Though the limited edition ice cream shoes were started in 2013 by Pharrell's line, Billionaire Boys Club (BBC), several other styles have shown up on the market in the past few years. Styles of ice cream shoes now extend across brands and shoe types, featuring colors that would be right at home in an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Some even feature ice cream cone prints or look like ice cream sundaes.
The History of Ice Cream Shoes
The original ice cream shoes from Pharrell were a result of his brand partnering with Reebok. There was eventually a lawsuit, which Pharrell dropped. Reebok continued to sell ice cream skate shoes for a brief period of time following the lawsuit and then discontinued those shoes as well.
The original ice cream shoes had bright colors in quirky combinations. Some of them had designs like diamonds and dollar signs, rolled up bills, or beepers. All of them had a cone with a man's head on top on the sole. You can still find these specific styles sometimes on sites like eBay and Poshmark, but always ask to see the whole shoe and check the soles for the logo.
Buying Ice Cream Shoes
You could luck up and find a pair of barely worn, used original ice cream shoes in your size from BBC and Reebok, but there are other options to consider if you aren't so lucky. Looking for a similar color scheme from a different line may be the best bet if you're trying to stay true to the Pharrell and Reebok styles, but if you just want eye-catching shoes that scream "ice cream," some styles actually feature ice cream cones and will garner plenty of attention.
Get the Look With Ice Cream Colors
Some shoes have a similar color scheme as the originals. They give the ice cream vibe without being covered in pictures of ice cream. If you were looking for ice cream shoes just for the vibrant colors, you may enjoy one of the alternatives that are easier to find. Bright colors have been making their way back into fashion again, so why not include your shoes in that palette?
- The Nike KD 6 Ice Cream Basketball Shoes are an attention-grabbing combination of bright blue, orange, and white. These stylish basketball shoes are available for around $100.00 and are designed for comfort and control during a game. They have a non-slip sole, leather upper, support, increased air flow, and promise to grip the floor so you're in control of those last minute moves you may need to make on the court.
- The Nike Women's Free RN Running Shoes from Dick's Sporting Goods (just under $100.00) come in color combinations like blue/white (a turquoise, blue, and white combination), Laser Orange/Black, Black/Pink/White, Bright Mango/Black, and Ocean Fog/Turquoise/Mango/Navy. They're available in women's sizes from six to 11, including half sizes.
Nike Women's Free RN Running Shoes - The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 18 Running Shoes for Men cost right around $100.00 and come in color combinations like Blue/Red/Black and Blue/Yellow, and Green, in sizes from 7.5 to 15.
ASICS Men's GEL-Cumulus 18 Running Shoes - The Vans SK8-Hi Slim come in men's and women's sizing (3.5 to 10 for men and 5.0 to 11.5 for women) for around $50.00 to $70.00. These don't mix a lot of neon colors together, but the shades are eye-catching and similar to what the ice cream shoes had to offer. Choose from neon pink, metallic glitter silver pink, neon blue, tropical leaves (print), bay/true white, deep sea coral, lavender, and more. Journeys has the kids' version of this shoe with a less extensive color selection in sizes 11 through 3.5 (about $50.00).
Vans SK8-Hi Slim
Ice Cream Cones and Scoops
Another option is to go for an over-the-top "ice cream" style that combines the fun colors from other styles with pictures of actual scoops of ice cream or ice cream cones. In some cases, these shoes look like ice cream sundaes themselves. Whimsical everything is on-trend, from unicorns and mermaids to ice cream and donuts. You can't go wrong with a pair of shoes that point out one of the most enjoyable things about a simple summer day.
- The Circus by Sam Edelman Leni "I Scream" Espadrille Flats (around $50.00) are round-toe, pull-on flats that will pair well with a casual outfit. One shoe says "Scream" at the toe and the other has an ice cream cone.
