The 25 Best Signature Trainers of All Time

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1.

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If there’s such a thing as a golden era of cross trainers, without a doubt it's the ‘90s.

Fueled by larger-than-life athletes of the time, like Bo Jackson and John McEnroe, the ‘90s saw a boom in cross-training needs—something that had been overlooked up until then. With Nike at the forefront, footwear brands realized the need for a multipurpose shoe that would provide the proper stability and support for more than one activity. The immediate result was the

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2.

Cross Trainers - Jordan Mossified

No. 25 - Jordan Mossified

Player: Randy Moss
Year Introduced: 2001

Randy Moss may be well past his prime, but back in his golden years with the Minnesota Vikings, Moss was one of the most dominant wideouts to ever play professional football. Back track to 2001, in his third year in the league, Moss received his first ever signature trainer, the Jordan Mossified. It was the perfect shoe to burn defenders in at the Metrodome—and boy did he burn them.

3.

Cross Trainers - Nike Zoom Turf

No. 24 - Nike Zoom Turf

Player: Barry Sanders
Year Introduced: 1997

Just as Barry Sanders holds legendary status as a football player, his signature Nike Zoom Turf is a legend of its own when it comes to turf sneakers. The Zoom Turf, with its superb grip, responsive Zoom Air unit, and a mean design to match, was the perfect compliment to Barry’s elusive play.

4.

Cross Trainers - Nike Air Ubiquitous Max

No. 23 - Nike Air Ubiquitous Max

Player: Jerry Rice
Year Introduced: 1997

The design of the Nike Air Ubiquitous Max was just as wild as Jerry Rice himself. Influenced by basketball sneakers, the shoe featured a contoured midsole and outsole for a more natural fit. A full-length visible Zoom Air unit added superb cushioning to the shoe, while the high-traction rubber outsole provided the durability required for intense training. Not to mention, it had one of the most unforgettable names of all the trainers of its time.

5.

Cross Trainers -Nike Air Zoom Jet Mid

No. 22 - Nike Air Zoom Jet Mid

Player: Brett Favre
Year Introduced: 1997

1997 was a hell of a year for signature trainers. Among them, Brett Favre's Nike Air Zoom Jet Mid. Designed for quick cuts and speed, the Zoom Jet Mid featured all the best performance technologies of the time, including Zoom Cushioning and a midfoot strap for a lockdown fit. The shoe offered excellent lateral support and was built to take a beating on the field.

6.

Cross Trainers - Nike Air Speed Turf Max

No. 21 - Nike Air Speed Turf Max

Player: Dan Marino
Year Introduced: 1995

Dan Marino had a Hall of Fame career as quarterback of the Miami Dolphins in the '80s and '90s. Despite never winning a Superbowl, Marino consistently torched defenses in his long career as a pro, and he did it in his signature Nike Air Speed Turf Max. The design of the shoe is pretty consistent with the era, with multiple layers, materials, and technology draped all over. The Air Speed Turf Max is certainly one of the most sought after turf sneakers still today.

7.

Cross Trainers - Nike DT 4

No. 20 - NIke Air D.T. 4

Player: Deion Sanders
Year Introduced: 1997

As quoted in an Eastbay ad, the Nike DT 4 "is as fast and ballistic as Deion himself." Of course, we're referring to Deion Sanders, who was all about the running-inspired Air D.T. 4 for training purposes. The shoe featured what Nike referred to as a midfoot "Spat Strap" for a custom fit. A contoured midsole gave the shoe better lateral capacity.

8.

Cross Trainers - Reebok ES22

No. 19 - Reebok ES22

Player: Emmitt Smith
Year Introduced: 1997

The Reebok ES22 is a classic in every sense of the word. Worn by Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, the ES22 featured a mid-cut design for enhanced stability and support. Its Hexalite technology (seen in the midfoot) provided Smith with greater shock absorption in areas of peak pressure.

9.

Cross Trainers - Nike Zoom Kobe Trainer

No. 18 - Nike Zoom Kobe Trainer

Player: Kobe Bryant
Year Introduced: 2007

Most of you are familiar with Kobe Bryant's on-court signature lineup (now in its eighth edition) from Nike. But people tend to forget that the "Black Mamba" has been the inspiration behind some off-court training sneakers as well, namely the Zoom Kobe Trainer. The shoe featured a lightweight synthetic leather upper for durable protection and comfort, along with a velcro strap across the midfoot for a stable fit.

10.

Cross Trainers - Jordan DJ3K

No. 17 - Jordan DJ3K

Player: Derek Jeter
Year Introduced: 2011

Ahead of his 3,000th career hit, Jordan Brand rolled out the commemorative DJ3K gear for Derek Jeter. Along with the Jeter Cut cleat, the collection featured an exclusive version of the Jeter Cut trainer. The shoe featured a clean design that was very fitting of old No. 2.

11.

Cross Trainers - Reebok Shaq Trainer

No. 16 - Reebok Shaq Trainer

Player: Shaquille O'Neal
Year Introduced: 1995

When you think Shaq, the recently re-released Reebok Shaq Attaq probably comes to mind first. But while he was dominating in the Shaq Attaq on the court, off it, "The Deisel" was putting in work in his signature Shaq Trainer.

12.

Cross Trainers - adidas Beckenbauer All Around

No. 15 - adidas Beckenbauer All Around

Player: Franz Beckenbauer
Year Introduced: 1982

The golden era of signature trainers was definitely the '90s. However, adidas was on to something when they dropped the Beckenbauer All Around trainer the decade prior in 1982. Made for German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer, the shoe featured a full grain leather upper, a suede toe and a grippy rubber outsole for all around performance.

13.

2013-Sneakers-UA-Cam-Highlight-Trainer

No. 14 - Under Armour Cam Highlight Trainer

Player: Cam Newton
Year Introduced: 2012

There's a pretty obvious element to the UA Cam Highlight Trainer sets it apart from every other shoe on this list: its high-top CompFit ankle sleeve construction. The first signature shoe of Carolina Panthers star QB Cam Newton, the Highlight Trainer is all about a custom, lockdown fit. The shoe provides great foot support with its unique build, not to mention the well-cushioned Micro G midsole for firm footing.

14.

Cross Trainers - Nike Griffey Max 2

No. 13 - Nike Griffey Max 2

Player: Ken Griffey, Jr.
Year Introduced: 1997

Ken Griffey Jr.'s initial signature shoe was such a hit, Nike didn't waste any time at all releasing the follow-up model, the Griffey Max 2. Among the upgrades included slightly larger Nike Air units, and Carbon Fiber overlays on the upper for some structure. The Griffey Max 2 was as comfortable as they come.

15.

Cross Trainers - Puma Pele

No. 12 - Puma Pele

Player: Pele
Year Introduced: 1971

Pele was arguably the best soccer player to ever take the field. Just as Pele helped Brazil dominate the rest of the world, his signature Puma Pele trainer inspired a whole new look for Puma. The shoe featured a high-traction outsole that extended over the upper for sure-footed grip while training.

16.

Cross Trainers - Nike Diamond Turf 2

No. 11 - Nike Diamond Turf 2

Player: Deion Sanders
Year Introduced: 1994

Deion "Prime Time" Sanders' second signature shoe featured similar style and performance seen in its predecessor. The shoe featured a durable nubuck upper, comfortable neoprene inner sleeve and a solid rubber outsole for increased traction. An Air unit added an extra touch of comfort, and the midfoot strap provided Deion with a secure fit.

17.

Cross Trainers - Nike Zoom Revis

No. 10 - Nike Zoom Revis

Player: Darelle Revis
Year Introduced: 2012

The highly anticipated Zoom Revis hasn't been around for long, but already it has established itself as one of the best Nike trainers ever—and that says a lot. The shoe is equipped for year-round use thanks to an all-weather construction. The multi-terrain trainer can handle everything from natural and synthetic surfaces, and everything in between.

18.

Cross Trainers - Diamond

No. 9 - Nike Air Diamond Turf

Player: Deion Sanders
Year Introduced: 1993

The NIke Air Diamond Turf was a great looking shoe, and it was equally as impressive under the hood. The shoe that Deion Sanders made famous has been retro'd a few times since the initial release, proving just how popular these signature trainers still are.

19.

Cross Trainers -Nike Air Total Bus

No. 8 - NIke Air Total Bus

Player: Jerome Bettis
Year Introduced: 1998

In 1998, Nike introduced the Air Total Bus for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis. The shoe was one of the first trainers to feature Total Air technology. With a thick full-grain leather upper, and a rugged rubber outsole, the Air Total Bus was supportive enough to carry "The Bus" without blowing a flat. The Air Total Bus went on to be Bettis' one and only signature trainer.

20.

Cross Trainers - Jordan Cover 3 Super Freaks

No. 7 - Jordan Cover 3 (Super Freak)

Player: Randy Moss
Year Introduced: 2000

Formerly known as the Jordan Super Freak, the Cover 3 was Randy Moss' shoe prior to him receiving the aforementioned Jordan Mossified. Though it was considered an unofficial signature, the Cover 3 was a great fit for Moss and his freakish athleticism. The shoe featured a leather/synthetic upper, with a zip-up midfoot cover draped over it for a glove-like fit, along with a  full-length Zoom Air unit under the removable sockliner.

21.

Cross Trainers - Bo

No. 6 - Nike Air Trainer SC 

Player: Bo Jackson
Year Introduced: 1990

To put it in simple terms, Bo Jackson put Nike trainers on the map. You may remember the Air Trainer SC as the shoe worn by Jackson in the memorable Nike commercial "Bo Knows Best." Well, we remember that commercial too. But we also recall the Air Trainer SC as one of the first shoes designed specifically for cross-training. More recently, the shoe has been retro'd as an "Auburn" colorway.

22.

Cross Trainers - Nike Nomo

No. 5 - Nike Air Nomo Max

Player: Hideo Nomo
Year Introduced: 1996

Back in the '90s, Hideo Nomo became the first Japanese-born Major League Baseball player to play full-time in the States. Naturally, Nike took notice and snatched him up. A year after Nomo was named NL Rookie of the Year, Nike released the Air Nomo Max with great success. The shoe featured a breathable mesh mid-cut upper, set atop a contoured polyurethane midsole.

23.

Cross Trainers - adidas Key Trainer

No. 4 - adidas Equipment Key Trainer

Player: Keyshawn Johnson
Year Introduced: 1996

adidas' Feet You Wear technology was all the hype in basketball back in the '90s, with Kobe Bryant holding it down for the Three Stripes on the hardwood, adidas turned to Keyshawn Johnson to put the technology to work on the gridiron. The Equipment Key Trainer featured the signature contoured outsole for a more natural feel, no matter what the sport.

24.

Cross Trainers -Nike Zoom Vick II

No. 3 - Nike Zoom Vick II

Player: Michael Vick
Year Introduced: 2004

Like the rest of Michael Vick's initial signature trainer lineup, the Nike Zoom Vick II was way ahead of its time in terms of design. The shoe featured a clean, two-toned silhouette constructed from crafted leathers and synthetic materials. The Zoom Vick II featured a double-lasted forefoot to keep the foot locked in, as well as an adjustable heel-fit system optimal performance during high-intensity workouts.

25.

Cross Trainers - Nike Diamond Turf Max

No. 2 - Nike Diamond Turf Max

Player: Deion Sanders
Year Introduced: 1996

By now, we've established that Nike hooked "Prime Time" up with a slew of signature trainers during his career, and why not. The two-sport superstar could tear it up on the baseball diamond just like he could on the football field. The Diamond Turf Max featured that prevalent midfoot "Spat Strap," as well as blow-molded heel Air Sole. The shoe's grippy outsole was designed specifically for optimal performance on turf.

26.

Cross Trainers - Nike Air Max Griffey 1

No. 1 - Nike Air Griffey Max

Player: Ken Griffey, Jr.
Year Introduced: 1996

There was a time when Ken Griffey Jr. was the best baseball player around. A lot has happened since then, but Griffey's namesake signature trainer, the Nike Air Griffey Max, is still regarded as one of the most popular training sneakers of all time. The shoe carried a similar midsole design as the Nike Air Nomo Max released that same year. Unlike the Nike football trainers of the time that featured a midfoot strap, Jr.'s baseball version had a strap across the collar for a locked-in fit.

Gurvinder Singh Gandu is a New York City-based contributing writer for Yahoo! Sports and Sneaker Report. A California-raised, performance gear and footwear expert, Follow him @GurvinderSG to keep up with all things performance.

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