The year of 2023 was filled with hits from your favorite brands, collaborators, and designers. Throughout the year, the stories, designs, colorways and everything in between were top-notch.
As the year comes to a close, we take a look at twelve different categories that cover the best that the sneaker industry had to offer.
We present to you the first ever Nice Awards. Click each category below to take you directly to the winners and nominees.
Sneaker of The Year | Collaborator of The Year | Collaboration of The Year | Branded Collab of The Year | Best Storytelling of The Year | Partnership of the Year | Silhouette of The Year | Wildest Shoe of The Year | Basketball Shoe of The Year | Themed Shoe of The Year | New Silhouette of The Year | Footwear Innovation of The Year
Sneaker of The Year
WINNER — Nike SB x Air Jordan 4
When looking at 2023, it’s nearly impossible to make an argument about a shoe more significant than the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green.” Aside from its versatile color execution, its OG vamp pattern from 1989 and tech upgrades took the AJ4 to a new level. The shoe was a full-circle moment for the sneaker and the legends behind it – Tinker Hatfield and the late Sandy Bodecker, who helped Tinker create the OG Air Jordan 4.
Air Jordan 3 “Reimagined”
The “Reimagined” series has been the perfect balance of old school with new flair as Jordan Brand has retroed OG colorways with a twist. While the line has delivered, the “Reimagined” Air Jordan 3 “White Cement” is arguably its best to date. With the Air Jordan 3 “White Cement” receiving “Nike Air” branding for the first time in OG form since the 1994 release, the retro was welcomed with open arms with its subtle aged details from the midsole to the box.
Jarritos x Nike SB Dunk Low
The reign of the Nike SB Dunk has yet to falter and its collaboration with Jarritos is the perfect exemplar. The Mexican soda company brought its humble beginnings to the coveted skate model with burlap bag-inspired overlays that reveal its signature mandarin flavor underneath. The colorful insoles, extra laces in typical SB fashion, and even the special packaging with the Nike SB-branded Jarritos glass bottles made the collab a SOTY no-brainer.
J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 “Medellín Sunset”
J Balvin and Jordan Brand continue to connect Medellín to the world as the Colombiano shared his country’s breathtaking sunsets through the form of a sneaker as a gradient pattern graced the Air Jordan 3. With his preceding Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 2 collabs being vibrant and neck-breaking, the more subtle and still colorful approach to the Air Jordan 3 “Medellin Sunset” was the perfect progression on the artists’ best work to date.
Jae Tips x Saucony Grid Azura 2000 “Remember Who Fronted”
Jae Tips put the Bronx and Saucony on the map with his Grid Azura 2000 “Remember Who Fronted” collaboration this summer. Inspired by his journey from consumer to creative across music, fitted hats and sneakers, the colorful Saucony sold out and brought back the community aspect of sneakers with boutique activations, first-come, first-serve drops nationwide, and guest appearances from the man himself on release day, making the shoe, the rollout and the story noteworthy for 2023.
Collaborator of The Year
WINNER — Jae Tips
2023 belonged to Jae Tips. Not only did his Saucony Grid Azura 2000 “Remember Who Fronted” collaboration take over release date calendars and social media, but his continued work with New Era, Hat Club, and his “What’s The Occasion?” Saucony Grid Shadow 2 pack upped his collaborative portfolio and put him and his partners on a new pedestal. Staying true to his story and his unique color palette, the collaborations were bountiful and authentic year-round.
Ronnie Fieg
Ronnie Fieg’s hits are arguably the most consistent. You name it – he did it. A woven Footscape-like Birkenstock, a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright with New Balance, his continued work with the New York Knicks, a Clarks x adidas Samba collab we never knew we needed, heavy hits with ASICS, and so much more have made Kith (yet again) a household name in nearly every facet of fashion, luxury, and lifestyle.
Nicole McLaughlin
Nicole McLaughlin’s rise to stardom can’t be ignored. Her DIY, ready-to-wear approach that combines fashion and function with elements of the outdoors and everyday practicality has stretched beyond brands from HOKA to Salomon to Vans and Merrell. In a short amount of time, the former Reebok designer has not only created a new lane in footwear but continues to trailblaze in it with the help of her extensive collaborations.
James Whitner
James Whitner’s impact on the sneaker industry was still felt this year with Social Status’ and A Ma Maniére’s collaborative projects. From being one of two Mac Attack collaborators, energizing the Airship, and knocking not one but two Air Jordan 5 and Air Jordan 12 collaborations out of the park, Whitner’s 2023 projects deserve praise.
Clint Ogbenna (Corteiz)
Corteiz’s Clint Ogbenna took sneaker frenzy to a level we haven’t seen in years. His grassroots rollout of his collaborative Air Max 95s paired with shutting down the biggest cities in the world (New York, London and Paris) brought back a sense of sneaker nostalgia that fans of the culture can appreciate. Taking it a step further, Clint announced a London-exclusive release for all three colorways after canceling a plethora of bot orders – a man of the people.
Collaboration of The Year
WINNER — Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95
The Nike Air Max 95 is a cult-classic and Corteiz’s collaboration further elevated the shoe’s status amongst Air Max fanatics. Not only did the collab deliver three colorways, it also shut down three cities as London, Paris and New York City served as venues for the hyped launch. The London drop gave fans a chance to cop all three colorways as canceled bot orders were relocated to the release across the pond.
Jae Tips x Saucony Grid Azura 2000 “Remember Who Fronted”
The Jae Tips x Saucony Grid Azura 2000 “Remember Who Fronted” can’t get enough praise. All it takes is one collaboration to change the trajectory of a brand (or at least the public’s perception of it) and the Bronx native did just that with his colorful remix of the runner. A range of pastel hues, premium materials, and top-notch color blocking lands the Jae Tips x Saucony on collaboration of the year.
KoRn x adidas Campus 00s
The KoRn x adidas collaboration was years in the making. In the ‘90s, the band’s “A.D.I.D.A.S.” (“All Day I Dream About Sex”) song continued the American nu metal band’s notoriety and was unofficially tied to the Three Stripes as adidas tracksuits, t-shirts and sneakers were in heavy rotation for the band and its cult-like following. KoRn would sign with PUMA years later but would come home to the Three Stripes in 2023 with an official collaboration.
Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6
Action Bronson served as the perfect ambassador for New Balance as the brand continues to redefine the “dad shoe” – what better way to do so with Action Bronson, his love for health, fitness, food and his undeniable style/bravado? The Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 was the perfect rollout for the newest model in the iconic 990v line and both of Bronson’s colorways ranged from “in your face” to the perfect amount of subtleness, much like his bars.
adidas Samba x Kith x Clarks “8th Street Sneakers”
What happens when the best of all worlds collide? You get a Ronnie Fieg collab. Through Kith, Ronnie brought Clarks’ introduced suede and crepe rubber outsole as the foundation for the three-part collaboration as the adidas Samba, which took over 2023, added the perfect amount of sport and sophistication. Arriving in three different colorways for pre-order, Kith, adidas and Clarks gave sneaker fanatics the originality, premium materials and secured Ws through pre-orders we’ve been yearning for.
Branded Collab of The Year
WINNER — Jarritos x Nike SB Dunk Low
Jarritos and Nike SB showed us how to execute a branded collaboration. Jarritos’ authenticity and Nike SB’s desire to push the boundaries merged seamlessly on the collaborative effort that evoked the Mexican soda company’s humble beginnings to the coveted skate model with burlap bag-inspired overlays that revealed its signature mandarin flavor underneath. The beauty was truly in the details with the colorful insoles, extra laces in typical SB fashion and even the special packaging with the Nike SB-branded Jarritos glass bottles.
The Simpsons x adidas Stan Smith “Homer”
The Simpsons and adidas collection was the perfect crossover of pop-culture and sneakers with their litany of releases. Inspired by various aspects from the show, the shoe that took the branded collaboration to the top was the “Homer Simpson” Stan Smith that translated one of the most recognized memes and immortalized it in sneaker form with the shoe’s grass-like heel that submerges Homer. Thanks to adidas and The Simpsons, neither the meme nor the shoe will ever be forgotten.
Marvel x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Next Chapter”
Miles Morales and Jordan Brand gave us another cultural moment with the Marvel x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Next Chapter” inspired by the film and the Spider-Verse of course. With the “Chicago” AJ1 as the muse, the pair featured different materials and graphics through the colorblocking that aligned perfectly with the film. If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out on your canon moment. Jordan Brand also rolled out a special giveaway in New York City with [redacted outlet] to promote the film and gift a special pair of the Air Jordan 1 OG Utility “Prowler” colorway for fans.
Marvel x Kith x ASICS GEL-LYTE III
Once again, another Ronnie Fieg project tops the list. Within the last few years, the rise of sneaker collection and card collecting has brought the inner-child out of all of us and has left us wanting more. The mastermind behind Kith brought back the feeling of opening cards and the “hunt” with the Marvel x Kith x ASICS GEL-LYTE III pack, headlined by different colorways inspired by the X-Men and its 60th anniversary. Co-branded collectible blind boxes, PSA-graded slabs and other details made this collection a 10/10 grade.
Crocs x Shrek
Shrek is love; Shrek is life; Shrek is Crocs. The clog-centered company went down to the swamp and teamed up with everyone’s favorite ogre. As Crocs continues to tap into Memeland and pop-culture, the Crocs x Shrek clog was executed perfectly with the simple green and brown combination, and of course, the Shrek ears protruding from the clog. The release of the Crocs x Shrek arrived a week and a half after Smash Mouth’s (who contributed heavily to the film’s soundtrack) lead singer Steve Harwell passed away.
Partnership of The Year
WINNER — J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 “Medellín Sunset”
In an ongoing effort to link Medellín to the global stage, J Balvin and Jordan Brand released its latest sneaker that captured the essence of Colombia’s stunning sunsets. The Air Jordan 3 features a gradient pattern, showcasing a more subdued yet still vibrant aesthetic compared to Balvin’s earlier collaborations on the Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 2, which were known for their bold and eye-catching designs, making the Air Jordan 3 “Medellin Sunset” a thoughtful evolution in the artist’s body of work.
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low WMNS “Olive”
The Travis Scott x Jordan Brand relationship clearly shows that there’s no signs of slowing down. While La Flame and the Jumpman look to new horizons with his Jumpman Jack signature shoe, the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG WMNS “Olive” takes the nod for partnership shoe of the year nomination. While the silhouette is a staple for the partnership, the colorway is arguably one of the best within the collaborative line.
Sean Wotherspoon x adidas Gazelle “Hemp”
Sean Wotherspoon and adidas carried their earth-conscious work into 2023 in the form of the adidas Gazelle. Sean’s advocacy for sustainability and upcycling in both fashion and sneakers was most evident in his latest work as the Sean Wotherspoon x adidas Gazelle “Hemp” was built with sustainable materials like woven hemp uppers and vegan leather on the tongue and Three Stripe logos and a gum rubber sole crafted, also built from sustainable materials.
Teyana Taylor x Air Jordan 1 High Zoom CMFT 2 WMNS “A Rose From Harlem”
Teyana Taylor’s first-ever Jordan Brand collaboration was the perfect love letter. The multi-hyphenate entertainer dug deep for the collaborative Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 with the metaphor “overcoming a struggle is like a rose rising out of the concrete” as the soil for fruitful work. The messaging and beauty of the shoe were captivating and resembled that of a rose with its gym red hue, thorn-like details on the Swoosh and the rose lace lock.
AMBUSH x Nike Air Uptempo Low
Yoon Ahn and her AMBUSH label brought a new look to a basketball icon as the AMBUSH x Nike Air Uptempo Low tapped the golden era of Nike Basketball for inspiration. Premium materials, an inaugural low-top execution on the Uptempo and a range of graffiti-inspired branding and colorways were integral in adding another accolade to Yoon Ahn and AMBUSH’s prolific partnership with the Swoosh.
Best Storytelling of The Year
WINNER — Born X Raised x Nike SB Dunk Low “On The Turf”
Born X Raised has been a streetwear household name as late founder Chris “Spanto” Printup combined his Native American and Mexican heritage through his Los Angeles-rooted brand. Initially dedicated to Angelinos and Spanto’s late father with the respective “One Block at a Time”; “On The Turf”; and “In Loving Memory” writing, the pair meant so much more after Spanto’s unfortunate and tragic passing. Though he wasn’t able to witness the official release, Spanto and Born X Raised gave back to the community as pairs were gifted to Venice High School graduates – the same school Spanto and BXR’s Creative Director 2Tone attended.
Unheardof x adidas Rivalry Low “Grandma’s Couch”
Family is everything for Philip Lipschutz. The owner and founder of Cincinnati-based boutique Unheardof released his second adidas project, this time dedicated to his grandmother’s couch – a full-circle moment from sleeping at her couch in Portland to meeting with the Three Stripes in Portland and telling her story through the Rivalry Low. Much like his first collab that was dedicated to his late-sister and her love for poetry, the Unheardof x adidas Rivalry Low “Grandma’s Couch” featured premium materials and most importantly a sentimental story of a loved one we can all relate to.
Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 1 High Golf “1961”
As golf continues to grow, Black-owned brand Eastside Golf is simultaneously educating while diversifying the sport. Founder Olajuwon Ajanaku and co-founder Earl Cooper are disrupting golf’s status quo with the help of a game changer and golf lover – Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand. The latest colorway in the Eastside x Jumpman saga is the Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 1 High Golf “1961” colorway, which commemorated the year when the PGA of America lifted its ban on non-White players.
KoRn x adidas Campus 00s
In the ’90s, KoRn gained notoriety with the release of the song “A.D.I.D.A.S.” (“All Day I Dream About Sex”), unofficially aligning itself with the Three Stripes brand. During that era, adidas tracksuits, t-shirts, and sneakers were prominently featured in the wardrobe of the American nu-metal band and its devoted fanbase. Although KoRn later entered into a partnership with PUMA, they returned to the Three Stripes fold in 2023 for an official collaboration, giving fans the full-circle story they’ve been waiting for.
Bricks & Wood x New Balance 9060
Bricks & Wood continues to put on from South Central with love as the LA-brand rekindled its relationship with New Balance with its second collaboration. The Bricks & Wood x New Balance 9060 “Nothing Changed but the Address” is dedicated to B&W’s Kacey Lynch’s grandmother’s home and remembering where you come from with the colorway reminiscent of the house in which he grew up in. “Please remember that no matter how far you go, it’s just a change of address. Nothing about you changes,” Lynch said.
Silhouette of The Year
WINNER — adidas Samba
The adidas Samba has withstood the test of time as the 74-year-old silhouette remains as relevant as ever. The silhouette finds itself as a star on the runway and a pillar of street style thanks to the likes of Pharrell, Wales Bonner, Sporty & Rich, Kith, and more. The soccer-inspired silhouette has become as sought after as high-heat mainstays like Nike and Jordan, while also driving a competitive wedge between rising stars like Salomon and resurging heritage brands like New Balance.
Nike Zoom Vomero 5
The Nike Zoom Vomero 5 has transcended its running ancestry as the early aughts sneaker resurfaced in 2023 as a rotation staple rather than a performance shoe. This silhouette’s rise in popularity can be attributed to its sporty yet sleek design that lends itself to trends like Gorpcore, Y2K fashion, and dad shoes, while also appealing to consumers that just want a good, no-nonsense comfort shoe for everyday wear.
New Balance 9060
The New Balance 9060 debuted in 2022 and immediately captured our attention with colorful collabs from Joe Freshgoods and Mowalola. This silhouette combines design elements from New Balance’s popular 99X series with foundations of early 2000s running shoes like the New Balance 860. Using exaggerated proportions seen on the sneaker’s unique midsole and geometric overlays, the 9060 has refreshed New Balance’s lineup with its experimental design that is fit for the future.
ASICS GEL-Kayano 14
The ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 will always have a place in sneaker culture with its performance GEL technology and effortlessly cool design language. Over the years, the ASICS GEL-Kayano 14 has been the silhouette of choice for collaborative partners like JJJJound, Awake, and Kith, but in 2023, the sneaker showed just how far it’s come as it stepped outside of sneaker culture by collaborating with Aritzia.
UGG Tasman
These aren’t your mom’s UGGs — or are they? In 2023, it seemed like everyone and anyone was rockin’ the UGG Tasman Slippers. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, don’t be too cool to kick it. The UGG Tasman has comfort and style on lock with a BAPE and Palace co-sign to prove it.
Wildest Shoe of The Year
WINNER — MSCHF Big Red Boot
The internet was never the same after the MSCHF Big Red Boot dropped. The viral silhouette changed the way we look at fashion as the boot instantly inspired memes and overnight knockoffs. The MSCHF Big Red Boot extended the limits of what we thought was possible by challenging fashion’s status quo and blending the line between fantasy and reality.
Cactus Plant Flea Market x Nike Air Flea 2
In recent years, Cactus Plant Flea Market has been responsible for creating some of the most exciting kicks in sneaker history, and the Nike Air Flea 2 is no exception. Every inch of the sneaker is covered in intricate detail with tire-inspired midsoles, customizable snap accessories, removable Swoosh patches, thermal insoles, dual velcro straps, and a glow-in-the-dark footprint on the outsole.
Crocs Cowboy Boot
Crocs took new boot goofin’ to a whole other level with their version of a cowboy boot. This hybrid silhouette is the lovechild between a classic Croc and traditional cowboy boot complete with croc skin leather, a sportstrap spur, and statement western stitching. With golden “Crocstar” Jibbitz and a cowboy crocodile logo, the Crocs Cowboy Boots proves to be a mashup we didn’t know we needed.
Suicoke x Midorikawa “Five Fingers”
Suicoke and Midorikawa go toe-to-toe on their freaky “Five Fingers” shoe. The Japanese brands revamped their polarizing silhouette with furry finishes and glossy nail polish that give a new meaning to “on-foot.” With the shoe’s Vibram MEAGAGRIP outsole, you can fee-fi-fo-fum outdoors, just as Suicoke and Midorikawa intended.
Martine Rose x Nike Shox MR4 Mule
Martine Rose reimagines the Nike Shox by creating a menswear-meets-womenswear MR4 mule. The silhouette features a widen toe box with a sharp square finish akin to men’s dress shoes, while the Shox pump on the rear gives the sneaker a high heel formation. The Martine Rose x Nike Shox MR4 Mule not only experiments with androgyny, but also synthesizes elements from both streetwear and high fashion.
Basketball Shoe of The Year
WINNER — Nike Sabrina 1
When it comes to basketball sneakers defining 2023, no shoe held more weight than the Nike Sabrina 1. As Sabrina Ionescu became the latest member of elite WNBA players with a signature shoe, the Sabrina 1 was the epitome of balance with its design components, premium materials, elevated storytelling and above all – wearability. Whether Sabrina herself wearing colorways or players in the NBA showing love to the shoe, Nike and Sabrina had a hit with creating a true unisex performance basketball shoe for all.
adidas Harden Vol. 7
The Beard and the Three Stripes entered a new chapter in the Harden Vol. line with Harden’s seventh signature shoe. Aesthetically, the adidas Harden Vol. 7 was the perfect evolution that adidas Basketball needed. Though the anticipation for the Harden Vol. 8 is brewing, adidas hit the lottery in 2023 with the Harden Vol. 7 and deserves its flowers for bringing adidas Basketball back to the top of performance basketball shoes.
Nike Ja 1
The Nike Ja 1 was the inaugural shoe in Nike Basketball’s new portfolio of signature athletes. Despite off-court antics sidelining Ja Morant’s ability to showcase the Nike Ja 1 on a consistent basis, the price point, Player Exclusive iterations and general releases from the Vancouver Grizzlies-inspired “Scratch” to the “Zombie” colorway and others land the Nike Ja 1 on our list of basketball shoe of the year.
PUMA MB.03
LaMelo Ball and PUMA have captured the basketball community by storm with the MB line. Ever since the MB.01, Ball’s signature shoe has graced courts everywhere and has translated to lifestyle wear as well. Knowing its versatility, PUMA knocked out collaborations and colorways of the MB.03 that took the line’s consistency further with the “Dexter’s Lab,” “Toxic” and “Chino Hills” colorways. While it’ll be hard to top the MB.01, the MB.03 aligned with LaMelo’s and PUMA’s vision of the signature line.
Jordan Tatum 1
Jayson Tatum became the newest Jordan Brand athlete with a signature shoe, joining generational talents Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson. With the Jordan Tatum 1, the stories and colorways were on point while the performance benefits of the shoe were also top-tier. Releasing in full-family sizing, Jordan Brand and Tatum gave game to the current and next generation of ballers. Tatum balling out in his signature shoe on a nightly basis only adds to the shoe’s credit.
Themed Shoe of The Year
WINNER — adidas Superstar “Concha”
The adidas Superstar “Concha” is an homage to Mexico’s sweet pan dulce bread. Being that concha translates to “shell” in Spanish, this creative concept brings adidas’ iconic “Shelltoes” to life in a new way. The shoe features fuzzy sherpa uppers that mimic the texture of the crumbly pastry, along with marbled patterns in flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
adidas Campus 80 “Croptober”
The adidas Campus 80 “Croptober” takes a laid-back nod to the cannabis harvest season. Featuring wrapping paper-inspired tear-away uppers, a kush green suede underneath, and a trippy tie-dye print lining the sneaker adds a fun twist to the classic adidas model.
Air Jordan 1 High Zoom Comfort 2 “Dia De Muertos”
Nike celebrated “Dia De Muertos,” a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives, once again with a footwear four-pack. The standout from the collection was the Air Jordan 1 High Zoom Comfort 2. Overlaid with Day of the Dead aesthetics and a dramatic color palette that fades from bone to black. This sneaker looks like a work of art with its aged detailing, velvet accents, and floral stitching inspired by traditional leather branding.
Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Year of the Rabbit”
Only 5,000 pairs of the Air Jordan 1 Low “Year of the Rabbit” were made, so you probably own a rabbit’s foot if you got ‘em. This Lunar New Year edition draws inspiration from the revered rabbit of the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing peace and longevity. Nods to this cherished animal are artfully woven into the design, featuring fuzzy laces and terry cloth liners, elevating the pair to a distinctive celebration of style and symbolism.
Nike Ja 1 “Zombie”
Selling out in minutes, this Nike Ja 1 is anything but dead. As part of Nike’s 2023 Halloween collection, the Nike Ja 1 “Zombie” stands out as a haunting masterpiece. The sneaker showcases torn Swooshes adorned with zombie hands and blood-stained logos, harmonizing seamlessly with its eerie green colorway, creating a truly spine-chilling and unforgettable aesthetic.
New Silhouette of The Year
WINNER — adidas Crazy IIInfinity
adidas’ basketball heritage translated onto this year’s silhouette of the year as the adidas Crazy IIInfinity modernized Kobe Bryant’s adidas Kobe 1 (referred to as the Crazy 1 by the brand). With the zipper shroud and maintaining a bulk aesthetic, the adidas Crazy IIInfinity imagined what the Crazy line would look like had Kobe Bryant stayed with the Three Stripes. In addition to the refreshing design, the silhouettes range of colorways added versatility to the pair.
Vans Knu Skool
Vans quietly dropped for those looking to add a quality, trendy shoe without breaking the budget. The Vans Knu Skool tapped into the modern skate scene with the shoe’s fat tongue, padded collars, a suede upper and the signature Vans Sidestripes™ in 3D form mixed a classic with new school love. Whether you’re a sneakerhead or just getting into shoes, the Vans Knu Skool was made for anyone.
PDF Channel
As chunky shoes continue to cloud the timeline, Italian footwear brand PDF Channel made a statement with its Kumo shoe and even with its enlarged boot. The popularity of loud, outrageous shoes has become commonplace and even a point of emphasis in fashion. So much so, Drake gave the company a co-sign by wearing the footwear and even having the brand’s founder pulling up to his mansion and showing the brand’s upcoming lineup.
Clints TRL 2.0
Trail runner or lifestyle shoe? Actually, both. Manchester-based streetwear label Clints launched the TRL 2.0 and captivated those looking to stand out. With a trek shoe inspiration, the neoprene upper, 3M details and premium materials delivered a new sneaker in a range of colorways that pair well with any outfit. The layered paneling and its distinct upper design is certified to be a conversation starter, landing it on our new silhouette of the year list.
NOCTA x Nike Glide
Why walk when you can glide? Drake’s NOCTA took the Nike partnership into a different dimension with the Nike Glide silhouette. Vibrant colorways, a University of Kentucky PE and a Nike Zoom Flight 95-inspired colorway added to the shoe’s status as chunky dad shoes are still the wave. And much like his music, it’s hard for The Boy to miss these days, making the NOCTA x Nike a contender for silhouette of the year.
Footwear Innovation of the Year
WINNER — Zellerfeld
Zellerfeld’s 2023 was as impressive as it gets. The innovative 3D-printing footwear company has garnered attention for its execution of a single-material clog-like sneaker with different textures and patterns that are rich in detail. In addition to its manufacturing methodology, the company has worked with Louis Vuitton, KidSuper, Moncler, AMBUSH, Kanye West, and Heron Preston as the company continues to redefine footwear with a futuristic edge.
RTKFT
In the last few years, RTFKT has become a household name by merging web3 with real-world perks and experiences through footwear. In 2022, the brand launched the Cryptokicks iRL as RTFKT and Nike rewarded those who wore the shoe with its Moved-to-Earn functionality. This year gave us the RTFKT x Nike Dunk Genesis, a digital upgrade to the legendary model that allowed fans to forge the shoe in physical form across all three colorways.
Flowers For Society
Flowers For Society continues to create sustainable footwear with a focus on tomorrow. Co-founder and ex-Global Head Of Energy/Hype Marketing at adidas Till Jagla, decided to start his own brand after 12 years. The result? A footwear company that is built with 100% vegan, sustainable materials. Following its inaugural Seed.One OG model, the brand is ready to launch itself further into the future with the The Radicle OG silhouette.
Nike ISPA Link Axis
Nike’s mission of circular design with 100% recycled materials continued in 2023 with the Nike ISPA Link Axis. Designed with as few materials as possible, the Link Axis was created with recycled Flyknit and plastic and zero glue – a commendable feat in the sneaker game. In addition to its creativity, the shoe’s out-of-this-world look pushed the boundaries of what a sustainable looker can look like.
Nike Swoosh 1
Nike is helping the future take its first steps with its Nike Swoosh 1, the first Nike Kids shoe to ever receive the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. The design is headlined with a Flyknit upper, made with 80 percent recycled and provides 360 degrees of pliable support along with a TPU outsole for traction and durability. Innovation is at the heart of Nike and the Swoosh 1 takes the nomination.
Follow Nice Kicks on Instagram and stay tuned next year for more sneaker release dates and the 2024 Nice Awards.
