5 Comics-Inspired Sneakers That Are Cooler Than They Are Nerdy

Taking fashion inspiration from the pages of your favorite comic books is walking a razor-thin line between cool and nerdy. Some choices are obvious. Others… not so much.

Wearing a cape to work? Nope.

Carrying a hammer everywhere and exclaiming, “By Thor’s Hammer!” frequently for emphasis? Nerdy. And probably not good for relationships.

Donning a skin-tight spider suit for a date? Unless this is kink you arranged ahead of time, definitely out.

But sneakers that subtly evoke a comic-inspired world view? Bring it!

Here are some ideas for that last one, which we wholeheartedly encourage.

MARVEL VENOM HI-TOP SNEAKERS

This pair of high tops is so subtle, with a sneaky, Venom-inspired logo. Honestly, they’re little more than a wink of the eye, a nod to the initiates. Knowing the logo is there might give you a mental advantage when it comes to outrunning your opponents, but no one who isn’t immersed in teh Spideyverse will give them a second thought. To them, you’re just wearing cool high tops. Leather ones with a slick emblem, at that. Fear nothing! These will enhance your cool. Plus, they’re on sale.

DC THE FLASH RED BASKETBALL SNEAKERS](https://go.skimresources.com?id=86205X1600663&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hottopic.com%2Fproduct%2Fdc-the-flash-red-basketball-sneakers%2F11511914.html%3Fcgid%3Dguys-shoes)

These are bold. But not so bold you have to save them for Comic-Con. In a world where red sneakers have become as common as tie-die once was, you can wear these on a date or out to brunch. Maybe even to shoot some hoops. Most people won’t see Flash. They will only see bold. And those that do see your homage to DC, will like you for it.

LA GEAR MARVEL BLACK PANTHER HI-TOP SNEAKERS

Check these out! These are cool, even without evoking the awesome Black Panther. The red stitching. The sleek high tops! The Black Panther logo is there but not overwhelming. No mistakes were made in the styling of these sneaks. These are a great pair of shoes, comic books or not. These will take you from work to a party. They are fine! And you will be fine in them.

DC COMICS SUPERMAN ATHLETIC SNEAKERS

I love what they have done with these. The knit look evokes AllBirds or those knit Nikes. But they are Super Man themed so you will be indestructible and strong in them. When the day you have in front of you requires more than you have, don these. (And your super hero undies.) They will help you get through it. (As long as there is no kryptonite.) No one will look at your feet closely enough to notice Super Man is rising shotgun. But you will have powers!

Marvel Captain America Unisex DEK Shoes

Slips on more your style? How about this Captain America themed pair? You can wear these with anything. People might notice the homage to Captain America but it isn’t exactly beating you over the head. A good pair or useful, wearable shoes that might — if you believe in them — offer you a shield against evil can’t be a bad thing, right? Certainly not at this price.