New Animated Film 'Sneaks' Explores the Hidden Lives of Sneakers

Sneaks, a new animated feature that offers a refreshing take on sneaker culture is heading to theaters. Ideal for the whole family, the film explores the hidden world of sneakers—imagining what life might look like if our footwear had personalities, emotions, and stories of their own.

The story centers on Ty, a high-end designer sneaker who lives a quiet, curated life inside a velvet-lined shoe box. That changes when his sister is taken by a mysterious collector, prompting Ty to leave his comfort zone and journey into New York City to rescue her. Along the way, he encounters a diverse group of sneakers from various backgrounds, each adding a different perspective to his journey. The film touches on themes like identity, community, and stepping outside of what’s familiar—a narrative arc that mirrors many coming-of-age adventures, but through a distinctly sneaker-focused lens.

The cast includes a wide range of recognizable names from both entertainment and sports: Anthony Mackie, Martin Lawrence, Chloe Bailey, Swae Lee, Macy Gray, Roddy Ricch, Ella Mai, Quavo, Chris Paul, and Laurence Fishburne. The music is executive produced by Grammy-winning artist Mustard for a soundtrack reflecting contemporary hip-hop and R&B influences.

Sneaks is a heartwarming, family-oriented animated adventure with a massive, star-studded cast. At its core, the film celebrates the power of family, friendship, and finding your way home—all through the lens of sneaker culture. Sneaks also serves as a cultural touchpoint, highlighting how sneakers have evolved from functional footwear into symbols of identity, creativity, and community. With references to conventions like the Sneakerhead Gala and nods to real-world collecting culture, the film aims to reflect the passion and diversity of the sneaker world in a way that’s accessible for younger audiences and engaging for longtime fans.

Sneaks is a must-watch for those interested how sneakers have always intersected with pop culture, fashion and storytelling. Directed by Rob Edwards and Chris Jenkins, Sneaks opens nationwide on April 18, 2025.