Was 2017 better than 2016? On just about every front, we’ll say it was.
Sneakers? No exception.
Following a year that saw the rising momentum of adidas and running shoes hurdling hardwood favorites, trends changed as they always do, though some things remained the same. The Swoosh and the Three Stripes continued to duke it out, with Nike going all in on Air and turning the clock both back and forward with a variety of can’t-miss collaborations. Conversely, adidas continued to ride the Boost wave with both the Yeezy and NMD shifting shape but still holding their space.
So, how did we at Nice Kicks see and rank the year that just was in regards to releases? See below in the 2017 NICE50 and make sure to hit us on social media with your own favorites and sleepers.
50. Kith x adidas Copa Mundial Ultra Boost “Cobras”
The soccer aesthetic has become more prevalent in today’s style with the likes of Alexander Wang and Palace debuting several football-oriented collections this year. Always at the forefront of the incoming waves, Kith also released a soccer collection with Adidas this summer, the pinnacle of which was the Adidas Copa Mundial Ultra Boost. This iteration of the Ultra Boost was like nothing we had ever seen on the model. The combination of the iconic soccer boot with the captivating Adidas midsole encapsulates this year in fashion and footwear. – Anthony Guillen
49. Patta x Vans Old Skool “Mean Eyed Cat”
Since opening its doors in 2004, the Dutch boutique has become a staple in the European streetwear scene. This year Patta teamed up with Vans for a return of their “mean eyed cat” Old Skool collaboration. Originally a Japanese exclusive, these had many Vans enthusiasts excited to get what they once missed out on. Premium materials, solid detailing, and giving the fans what we wanted help this release crack the top 50. – Anthony Guillen
48. Nike Kyrie 3 “Bruce Lee”
The Kyrie 3 Bruce Lee, “Mamba Mentality” pays homage to Kobe Bryant and the KB V. A great silhouette in its own right, the Kyrie 3 took major design cues from one of the most illustrious sneakers of Kobe Bryant’s career. With a blend of the Kyrie and Kobe logo to go with full-fledge Bruce Lee detailing, this shoe was a remarkable turnout for Nike Basketball fans altogether. Kyrie is on a tear this year, and with that release, we got to see the foresight that Nike occasionally exudes. Now imagine if Kyrie decided to do this for more Kobe sneakers? Success at Success at Success. – Creighton Phillips
47. Nike Air More Uptempo DB
The Doernbecher Collection is always one of the most exciting drops in the world of sneakers. With the resurrection of the Nike Air More Uptempo, Brody Miller went in, drawing inspiration from a comic hero he created, “Generator Man.” Although Brody battles with a rare brain condition, it doesn’t limit his imagination at all. Brody replaces the “AIR” lettering on the upper with his name, elevating his shoe to one of the best of 2017. – Luis Torres
46. Air Jordan 1 Flyknit
Following a near two-year process, Jordan Brand this fall introduced the contemporary Air Jordan 1 Flyknit. Debuted in OG “Banned” and “Royal” colorways, the strategy to reveal this non-traditional silhouette in styles that date back to the shoe’s inception was a stroke of genius. Blending history with new technology is often an issue for brand purists; many of those same individuals took issue with the Flyknit 1s. Yet for those who embraced its newness, they found the model be the most comfortable Air Jordan 1 to date. Much more is forthcoming from the Air Jordan 1 Flyknit in 2018, including more OG colorways and themed editions. To greater effect, this shoe marks a great jumping off point for more Flyknit retros to come. – Darren Griffin
45. Vans Taiwan Slip-On
If we put the GR Black/White Vans Old Skool at #1 for 2017 (spoiler alert: we didn’t) there’d be plenty of proof given the overwhelming endorsement from your favorite artist and middle-America high schooler alike.
Why is that? In an era where it’s all about the outfit, sneakers have become more accessory than statement piece with low prices and big branding propelling the Old Skool to Chuck Taylor and Air Force 1 status. Still, any good accessory adds personality and prestige to an ensemble without stealing the show. That’s exactly what the Vans Taiwan Slip-On offers: quiet confidence with can’t miss cool. – Ian Stonebrook
44. Off-White x Hyperdunk 2017
When Virgil Abloh initially announced “The Ten” collection, the excitement for the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 and the Off-White x Nike Presto made momentous waves that made sneakerheads and Hypebeasts alike marvel at Virgil’s creations. Aside from the Zoom Fly, the Off-White x Nike Hyperdunk is my favorite from “The Ten.” Ever since the NBA tipped off, players such as Devin Booker, Jordan Clarkson and Draymond Green have been spotted with the Hyperdunk on the hardwood, growing support for the shoe throughout the culture. Be on the lookout for a guy at your local indoor gym rocking these while putting up a triple-single. – Luis Torres
43. John Elliot x Nike Vandal
Operating in the same influential space as industry powers Jerry Lorenzo and Virgil Abloh, John Elliott’s apparel designs helped shape sneaker culture long before his collaborative dealings with Nike this year and last. His foundational Villian hoodies heightened by side zippers and an early foray into tailored sweatpants with the Escobar, allowed Elliott to manipulate the way we wore sneakers long before he ever designed a pair. It was that early experience that allowed Elliott to forecast what silhouettes would work, what materials to use, and what colors would hit hardest. His Vandal pack hit hard like a Bo Jackson home run in the late ’80s, Elliott favorite sports figure and dual threat much like himself. – Darren Griffin
42. Nike Air Shake Ndestrukt
Dennis Rodman’s gender bending style, tattoos and rockstar vibe couldn’t be more on trend in 2017 and more ahead of its time during his reign as Rebound King. His politics in 2017? Well those aren’t exactly ‘brand safe’ in the modern market.
Because of this, we’ll probably never get a Nike Air Worm retro, a second run of the Converse AS 91 or reissue of the Converse All Star Rodman. For Dennis the Menace purists, this year’s Nike Air Shake Ndestrukt retro is as close as we’ll ever get to capturing the energy of The Worm, and Nike Sportswear did a damn good job.
Reviving OG colorways and avoiding modern material makeovers like hybrids of years past, these hit home with fans of #91. They also hit sales racks, which anybody old enough to see Rodman play back in the day will tell you isn’t a bad thing at all. – Ian Stonebrook
41. Big Baller Brand ZO2
A signature shoe for a player that had never stepped onto an NBA floor. A brand that was known for metallic foil logo tees printed at a nearby mom & pop in Chino Hills, California — and had never produced anything close to as complex as a high performance basketball sneaker. Lonzo Ball’s debut model also carried with it a $500 pre-order price tag, and oh yeah, a 6-month wait for the shoes to actually arrive.
On paper, every last variable sounded entirely ridiculous, and that’s before even getting to his father LaVar Ball’s brash and bold declarations. Even then, the venture and premise was admirable and rooted in ownership, not simply endorsement, making Big Baller Brand’s very first model, and its remixed edition, an instant classic marketing case study for years to come. – Nick DePaula
40. New Balance 247 Luxe
New Balance was in dire need of a hit earlier this year. Bad press has stifled the brand, and the home run that was the 247 literally saved their season. The Luxe edition stands as the better of the whole, brimming with premium updates and endless functionality. – Darren Griffin
39. Vetements x Reebok Instapump Fury
Since hitting the scene, Vetements has made noise the same way any other entities get buzz in this generation: they’ve been controversial and they’ve tied themselves to celebrities. Whether one applauds their merger of streetwear and high fashion or scoffs at their price-points, their $760 Reebok Instapump Fury is everything mentioned above and it’s awesome. A statement shoe visually and financially, do these leverage DIY doodlers or cash-in on the trend of positioned price gouging? Ironed on irony? The Instapump Fury is much more than a Gildan tee, but are we much more than co-sign curators? The pen may be mightier than the sword, but the Sharpie just stole a spot on the Nice50. – Ian Stonebrook
38. Air Jordan 1 Satin “Royal”
Draped in satin, but also maintaining its seniority and superiority as the Jordan 1, it feels as delicate as it looks. The Satin Royal 1 was a surprise release at two of the oldest JB accounts in America, in Atlanta at Walter’s and Houston’s Active Athlete, respectively. Catching many off guard, this may have been one of the best releases for the brand to date in terms of turnout. With Satin Breds floating around at spots like FlightClub and Stadium Goods, the Royals seem to be just as coveted due to the release. After personally waiting in line for a pair and striking out, I witnessed the hype and commotion firsthand. With rumored releases in patent leather on the cusp and having seen Flyknit variations as well this year, there’s really no end to the Air Jordan 1 madness. Not that there ever has been… – Creighton Phillips
37. adidas Iniki
No one will confuse the Iniki Runner as a hyped release selling out at every possible retailer. But the affordable inline shoe that blends heritage-based design cues with modern-day technology is about as consistent and versatile as any adidas shoe this year. Moving to both men and women and to fans of all ages, the Iniki Runner isn’t exactly turning the sneaker world on its head, but it’s certainly a powerhouse in its own right. – Darren Griffin
36. Packer Shoes x J Crew x ASICS Gel Lyte III
Over the years, menswear bros have fallen deeper and deeper in lust with annual offerings from J.Crew and ASICS. This years output was produced in partnership with Packer Shoes, in celebration of its 100th anniversary. The four-piece pack was a menswear aficionado’s wet dream — a slumber where he trades in his oversized, pleated trousers and herringbone topcoat for grailworthy sneakers in vibrant pops of color, premium leather, and supple suede. There was juxtaposition, tonal expression, complexity and minimalism all in one collection canvassing just one sneaker. That far-reaching aspiration champions this pack as one of the best from J.Crew and ASICS ever. – Darren Griffin
35. Tom Sachs x Nike Mars Yard 2.0
The Tom Sachs Mars Yard 2.0 was up for a re-release of sorts and got one this year in 2017, right on the cusp of the five-year mark that Nike and Sachs initially worked together. With an elaborate rollout for the shoes, like attending Governor’s Island and doing an array of different exercises, you were allowed an opportunity to purchase the sneakers once all was said and done. Sachs may be one of the most important contemporary artists of this generation. With sneakers that are built for wear and tear, and while there are a plethora of fakes floating around on sites like eBay, this is exactly what Sachs wanted. To make a mockery of the sneaker industry in itself while still giving his offering. After mocking Nike and Nasa, what could be next? More conceptualism and hopefully more sneakers. – Creighton Phillips
34. Gucci Ace
The Gucci Ace stares down the traditional all-white tennis shoe and defeats it in an old-style Western standoff, conquering it by shooting laser beams out of its eyelets. If you talk to Gucci creative director, Alessandro Michele, that’s probably not too far off, considering much of his vision in the new design process is comprised of a series of “out there” designs, including inspiration from, well, aliens… This silhouette features everything from a plain white makeup with the brand’s classic red and green webbing on the quarter panels to embossed snakeskin tabs on the heels, and even a series of caricatures embroidered into optional removable patches that cover the laces. Cross-pollinating in both the luxury and streetwear realms, the Italian house label is continuing to prove that this aesthetic is not subject to just one idea in every way, shape and form, which is why it continues as one of our favorites styles for 2017. – Henry West
33. Under Armour Curry 4
After a few years of having to hear the critics loud and clear, Stephen Curry injected himself into the process of creating his signature shoe more than ever before, fusing his input along the way and resulting in his most beloved model yet.
Designed by Kort Neumann, the Curry 4 featured a sleek and contoured silhouette with a knit collar and sculpted midsole, bringing the series to a modern place with a fast look on and off the court. As the story goes, Stephen loved the shoe so much that he urged his team at Under Armour to allow him to debut the shoe a full six months early, on the grand stage of the 2017 NBA Finals no less, as he went on to win his second NBA championship. – Nick DePaula
32. Don C x Nike Air Force 1 High
Over the years we have seen many things done with the Nike Air Force 1, including everything from a Lunar sole, Flyknit upper, and even a slimmed sole for a “downtown” look to the Uptowns. Don C took an entirely new approach, bringing together three of the most notable models of the Nike Air Force line – 1982’s Air Force 1, 1987’s Air Force II, and 1988’s Air Force III.
What makes this shoe so great is not just the concept of bringing together the three models into one, but executing it in a way that the design seems so fluid, despite the shoes using the most noticeable characteristics from each of the original models. The AF100 creation is without a doubt a Nike Air Force 1, but a true fan of the line and connoisseur will recognize the different elements that represent the other Air Force models on Don’s new creation.
Oh yes, and with the luxury touches in true Don C fashion, the shoes are finished off with a pearly white Air Force II heel cup, butter soft leather with rolled edges, gold tips, and a reptilian strap and Swoosh. – Matt Halfhill
31. Parley x adidas Ultra Boost
Trash to treasure? That’s exactly what Parley does. It is impossible to not celebrate a shoe that pulls 17 bottles from the ocean per pair made, while also spreading an “earth first” message to the masses. Parley x adidas is one of the greatest partnerships for not only great looking shoes, but shoes that really make a difference on our planet. – Matt Halfhill
30. Nike ACG Komyuter
After a street ninja rebrand mixed with a reliance on retros, the ACG line is back at home and nothing displays it better than 2017’s Komyuter. Out of the box inspiration (in this case a paper bag) mixed with on-the-trail tones and performance, the Komyuter avoids chasing denim like most of its brand-brethren and ends up curving the category towards it just the same.
Put on some Patagonia, get away from the pavement and enjoy the great outdoors as Nike originally intended it. Welcome home, ACG. – Ian Stonebrook
29. Coogi x PUMA Clyde
PUMA and Coogi linked for an epic collaboration, bringing together the brand’s iconic pattern to the timeless PUMA Clyde. Paying homage to one of NYC’s greatest, two of the drops fell on the anniversaries of the birth and tragic passing of Notorious BIG, paying respect to the legend. Around the country, you saw solid story telling paying respect to the best to ever wear the Coogi sweater. – Matt Halfhill
28. Nike Air Force 1 “Rocafella”
If you love Hip Hop and Sneakers, this collaboration has a special place in your heart. From copping Jay-Z albums at FYE to wearing Rocawear velour suits and Flight Jackets, the impact of the label and its founders had on culture is forever cemented. There would be no Nelly – Air Force Ones without Jay-Z and Rocafella repping the shoe first.
Nike officially teamed up with Kareem “Biggs” Burke, co-founder of Rocafella, just after Reasonable Doubt’s 20th anniversary to launch the once unicorn friends & family shoe to the public. They did it correct. The design itself is simple, a white-on-white AF1 with the logo on the heel. However, in-hand it’s so much more. The leather quality is premium and supple, like the OG.
The label may be defunct, but Rocafella lives forever through this collaboration. I hope you tripled up, word to Dame Dash and Biggs. – Ray Polanco
27. Nike Air Max 97 OG
The 20 year old classic that looks like it could’ve been designed today easily makes this list of best of the year so far. With the runner era upon us, the Air Max 97 fits the current trends and style perfectly. A unique design, an obnoxious pop of 3M and 360 degree Airbag make this shoe a certified neck breaker. Both original colorways dropped and sold out in a matter of minutes. Adding to this release, the Air Max 97 designer Christian Tresser, formerly of Nike, got together with Nice Kicks for his first in-depth interview ever on the silhouette and its inception, which you can read here. – Ray Polanco
26. adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 “Zebra”
In somewhat of a shocker, the ‘easy Yeezy’ we were all waiting for ended up being the “Cream” 350s, as opposed to the simple styled Powerphase. A case study in supply and demand, both silos have the admiration of the masses, but are core sneakerheads ready for something new? We’ll say ‘yes,’ as we anxiously await the Season 5 Runner and similarly styled Basketball shoe. Until then, the “Zebra” 350 V2s and its “Cream” counterpart serve as the hyped head-turner and attainable flex in a footwear market where a rapper/producer still moves the needle. – Ian Stonebrook
25. Nike Air Max 1 OG
This shoe needs no introduction when released, but it was really nice to see Nike take the time to bring back and engineer materials as close to the Original from 1987 as we have ever seen. This year’s Nike Air Max 1 OG really lives up to its name, more than ever. – Matt Halfhill
24. Fear of God x Vans
Teasing the project back in June, Jerry Lorenzo follows up his first Fear of God Sk8-Hi and Era with a second collection of Vans that released in November. Making their debut at ComplexCon with a wider, but still very limited release the following weekend, the brand continued to show streetwear enthusiasts that Vans are still a very relevant streetwear essential.
Playing off the original all-over Fear of God script that appeared on the Era in the first capsule, the second project continues the sought-after motif once again – this time appearing on both this rendition of the Era, as well as the Mountain Edition. The collection continued even further by incorporating two colorways of the Style 147, which is basically the Classic Slip-On, but with an adjustable velcro strap across the top, as well as a metal Fear of God badge accent. – Henry West
23. Nike Cortez
Nike’s rollout of the Cortez for its 45th anniversary couldn’t have gone any smoother. They’ve brought back the “Forrest Gump,” served up a few other OGs, and funneled the shoe into a fashion staple for men and women similar to the road taken by the Stan Smith upon its re-emergence. With a Flyknit version on the way, things are definitely looking up for the west coast lifestyle classic. – Darren Griffin
22. Supreme x Nike Air More Uptempo
The Nike Air More Uptempo is an icon in any era, but the allure of the chase made the bold model a sellout hit on its third retro run in 2016. Multiplying the variables of scarcity and brashness, the Supreme collaboration of 2017 is a standout in every sense and one of the most coveted kicks of the year. As both brands navigate mainstream growth from the top of the totem pole, limited launches like these will always preserve their cool cache. – Ian Stonebrook
21. Sneakersnstuff x Adidas NMD
The NMD was THE shoe of 2016. Debuting at the tail end of 2015, the model made waves in ways unimagined as it took the lane of the Roshe Run and caused campouts at malls and admiration from both guys and gals both young and old.
Whether or not it did too much in one year or if one year was all it ever had, the shoe slowed down in 2017, with ahead of the curve shoppers feeling a sense of ‘been there, done that.’ Still, the Sneakersnstuff two part pairing on the NMD excited even those that claimed they were over it, flipping over the fabric for an inverted glitch pattern that played up the pop favorite fittingly in pop tones. – Ian Stonebrook
20. Nike Air Zoom Generation
Seven years ago, Nike released the “South Beach” LeBron 8 shortly after King James shocked the world with his move to Miami. The limited launch put performance basketball into the lifestyle realm with countless colorways of signature shoes sold in bunches for the next few years to come. Five months ago, the two parties released their first tandem retro release: the “First Game” Nike Air Zoom Generation. Different market, different trends — it’s tough to tell whether these were too soon, too late, or even both. Regardless, the first retro LeBron is a rare wear in 2017 and could prove the most significant sneaker of the pack five years from now. – Ian Stonebrook
19. Balenciaga Speed Trainer
The Balenciaga Speed Trainer takes the notion of futuristic to the next level, combining exceptional comfort with a sock-like knit fit. These Italian made sneakers are designed with a quirky sculpted midsole to give the overall look its space-age appearance, while the insole is constructed using a memory foam technology that takes form of each person’s foot. Debuting back in November of 2016, this silhouette has seen several restocks throughout 2017 – completely selling out each time. Despite the fact that you might think this shoe is ugly, ugly is currently en vogue and there isn’t a single retailer that’s been able to keep a size run in stock since its initial release. – Henry West
18. UNDFTD x Nike Air Max 97
The Air Max 97 had an amazing 20-year anniversary. Nike flooded the streets with countless colorways and collabs. One collab that stood out amongst the cluster is the UNDFTD x Nike Air Max 97. The lifestyle brand took their talents to Beaverton to squad up with the Swoosh and created two Gucci-inspired colorways, prompting Unicode to develop a new flame emoji. Both colorways took over the final months of the summer, culminating instant sellouts for their September releases. – Michael Kelly
17. Sean Wotherspoon x Nike Air Max 97 Hybrid
Air Max Day 2017 was a big day within the sneaker universe. As one of the community’s own, Sean Wotherspoon claimed victory in Nike’s “Vote Forward” campaign. A design campaign set out to connect the creators with the common Nike enthusiast, Sean didn’t create the hybrid Air Max 1/97 on his own, he assembled a super team that featured the famed jeweler Ben Baller. Together, they constructed an instant classic featuring one of the most timeless textiles, corduroy. Seven layers of corduroy to be exact. A global release is coming Air Max Day 2018, so be on the lookout. – Michael Kelly
16. Air Jordan 1 “Gold Top 3”
A bit of a bait and switch in regards to rollout, the Air Jordan 1 “Gold Top 3” was not the exclusive it was thought to be but it was proof you can teach an old dog new tricks. Bolder than metallic OGs and more mature than the collage colorway that inspired it, the confusion regarding its availability was far from classy but the patent pantone sure was. – Ian Stonebrook
15. Nike PG1
2017 has been a busy year for Paul George. He became an All-Star for the fourth time and helped lead the Pacers to their second straight playoff appearance. After George made it quite clear he was going to sign elsewhere when he became a free agent in 2018, Indiana swiftly traded their franchise player to the Oklahoma City Thunder, shocking the basketball world with the suddenness of the move. On top of all of this career change, George’s first signature sneaker – the Nike PG1 – was released on March 3.
With its relatively low retail price of $110 and a myriad of colorways, the PG1 has instantly cemented its status among the Nike signature family. George’s signature sneaker is so popular, that several other players throughout the league have been sticking with them all season long. Since Nike continues to give George exclusive PEs, the PG1 has quickly become one of the most stylish basketball sneakers on the market. – Ananth Pandian
14. Aleali May x Air Jordan 1
What a year it has been for Aleali — and what a year it has been for women in the sneaker world thanks to her opportunity to create with Jordan Brand. In addition to being heavily involved in the discussion panels and campaign for the Nike x Off White release, she brought to life the roots of her childhood atop one of Michael Jordan’s most iconic silhouettes. Thanks for leading the way chica. – Mrs. Teriyaki
13. atmos x Nike Air Max 1
Previously released in 2007 only in New York and Japan, the Atmos Air Max 1 was a unicorn indeed. So much so, that fans recently voted the shoe back to receive the retro treatment in Nike’s first ever “Vote Back” campaign for Air Max Day. To no surprise, this is another Nike retro that stood and will continue to stand the test of time. Similar to what Steve Jobs said about the iPhone, the Atmos Air Max 1 is just beautiful. – Ray Polanco
12. Nike Air VaporMax
Nike went all out to introduce the Nike Air Vapormax for this year’s Air Max Day. The shoes bring the concept of walking on Air to new levels, with a cushioning setup far better than any 360 Max Air we have ever seen. As awesome as the ride is, don’t sleep on the Flyknit upper, that looks solid with simple branding and design. – Matt Halfhill
11. Off-White x Nike Air Presto
The Jordan 1 from Virgil’s collection was an automatic lay-up as the fan favorite, but the Presto came through and crushed the building. It’s the most wearable pair of The Ten and for that reason, everyone wants it. The upper is actually an Air Max 90 turned inside out, sitting atop the Presto’s cage and cushioning setup. Virgil Abloh wears this pair the most himself, so that alone lets you know why it ranks amongst the best of the best for 2018. – Ray Polanco
10. Balenciaga Triple S
Balenciaga pulled off something extremely difficult this year with their whimsically chunky Triple S sneaker: they created both the most beloved and hated sneaker in 2017. No sneaker is so culturally popular yet equally unpopular all at once. Some feel it’s just a high-end shoe that’s no better than a pair of Sketchers we’d never buy. Others have come to the conclusion that we simply weren’t progressive enough to appreciate this modern enhancement on a primitive yet graceful design. Deliberately weathered to appear wore-in, the aesthetics are a continued progression of what others like Kanye West began with early installments of YEEZY Season — battered apparel that looks and feels used and thus carry sentiment. However, Balenciaga wasn’t very sentimental when pricing the Triple S, running a steep $795 USD. The shoe sold out nonetheless. Which if nothing else, indicates this shoe won’t slow much in 2018. – Darren Griffin
9. NikeLab Zoom Fly SP
photo via @kinhowong1807Adidas has more than shaken up the performance running scene from a mainstream sense, but don’t expect Nike to rest on their laurels. While Air Max Day saw Boost buyers become NikeBoyz, the most compelling story out of the Swoosh camp was their Breaking 2 documentary. Performance first, style second, it was the first time since Lunar launched that mileage seemed more important than marketing. Appealing to Ekins by toting tech and cool guy flair, the NikeLab Zoom Fly SP is the sleeper shoe of the year by bridging the gap between style and speed. In a market running away from retro and getting back to innovation, these are it. – Ian Stonebrook
8. adidas Yeezy Wave Runner 700
Regardless of resale, the adidas Yeezy Wave Runner 700 is the most interesting new release from the most influential man in sneaker culture. Yes, it was Virgil’s year, and no, Kanye didn’t drop any new music. Even in a quiet year for West that seemed more about rest and rebuilding, he continued to do what he does best by adding new layers and new textures to either what’s now or what’s next.
In this case it was the chunky dad runner we now know as the Wave Runner 700. Cozy in conception and practical in proportions, the 700 was much louder than its pop shoe peers, given the Yeezy paint stroke of a progressive Pantone and an understanding of the youth. Less about walking laps around the mall before opening and more about dropping the kids off at daycare before a studio session with Pusha T, the decked out dad shoe both looks and sounds a lot like the father of two himself. – Ian Stonebrook
7. Alexander Wang x adidas Collection
Trends move at a million miles an hour and designer steeze is flavor of the month. While Alexander Wang’s peak popularity in a streetwear sense may have come a few years back, let’s not get it twisted — this guy is really, really good. He proved that on the footwear front in 2017, with a range of heaters with adidas Originals. Drapey, gender neutral sweats and soccer uniforms bared inverted branding and stayed true to the T line launcher. Still, his re-imagination of the basketball and skate sneakers were the greatest triumph for the designer that claims NYC as home. – Ian Stonebrook
6. Tyler the Creator x Converse One Star
With three separate colorways, and ultimately applying a more grandiose theme to Converse One Star sneakers, Tyler deserves much credit for the turnout of the Golf Le Fleurs. Taking the Flower Boy theme and adding reassurance, it’s easily one of the better casual sneakers this year. Converse has been having one hell of a year on the collaborative tip, with a range of releases that fall in line with Tyler The Creator’s recent creations. Tyler has been having one hell of a year himself, with a Grammy nod for Album of the Year that falls in line with his Converse offerings. Definitely a step away from his work with Vans, you can look for more motivational messages and vibrant colors on kicks from the “Garden Shed” rapper ahead. – Creighton Phillips
5. NERD x adidas NMD Hu
photo via @blakejjohnsonAdidas found exactly what they’re In Search Of. Striking while the iron is hot, the exclusive release of the N.E.R.D x NMD HU Trails are easily one of the most coveted sneakers on the market right now. Fetching thousands of dollars on the resale market while still staying true to previous Pharrell x Adidas releases, the N.E.R.D x NMD HU Trails are a culmination of hot and fun. A hot silhouette with a fun pairing like the history-making and genre-bending group N.E.R.D, the launch coincided with a release/listening party at the popularity contest that many people exclaim has become ComplexCon.
With the NMD having tons of iterations at this point, the NO_ONE EVER REALLY DIES branding seems to be fitting. Do sneakers ever really die? With the proper collab, perhaps not. With limited availability and most pairs gifted to Friends and Family, it was a great way to commemorate the success and newest N.E.R.D album. Whether your favorite is Fly or Die or Nothing, the shoes are definitely something to marvel at. Unless you’re willing to spend more than many folks’ life savings on them, I suggest indulging in the music. – Creighton Phillips
4. Air Jordan 1 “Royal”
Even if you don’t love the color blue, you love the Air Jordan 1 Royal. Jordan Brand brought back the original packaging, Nike Air labeling and the best quality we’ve seen since the 1985 version. The details alone make it one of the best sneakers of the year. Royal 1s are one of those timeless sneakers that no matter if it’s a general release or limited, they will sell out instantly. These are as smooth as MJ’s fadeaway jumper, nothing but net. Pro Tip: Jordan 1s last forever and won’t crumble after 10 years. – Ray Polanco
3. Skepta x Nike Air Max 97 Ultra
U.K represent! It’s crazy to see the impact our urban culture is having on fashion, music and now sneakers. The Air Max 97 is already a British icon, and with Nike’s focus on it over the summer, Skepta’s release was one of the most anticipated.
With heavy influences from Morocco and the brand’s original Tuned Max silhouette, Skepta’s take is like something we haven’t seen before on the 97. Its bold iridescent bronze tone is a real attraction and makes a statement on streets from London to LA. We’re sure a lot of mans is happy with the placing of this one. – Mrs. Teriyaki
2. KAWS x Air Jordan 4
Typically speaking, trying to please everyone is the best way to let everyone down (or at least yourself). Somehow, Jordan Brand appealed to almost all on the KAWS x Air Jordan 4. Choosing the silo most nostalgic and fashion friendly this side of the 1, the KAWS collab created the type of chase collectors covet, lining up the likes of Be@rbrick Companion coppers from years back, while also gaining glory from today’s fly guys and flippers. Surprisingly striking in both black and grey suede, the quality, collab cache and cool factor made both pairs wanted by almost all. – Ian Stonebrook
1. Off-White x Air Jordan 1
It’s the exact shoe, and series, that Nike and Jordan Brand were so desperately in need of. After losing recent ground to rival Adidas in the realms of creativity and influence, Virgil Abloh’s collaborative capsule lent a layer of freshness atop nine beloved brand models, and the newest Hyperdunk.
With buzz and demand impressively spanning the entire calendar year, the Air Jordan 1 proved to be the pinnacle of the bunch, taking on quirky shifts to the iconic inaugural Jordan, and finding favor everywhere from high fashion to NBA arena arrivals and influencers in between. – Nick DePaula
