course, how far you’ve come in life. For those who collect limited editions and one-offs, they are extra bragging rights.
The sneaker game is forever alive and kicking. And if you want to stand out, you don’t necessarily need to have the biggest collection. It’s about owning game-changers that give you the biggest flex. Among these are the cool kicks from brands that have linked up with epic pop culture franchises.
These pairs ooze with creative fire, spark nostalgia, and never fail to leave an unforgettable mark on pop culture. That’s why they’re a must-have not only for sneakerheads, but also those who like geeking out to their favorite shows, toys, and more.
So, if you’ve been wanting to step up your sneaker game, you’ve come to the right place. Below, The POST rounded up the freshest, funkiest, and uber-creative pop culture-inspired kicks that’ll keep you blazing on the streets.
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Nike x Lego collection
The world’s most famous brick finally gets its own kicks in Lego and Nike’s first-ever collaborative release. And we’re talking not just one, but two pairs that let you take Lego’s brick-tastic fun wherever you go. First up is the Lego x Nike Air Max DN, which, as the name suggests, is a playful take on the sportswear giant’s techy trainers.
It’s a pair designed to make you stand out, with its striking yellow colorway that matches the shade of Lego characters. The upper features tactile rubber studs that are starkly similar to the small, cylindrical bumps on top of Lego bricks. Meanwhile, the toy maker’s iconic red square emblem appears on the tongue and replaces Nike’s usual Air text on the insole. Making the shoe look even cooler is the collaboration’s imagery on the heel, which features a silhouette of Lego’s brick atop the Nike Swoosh.
Now let’s talk about the second pair in the collection: the Lego x Nike Dunk Low kicks. While not as flashy as the collab’s first shoe, this one is likewise a knockout, with its all-white patent leather uppers jazzed up with cartoon-like black borders. And just like the Lego x Nike Air Max DN, this Lego-fied Dunk Low features clever co-branding on the tongue, insole, and heel. What’s more, the pair comes with four different shoelace options in the color of Lego’s bricks.
The Lego x Nike Air Max DN is set to roll out with a price tag of US$155 (P8,500) on Aug. 1, while the Dunk Low will retail for US$120 (P6,800) starting Sept. 1. Note, though, that both pairs come in grade school sizing. But if the shoe fits—and it’s as neat as these—might as well wear it, right?
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Puma x Harry Potter series
Potterheads can now wear their favorite Hogwarts house loud and proud anywhere, thanks to a line of brilliant Harry Potter-inspired kicks from Puma. Unveiled in March 2025, the sneakers are part of the German athletic brand’s collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery and are decked out with elements from two of the most iconic houses in Hogwarts: Gryffindor and Slytherin.
Both houses get their version of Puma’s iconic Palermo football sneakers, which have been popular among streetwear mavens for their playful colors and classic terrace gum sole. Gryffindor’s Palermo comes in a red-and-yellow colorway, with the house’s icons found on the heel, tongue, and added lace cover. Slytherin, on the other hand, gets a black and dark green Palermo, with the house’s elements appearing in the same places as Gryffindor’s. Both trainers feature a mesh upper, nubuck overlays, a suede Formstrip, and the standard brown gum sole.
The magic doesn’t stop there. You can also channel your inner Chaser, Keeper, or Seeker with the Puma Easy Rider inspired by the wizarding sport of Quidditch. Unlike the fictional game, though, the Golden Snitch stays well within your reach as a metal accessory tied to the laces. The pair comes with a prominently black cow leather upper accentuated by a gold Hogwarts emblem on the tongue and “H” on the heel. The sleek design features Gryffindor’s logo on the outer edge of the heel and matching red and yellow stripes underneath.
The Harry Potter x Puma Palermo sneakers are retailing for P6,200, while the Quidditch Easy Rider kicks are yours to catch for P7,100 in Puma stores nationwide and online via puma.com/ph.
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Nikola Jokic x 361 ‘Spongebob’ collection
What’s more dope than scoring 3-pointers on the court? Acing the game with swag from Nikola Jovic’s line of 361o Big3 Future Spongebob-themed kicks. A known fan of the cult cartoon series, the NBA star designed the collection with performance and bold style in mind. It draws from the show’s main characters: the relentlessly enthusiastic Spongebob, his loyal and dimwitted friend Patrick Star, their money-obsessed boss Mr. Krabs, and grumpy neighbor Squidward.
The pair arrives in four colorways, with each one reflecting the vibrant personality of each character. The SpongeBob iteration comes in all yellow with green on the midsole and a brown rubber outsole, while Patrick gets a peachy and yellow pair. Squidward’s has a pastel green and purple color scheme, while Mr. Krab’s kicks come in light blue with coral red accents.
Each pair features a corresponding tag that brings more playfulness to every game. It provides the perfect assist with its double-layer engine drive, fork-shaped carbon-fiber plate, C!LK upper, and rubber outsole. It is available for P11,500 a pair in 361o stores nationwide and online via 361sport.com.
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LaMelo Ball x Puma Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collection
Booyakasha! Everyone’s favorite pizza-loving, skateboarding, crime-fighting turtles are back, and they’re taking over LaMelo Ball’s signature Puma MB basketball shoe line. Launched in stores last February, the Puma x TMNT x LaMelo Ball line is an artful fusion of the NBA star’s signature sport style and the youthful energy of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
It features four limited-edition colorways representing the turtle bros and some of their fiercest foes. First up are two pairs of mismatched MB.04 kicks, with each brother getting his own shoe. Decked with easter eggs for true TMNT fans, the first pair features the fiercest and smartest members of the team, Donatello and Raphael, followed by Leonardo and Michaelangelo’s MB.04.
Both pairs come with 5D-printed upper, which features a multi-layered design that engulfs the shoe like alien tentacles. They come in a striking neon green colorway combined with the distinct colors of each Turtle’s bandana, plus a custom TMNT graphic at the heel. Melo’s signature phrases, “1 OF 1” and “RARE,” are hidden throughout the shoes.
The other half of the collection puts the spotlight on the brothers’ enemies. The MB.01 Baxter Stockman is inspired by the mad scientist and the Ninja Turtles’ human foe, while the MB.03 Krang model features elements related to the team’s brain-like alien nemesis.
The Puma x TMNT MB.01 and MB.03 are retailing for P9,200 and P8,500, respectively. Meanwhile, the turtle teams’ kicks are up for sale at P8,900 a pair. Hardcore TMNT fans are in for a treat as Puma is giving away the collection’s secret fifth pair for those purchasing all four shoes in the collection. The surprise pair, an exclusive Puma MB.04 Shredder, is limited to just 444 units and is only available until supplies last. So run, don’t walk, to Puma stores nationwide or visit ph.puma.com to snag the hot kicks.
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