Nike and Jordan Brand are constantly releasing new sneakers virtually 24/7. Some releases stand out more than others. This August, there will definitely be some noticeable Nike and Jordan releases to keep an eye on and potentially pick up.
Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4 RM Driveway Grey
The Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4 RM was an instant hit with the Fence Green colorway releasing recently in July. The unique adaptation of the Air Jordan 4 brings a new cut and a distinct look. Sylvester’s lifestyle and his time spent riding his bike on his grandma’s driveway as a kid influenced the new version of the Air Jordan 4.
The Driveway Grey colorway is sure to draw tons of attention on August 7th, when the sneakers retail for $150.
Nike Air Max Sunder Highlighter Green
Initially released in 1999, the Nike Air Max Sunder is receiving tons of attention as numerous colorways are being re-released this year. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the silhouette, Nike is bringing back some familiar colorways and new iterations. A collab with CDG definitely turned heads, but other versions are drawing more attention.
Colorways like the Highlighter Green releasing this August and the Canyon Gold releasing later this fall are definitely some of the more noticeable Nike releases of the latter half of 2024. The Air Max Sunder didn’t gain too much traction when it was released in ’99. However, the retro/tech look has been popular as of recently and has brought a spotlight to the silhouette that hasn’t been seen before.
The Nike Air Max Sunder Highlighter Green releases August 8th for $180.
A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 3 Black
A Ma Maniere and Jordan Brand team up once again on the Air Jordan 3. Black paired with flat pewter and violet ore stays true to the muted tones of numerous AMM collaborations with Jordan Brand. An aged midsole complemented by suede mudguards give this iteration of the Jordan 3 a fresh look.
The violet ore tongue pops but not too much. A satin sock liner gives this pair a luxurious feel. These sneakers will definitely be one of the best Nike and Jordan releases of August 2024.
The A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 3 Black releases August 21st for a retail price of $250.
Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Halo
An all-white Nike Kobe 9 comes out later this month just in time for Kobe Day. The Kobe 9s display Kobe’s signature on the lateral heel is added to complement the Lunarlon-cushioned midsoles. The Kobe 9 was originally showcased on December 4th, 2013. Numerous colorways of this silhouette are distinguishable amongst the global basketball community. Kobes have always been sought after basketball sneakers, but have skyrocketed in terms of popularity after the late Italian-born, Laker legend’s tragic death.
Nike is releasing the Kobe 9 Elite Protro Halo which retails for $240 in men’s sizing ($120 GS) and the Kobe 9 EM Halo releases for a retail of $210 on August 23rd.
Alexis Sablone x Nike SB Dunk Low
After making history and becoming the first female skater with a signature shoe with Converse in 2023, Alexis Sablone is teaming up with Nike on a pair of SB Dunk Lows. With skating returning to the Olympics Summer games, Sablone was in charge of designing federation kits for the United States and Japan. She also led the fan apparel collection to support the worldwide skating community.
A gravel-like texture upper paired with green hues, a green outsole, and an off-white midsole gives this pair a unique look. Similar to the Converse CONS As-1 Pro, the Alexis Sablone x Nike SB Dunk Low features a tearaway upper which reveals more fuschia details. These SB Dunk Lows round out some of the best Nike and Jordan releases of August 2024. Sablone’s collab with Nike will be released at select skate shops and SNKRS at the end of the month.
The Alexis Sablone x Nike SB Dunk Low releases on August 29th for $110.
As we approach the midpoint of the decade, there are already numerous noticeable sneaker releases slated for 2025. There will be countless noticeable sneaker releases, but there are already a few that stick out more than others.
Air Jordan 5 Black Metallic Reimagined
One of my favorite Jordan silhouettes paired with a timeless colorways makes an early list of must cops.
The Reimagined series is far from stopping anytime soon. The Black Metallic 5s will be a highly anticipated release as they will be returning for the first time since 2016. Jordan Brand will continue to milk the “Reimagined” line as long as possible. Although the Air Jordan 5 Black Metallic won’t be the most sought after Reimagined Jordan of 2025, this particular release will resonate well with older Jordan fans who appreciate sneaker history.
Nike Air Foamposite One Galaxy
One of the best Foams of all time making a comeback in 2025. This iteration of the iconic Galaxy colorway will be popular, but nowhere near the craze of the original release. People won’t be lining up and police likely won’t be involved during in-person releases of the 2025 pair. However, the Galaxy Foams will fly off the shelves in store and online.
The Galaxy Foams will be one of the hottest sneaker releases of 2025. Foams have definitely calmed down since the late 2000s and early 2010s, but this pair will forever be a certified classic for all Foamposites and Nike sneakers as well.
Air Jordan 1 High ’85 Bred
Not much has to be said about the Bred colorway. On numerous Air Jordan models, the black and red combo will never go out of style. The ’85 cut of the Air Jordan 1 is as close to the original Air Jordan 1s as possible. Many Jordan fans appreciate the true to original cut and specifications compared to other iterations of the Air Jordan 1.
Undefeated x Air Jordan 4
Another iconic Jordan makes it way to a slated list of highly sought-after sneaker releases next year. The Undefeated Air Jordan 4 is one of the most appreciated and expensive Air Jordan 4s of all time.
The Undefeated Jordan 4s are some of the most sought after Jordans of all time. Releasing this pair for a second time will come with mixed emotions. However, very few sneaker enthusiasts will feel gloomy about having another chance at a major grail. Luck is definitely needed to secure this pair, just like its first go around.
Air Jordan 5 Grape
Another classic colorway that has seen numerous varations since its original release in 1990. Will Smith made the Grape colorway highly popular throughout the hit 90’s show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Since then, the Grape 5s have been one of most anticipated and well-known original Air Jordan 5 colorways.
Air Jordan 3 Black Cat
Following its cousin, the Air Jordan 4 Black Cat, the Air Jordan 3 Black Cat makes a noticeable return. An all black sneaker on a top 5 Air Jordan silhouette will definitely have countless Jordan loves and countless sneaker enthusiasts to check out lines. Anyone who cannot appreciate an all black Jordan rarely appreciates timeless colorways like the Black Cat.
Since being originally released in 2007, the Air Jordan 3 Black Cat has been deemed timeless pair of Jordans due to the clean look and durability of an all-black sneaker. Many Jordan fans and sneaker enthusiasts will be anticipating this particular pair in 2025.
Nike Air Max Sunder
Nike has been bringing back numerous “cult classics” recently. The Nike Air Max Sunder is returning Fall 2024/Spring 2025 since first being released in 1999. This Nike silhouette didn’t take off when it first released, but has definitely drawn tons of attention due to its return.
The Canyon Gold colorway releases this summer and kicks off multiple Sunder releases for the rest of the year all the way to next year. Nike and Gore-Tex are teaming up once again; this time for the Air Max Sunder, which is sure to draw even more attention thanks to the well-known wearability and durability of Gore-Tex materials. Nothing is confirmed for 2025 yet, but these sneakers will definitely be one of the more noticeable sneaker releases in the new year.
Although the year is now more than halfway over, there have been some noticeable releases that will end up on countless best sneakers of the year lists all over the sneaker world. Some sneakers are subjectively better than others while some are universally agreed upon as top releases of the year. In no particular order will be my personal top 5 sneakers of 2024 so far.
Nike Dunk Low SB Futura Laboratories Bleached Aqua
A highly influential designer teams up with Nike on a popular model. What could go wrong?
For this release, absolutely nothing.
This pair is already an early sneaker of the year (SOTY) contender. Don’t be surprised when these break the top five and even top three best sneakers in countless lists when the year comes to a close.
Bodega x Saucony Grid Shadow 2 Jaunt Woven
Saucony has been as popular as ever thanks to some well done collaborations. Jae Tips teamed up with the Pennsylvania-based brand last year and produced unique kicks in multiple aspects. Now, the Boston-based boutique Bodega put their twist on a classic Saucony silhouette.
A woven upper makes this pair extremely unique. Saucony and Bodega perfected this pair and pulled out an original idea that was sure to be a hit. Mismatch woven materials paired with dark/forest green with red and neon hits complement this silhouette well. Saucony pulled out their best release of the past few years for a special collab with Bodega. Hopefully the duo teams up again in the future to bring sneaker enthusiasts another unique colorway paired with underutilized materials.
Air Jordan 4 Bred Reimagined
Many often debate about the best Air Jordan 4 colorways. No matter one’s opinion, there’s no debating that the Bred colorway remains timeless.
Debates about suede/nubuck compared to leather seemed to calm down after this pair released earlier this year. When people got this pair in hand, they started to better appreciate the new twist on a classic sneaker. Some even prefer this version compared to the typical suede.
Stone Island x New Balance 574 Legacy Light Green
New Balance and Stone Island crafted some near perfect spring/summer kicks. The light, not too far off from mint green paired with gray, tan, and black hits with a white midsole makes this pair a timeless iteration of an ageless model.
Although this collab is nothing crazy, it still hits the spot. New Balance and Stone Island came together to put out a simple yet effective colorway for this release.
Jordan Jumpman Jack TR Sail and Dark Mocha
It was only a matter of time until Travis Scott received his first signature sneaker. Although his initial shoe was far from groundbreaking, it was still an instant hit. Sneaker fans all over flocked to SNKRS for a chance to grab the Jumpman Jacks.
Mocha and tan are not strangers on countless Travis Scott sneakers, so it only makes sense for his signature sneaker to have a familiar colorway. It should be interesting to see how this new model will perform in the long run.
Everyone knows how it is to wake up and look forward to a release you’ve been eyeing for a minute. As the release time inches closer, you start to think more about every possible scenario. Sneaker woes and online releases go hand in hand. Too many people know how it feels to miss out and feel hopeless with slim chances during certain online sneaker releases. A win or loss feels more dramatic when its a pair you want to wear endlessly.
Sneaker online releases often utilize different operating systems, sites, tricks, or none at all. Some companies take the time to make sure everything runs smoothly while others look to unload stock as quickly as possible. Sneaker releases are disproportionately online releases especially in recent times. Online releases are often easier and quicker for companies, but tend to be frustrating and hopeless for manual computer users.
Bots and the Lack Of Protection
If there was a sneaker dictionary, the term ‘bot protection’ would most likely have the most definitions. Not because it’s a complex term, but because of the fact that every sneaker online seller views bot protection differently.
Some companies are known to take better care of loyal customers than others. Some could care less who sneakers go to at the end of the day. Most aren’t as in touch with customers as they should be.
The lack of bot protection will always be one of the major sneaker woes. Nobody can beat a bot no matter how hard they try. An experienced sneakerhead can usually tell how much time and effort a company put toward bot protection rather quickly.
Bots are virtually impossible to beat manually; sneaker brands need to put bot protection high on their priority list if they want to keep loyal customers. Nobody wants to continue to support brands who don’t care about their most loyal fans.
Different Types of Online Sneaker Releases
All online sneaker releases aren’t built the same. Some favor bots while others favor human users. The debate of which type of release is best will be never ending.
Standard online sneaker releases typically seen on Footsites (Foot Locker, Champs Sports, etc.) heavily favor bots. The stock is made available as soon as the clock hits the release time and a free-for-all is unleashed. These releases basically have no bot protection and give human users little to no chance on hyped and sought after releases.
Another type of online release is the infamous SNKRS Draw. Although this isn’t common amongst other brands, it’s still one of the most utilized release types by Nike. Basically, a timer is set for users to enter into the draw before the system starts to select winners. This kind of online release allows both human users and bots to enter multiple times in a short window. Many people make numerous accounts (some buy accounts) to increase their chances of winning. Bots are still effective, but not nearly as much as first-come first-serve online releases.
The queue has become relevant and necessary in an attempt to handle bots as much as possible. Although queues, or virtual waiting rooms don’t deter bots completely, they attempt to slow them down if utilized correctly. Queues can be frustrating when it feels like you might have a chance. Looking at a waiting page increases the anticipation and ultimately the let down when the size is notified as sold out. Some queue releases favor bots because there’s little to no bot protection. Queue releases don’t act as protection alone, but can add to a strong bot protection system if utilized efficiently.
Online raffles have become increasingly popular as a way to limit the use of bots. Especially raffles that are live for multiple days, these releases are a hit or miss. More often than not, so many entries are placed that the odds of winning are closer to zero than one- and it’s not even close. Raffle bots allow users to enter multiples times in a short window. Even if a human user spent all day and night entering a sneaker raffle online, they still wouldn’t come close to the numbers a bot could put up.
Less Sneaker Woes: Hope for Change
Although online sneaker releases are often frustrating and sometimes demoralizing, there is still a reason to stay hopeful. Sneaker brands are becoming more aware of increasing and strengthening bot protection.
Some companies are larger than others and have immense resources. Despite resources not always being utilized to the fullest extent, there is still hope that brands can find a way to better use their resources to improve the conditions of online sneaker releases.
Online sneaker releases must change sooner rather than later. Countless sneaker enthusiasts around the world deserve a fair chance at buying pairs for personal wear. There is still hope that online sneaker releases can improve and become more fair for manual users looking to snag a hot pair of kicks.
Every year typically starts off with a slow January in the sneaker world. Things don’t start picking up until mid to late February especially for Jordan Brand. Some of the best releases in February are without a doubt Air Jordans year in and year out.
February 2024 already has some highly anticipated sneaker releases. With the NBA All Star Game taking place in February every season, Jordan Brand typically centers releases around that weekend. Sneaker releases start to pick up more throughout the spring and often hit their peak in the summer/early fall.
Air Jordan 2 Low Python
As a homage to the 1987 Nike Air Python, these Air Jordan 2 Lows bring a timeless look to an underutilized silhouette.
The Python colorway hasn’t been prevalent since the return of the Air Python in 2013. This pair adds a unique look to a neutral colorway. Light brown and gray snakeskin pattern is visible on each side of the sneakers.
A sail colored midsole sits atop a light gray outsole to complete the natural look. A nod to the original Air Pythons, the Air Jordan 2 Low Pythons are sneakers that will be appreciated by countless Nike and Jordan enthusiasts. Everyone won’t get the gist of these sneakers, but those that do will appreciate this pair to the fullest extent possible.
Trophy Room x Air Jordan 1 Low
Everyone interested in sneakers knows all about the controversy surrounding the release of the Trophy Room Air Jordan 1 High. Marcus Jordan used his connections and status to his advantage and to the disadvantage of countless sneaker enthusiasts everywhere.
Although Marcus Jordan will never be one of the most liked figures in the sneaker world, Jordan releases will still draw attention especially around the NBA All Star Weekend.
Air Jordan 4 Bred Reimagined
Jordan Brand has taken the reimagined idea and ran with it like Usain Bolt in the Olympics. We won’t be seeing the last “reimagined” Air Jordan anytime soon. Why fix something if it’s not broken?
The Air Jordan 3 White Cement Reimagined was an instant hit last year. Although this version of the Bred 4s utilizes black leather rather than the typical suede, the pair will still be popular amongst countless Jordan and sneaker enthusiasts. Anyone doubting this release will be in for a surprise when people around the world will look to get their hands on a pair just like any othe
Air Jordan 1 High ’85 Metallic Burgundy
The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 silhouette has been extremely popular for justified reasons. The cut is as close as possible to the original Jordan 1.
The Metallic Navy colorway was sought after and highly popular amongst countless Jordan enthusiasts. Although this pair won’t receive as much attention, a metallic colorway doesn’t appear too often on Jordan 1s.
This pair makes for a perfect summer sneaker. White paired with metallic burgundy adds a nice touch to any summertime fit. Jordan fans all around the world will be able to appreciate this pair even if they aren’t interested in copping for themselves.
Air Jordan 1 High Reverse Panda
Another Air Jordan 1 makes the cut. Black and white on a Jordan 1 is almost a sure sign of an anticipated release. Although this pair will be overshadowed by another Jordan 1 (Low) on this list, the Reverse Panda colorways makes for a solid general release.
Anyone looking for a versatile and stylish pair without breaking the bank should consider the Jordan 1 High Reverse Panda. Black and white goes with literally everything. A timeless colorway paired with a timeless model gives Jordan enthusiasts a solid black and white option to add to their collections.
Every year brings new Air Jordan releases along. Some are instant hits, while others are duds, and a few take time to be fully appreciated. At the end of each year, top ten lists are often made. However, there isn’t as much attention regarding the most anticipated Air Jordans to be released throughout the year.
Most of the highly anticipated sneaker releases are collabs. First, collaborations often provide a breath of fresh air. Outside influence can be beneficial when sneaker brands work cohesively with designers and creatives. Also, collab releases tend to be more hyped because of the demand. More people look forward to sneaker collabs compared to general releases. However, some of the best Jordans may be limited releases without an outside designer attached to the release.
Air Jordan 1 Low Year of the Dragon
2024 is the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. This particular pair releases as a celebration of the Chinese New Year. Jordan Brand has been known to include many cultures besides American culture in their footwear and apparel.
New and refreshing concepts like the Year of the Dragon colorway keeps sneakerheads on their toes. Jordan Brand will always heavily rely on originals, but new colorways and concepts keep things interesting and push the brand to step outside of the signature Jumpman looks.
Trophy Room x Air Jordan 1 Low
Everyone interested in sneakers knows all about the controversy surrounding the release of the Trophy Room Air Jordan 1 High. Marcus Jordan used his connections and status to his advantage and to the disadvantage of countless sneaker enthusiasts everywhere.
Although Marcus Jordan will never be one of the most liked figures in the sneaker world, Trophy Room releases will always draw attention and create immense demand. Hopefully the Trophy Room Air Jordan 1 Low release goes smoother than the previous releases. Even if Marcus Jordan is still on his typical bullshit, this Jordan collab will nonetheless be a top hit for 2024.
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low Black/Olive
Anything with Travis Scott’s name is sure to have some hype tied to it. Jordan Brand and Cactus Jack have been on a roll since the partnership started in 2017. The Jordan 1 Low has become one of Scott’s most appealing silhouettes. Fans everywhere will definitely be lining up virtually on the SNKRS app as soon as the draw opens for another rendition of the Travis Scott Air Jordan 1 Low.
The olive Travis Scott Jordans that released last year was an instant success. This year’s rendition of the olive Travis Scott Jordan will be sure to have tons of hype and demand around the pair. As long as the partnership between Nike and Travis Scott remains thriving and healthy, the duo will continue to produce hits year in and year out.
Air Jordan 11 Columbia
Holiday release Jordan 11s haven’t been hitting the same over the last few years. However, the Columbias will bring the Jordan hype back to the holiday season. A long awaited release will bring some needed hype back to Jordan 11s.
The Columbia 11s haven’t been released since 2014. Ten years is a long time in the sneaker world; many sneakerheads and Jordan enthusiasts will be anticipating this long overdue release. Air Jordan 11s will always be a timeless silhouette, although some colorways don’t do the model justice. However, there is no question that the Columbia colorway will be sure to bring some hype and needed attention around Jordan 11 holiday releases.
Air Jordan Bred 4 Reimagined
Jordan Brand has taken the reimagined idea and ran with it like Usain Bolt in the Olympics. We won’t be seeing the last “reimagined” Air Jordan anytime soon. Why fix something if it’s not broken?
The Air Jordan 3 White Cement Reimagined was an instant hit last year. Although this version of the Bred 4s utilizes black leather rather than the typical suede, the pair will still be popular amongst countless Air Jordan and sneaker enthusiasts. Anyone doubting this release will be in for a surprise when people around the world will look to get their hands on a pair just like any other rerelease of the iconic Air Jordan 4 Bred colorway.
Air Jordans: Timeless and Refreshing
Jordan Brand constantly re-releases classic and timeless models and colorways. They also step outside the paint and showcase original sneakers as well. Every year will hold some exciting sneakers to look forward to. Many of these kicks are none other than Air Jordans. Young and old alike both flock to these iconic sneakers for countless reasons.
Jordans go beyond the court; they have transcended into streetwear, leisurewear, and even high-end fashion. Due to their versatility, there is literally a colorway or two that every sneaker enthusiast would like even if they aren’t crazy for Air Jordans.
Nike and Jordan Brand will continue to push boundaries while maintaining a rich history. This year and many years to come will reveal many thrilling Jordan releases.
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.
Photo via Kicks On Fire
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.
This year has been rather slow for sneaker releases compared to the past few years. There have been some notable hits, but they appear to be more spread out and more selective than previous years.
Although sneakers are subjective, many sneaker enthusiasts know a hot release when they see one. All types of footwear has loyal fans; sneakers are no different and often have obsessed collectors who constantly stalk the release calendars.
atmos x New Balance 2002R “Cybernetics Blue”
New Balance has been on a noteworthy run in the collab realm over the past few years. Works with Aimé Leon Dore, Joefreshgoods, Salehe Bembury have exceeded expectations. Atmos brings a fresh look with their collaboration with New Balance. Hints of blue are highlighted on the pair for the cyber world’s inspiration and to show the signature color of the Japanese based sneaker and streetwear boutique. Gray and white also complement the blues for a classic New Balance look
Sneaker News: atmos x New Balance 2002R “Cybernetics Blue”
Reflective materials, mesh, and pebbled leather all pop out and give the sneakers a premium feel.
The “Cybernetics Blue” released on July 15th for $160.
Nike NOCTA Glide Black and White
Drizzy is no stranger when it comes to teaming up with Nike. With his own Nike sub-label, NOCTA, the duo shows no signs of breaking up anytime soon. Drake’s collaborations in the past have caught the attention of sneaker enthusiasts all over the world. This collab is different as it showcases a throwback look that appears to be more “retro” compared to his previous works with Nike.
Major 90s Vibes (Photo by Sneaker News)
The NOCTA Glides clearly take inspiration from 90s Nike basketball shoes. The oversized and heavy look has returned to the Nike forefront thanks to Aubrey Graham. Similar to the Nike Zoom Flight 95, the Glides don oversized air bubbles which were a mainstay in the 90s. Carbon fiber and icy bottoms complete the classic look.
The Nike NOCTA Glide Black/White released June 29th for a retail of $160.
As more colorways continue to release, the Nike NOCTA Glide will be a silhouette to keep an eye out for as Drake continues to push out more NOCTA gear and sneakers.
Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 “NCAA Pack”
Although the Adidas Ultraboost hype has died down, the model will always be an Adidas staple and one of the most comfortable sneakers on the market. Different variations provide unique looks while staying true to the iconic shape. The Ultraboost has seen tons of colorways from simple black and white to loud vibrant colors and numerous collaborations with highly recognizable branding.
Adidas always makes sure to show love to their sponsored colleges and universities. In this particular pack, thirteen Adidas-sponsored schools receive their own color-coordinated Ultraboost to flaunt throughout their respected campuses and during game days.
The Adidas Ultraboost comes in the school colors of Washington, Kansas, Indiana, Miami, Nebraska, Grambling State, NC State, Rutgers, Louisville, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Arizona State and Georgia Tech. Each pair shows the school’s respected mascot/logo on the tongue for a fresh look. Lace locks and fused eyelets give a new feel to the Ultraboost as well.
Any fan of these Adidas schools shouldn’t be sleeping on this release. The college-inspired Ultraboosts are a perfect pair for any Adidas sports lover.
The Adidas Ultraboost “NCAA Pack” released on July 15th for a retail price of $200.
Air Jordan 1 UNC Toe
Not much has to be said about white and black color blocking complemented by virtually every color imaginable. Jordan 1s are still some of the hottest kicks from Jordan Brand especially when they come in UNC colors.
*Chef’s kiss* (Photo by Sneaker News)
These will be bangers. Real ones will forever appreciate icy blues on a fresh pair of Js. Everyone talks about the leather “quality” on Air Jordans particularly Jordan 1s; all Jordan quality is nowhere near great. Stop complaining about the quality of materials on leather basketball shoes. They are meant to be appreciated as they are, not as designer or high end sneakers.
This pair combines classic colors and a classic model. Not much has to be said about the levels of anticipation for this edition of the Air Jordan 1.
The Air Jordan 1 UNC Toe/University Blue released July 22nd for a retail price of $180 (Men’s).
There’s definitely no shortage of news and headlines involving Kanye West. Only a select number of people can be “cancelled” and come back to stay relevant and virtually hold up the sales of a major footwear and clothing brand. Adidas was known to be taking a potential loss if they completely cut ties with West.
Yeezy Boost 350 v2s, 350 CMPCT v2s, 450s, 700s, Yeezy Slides and Foam Runners will be releasing in August. Kanye’s influence will forever impact Adidas and how they do business. The Chicago-born rapper has given Adidas more time to figure out what they will do post-Ye.
Yeezys still draw tons of attention particularly amongst younger crowds. New colorways are constantly being released and classics are continuously rereleased. Most Yeezys will attract numerous fans for countless reasons. Adidas may think twice about giving up completely on West’s signature line.
Second Half Releases
Although 2023 has been relatively slow in the sneaker world, there are numerous releases to look forward to. Everybody has their own unique style; the releases for the rest of the year will be sure to satisfy countless sneaker enthusiasts in various ways.
Stay tuned for another sneaker releases post in the upcoming future.
This year has provided the sneaker community with countless notable releases. Nike and Jordan Brand have dominated the best drops like they have been year in and year out over the past five plus years. With the exception of a few years when Adidas first came out with the Yeezy line, Nike has been almost untouchable in terms of producing the most noteworthy sneaker releases. Everyone has their personal favorites of the year for their own reasons and rationale. The best releases are always a topic of discussion towards the end of every year; every list is obviously subjective which draws more attention than staying impartial and objective.
This year in particular has been full of recognizable collaborations and classic pairs that were re-released. Every personal list differs based on preferences, personal pickups, and numerous other deciding factors. This list does not include every “hyped” sneaker to release in 2022; personal favorites are unique as they highlight individual style and taste. It is always tough to only pick a few sneakers when a year typically experiences numerous notable releases. The list below does not portray the overall magnitude of all of the distinguished sneakers released in 2022.
Top 5 Personal Favorites (2022)
Nike Air Max 1 NH Treeline
Released in early May, the Treelines were an instant hit. Although there was not too much hype before the pair released, this pair became an instant favorite for countless Air Max lovers. The materials truly stand out on this pair; suede, canvas, and mesh cover the outdoor-themed sneakers. Earth tones with hints of pink and a green suede mudguard give a new look to the classic Air Maxes and provide a fresh appearance for the timeless trainers.
The Treelines are an excellent option in the spring and summer for a pop of color when the weather is typically suede-friendly. Nike executed a new twist on a classic model to as close to perfection as possible. The earth tone craze has run rampant over the past few years; Nike knew what the people would gravitate to when they dropped the Treelines.
The Nike Air Max 1 Treelines provide a much needed breath of fresh air; the colorway is unlike any classics and gives a sense of ingenuity to the well-known silhouette.
New Balance 550 x Aimé Leon Dore Purple
Yes, a brand besides Nike makes my personal list this year. New Balance has proved to be a worthy competitor to the regular sneaker industry leaders in the recent past. Aimé Leon Dore (ALD) reintroduced the New Balance 550 with their collaboration in 2020 and the duo has not looked back since. Teddy Santis, the founder of ALD, brings a new swag to New Balance and revitalized the brand’s image especially with his latest creativity.
The NB 550 is no stranger to working with Santis, as they have released multiple clean colorways that compliment the timeless model extremely well. Earlier this year, Aimé Leon Dore released brown, olive, and purple colorways of the 550. All of the combos are distinguishable and match well with many other colors. Specifically, the purple colorway provides a unique look that pairs well with neutral tones. Teddy Santis did not disappoint with his recent releases in collaboration with New Balance. The tandem show no signs of slowing down and will continue to release clean 550s while allowing countless people access to the sneakers.
NB 550Aimé Leon DoreTeddy Santis and New Balance have been coming together to give a classic silhouette a modern upgrade
Air Jordan 3 Fire Red
Another classic makes the list for 2022. Jordan 3s are one of my favorite Jordan silhouettes and are easily in my top three models of all time. The elephant print produces a unique look that sets the sneakers apart from its relatives in the Jordan family. One of the more sought after silhouettes, Jordan 3s paired with an ageless colorway are bound to make the lists of many sneaker enthusiasts no matter the year.
The Jordan 3 Fire Red was highly anticipated and became one of the more notable sneaker releases before this year even started. Since its 2013 predecessor, Jordan 3 fans were anxiously waiting for the Fire Reds to drop with the original Nike Air branding. The 2022 version of this pair is arguably one of the best renditions of the timeless colorway since being originally released in 1988. Other J3 Fire Red retros did not include the coveted “Nike Air” on the shoe’s back tab. This branding alone increases the number of sneaker enthusiasts looking to secure a pair; the Jumpman logo is not nearly as popular with older and younger crowds alike.
Can’t beat a clean Jordan 3 with the Nike Air on the heel tab
Damn near executed to perfection *chef’s kiss*
A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 4 Violet Ore
The Jordan 4s have undoubtedly taken over as the hottest Jordan model of 2022. From the Military Blacks to the Red Thunders to the Canyon Purples, the classic silhouette has proved to be one of the most popular in the Jordan line over the past year. A Ma Maniére (AMM) released numerous high quality Jordans including the 1s, 2s, and 3s. The release of the Violet Ores continues their epic run in an exciting fashion; the materials are not lacking just like the previous AMM sneaker drops. A high quality collaboration with a respected brand like A Ma Maniére on one of the most recognized Jordan models in recent history proves to be a worthy sneaker of the year in many people’s personal lists.
Many sneakerheads consider A Ma Maniére collaborations to be of higher than normal quality for most Jordans. Although the Jordan 4s are still good quality, the suede was not up to par with previous AMM sneakers released in the recent past. Regardless, the AMM 4s are a sneaker of the year contender as one of the most notable sneaker releases.
A Ma Maniére produces quality sneakers with exciting stories and themes. Social Status and AMM are for the people; they always prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sneaker community.
Jordan 1 High Taxi
The colorway alone makes this a personal favorite of this year. Steelers, Pirates, Penguins all in one pair of shoes. Pittsburgh pride runs deep; there’s no better pair of shoes to wear on game day than the Taxi 1s. If this pair released a few years ago when the Jordan 1 High craze was at its peak, the resell value would be at least double of the current market price. The hype for the Taxis was high, but not high enough for people to miss out on if they put in some effort to purchase the sneakers on the release day in September of this year.
Jordan 1s will always be a clean and classic silhouette no matter the demand or popularity surrounding the model. The Taxis will be timeless pair of Jordans that people will look back in the future and realize how good of a pair Jordan Brand released. Classic white and yellow color blocking keeps the well-known pattern going on the pair as well. The materials are obviously not Shattered Backboard-like, but are still better than the quality of most recent Jordan 1 Highs.
Unofficial official Yinzer Jordan 1s
City of Champions Highs
Gameday Kicks
Honorable Mentions
Air Jordan 1 Low Bleached Coral
When people think of Jordan 1s, the automatically think of the high top version. The mids typically have more colorways, but with subpar quality that draws many sneakerheads away from the particular cut. Lows are often hit or miss. Most people leave the majority of Air Jordan 1 Lows alone and only focus on a select few colorways. The Bleached Coral combo is a can’t beat colorway that stands out compared to other color combos.
The materials on the Bleached Corals provide a much needed change from the usual quality of other Jordan 1 Lows. Black cracked leather gives a nice touch to complement the smooth white leather. The Bleached Coral suede surely sticks out for a fresh look. Another pair that makes an excellent summer shoe makes the list for 2022.
Air Jordan 4 Military Black
One of the more sought after Jordan 4s that came out this year boasts a clean and timeless colorway. When the Military Blacks first came out, they had a lot of hype surrounding them earlier this year. Now, this pair is showing no signs of losing any popularity in the foreseeable future. Jordan Brand executed the Military Black 4s extremely well. The pair has above average quality; also, the Military Blacks boasts better than usual quality control.
The light gray suede mudguard is an excellent compliment on the Air Jordan 4 Military Black. Jordan Brand did not let many people down with one of the most notable sneaker releases of2022.
Simple yet timeless colorways typically see the most demand. Almost all of the classic Jordans are clean sneakers that pair well with a variety of clothing pieces. Loud colorways are typically draw a younger crowd compared to ageless sneakers like numerous older Jordans. The Military Blacks are an instant classic that did not disappoint in 2022.
2022 Notable Sneaker Releases
Obviously I could not include all of my favorite sneaker releases to drop this year in this particular list. To get a list down to only five was not an easy task, but it still captures a general overview of sneakers that caught my eye in 2022. All of these sneakers are unique in their own regard; Nike makes up the majority of my recent pickups and my overall collection without a doubt. As time goes on, I am looking to make more of a conscious effort to include other brands in my rotation.
What does your top five sneakers list look like for 2022? Any way too early predictions for 2023?
