Although this year hasn’t been as exciting as previous years for sneakers, there have still been some notable releases worth talking about. Sneakers will always be subjective. However, certain drops are more popular and well-known amongst countless sneaker enthusiasts for various reasons. A quick sneaker releases review for the year will consist of personal favorites as this list doesn’t represent all of the top drops in 2023.
A Ma Maniére x Jordan Air Ship PE SP
A classic model paired with a brand for the people. Jordan Brand didn’t disappoint with this release. After a recent restock, the Jordan Air Ships were accessible to virtually everyone who put did their their due diligence and necessary footwork/research.
The materials feel better than usual. The aged look compliments the silhouette effortlessly. Anyone who appreciates history and social activism will quickly realize the importance of this release. One of the main reasons makes my personal releases review is because of the impact of this pair.
Nike Air Ships aren’t typically well-known amongst the masses. Even people outside of the sneaker world can pick out popular Jordans, but many aren’t as familiar with the Air Ships. Sneaker enthusiasts appreciate the significance of the pair that paved the way for the iconic Air Jordan 1.
The subtle yet recognizable A Ma Maniere branding on the heel collar effortlessly tops off this pair. Over-branding often makes or breaks a pair of sneakers; AMM and Jordan made sure to stay true to the Air Ship’s roots while adding a unique touch. These sneakers are extremely versatile as you can never go wrong with the classic black and white combo. JB and AMM did their thing yet again.
Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 Pine Green
Although Jordan has been pumping out 4s like crazy over the past few years, the collabs either stand out or fall in line with general releases. Any Nike SB brings back tons of nostalgia for countless sneakerheads all around the world.
The colorway is simple yet effective at drawing eyes to the sneakers. Green and white paired with hints of gray give this collab a timeless look. The gum bottom and red Jumpman logo add complementary touches that pair well with pine green.
Any Jordan with a Nike backtab almost instantly has more hype than those with the Jumpman. A Nike SB logo increases the amount attention and reverence even more. The SB Jordan 4s make countless SOTY lists for obvious reasons. Anyone that can get their hands on these seems to be rarely disappointed.
Air Jordan 1 UNC Toe
Although this pair isn’t part of my personal collection, it still remains one of my favorite sneaker releases of 2023. A classic silhouette paired with a classic color blocking scheme paired with UNC blue leaves little room for any type of complaint or criticism.
If the UNC Toes released three to four years ago, they would easily be going for well over $400 on the resale market.
Now, sneakers in general don’t sell for as much as they used to after initial releases. The sneaker world is definitely in favor of buyers currently. Anyone who likes blue Jordans shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on the UNC Toe 1s.
The white and black color blocking makes a sneaker pop more than other two tone colorways. If the UNC Toes were produced in a way similar to the Pollen 1s, the colors wouldn’t nearly stand out as much. A contrast of black and white paired with another color allows the sneaker to instantly become more eye-catching and visually appealing.
Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 ‘Baklava’
New Balance’s collab game has been killing it over the past few years. Kith and Aime Leon Dore have been undoubtedly adding a significant boost to the American footwear and apparel brand’s image and social status.
NB is valid amongst virtually all sneaker enthusiasts around the world especially in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other major European nations such as France and Spain. Collabs with cultural icons like Action Bronson only add positivity and longevity to the label’s solidified reputation.
Loud collaborations often do extremely well or flunk miserably. Bronson’s personal style and flair is represented well through his 990v6 collab. A variety of colors that are not commonly paired together makes this sneaker a unique touch to a classic model.
Paired with an all-black fit, the Baklava 990v6 will slap harder than Will Smith. Sometimes sneakerheads need that extra push to branch out and buy loud sneakers they would normally not even consider in the first place.
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low Olive
Is there any respectable top sneaker list over the last five years that doesn’t include at least one if not multiple Travis Scott collabs?
Despite his Astroworld controversy, the Houston-based rapper still remains one of the hottest names in the sneaker collab world. Any neutral colorway with Cactus Jack will be an instant hit. Jordan Brand shows no signs of slowing down with Scott anytime soon.
Travis Scott’s influence is heard worldwide. Even sneaker enthusiasts who don’t care for his music still flock to get their hands on his sneakers.
Nike and T Scott know what the people like and will continue to produce bangers as long as they have a working partnership. Until the duo’s partnership comes to an end, they will stay on top in the collab game. Very few collaborations have as much influence and hype as the Travis Scott Nike/Jordan pair.
Sneaker Releases 2023
At the end of every year, Nike and Jordan come out on top. New Balance has been making a noticeable push. Adidas has slowed down considerably since dropping the Yeezy line. The Oregon-based powerhouse consistently produces most of the best sneakers year in and year out.
Obviously, I am personally biased towards Nike and Jordan. However, New Balance has caught my eye and has become more hip over the past few years. Adidas hasn’t been a major part of my personal collection even when Yeezy was at its peak. I have been and will be a huge Nike/Jordan fan for the foreseeable future.
Will Nike continue its unmatched run every year or will another sneaker label give the giant a run for its money? Leave some of your favorite sneaker releases of 2023 in the comments below.
