A History of Dave White's Sneaker Collaborations

From paintings of sneakers to paintings on sneakers.

Dave White Sneaker Collaboration History
Complex Original

Dave White’s name has been associated with sneaker culture since the early 2000s when his paintings of shoes like the Air Jordan 4 and Air Max 95 became popular in online sneaker circles. Based in the UK, White went on to team up with Euro sportswear retailer Size?, where he used his creativity to update some Air Max classics starting in 2005. His sneaker profile grew to even greater heights with a series of Jordan Brand collaborations in 2011 and 2012.

The pairing of Dave White and Size? continues on as they celebrate the launch of their latest collaboration, based on White’s “Albion Series” of artwork. Here is a look back at the history of White’s collaborative sneakers.

Dave White’s name has been associated with sneaker culture since the early 2000s when his paintings of shoes like the Air Jordan 4 and Air Max 95 became popular in online sneaker circles. Based in the UK, White went on to team up with Euro sportswear retailer Size?, where he used his creativity to update some Air Max classics starting in 2005. His sneaker profile grew to even greater heights with a series of Jordan Brand collaborations in 2011 and 2012.

The pairing of Dave White and Size? continues on as they celebrate the launch of their latest collaboration, based on White’s “Albion Series” of artwork. Here is a look back at the history of White’s collaborative sneakers.

Nike Air Max 1 x size? "Dave White"

Year: 2005

British retailer size? began a longstanding partnership with Dave White back in 2005 with the introduction of their collaborative “Neon Pack” celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Air Max 95. The pack included three sneakers honoring the AM95’s signature neon color: the Air Max 1, Air Max 90, and Air Max 95.

Nike Air Max 90 x size? "Dave White"

Year: 2005

The “Neon Pack,” also known as the “Wet Paint Pack,” released exclusively in Europe. Pairs purchased at the size? in-store event also included a special box featuring artwork by White.

Nike Air Max 95 x size? "Dave White"

Year: 2005

For its 10th anniversary, Dave White and size? stripped down the Air Max 95, leaving only the original neon green details while covering the rest of the shoe in white leather.

Nike Air Stab x size? "Dave White"

Year: 2010

Samples of Dave White's Air Stab were first spotted at 2005’s launch of the Neon Pack, but the shoe didn’t actually release until 2010, for size?’s 10th anniversary. Only 400 pairs were made.

Air Jordan 1 "WINGS for the Future”

Year: 2011

Dave White’s first Air Jordan collaboration was limited to a mere 23 pairs that were auctioned off exclusively with Sole Collector. In total, the auctions raised a fitting $23,000 for Jordan Brand’s WINGS for the Future charity.

Air Jordan 1 High DW

Year: 2012

A second take by Dave White on the Air Jordan 1 hit retail a year after his first Jordan Brand collaboration. Similar to the original, it featured his trademark paint splatter graphics and brush detailing, with the addition of elephant print. It’s also notable for being the first Air Jordan 1 to remove the Swoosh.

Nike Air Max 95 x size? x Dave White "Rabbit"

Year: 2016

Dave White is best known by sneakerheads for his sneaker paintings in the early 2000s, but that’s not the only type of art creates. This size? collaboration features a stylized painting of a rabbit, taken from his “Albion Series” of work.

Nike Air Max 95 x size? x Dave White "Fox"

Year: 2016

Complementing his “Rabbit” edition of the Air Max 95, this orange-based version features artwork of a British fox, also taken from his “Albion Series.”

Air Max 90 x size? "Dave White" - Sample

Year: Unreleased

This sample of the “Neon Pack” Air Max 90 differentiates itself from the released edition with a full black midsole and a white Swoosh.

Air Jordan 1 High DW - Sample

Year: Unreleased

Multiple sample versions of the Air Jordan 1 High DW were created, including pairs with alternate color blocking, 3M detailing, and removable Swooshes.

Jordan Melo M9 x Dave White

Year: Unreleased

Despite an official Jordan Brand video teaser promoting the project, this Carmelo Anthony and Dave White collaboration never came to fruition.

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