Today, 2015 comes to a close. While we’ve already shared our compressive, #NK50 list of the top sneaker releases of the year, each member of our staff has their own unique and personal taste. For this yearend edition of Staff Picks, see which pairs were the personal favorites among the Nice Kicks team.
Matt Halfhill // Founder & Publisher
10. DJ Clark Kent x New Balance 998 “Global Spin Awards”
Such great execution by an incredible OG.
9. Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard”
photo via RCK
Great story + quality materials = winner in my book.
8. Converse Chuck Taylor II Black/White
Converse gets it right by updating a classic while still holding true to its roots.
7. Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Ventilator
Sometimes there are things bigger than sneakers and Kendrick addresses this with his inaugural release.
6. adidas NMD
Loving this new model. Innovation is what is making adidas kill this year.
5. Just Don x Air Jordan 2
Head turning classic with quilted leather, premium materials and all-blue execution. Cannot wait for the next!
4. Takashi Murakami x Vans Slip-On “Happy Flowers”
photo by Leon Gunera
The entire story of this collaboration makes it one of the greatest pairings of all time. To know that Murakami’s staple shoe is the Vans Slip-Ons in off White shows that his love for the brand is real and this collaboration came from a place of mutual respect.
3. Air Jordan 1 Pinnacle “Vachetta Tan”
These shoes are gorgeous right out of the box, but as you wear them they get better with age.
2. Hypebeast x adidas Ultra Boost
Much love to Kevin and crew for celebrating ten years and improving an already incredible shoe.
1. adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Moonrock”
With 360 degrees of comfort thanks to full-length Boost, and a one piece Primeknit upper, these are above the rest.
