Top 10 Sneakers Of The Year

 

This year was probably the greatest year for sneakers, if not the greatest, definitely the craziest year. Almost every week there was heat dropping whether it was a grail or a sneaker that you've always wanted that you couldn't get your hands on or a crazy collab you've never seen before. As someone who claimed to be a retired sneaker head, this year definitely put me back in the game. I know my wallet is happy that the year is over because one more shoe would've sent my accountant over the edge, haha. With that being said, here are my top 10 picks of the best sneakers that dropped this year.

1. Nigel Sylvester Brick by Brick 4's

I think this one is a no-brainer. I want to thank the plug for letting me get my hands on these and 90 percent of the sneakers on this list. 

Man, the photos don't do this shoe justice. These in person are crazy! From the packaging to the material to the storytelling. I think this shoe hit every target out of the box literally. I've been following Nigel for a minute now and have been fortunate enough to chop it up with him on a few occasions, and he's as real and authentic as it gets. Not too many people are still genuine in this game, and he's one of them. So I always champion his success, and I'm always excited to see what he's working on and building brick by brick. I'm a sucker for a great story and rollout, and these shoes continued that authentic storytelling that made Nigel the dope creative he is today. We got a peek with the Jordan 4 RMs (I still need that fence green color way). These shoes just expanded on that with the red color way inspired by the bricks we see in New York City, bricks that lay a foundation to something spectacular that will stand the test of time. Not only stand the test of time but get better with time, no pun intended. The last thing I always thought these shoes were a double entendre because when a sneaker doesn't hit, we call it a brick, but these are far from bricks and redefined the meaning of "bricks". 

    

2. Metallic Jordan 5 

I think the Jordan brand has been doing an amazing job with the reimagined series so far. With the Chicago 1’s, the white cement 3s, re-introducing classic silhouettes with a new twist. I loved what they did with the Metallic 5s; they were almost my number one pick for sneaker of the year. The materials, the build, and the fit  make these feel like a premium shoe. These are clean. 

3. Joefreshgoods New Balance 2010 "Bag Lady"

These were a super sleeper last-minute entry on my list. I love these because they're just too cozy in every sense of the word. From the materials to the packaging. Not big on storytelling, so I got straight to the point. Aye, Joefreshgoods, if you’re reading this, send me the "Hand Me Down" pair size 8. Good looks! 

4. Infinite Archives Air Jordan 17 "Beach" 

This is another shoe that you have to see in person because the photos don't do these justice at all. Another shoe with fire storytelling fire packaging. A note to sneaker brands: wrap your shoes like a mummy; it makes the experience even more fire! I've always wanted a pair of 17s since my homie in middle school pulled up with the OG 17s Wizards colorway, matched it with the official Tracy McGrady Orlando Magic jersey with the stars. I've always loved those shoes. Easy smoked these combining great storytelling, paying homage to his GOAT status, and premium materials. My favorite part is the bottom of the shoes that have all the great 17's colorways like Infinity Stones. I get too many compliments and head turns every time I've worn this shoe; people have never seen anything like these. 

5. Nigel Sylvester 1's Low "Better With Time"

Another shoe that could've been number one on my list. These are fire! Mad comfortable. I was ranting to my sneaker homies that I don't like my shoes precooked I wanted to break in and age my shoes myself. But these look like a brand new old shoe if that makes any sense. The leather on these are insane and the "scuffs" are strategically placed to model where Nigel puts his foot to stop his bike or how the sneaker gets scuffed up when he's doing a trick. 

6. Undefeated Jordan 4's 

Thanks to the OG for the alley oop and allowing me to cop these. All I've known about this shoe is that the originals were going for over $50,000 dollars at some point. This shoe was like the white whale of the sneaker culture only 72 pairs were made. I never knew how so many people had a pair but that's a conversation for another post. When they announced these were dropping nobody could believe it. But Nike this year dropped so many "Grails" that many thought should never release. My sneaker homies were going crazy! I just like the colorway these would be higher on my list if they were more comfortable but the compliments I get every time I wear these. I'm just glad everyone that wanted a pair were able to get a pair. 

7. JJJJound Asics Kayano 14

These are just cozy ASF, and the colorway is super clean. You can never go wrong with a pair of Kayano 14's. They feel like you're walking on clouds. Not to mention the fact that they're JJJJounds. I love these. I would wear them more, but I'm trying not to cook them. 

8. Cortiez Airmax 95 "Honey Black"

These are on my list because they're comfortable, clean, and all black in colorway. Great rain shoes, but more so because of how I got these. Once again, thanks to the OG, the Alley Oop. I love what  Cortiez  is doing with every release. I think Clint is a marketing genius. Every release gets the kids excited without over-saturating the brand with that visibility but still feels like if you know, you know. With this release of the Honey Blacks, it restored the feeling of being outside and hunting for shoes. He dropped some coordinated pieces that revealed the address of where the shoes could be purchased. I love hunting. I love brands that go the extra mile to provide something fly. 

9. Air Max 95 "Neon"

I FINALLY got my hands on these! I had to pay resale, but I don't care; I've always wanted a pair of these. My boy P let me rock his pair in college; years later, I offered to buy them off him, and he had lost the shoes. These were so fly back in the 90s; I remember if you had a pair of these and a Vanson jacket, you were considered the flyest!! So when Nike announced they were bringing these back with the Big Bubble, I hit my plug immediately. Unfortunately, only 10k pairs were released, and a lot of retailers’ shipments were delayed, so nobody was able to buy these for retail unless you were lucky. I didn't pay too much over retail, and I love these! My favorite; they are dropping again next, and I'm definitely doubling up. p. 

10. Honorable Mentions (Adidas Pharrell Jellyfish, Air Jordan 1s 85 Bred, Awake 5 Bubblegum Pink)

Between producing the album of the year with the Clipse, "Let God Sort ‘ Em Out," designing the flyest menswear collection for Louis Vuitton, Pharrell has another hit, this time in shoes. The Jellyfish are crazy! I wanted a pair but couldn't justify spending $ 300+ on a pair of shoes. From the design to the rollout, the shoe looks amazing, and I've also heard that despite that bulky look, they're super comfortable and cozy! Ayo P, if you're reading this, send that pair in a size 8. Thanks, GOAT!

I will be getting my hands on a pair of Bred 85 1's sooner or later. I already have a pair, but I need a fresh pair with that 1985 cut. 

OG had them bubblegum pink 5s way before they released, so I was able to see how crazy these were before anyone else. Then I went to the Awake park jam. The rollout was dope!