Sneaker Report Prescribes 10 Performance Shoes to 10 Rappers

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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1.

rickross

Today's musicians know how to pack the sneaker heat, but how do their choices stack up when it comes to picking out sneakers for their performance benefits over how they look? We're here to help, this is Sneaker Report Prescribes 10 Performance Shoes to 10 Rappers.

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Image via Rap Genius / adidas
Image via Rap Genius / adidas

No. 1 - Pusha T

Sneaker prescribes: adidas Adipower Barricade Shoes

It looks like Pusha's already rocking the Nike LunarGlide for his tour workouts, but this tennis fan should have a pair of premium shoes ready if he ever wants take on Djokovic BNP-style. The adidas Barricade is the most popular and successful tennis shoe today, so Pusha could be prepared to face-off with his favorite players fully equipped.

$140

2 Chainz LeBron
Image via ESPN / Sole Collector

No. 2 - 2 Chainz

Sneaker prescribes: Nike LeBron 11

Formerly known as Tauheed Epps, basketball player, this guy is different so we'll prescribe a shoe that is just as unique. According to his former head coach, "He could handle the ball very well, pass the ball very well. He was kind of a slippery guy. The little guys couldn't guard him and the big guys couldn't stay with him." 2 Chainz is compared to Penny Hardaway often enough for us to conclude that the LeBron 11 would be a great fit for the former bball star. According to basketball shoe expert Nightwing2303, "At his size, he'd enjoy the cushion and support in the 11 while appreciating the slightly lower profile setup found in the Lunarlon and full-length Zoom. They're the most flexible LeBron as well so he won't lose any range of motion with the added support features that he may have in the LeBron 9 or 10."

$200

Rick_Ross_Crossfit
Image via Instagram / Reebok

No. 3 - Rick Ross

Sneaker prescribes: Reebok Crossfit Nano 2.0

Though Ross has created the best running anthem of all time, it looks like the Teflon Don is more into HIT than logging road miles. For something this strenuous, we want to see him in the right footwear. The Reebok Crossfit Nano 2.0 is breathable, flexible and supportive enough to propel Ricky and his whole crew through their next workout.

$110

KanyeWest_Skora
Image via Skora

No. 4 - Kanye West

Sneaker prescribes: Skora Form

Mr. West, you've been rocking the Nike Frees for far too long. Let's try out a performance shoe that exceeds your minimalist expectations. Meet the Skora Form. Luxurious with an all leather upper in a stealth black, these will go perfect with those Fendi leather jogging pants.

$185

Image via Last FM / Under Armour
Image via Last FM / Under Armour

No. 5 - Action Bronson

Sneaker prescribes: Under Armour UA Spine Running Shoe

Action has a mean cartwheel, so we'll suggest a shoe to play up his strengths. Putting Bronson in the UA Spine will ensure that his foot is supported whilst he attempts acrobatics but may also inspire the guy to hit the gym in a non-ironic way.

Image via Instagram / Sole Collector
Image via Instagram / Sole Collector

No. 6 - Drake

Sneaker prescribes: Nike 5.0 TR

As we all know, Drake is a huge soccer fan. But in order to stay in shape (and according to his Instagram) it looks like Drizzy hits the gym on a regular basis for some good 'ole sled pushing, pull ups, and rope drills so we'll give him a shoe for his daily grind. Sneaker Report prescribes the Nike 5.0 TR to keep Drake in shape.

50 Cent Nike Air MaxNo. 7 - 50 Cent

Sneaker prescribes: Nike Air Max 2014

50 is spitting pure gold in this video promoting his fitness book Formula 50. Cut to him saying "Why did you have to have cupcakes?" and try not to laugh. It's 50, it's 50.

While Curtis Jackson's gym presence has never been in question, it's been 10 years since we spotted him hitting the treadmill for "In Da Club," so we'll update his TK for the Nike Air Max 2014. Someone of his size and experience will need something with a well-cushioned outsole and supportive upper, both supplied by the latest Air Max trainer.

Camron Reebok ATV19
Image via Sole Collector / Reebok

No. 8 - Cam'ron

Sneaker prescribes: Reebok ATV19

Looks like Cam'ron and Juelz Santana have been rocking Reeboks on the basketball court recently, so we suggest a performance update with the Reebok ATV19. The crazy look will probably hook both Cam and Santana, and the smooth ride—oh boy.

Image via Twitter / Supra
Image via Twitter / Supra

No. 9 - Lil Wayne

Sneaker prescribes: Supra Greco Hammer

Weezy may "ride" for Supra, but we'd like to see him in something other than snowboarding boots next time around. We suggest the Supra Greco Hammer for a more appropriate option.  We've seen him skating in the Supra Spectre, but this Jim Greco signature is a more aerodynamic with a slimmer toe area equipped with molded SUPRAFOAM. If only it was in a Packers color way.

$80

Kendrick Lamar Nike Cortez
Image via Complex / Nice Kicks

No. 10 - Kendrick Lamar

Sneaker prescribes: adidas Boost

When Kendrick dropped this verse on Big Sean's "Control" track, "And I ain't rocking' no more designer shit, white T's and Nike Cortez, this red Corvette's anonymous…" the sneaker community ran to the rapper for answers. This interview with Nice Kicks revealed that the rapper was influenced by the OG vibe that the Cortez carried. Apparently Lamar flunked out of gym class so it sounds like this guy needs an inspirational kick. May we suggest the adidas Boost? Our hunch is that it will be 2033's classic runner of choice.