More Than Just Converse: Inside Wiz Khalifa's Sneaker Rotation and Who Inspired It

The rapper opened up about the artists who influenced his style, the childhood decision that sparked his love for Chucks, and the sneakers he ultimately took home.

In 2018, Wiz Khalifa took a trip to Stadium Goods in New York City for Complex's long-running "Sneaker Shopping" series, where he offered a candid look at the shoes that shaped his style.

Joined by host Joe La Puma, the multi-platinum rapper reflected on everything from skating in Air Jordans during high school to becoming one of the most recognizable celebrity ambassadors for Converse Chuck Taylors.

Along the way, he shared stories about the people who influenced his sneaker journey, how fatherhood changed his perspective on collecting shoes, and why comfort ultimately became more important than hype.

The Rapper Who Put Wiz Khalifa on Game

Before the sold-out tours, chart-topping hits, and sneaker collaborations, Khalifa admitted he did not have access to many coveted sneakers growing up. But that changed when he began earning his own money and wearing his best shoes for virtually every occasion.

One of the biggest influences on his sneaker education came from fellow rapper Curren$y. Khalifa recalled visiting the New Orleans artist early in his career and getting a firsthand look at a collection unlike anything he had seen before.

The conversation also took Khalifa back to 2012 and one of Complex's most memorable magazine covers.

At the time, Khalifa was unaware that some of the shoes he owned were considered highly sought-after. Curren$y quickly changed that, pointing out which pairs were considered "heat" while also introducing him to an extensive collection filled with classic sneakers from previous eras.

"I seen his closet when I went down there and it was, like, sick," Khalifa said. "Just shoes everywhere, bro." What stood out most was seeing pairs that reminded him of the shoes older relatives wore when he was growing up.

Curren$y's collection not only helped him appreciate sneaker culture but also showed him how to style and wear the shoes confidently. As Khalifa put it, Curren$y "put me up on game and showed me how to rock everything."

From Air Jordans to a Memorable Complex Cover

The conversation also took Khalifa back to 2012 and one of Complex's most memorable magazine covers. The cover featured him balancing on a tightrope while wearing Air Jordan VIII "Aqua" sneakers, and while the final image became iconic, Khalifa revealed the shoot itself was far less glamorous.

He arrived wearing his own clothes and was fitted with an uncomfortable safety harness that made the experience far from enjoyable. Still, he acknowledged that the finished product was worth the discomfort.

"It was so uncomfortable," Khalifa said, "but it came out looking tight." At the time, the "Aqua" Jordans were a regular part of his rotation, and the cover remains one of the defining images from that stage of his career.

Fatherhood Changed the Sneaker Experience

As the discussion shifted to his son, Sebastian Thomaz, Khalifa reflected on how different the sneaker experience is for today's kids compared to his own upbringing.

Because he rarely had access to expensive footwear as a child, he now enjoys being able to buy sneakers for his son whenever the opportunity arises. The rapper said:

"Any time I cop, I cop him something."

According to him, Thomaz gravitates toward Nike models largely because they are popular among his friends at school. The rapper joked that his son already knows what he wants, often telling his famous father, "Yo, daddy, I gotta wear these."

The dynamic reminded him that sneaker culture often begins the same way for every generation: wanting to wear what the coolest kids are wearing.

The West Coast Influence and His Vans Era

Although many fans associate the "Black and Yellow" rapper with Chuck Taylors, Vans also played a major role in his style evolution. He credited his move to Los Angeles and the influence of friends on the West Coast for introducing him to the brand.

One friend, known as Ring, encouraged him to add Vans to his wardrobe and even customized pairs for him. "He was like, 'Yo fam, we gotta get you some Vans. Like, I know it's Taylor Gang, but you gotta get vanned up,'" Khalifa recalled.

Converse later recognized that connection. In 2013, the company partnered with Khalifa on a footwear collection featuring a dozen sneaker styles.

Soon, what started as a simple recommendation eventually became part of Khalifa's everyday style. Over time, he learned how to wear Vans in both casual and more polished settings, making them a staple alongside his other go-to sneakers.

Why Chuck Taylors Never Left the Rotation

Despite experimenting with Jordans, Vans, and other popular silhouettes over the years, no shoe has remained more closely tied to Khalifa than the Converse Chuck Taylor.

When La Puma pointed out that the shoe had become synonymous with his image, Khalifa said the connection felt authentic because it developed naturally rather than through any deliberate branding effort. Khalifa said of Chuck Taylors:

"We still here, baby. Ain't goin' nowhere."

His loyalty to the sneaker dates back to childhood. He recalled having $80 to spend during a school-shopping trip with his mother and discovering that a pair of Air Force 1s cost more than he could afford. Instead, he chose two pairs of Chuck Taylors — one blue and one black — for roughly the same price.

"I could either get a pair of Air Forces or I could get two pairs of Chucks," he shared. "BAM, that's it." That decision sparked a lasting relationship with the silhouette that would eventually become a significant part of his public identity.

Converse later recognized that connection. In 2013, the company partnered with Khalifa on a footwear collection featuring a dozen sneaker styles.

The release included signature details tied to the rapper and further cemented his place as one of the most visible celebrity advocates for the Chuck Taylor at a time when many artists were still gravitating toward bulkier basketball sneakers.

What Wiz Khalifa Took Home

After reflecting on the sneakers that shaped his journey, Khalifa wrapped up the shopping trip by leaving Stadium Goods with the Air Jordan 3 Retro OG, the Off-White x Air Jordan 1, the Air Jordan 6 Retro BP, the Air Jordan 11 Retro PS, and the Air Jordan 11 Retro Low BP.

The visit served as a reminder that while sneaker trends come and go, Wiz Khalifa's personal style has always been rooted in authenticity.

Whether it was learning about Jordans from Curren$y, embracing Vans after moving to Los Angeles, or remaining loyal to the Chuck Taylors he first bought as a kid, every pair in his rotation tells part of a much larger story.