With the final season of Stranger Things on the horizon, the hype for all things Hawkins is reaching a fever pitch. Fans are not only preparing for the ultimate showdown with the Upside Down but are also eager to grab a piece of the show’s iconic 1980s nostalgia. This has created a frenzy around the new Nike and Converse Stranger Things collection. But for dedicated fans and sneaker collectors, tracking every limited-edition drop can feel like navigating a maze of scattered social media posts, old news articles, and fragmented forum threads.
You’ve asked for a single, definitive source, and we’ve answered the call. This is your ultimate collector’s archive for every official Nike and Converse Stranger Things collaboration. We’re not just covering the latest release; we’re building the complete timeline. Inside, you’ll find a detailed look at the new Season 5 collection, a deep dive into the complete historical archive of every past Nike and Converse drop, a collector’s guide to current resale values, and a breakdown of the hidden design details that make these pieces so special.
Welcome to Hawkins. Don’t get lost in the Upside Down.
The New Season 5 Collection: Nike & Converse Enter the Upside Down Again
In partnership with Netflix, Nike and Converse are unleashing a new wave of supernatural style to celebrate the show’s highly anticipated fifth and final season. This limited-edition Stranger Things collection channels the show’s signature 1980s energy, blending vintage aesthetics with intricate details that true fans will immediately recognize. The main collection is set for a global release on December 4, available at nike.com, converse.com, SNKRS, and select retailers. However, some key pieces, like the Nike Dunk Low and the “Friends Don’t Lie” crewneck, got a head start with a November 6 launch.
Nike’s Nostalgic Footwear Lineup
Nike is leading the charge with a lineup of footwear that looks like it was pulled directly from a time capsule buried under Starcourt Mall. The silhouettes call to mind sneakers worn by Hawkins’ heroes and villains, each packed with show-specific logos and details.
The star of the show is the Nike Dunk Low, which has been impossibly aged to perfection. It features worn leather, intentionally stained laces, and a weathered midsole, giving it the appearance of a shoe built in 1987 that got stuck somewhere time forgot. The subtle Upside Down logos complete the eerie, time-lost aesthetic, making it a must-have for those seeking authentic 80s style nostalgic sneakers. This flagship model is joined by nostalgic expressions of the Nike Field General High, Air Max 1, and LD-1000, all designed to immerse you in the world of Stranger Things.
Converse’s Hawkins-Inspired Classics
Converse brings its own iconic style to the collaboration, focusing on deep-cut references and fan-favorite moments. The Converse x Stranger Things Chuck 70 is a masterpiece of detail, featuring a distressed canvas upper adorned with graphics from the in-show WSQK radio station and embroidered sound waves. The liner includes a “Beam Me Up, This Place Sucks” graphic, a direct nod to Robin Buckley’s iconic T-shirt. The shoe is loaded with Easter eggs, including a Hawkins Hawk lace jewel, a rubber chicken keychain, a Demogorgon star integrated into the classic Chuck patch, and the names of Hellfire Club players printed on the tongue liner.
The collection also resurrects the Converse Weapon in a bold new colorway inspired by the original 1984 catalog. It boasts premium leather uppers with distressed underlays, while custom details like a Stranger Things newspaper graphic liner, sound wave-inspired toe perforations, and sock liner prints of Vecna and the Mind Flayer pull fans deeper into the lore. For those who want a truly personal touch, the collaboration extends to the Converse By You customization platform, allowing fans to design their own Stranger Things–inspired Chuck Taylor All Star with unique patterns and logos.
The Apparel: Wear Your Fandom
Pairing seamlessly with the footwear is a suite of Nike apparel that lets you step directly into the Hawkins aesthetic. The collection of Stranger Things apparel and shoes is designed for fans who live for the thrill of the unknown. A standout piece is the classic crewneck emblazoned with the show’s unforgettable catchphrase, “Friends Don’t Lie.” The line also includes T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants featuring graphic references to the show. Capping it all off is a vintage 1980s-style tracksuit that blends an authentic athletic look with modern sportswear comfort. This tracksuit will be available exclusively at JD Sports and jdsports.com, making it a prime piece of Stranger Things fan merchandise for dedicated collectors.
The Complete Nike x Stranger Things Archive (2019)
Before the latest drop for Season 5, the groundbreaking collaboration between Nike and Stranger Things began in 2019 to celebrate the show’s third season. This initial collection was a massive success, establishing a new standard for television-sneaker partnerships. It was meticulously crafted to align with the show’s 1985 setting and was released in three distinct, story-driven packs. All details of this foundational release were confirmed in the official details from Nike’s 2019 announcement.
The ‘Hawkins High School’ Pack
The first drop transported fans directly to the halls of Hawkins High. This pack celebrated the local high school’s spirit with a vibrant green and orange color scheme and the proud Hawkins Tiger mascot logo. The theme was applied to three of Nike’s most iconic 1980s silhouettes: the Cortez, the Blazer Mid, and the Air Tailwind 79. Each shoe in the “Hawkins High School” pack was designed to look like official team-issued footwear from 1985, complete with co-branded tongue labels and insoles featuring the Stranger Things logo.
The ‘OG Pack’ / Independence Day Collection
Following the school-spirit theme, the second drop, known as the “OG Pack,” was timed to coincide with the 4th of July plot point central to Stranger Things 3. This collection featured the same three sneaker models—the Cortez, Blazer Mid, and Air Tailwind 79—but this time dressed in a patriotic red, white, and blue colorway. Each shoe included a “1985” stamp on the heel, cementing its connection to the pivotal summer when the Mind Flayer attacked Hawkins under the guise of Independence Day celebrations.
The Legendary ‘Upside Down’ Pack
The final and most innovative part of the 2019 collection was the legendary “Upside Down” pack. This release featured the Cortez, Blazer Mid, and Air Tailwind 79 with a deceptively simple, tan-colored textile upper. However, this outer layer was designed to be burned or torn away, revealing a hidden, dark-denim layer underneath that symbolized the terrifying Upside Down dimension lurking just beneath Hawkins’ surface. This unique, interactive feature made the pack an instant classic among collectors and fans. The hidden details, like the show’s logo appearing on the heel only after the top layer is removed, made these shoes more than just merchandise; they were a piece of the story. You can explore Nike’s ‘Upside Down Pack’ Official Release Info for a closer look at this groundbreaking design.
The Collector’s Guide: Resale Value & Where to Buy
For many, acquiring these limited edition sneaker collaborations at retail is just the beginning. The real hunt often takes place on the secondary market, where prices can fluctuate wildly based on rarity, condition, and fan demand. Understanding this market is key to building a complete collection without overpaying. To get a clear picture of an item’s true market value, collectors often turn to data-driven platforms like StockX, which operates like a stock market for goods, providing transparent, real-time, and historical sales data.
How Much Are Stranger Things Sneakers Worth Today?
The resale value of Stranger Things sneakers is a testament to their cultural impact. While some models trade for a modest premium over their original retail price, others have become true collector’s items. The most sought-after pieces, like those from the “Upside Down” pack, command significantly higher prices.
A prime example is the Nike Blazer Mid “Upside Down.” Originally retailing for $120, this shoe’s value on the secondary market often trends dramatically higher, with sales prices fluctuating based on size and condition. This price appreciation is driven by its unique tear-away design, its connection to a beloved part of the show’s lore, and its overall rarity. Factors like keeping the original special-edition packaging, which often included thematic tissue paper and collectible pins, can also significantly increase a pair’s resale value.
Where to Safely Buy on the Resale Market
Navigating the resale market can be daunting, with the risk of counterfeit products being a major concern for collectors. Fortunately, several trusted marketplaces have emerged that prioritize authenticity and buyer protection. When looking to buy Stranger Things sneakers, consider these reputable platforms:
- StockX: Known for its rigorous, multi-point authentication process, StockX verifies every item before it is shipped to the buyer. All products are guaranteed to be authentic and in brand-new (“deadstock”) condition.
- GOAT: GOAT offers a similar authentication service for new and used sneakers. Their platform provides peace of mind by having in-house specialists inspect every pair to ensure they are legitimate.
- eBay: While a more traditional marketplace, eBay has significantly stepped up its game with its “Authenticity Guarantee” program for sneakers. Eligible sales are shipped to a third-party authenticator for inspection before reaching the buyer, adding a crucial layer of security.
By using these platforms, you can confidently purchase rare items from the Stranger Things collections, knowing that you are getting the authentic product.
The Final Season
From the school-spirited halls of Hawkins High to the dark, hidden dimension of the Upside Down, the Nike and Converse Stranger Things collections have masterfully captured the essence of the beloved series. What began in 2019 has evolved into a rich archive of wearable art, culminating in the latest drop for the show’s epic final season. This guide was created to serve as your single, definitive resource—a complete archive that honors the history, details the new releases, and provides the essential collector’s knowledge you need to navigate this exciting world.
As we all prepare to say goodbye to Eleven, Mike, and the rest of the Hawkins crew, these collaborations offer a tangible connection to the story that has captivated millions. They are more than just sneakers and apparel; they are artifacts of a cultural phenomenon.
Bookmark this page to stay updated on all future Stranger Things collaborations! Which sneaker from the entire collection is your personal favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
References
- Converse. (N.D.). Converse x Stranger Things. Converse.com. Retrieved from https://www.converse.com/news/converse-x-stranger-things
- Nike News. (2019). Nike x Stranger Things Collection Official Images and Release Date. Nike, Inc. Retrieved from https://news.nike.com/news/nike-stranger-things-collection-official-images-and-release-date
- StockX. (N.D.). Nike Blazer Mid Stranger Things Upside Down Pack Product Page. StockX. Retrieved from https://stockx.com/nike-blazer-mid-stranger-things-upside-down-pack