The obsession of Stranger Things on pop culture? Humongous. Music? Check. Fashion? Check. Shoes? Double check. Especially with all the Stranger Things-themed shoes, especially the popular Nike collaborations. These sneakers aren’t just rare collector’s items—they’re a way for fans to show their love for the show. So why are they so popular, how did they come to be, and where can you get them? Let’s find out!

What are the Stranger Things shoes everyone’s talking about?

Each pair of Nike’s Stranger Things shoes is infused with ’80s nostalgia, Stranger Things branding, and even hidden messages.

The Stranger Things shoes are mostly known for a special Nike collection that dropped in 2019 to celebrate the show’s third season. These sneakers were made to match the ‘80s vibe of the series, mixing retro style with hidden details from the show. They instantly became a huge hit—not just with sneaker collectors but also with big fans of Stranger Things.

The Stranger Things X Nike collaboration includes three main sneaker models: 

  • Nike Cortez
Nike Cortez
  • Nike Tailwind 79
Nike Air Tailwind 79 Mens 487754-406
  • Nike Blazer Mid

Each pair is packed with ‘80s nostalgia, Stranger Things logos, and even some secret references.

How did Stranger Things inspire a viral shoe trend?

Stranger Things brought back a love for retro style, from classic mall fashion to neon colors and old-school athletic wear. The show’s wave of nostalgia even influenced streetwear, and Nike took full advantage. They perfectly blended ‘80s sneaker designs with subtle but meaningful details from the series.

What really made these shoes explode in popularity were the creative extras—like uppers that burn away to show hidden Soviet codes or insoles with Hawkins High references. TikTok unboxings, sneaker reviews, and fan posts spread the hype and created buzz beyond the sneaker community.

Also read: How to dress like Stranger Things characters

The story behind the Stranger Things x Nike collaboration

Nike officially announced its collaboration with Netflix’s Stranger Things in 2019, unveiling a series of ’80s-inspired footwear and apparel collections. The launch was divided into two packs:

Nike took a creative way to announce this partnership—spinning a fictional narrative involving missing shipments from 1985, which were said to have disappeared in Hawkins, Indiana—the show's fictional setting. These shipments contained iconic Nike styles like the Cortez, Blazer Mid, and Air Tailwind 79, reimagined with Stranger Things themes.

The Hawkins High Pack – Inspired by the fictional school, these designs featured green and orange colorways, varsity-style branding, and a high school gym aesthetic.

The OG Pack – These pieces celebrated the summer of 1985, using red, white, and blue color schemes, fireworks motifs, and patriotic vibes—tying in with the Fourth of July storyline from Season 3.

Later, Nike released an “Upside Down” Pack, which incorporated burn-away materials and cryptic Soviet-style designs to match the darker twists of the show.

Each sneaker came with Stranger Things branding, special edition pins, and original-inspired Nike packaging, blending nostalgia with the show’s supernatural elements.

Mistergray’s YouTube video on Nike Stranger Things shoe collection:

Why are fans loving these limited-edition sneakers?

There’s a lot to love about the Stranger Things sneakers:

  • Nostalgia-driven Design: Every detail—from fonts to colors—screams 1980s.
  • Hidden Details: Easter eggs like Stranger Things logos under tongue tabs and newspaper-style wrapping paper make the experience feel personal and immersive.
  • Exclusivity: These were limited drops, making them a hot commodity for collectors.
  • Cultural Relevance: They let fans physically wear a piece of a show they love.
  • Packaging with clues: The boxes featured aged, top-secret government file aesthetics. Some of the insides had collectible pins, paper clippings, and clues styled like Hawkins lab files or missing posters.
Why are fans loving these limited-edition sneakers

In short, these shoes are the perfect mix of fashion, fandom, and storytelling.

Stranger things nike shoes: Features, design, and themes

Each shoe in the Nike collab featured elements directly tied to the show:

  • Nike Blazer Mid “Hawkins High”: Features green/orange colors and school logos, echoing the show’s gym class vibe.
  • Nike Cortez “OG Pack”: Sporting red, white, and blue, nodding to the summer of 1985.
  • Nike Tailwind 79 “Upside Down”: Appears normal but burns away to reveal secret Soviet themes beneath.

Comparing the different Stranger Things shoe drops

Here’s a quick breakdown of the major releases:

PackDesign ThemeSneaker ModelsUnique Features
Hawkins High PackHigh school athleticBlazer Mid, Cortez, TailwindSchool crest, varsity colors
OG PackJuly 4th / Retro USASame modelsPatriotic colorways, vintage vibes
Upside Down PackHidden themes / SovietSame modelsBurn-away uppers, Morse code

Each drop catered to a slightly different fan experience, from playful nostalgia to hidden mystery.

Where to buy Stranger Things sneakers (without getting scammed)

Given their limited release, Stranger Things sneakers are now mostly available on resale platforms. Here are trusted sites to check:

Always verify seller ratings and product photos. Look for original packaging and extra items (like the themed tissue paper) to confirm authenticity.

Should you burn Stranger Things shoes to reveal secret message?

Nike designed the “Upside Down” Pack with a hidden message, quite literally beneath the surface of the shoes. The outer layer of these sneakers featured a subtle off-white or canvas fabric. But here’s the twist:When burned (carefully), cut, or worn down, that top layer peeled away to reveal a hidden print or alternate colorway underneath. This was Nike’s way of mimicking the duality of the Stranger Things world—the contrast between the real world and the creepy, parallel Upside Down.

What Did the Hidden Layer Contain?

Some of the secret reveals included:

  • Hidden fireprint graphics
  • Alternate materials and color schemes
  • Secret codes, dates (like July 4, 1985), and locations related to Hawkins
  • Government-style documents printed into the shoe’s insole or underlayer
  • One shoe even had “Property of Hawkins Power and Light”—a nod to the shady government facility behind the Upside Down.

The burning reveal wasn’t just for shock value—it reflected how in Stranger Things, the truth is always hidden under a “normal” surface. Just like Hawkins looks like a quiet town… until you peel back the layers.

Are stranger things shoes worth the hype?

If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, a sneaker enthusiast, or a pop culture collector—then yes, absolutely. The design quality, thematic depth, and brand legacy make them a worthwhile addition to any collection.

For casual buyers, they’re still great—functional, stylish sneakers with a nostalgic edge.

Final thoughts

The Stranger Things shoe collection isn’t just about fashion—it shows how great storytelling, smart design, and fan love can come together to create something special. Whether you’re a sneaker collector, a huge fan of the show, or just noticing these shoes for the first time, one thing is obvious: people love them, and that’s not changing soon.