Tag: sneakers

Sneakers: Curating Your Own Style

April 8, 2023

In the sneaker world there are countless options for figuring out a unique style. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. The paradox of choice often makes sneaker purchases harder than they should be. However, as time goes on, individuals typically get a better sense of what they will wear more often; it does not make sense to keep buying sneakers that only collect dust and look nice on display.

People often look to social media and celebrities to figure out what’s hot and what’s not. This follower mindset is what usually leads to collecting sneakers that barely get worn. Instead, sneaker enthusiasts should seek to figure out their personal style before buying countless pairs of shoes.

Sense of Style

It often takes an individual years of trial and error before even getting an idea of their personal style. To dabble here and there in different niches is not always a bad thing. One can argue that trying styles outside of their comfort zone leads to a greater sense of individuality in the long run. Mixing and matching typically results in unique styles that cannot be replicated; for example, wearing a mix of streetwear and athletic wear. The possibilities are endless when a person opens up their style to expand upon its current limits.

Style represents much more than what the eye can see. Individualistic taste comes from numerous factors, both internal and external. Some internal aspects can include body weight/height and feeling confident in certain clothes. External factors involve inspiration from others, hot trends, and new drops constantly coming out.

The Limitless World of Sneakers

Individualistic style and sneakers often go together like peanut butter and jelly. New sneakers coming out virtually everyday leads to endless possibilities for people to express themselves. There will never be a shortage of shoes to choose from; following trends to the t severely limits these choices.

The amount of unique brands today allows for enthusiasts everywhere to find their favorites and eventually their most worn sneakers. The rise of boutique labels has led to extremely loyal fans who rep shoes that are not common to see in person.

There will never be a shortage of colorways. From classics to timeless combos to new and unique looks, we are currently living in the most advanced age in the sneaker industry.

The materials used now are far more progressive and boundary-breaking than any period in the twentieth century. Innovation continues to exceed expectations. A sneaker lover can find a comfortable pair of shoes all around; the past only allowed for a select few “comfortable” sneakers (virtually walking around with bricks compared to clouds today). The basketball shoes in the past offered no ankle support. Now players are used to ultra-supportive mid/high tops but low tops even offer more stability than the best high tops in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Custom Creps

Anybody can walk around with exclusive kicks in the present. Customs have proven to be a huge wave with no signs of crashing. From designers like Mache and The Shoe Surgeon, custom sneakers have become an art that captures many for various reasons. Anyone with a marker can even create their own one of ones. The custom hype has no signals of slowing down anytime soon.

Countless collectors would rather own and proudly wear exclusive kicks. When someone does not have the means to obtain sought after sneakers, they can turn to the world of customs. Either a semi-professional, a dedicated veteran, or yourself can create your own pair of customs. Personal pairs often hold great significance no matter how they are created (as long as there is noticeable time and effort put forth).

Structured Style Approach

Personal style depends on how much time and effort a person puts forth. There is no such thing as a unique touch without making “mistakes” first. In fashion, there are unwritten and personal rules that teach plenty about finding one’s unique looks. There is no such thing as unstructured personal style; over time, an individual finds their own lane through various forms of visual and representative organization.

Individualistic taste does not come overnight. There are plenty of awkward phases and figuring out to do before someone truly understands their own preferences and go to styles. Especially in the sneaker world, it may be hard to contain oneself to a specific lane or niche. There are plenty of particular looks among sneakers such as futuristic, beat up/vintage, classics, runners, etc. At the end of the day, nobody can fully structure someone else’s style. If they can, it is no longer personal or unique.

Sneakers are key way for someone to figure out what they like and don’t like in fashion. Pairing shoes with clothes is an art that nobody can ever perfect. Style is always subjective, but it is essential to have some sort of structure and blueprint in the long run. The composition may shift many times throughout one’s life; there are only new beginnings that form from the events and ideas of the past.

Grails: The Craze of Exclusive Sneakers

March 25, 2023

The term “grails” is thrown around loosely and typically does not hold as much weight as it seemed to in the past. Every sneaker collectors most wanted list consists of semi to extremely sought after kicks that go beyond the physical. Anyone who remembers their first pair of exclusive sneakers or a hot release that could not be secured. Lists vary due to numerous factors. Nobody has the same exact taste or grails as anyone else.

Top Five Grails

This personal list is never fully set in stone. Grails are meant to hold significance in multiple aspects, not just for a sole reason. The following sneakers are part of my grail list as of now and may change for any reason at any time.

Nike Air Yeezy 2 Red October

One of the most sought after and well-constructed Yeezys of all time. Even before Adidas teamed up with Ye, Nike put out some bangers throughout their stint together. The Red Octobers have only gone up in value and demand ever since they released. Nike Yeezys have tested to be built with quality materials; many pairs are still holding up very well almost ten years after the original release date in 2014.

This pair of sneakers is significant to me for various reasons. One in particular is the fact that they released on my birthday in 2014 (although I did not know until after they dropped). However, I later got more invested in sneakers and found out about the Red Octobers. Some of Kanye’s best shoes to ever release were during the pre-Adidas era. Louis Vuitton and Nike worked with West over several years to create some recognizable and highly coveted sneakers.

New Balance 992 Joe Freshgoods Don’t Be Mad Anatomy of a Heart/ No Emotions Are Emotions

Without a doubt, one of the most desired New Balance collaborations as of late and possibly of all time, Joe Freshgoods (JFG) and the Boston-based brand did not disappoint with this collaboration. Now, I only have a few pairs of New Balance in my personal collection. For a New Balance to be on my grails list has to mean it is something special.

This pair could easily be a Valentine’s Day classic; any type of sneaker with multiple uses of premium materials gets instantly better with the variation.

Nike Air Force 1 Low LeBron James PE

Air Forces typically aren’t my style, but there are always exceptions. Almost any Player Exclusive (PE) can be considered a grail for countless sneakerheads. Some PEs are myth-like as they are so rare and extremely limited. Most player exclusive are limited to single-digit pairs. Enthusiasts everywhere dream of obtaining a pair that only a select number of people have.

Originally released in 2005, the LeBron James PE is dressed in premium white and brown leather on the upper. The right lateral heel showcases an engraved design that is inspires by Ohio’s state lines. On the left lateral heel, an intricate LeBron James branding stands out effortlessly.

Air Jordan 1 High Chicago 1985 (The Holiest of Grails)

A timeless sneaker. A monumental pair of shoes. Anyone who appreciates Jordans knows how much influence the silhouette exudes. Other Jordan models are often overshadowed.

Anyone with an original pair of the Chicago 1s either knows they are potentially sitting on a pile of cash or has no clue about the pair’s true worth. The 1985 pairs are aged to perfection (naturally- no shots toward the ‘reimagined’ trend). Someone can argue that 99% of sneakers from the 80s don’t hold much monetary or sentimental value.

Air Jordan 1 High Chicago 1985- The Holiest of Grails

This particular pair is often worth the price of a reliable car. The intangible value is priceless due to the fact that the Chicagos paved the way for Jordan Brand as we know it today. The Air Jordan 1 Chicago 1985 will forever be a classic for sneaker collectors and casual fans alike.

Nike LeBron 10 What the MVP

In 2013, Nike released this limited pair of LeBrons to celebrate James’ 2013 NBA MVP, his fourth time winning the award. Nike made sure to release something special for a monumental feat of winning four MVP awards, a feat achieved by four other players besides James. That list includes Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan. Nike was pretty much obligated to pull something special off for James and they did not disappoint.

“What the” colorways were popping in the late 2000s/early 2010s as Nike basketball had the sneaker game on lock. The What the MVPs combined several elements from noticeable LeBron 10 colorways like the Area 72, Prism, and BHM. With a combination of classic colorways, the demand is high as ever for this pari of LeBrons. However, rumors say there are well less than 1,000 pairs in circulation. Nike basketball and LeBron James fans all over the world have been keeping their eyes on this grail.

Grails- Invaluable Yet Priceless Sneakers

Grails are meant to be invaluable for personal reasons. Price does not and will never constitute the worthiness of a grail. Someone’s grail can be another’s beater pair. Ultimately, subjectivity reigns supreme in fashion, especially within the sneaker world.

Personal grails often change as particular choices and tastes evolve over time. Nobody who thinks for themselves has the same exact grails for identical reasons as anyone else. Never let someone else define for you what you like and don’t like.

Drop some of your personal grails in the comments!

Image Sources

https://solecollector.com/sd/05410/nike/nike-air-yeezy-2-sp-red-october

https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2020/02/joe-freshgoods-new-balance-992-omn1s-interview

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/_Nike-Air-Force-1-Low-LeBron-James-PE-or-Size-11

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/_Air-Jordan-1-Retro-High-Chicago-1985-or-Size-10

https://solecollector.com/news/2013/05/lebron-james-wears-what-the-mvp-nike-lebron-x

Reselling Taught Me

March 11, 2023

Shortly after I got into sneakers, I started to flip pairs on a part-time basis. Obviously I am not and never was a full-time reseller. Like a lot of people, I only sell shoes to make extra spending money and to buy more sneakers. Throughout the years, I have learned more from being observant and watching how others manage their side hustles or full-time businesses. Reselling often gets a bad rep (for justified and unjustified reasons). However, individuals can learn valuable business lessons that translate to other ventures.

Reselling provides experience; nothing beats hands-on, real-world experience. Whether someone flips a pair of shoes or a t shirt, the logistics are simple enough for anyone to pick up on. A person buys a product online or in-person. Then, they find a seller through a third party source or sell directly to the customer. One of the simplest business concepts of all time is buy low, sell high. Online arbitrage has skyrocketed over the past decade not just within the world of sneakers, but almost every product imaginable that can be sourced and flipped for a greater value. Anything from clothing to books to furniture can be resold with considerable profit margins.

Reselling and Basic Business Principles

Any type of real-world experience provides invaluable and irreplaceable philosophies than can be used in countless aspects of life. Reselling teaches customer service, supply and demand, and client relations right off the bat. Every time a pair of sneakers is resold, basic business principles are actualized. Even by flipping shoes on a part-time basis, I have learned more about sales compared to any form of study. By observing how other people move, I have learned numerous valuable lessons about life, business, shipping, and logistics. One of the most important messages that has stuck with me is the fact that you can do everything right on your end and things might still not work out in your favor.

Sometimes the market unexpectedly crashes. Other times, someone might be victim of fraud. And in very few cases there will be a pair of fakes or a scam you run across. Even after doing one’s due diligence, there is always a chance to suddenly slip up no matter how well a past performance was. There are endless aspects of business outside of one’s direct control; the only thing to do is focus on what is in one’s direct reach and control and rationally react to the uncontrollable.

The world of reselling is not as friendly as it seems on the outside. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

In reselling and any worthwhile business, there will always be people watching from afar looking at you with disdain and contempt. You are as worthy as you present yourself. If you treat yourself poorly, others will most likely do the same in return. It is essential to realize your worth before anyone else does. How you view and talk to yourself translates to any side hustles or full-time businesses in practice.

Losses into Lessons

When it is usually least expected, life tends to throw curveballs. In the online arbitrage/resell business, there will always be out of the blue moments that nobody could see coming. To be reactive is to keep a thriving side hustle or business.

A reseller quickly learns the feeling of taking a loss. Way too many things between the purchase of a sneaker and the sale are outside of a person’s direct control. For example, a pair of shoes may get lost or stolen while in transit, a pair of fakes may be passed as authentic, or shoes may not sell in a timely manner. One of the most delusional ways of thinking is to always think every aspect of business will run smoothly and according to the original plan for 100% of the time. Business is about adapting to problems that suddenly arise. It is no different for reselling sneakers or clothing; issues come up unexpectedly and require adaptable approaches to stay successful.

There is not a one size fits all approach for every transaction, whether it is a purchase, trade, or sale. Previous experiences can translate to better prepare for the future, but one cannot stay rigid when conducting any sort of reselling business. Product demand and market states constantly fluctuate. Losses must be turned into lessons to avoid any similar mistakes in the future.

Translate to Transpire

The world of reselling provides beneficial hands-on experience that can convey to other ventures in the future. Reselling is not always feasible over an extended period of time. The state of the third party market forever changes, especially due to inflation as of recently. By taking practical experience from the resell market, someone is able to translate it to another business endeavor which opens up more doors for future growth and success.

Theoretical knowledge only gets someone so far. Someone can study theories all day and still gain no real-world experience. The person who takes action gains more insight than the individual who waits years before acting upon their studies. Why not take reselling experience to transpire into a niche venture where an individual can thrive in a unique field?

Various endeavors teach niche topics about the general business overview. Reselling educates individuals the importance of logistics and customer relations.

People complicate business too often. Reselling simplifies commerce and allows people to get a general understanding before diving into a different sector of expertise. Online arbitrage typically exaggerates supply and demand; a product that sells instantly and in high quantities this month may go out of style within only a few weeks to a month in the near future.

Potential Next Moves

Constantly fluctuating markets lead to instability and uncertainty for the future. Anyone interested in sneakers over the past five plus years has seen a meteoric rise in the resale of countless sneakers. The after-market world of sneakers has witnessed more change in only a littler over five years compared to any other period in its existence.

To rely on an unstable market does not provide as much stability compared to other business ventures. A reseller’s dream is to have a completely stable market with constant products in high demand year in and year out. Obviously that will never be the case especially for footwear.

One option is utilizing the market to its full advantage. By studying trends and learning from experience, there is ample room to grow even in an unsteady market.

Another alternative is to put more focus on another endeavor. Someone can specialize in sneaker cleaning, accessories, or custom made sneakers. Any other product that can be marketed to a niche crowd is a viable option too.

Reselling creates opportunities directly and indirectly for individuals to continue to equip themselves with something they can call their own.

Best Sneaker Books

March 2, 2023

Sneaker culture is a relatively young niche compared to others under the fashion and footwear umbrella. Fashion historians often overlook certain subcultures in favor of older or more notable ones. Sneakers books are becoming more popular as the sneaker world continues to widen.

Books are always one of the purest forms of history. Sneaker books showcase stories, articles, opinions, and standout sneakers. As time goes on, more history will be shared and focused on just like any other subculture that floats towards the mainstream.

Historical Sneaker Stories

Countless sneaker books often focus on recent history and latest news, releases, and best of lists. However, there are some intriguing stories that delve into how major and smaller companies alike found a lasting role in the sneaker world. Everyone knows Nike, Adidas, and Puma. Not many people know the history of the household brands and their humble beginnings.

Adidas and Puma have close ties that started decades ago in Germany. Sneaker Wars: The Enemy Brothers Who Founded Adidas and Puma and the Family Feud That Forever Changed the Business of Sport by Barbara Smit focuses on how two brothers founded major sportswear companies that are both well-known across the globe. Athletic footwear brands historically began outside American borders. Germany brought two sportswear brands into the athletic apparel and footwear world in a rather short period of time.

Smit highlights the battles between the Dassler family that ultimately led two separate labels. Both of the German brothers grew up without any ill-intentions towards each other. When they went into business, things shifted drastically. Their falling-out led to two different family companies instead of just family brand.

Oregon Trail

Phil Knight is without a doubt one of the most influential figures in the footwear industry. When he first started out, not many people believed in him, even his own friends and family. If it weren’t for his perseverance and relentless determination, the most popular footwear brand today might very well be one from overseas. In his memoir he goes into great detail about all of the trials and tribulations he had to go through before he saw any sort of success. Nike represents one of the greatest stories to come out of the American sports apparel and footwear industry.

Officially founded in 1972, in Beaverton, Oregon, the corporation started from humble beginnings. The future of Nike was looking bleak when Knight first started his journey before officially founding the world-renowned sportswear company.

Knight attended the University of Oregon where he met Bill Bowerman, one of the most iconic American track and field coaches in the history of the sport. Phil Knight kept close ties with Bowerman that would be integral to the rest of his life. The two ultimately became co-founders of Nike, one of the world’s most recognizable sportswear brands of the late twentieth and the entirety of the twenty-first century so far.

Shoe Dog, goes into great detail about Phil Knight’s personal life, his early days of his entrepreneurial journey, and the Nike days up until the mid 2010s. Since being published in 2016, the memoir has been widely accepted and recognized as one of the best sneaker books of the past decade. Bill Gates even named Shoe Dog as one of his favorite books of 2016. Any Nike fan or sneaker enthusiast should check out Phil Knight’s memoir.

Best of 2018-19

Every year, the best sneaker lists are released after long waits. Collaborations typically make up the majority of the lists with very few exceptions. Sneaker books that recap particular releases throughout the years are always interesting to look back on.

Many collabs stand out effortlessly in this short period of time. Union, Travis Scott, and Off-White had memorable sneakers released that many enthusiasts will never forget. Out of Stock Sneakers: 2018-2019 showcases some unforgettable rare sneakers in a unique and unconventional way. King-Masa effortlessly makes this read easy and enjoyable. Anyone looking to add to a coffee table collection should seek out this publication.

NB 550 x Aime Leon Doré Review

February 15, 2023

Aime Leon Doré x New Balance 550 Purple

New Hype, Same Label

Anybody who is somewhat interested in sneakers knows how popular New Balance (NB) has been over the past few years. Especially due to collaborations with various labels and designers, the brand founded in Boston has seen an increase in demand for a majority of its models. Only five years ago someone wearing New Balances would have been viewed as an outsider in the sneaker community; Jordans and Adidas still run the game, but NB has proved itself to be a strong competitor who takes pride in comfort and craftsmanship. The NB 550 has seen an exorbitant rise in popularity over the past few years.

The New Balance 550s have gained tons of attention since they have been relaunched in 2020. The model initially released out in 1989 when low-top basketball sneakers were not a common sight in the late ’80s. Thanks to Teddy Santis, the founder of the New York based fashion and lifestyle brand Aimé Leon Dore (ALD), the New Balance 550 saw an overdue revival and tons of hype surrounding the silhouette. Santis helped kickstart the 550 craze in September 2020 when he decided to team up with New Balance and bring the model out of the vault. Since then, the NB 550 has proved to be a retro sneaker that has been part of the “dad shoe” trend over the past few years. There are no signs of slowing down for the New Balance 550 anytime soon.

Recent NB x ALD Collabs

The recent pack of the Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 550 comes in three colorways- brown, olive, and purple. All three have their own unique colors, but the purple stood out the most to me personally. The recent batch of 550s all sport the same color blocking as the first group that was released in 2020. Teddy Santis knows how to execute a sneaker collab to near perfection. There are not many aspects you can nitpick about his work with New Balance.

Overall, the ALD x NB 550 is a timeless retro sneaker that is extremely versatile and wearable. From basketball shorts to cargos pants to chinos and joggers, the 550 can be worn with a wide variety of clothing. The “aged” midsole is a perfect shade of cream; the aged trend can be a hit or miss, but the look on the NB 550 is a no brainer. The model already flaunts vintage looks, so the cream midsole is a perfect touch to a classic sneaker

New Balance is in a weight class with the big boys now. Obviously Nike and Jordan have been the frontrunner for quite some time with no signs of slowing down. However, New Balance has given Adidas a run for their money. Collaborations as of lately have propelled NB into one of the most popular sneaker brands over the last few years. Made in USA shoes have been a staple of New Balance for quite some time. They typically have better quality control and higher standards than other footwear giants who focus more on mass production which causes a considerable drop-off in quality. Especially in the ALD x New Balance 550, the quality is well worth the retail price.

Proven Quality

The leather on the ALD 550s feels sturdy and is of solid quality overall. This particular pair has great attention to detail and excellent quality control; the simplicity makes the sneakers a unique and often wearable pair. The purple is a very dark shade which allows for a high wearability. Cream and off-white compliment each other to near perfection. A simple yet distinctive pair like the ALD x NB 550 brings a classic look back with a modern twist.

The shade of purple is dark enough to pair well with a variety of colors, but is not too bright either. ALD’s logo on the insole adds a nice touch to the subtle aspects of this pair. Cream and purple on the soles makes for a unique combo that compliment the midsole and upper hues.

Distinct logos are no stranger to the NB x ALD 550 collab. Aimé Leon Dore’s apple/New York logo stands out and represents quality goods. Anyone who pays attention to the New York based label knows their clothing is constructed with care and high caliber materials. ALD takes pride in being simple yet unique; this particular pair displays the classic logo that is recognizable at first sight.

New Balance x Aimé Leon Dore

Collabs with extra features separate from the sneakers stand out compared to those that don’t. Extra laces come in cream and purple for this particular pair. Both would compliment the shoes well, but the cream or white would look best for a classic look.

Basketball is a common motif in Aimé Leon Dore’s collections, photos, logos, and brand inspiration. New Balance collaborated with Santis of ALD on a hoop-themed collection of apparel, bags, and accessories. The “All-City Sonny League” collection seeks to bring people together; the main expression for the set is “International Friendship Through Basketball.” Teddy Santis found his own lane to bring basketball and retro shoes and apparel together in a seamless fashion. He continues to hone in and focus on basketball in his ties with New Balance.

The box would be the only negative aspect in the ALD NB 550 partnership. Although the Aimé Leon Dore spell out adds a unique touch to the typical New Balance box, the overall quality is subpar to say the least. The box is extremely flimsy and feels cheap. New Balance stayed true to the original 550s with a vintage look and feel.

The New Balance basketball-apple-caterpillar logo gives the tongue a classic and contemporary addition. ALD logos are not lacking on the 550 collab. Teddy Santis’s branding stands out with the basketball-apple printed on one insole and on the back tab as well. He makes sure to stay true to New York, keeping the recognized logo pure and noticeable.

Creative Connection

Teddy Santis is a monumental figure in New Balance’s revival of the 550. The two forces teamed up to bring some hype to relaunch the model before releasing more GR pairs that anyone can get their hands on. The ALD raffle for the recent brown, olive, and purple NB 550s was handled extremely well; the site was simple to enter on and allowed individuals to enter for all three colorways to increase their chances of securing a pair. Anyone who was not selected for the raffle got an opportunity to preorder the colorways they missed out on the first time.

Many people have mixed feelings about preorders. Although the preorders will not ship until Spring 2023, Aimé Leon Dore made sure their supporters would be taken care of. For anyone who wanted a pair of ALD 550s and did not care about resell prices or hyping “dying down,” the raffle and preorder gave both NB and ALD fans a deserving chance to secure a pair for retail price.

New Balance has stepped up to the plate over the recent years. Collabs with Aimé Leon Dore, Joe Fresh Goods, and JJJJound have proved to come with high expectations, quality materials, and exceptional execution.

ALD x NB 550 On Feet

Outlook for Aimé Leon Dore

The future between ALD and New Balance looks promising. Both labels clearly have chemistry together; they will have more models and collections to work on and explore more possibilities for future collaborations. Teddy Santis prides himself on quality rather than quantity. New Balance has been moving in the same direction especially when they manufacture some sneakers in the States. Obviously, they could mass-produce far more pairs overseas with inferior materials. New Balance and ALD are a near perfect fit as they would rather look for higher quality pieces even if profits slightly decrease.

Santis brings an original flare to streetwear and sneakers. He knows how to connect with the youth and continues to put out quality pieces that resonate with many people. Basketball brings people together no matter how they relate to it; Santis has been able to use a few essential themes to lead the way for Aimé Leon Dore. Brands like New Balance are working with young, up and coming, and relatable creatives and artists now more than ever in the history of the Boston-based brand.

Overall, New Balance and Aimé Leon Dore have an established connection with no signs of slowing down. Future apparel collections and more sneakers will continue to showcase the creative focus of each contributor. Both parties will have the room to stay true to their respective brands while experimenting with subtle yet appealing changes. Teddy Santis is not taking his foot off the pedal with his creative control in collaboration with New Balance.

Boost- The Rise and Fall

February 3, 2023

Anyone interested in sneakers knew how powerful Adidas was at its peak in the past decade. Collabs with Kanye West and Pharrell Williams soared in terms of demand and popularity. The German-founded footwear and apparel label heavily relied on classic models like the Superstar and Stan Smiths for most of the brand’s existence. There was a rather recent monumental “boost” that impacted the industry as a whole.

Kanye West’s Yeezy line is arguably the best thing to happen to Adidas since its creation in 1949. However, before the existence of Yeezys came an influential model that propelled the sneaker label to new heights. With the introduction of the Ultra Boost, Adidas brought itself to the forefront of lifestyle, streetwear, and athleisure niches simultaneously. After Kanye was first seen rocking a pair of Ultra Boosts, the rest fell into place for the new silhouette that debuted in 2015. Shortly after, the first Yeezy dropped and Adidas never looked back (for a while).

Time For A Boost

During the middle of the 2010s, Adidas sought after a new identity. The brand with the three stripes desperately needed more leverage to stay up to par with its biggest competitors. Generally, Adidas was seen as a brand focusing on classic models originally released decades ago. Nike was always the more innovative and better looking big brother; nobody could ever get the two brands confused in terms of versatility.

In 2015, Adidas released the Ultra Boost, which is still considered one of the most comfortable shoes on the market today. The innovative “boost” took the sneaker industry by storm. Responsive and bouncy materials allowed for an experience close to “walking on clouds.” The new silhouette became an instant classic especially when Kanye West started to wear them. Ultra Boosts helped Adidas stay relevant as they came out with an innovative and visually appealing sneaker that would appeal to sneaker enthusiasts and everyday people alike.

Adidas knew it was time for change and introduced the boost technology that propelled the label through the rest of the decade. Collaborations have always been popular, but soon became a staple for many sneaker brands in recent history. The artists a label chooses to work with says a lot about the overall brand itself. Adidas realized the potential it had with numerous creatives and designers.

The Life of Yeezy

Many sneakerheads appreciate the Nike Air Yeezy and and Air Yeezy II even if they like the shoe or not. The releases sold out instantly and paved the way for other non-athletes to collaborate with footwear giants. After a brief stint with Nike, Kanye West was a free agent in the sneaker world. Despite not being an athlete, the Chicago-based rapper and designer sought to make monumental deals in the fashion world. He would not let his talents be denied simply due to the fact that he had no professional sporting experience.

In November 2013, Adidas and Kanye West inked an endorsement deal that would change the sneaker game forever. Ten years prior, nobody could imagine a fashion designer signing a deal like West did with the German sportswear company. Adidas Yeezy or simply Yeezy was founded shortly after the deal. The duo debuted the first Yeezy in 2015 with the Adidas Yeezy Boost 750. The high-top sneaker was just the beginning of the long run for West and the footwear giant he partnered with.

The Yeezy 350 Boost came out in Summer 2015 and became an instant hit. Releasing several colorways of the first model and eventually a V2, Adidas and Kanye were on a tear for multiple consecutive years. Other models such as the 700s, and most recently the Foam Runners proved to be extremely popular as well. People who were die-hard Nike fans ventured outside of their typical habits. Even non-sneaker enthusiasts quickly picked up on Yeezys. The new kicks were a hit in cities, suburbs, the States, across the pond, and virtually anywhere people wear sneakers. Kanye West and Adidas showed no signs of stopping as the decade started to come to a close.

Adidas Yeezy 350 Boost Turtle Dove (SneakerNews.com)

Jumped Over Jumpman

Along with its meteoric rise in the new Yeezy line, Adidas saw its overall sales evidently skyrocket. Collaborations with Pharrell, Pusha T, and brands like Bape, Palace, and Undefeated pushed other products besides Yeezys such as Ultra Boosts and NMDs. Boost was practically in every sneaker retail and resale store around the world. The German-founded brand gained more respect in competition with its American-based big brother. Rather than its typical role of playing second fiddle, Adidas was seen as the 1B to the 1A of Nike around 2015/2016.

Nike had Jordan while Adidas had Yeezy. Sneaker enthusiasts everywhere could not stop the comparisons between J’s and Yeezys. Everyone had to put in their two cents no matter if it was warranted or not. Even Kanye West added to fuel to the fire when he dropped an unofficial diss track towards Nike. In his song, “Facts,” on The Life of Pablo, West clearly let the world know how he felt about Jordan Brand:

“Yeezy, Yeezy, Yeezy just jumped over Jumpan.”

The debates of whether Yeezy did in fact jump over Jumpman only intensified after the song released in February 2016. Despite the rapid rise of the Yeezy line, Jordan has been around for far longer and resonates with more people across the world. Jumpman’s numbers are almost untouchable compared to those of other sneaker brands.

Post Ye

Adidas has a lot of questions to answer as the 2020s bring a new era for the company. As the 2010s came to a close, the Yeezy line started to slow down despite still remaining popularity among the masses. The brand with the three stripes eventually lost its spot as the unanimous number two sneaker company in the world. The gap between two and three is a lot slimmer than it was in the middle of the last decade.

After the huge news of Adidas annihilating their deal with Kanye West in October 2022, the sportswear company no longer boasts a clear outlook as the new decade progresses. Sales inevitably crashed shortly after the news broke out. Even with Adidas releasing the same models without the Yeezy name, many people will most likely not purchase the sneakers with the same price point.

The rest of the decade will determine how the German-based sportswear company’s future will look. There is still time to rebound after the Kanye West era, but Adidas must act fast before they are pushed to the wayside by numerous competitors. Only time will tell how Adidas will overcome the roadblock after losing their biggest endorsement deal in the company’s history.

Creative Growth

January 11, 2023

Life can be full of ups and downs. Everyone knows life throws curves in every path that are far from ideal. It is essential to find various outlets to explore creativity, find peace, and stay active. There is no single activity that can stimulate the mind and provide for the body at the same time to the fullest extent. Some may prove to be better for creative growth than others, but it is vital to diversify oneself and never stop being inquisitive.

To be sane and healthy in all aspects of life requires a multi-faceted approach to handle all of the adversity that comes along. Everyone has their own stress relievers and outlets; people who consume too much without gaining some type of experience or knowledge rarely find themselves completely satisfied.

Bookworms

Reading is something that has been pushed to the side over the past few decades with the popularization of video games, tv shows/movies, and social media. Even just a few minutes of uninterrupted reading everyday can provide far more benefits than mindless hours on the internet. The knowledge in the world is endless; why should learning stop when someone graduates from high school or college?

There are various genres that all provide their own unique advantages. For example, psychology and sociology focused books give more insight on how the world works and how people around us interact with each other. An individual can interpret a book completely differently than the next person who reads the same exact words. There are no quizzes or grades when reading for knowledge and wisdom, but instead it is up to the reader to apply what they learned on the pages in front of them. Creative growth stems from reading various topics to gain valuable wisdom.

Although the internet is more popular than ever, reading physical books is an excellent way to unplug and take a break from the never-ending news and strong opinions of others seen online. Reading can give much needed mental breaks when used wisely; a good book can indirectly give valuable guidance on how to deal with the world around us. Non-fiction literary works often provide priceless insight and knowledge, but fiction can also prove to be useful and extraordinary in its own ways.

Fiction lets the imagination run free and open up room for creative growth. The mind gets lost in a fictional world where people do not have to deal with the constant pressure of living up to certain expectations in real life. Winding down by reading any type of fiction showcases the power of ingenuity when used correctly. Fictional novels allow real-world problems to take a back seat to get a closer view of an imaginative world where realistic issues do not concern the characters. Readers can learn just as much from novels as non-fiction informational books if they keep an open mind and allow imaginative events and characters to translate to the physical world around them.

Lovers of Footwear

Some people start dressing from the top down while others start with the feet first. Sneaker enthusiasts everywhere take pride in a new pair of fresh kicks and rocking them knowing it completes their outfit. Sneakers bring countless individuals together for numerous reasons.

The sneaker world holds endless possibilities for to make connections and to enjoying the ability to express oneself freely in a healthy way. Like sports, sneakers are easy to bond over. Someone walking down the street wearing a rare pair of shoes might be stopped by an enthusiast who appreciates certain pairs of shoes. There are always hot topics of discussion within the sneaker community. New releases, rumors about potential collaborations, and scandals are constantly talked about among people who are interested in sneakers.

People who invest countless hours, endless energy, and often too much money into sneakers are usually open to lend a helping hand to newbies and other enthusiasts who are respectful and relatable. The overall sneaker community (not sneaker resellers- two completely different groups) as a whole is generally welcoming and supportive. The community is not underground and “exclusive” like it used to be.

Sneakers bring people together rather than tear them apart.

Sure, there are plenty of limited releases that leave people empty handed. However, the individuals who put in their fair share of due diligence have a higher chance of success when going after more sought-after sneakers. Especially now, it is easier than ever to get into sneakers. People can walk into shoe stores and purchase quality pairs that would not have been sitting a few years ago. The secondary market is currently also in favor of most buyers who do not want to break the bank. Anyone who does their research can learn about the history of brands and specific sneaker models whenever they want. The sneaker world is more open than ever for people who are looking to get more serious about their footwear.

Fanatics and Fiends

Sports are more than a game. They bring millions of people together all over the world. Fans support one another and uplift those that are struggling in their personal lives. Sports provide a healthy escape from reality as well.

Whether through playing or watching, anyone who is part of a team knows how it feels to be part of a collective group with similar goals. Organized sports provide healthy and valuable outlets for countless children, teenagers, adults, and elderly people. Nothing can replicate the feeling when a team and its supporters come together as one.

Games are more than who scores more (or less) than an opponent. They represent much more than the actual scoreboard; sports teach individuals about important aspects all throughout life. Hard work, determination, perseverance, and team work are the obvious that often come to mind. However, other motifs show more about life than what is seen on the surface.

In sports and life alike, people quickly learn that things will not always go their way. Someone can do everything in their willpower to succeed, but it still might not be enough to reach the desired outcome. Sports and life are both difficult in their own respects and do not give hand outs no matter the circumstances.

Fans everywhere bond with other supporters of the same team no matter their gender, race, skin color, ethnicity, or sexuality. Sports bring millions of people who otherwise would have stayed divided or out of contact. In good and bad times, fans of sports teams support their teams and each other. The allegiance to a team is not something to be taken lightly. True fans devote endless time and energy in supporting their respected team on the way to victory.

Creative Growth Mindset

To stay stagnant in life is to live an unfulfilled life. Meaningful outlets like reading, sneakers, and sports provide substance and allow people to express themselves in healthy ways. No matter what someone chooses to do in life, there will always be potential to be honest about expressing oneself. Whether someone reads or paints in their free time, collects sneakers or grows plants does not make a huge difference as long as there are healthy outlets to deal with life’s ups and downs. Nobody can take life as it is without dedicating undivided time towards activities that enrich their life in some way.

Growing opens up countless doors for future possibilities. People with a fixed mindset typically don’t seek out rewarding or fulfilling opportunities to enhance creativity, knowledge, and overall health. Those who look for a chance to improve often do over time. Nobody can put in the time, energy, or effort for anyone else. Someone with a creative growth mindset often finds themselves as a constant learner and new experience seeker all throughout life.

One thing that never changes about life is the fact that it will always be changing. It’s only right to change with one’s surroundings rather than fight what is natural.

An individual will always have their own preferences. However, it is essential to stay open to new experiences and trying new things to keep living a fulfilling life. Books, sneakers, and sports are just a few outlets that can provide a sense of fulfillment, belonging, and purpose. All of these are interchangeable with any healthy outlet that allows a person to grow and express themselves.

Creative growth comes from within; an open mind allows for endless possibilities and opportunities.

Sneaker Outlook 2023

December 29, 2022

The sneaker community has gone through plenty of ups and downs this year alone. From legal battles between StockX and Nike to Zadeh Kicks declaring bankruptcy to most recently Adidas dropping Yeezy and Kanye West, this year has been nothing short of eventful. Even though the sneaker market is down, like the overall economy, there are still bright spots to look forward to in the upcoming year. The sneaker outlook for 2023 is sure to include countless shifting tides.

Nobody can predict the future of sneakers, but trends give an educated guess that allows sneaker lovers everywhere to analyze how things will be in the near future. The Jordan 1 High saw its peak in terms of popularity within the past few years; the trend has came to a screeching halt earlier this year. Nike Dunks have also been a trend that has been revived since its early 2000s days.

The sneaker outlook for the year ahead should hold a lot of answers particularly concerning online releases. There has been a heavy favorite to online shopping even before the pandemic started; the days of first come first serve with lines out the door are almost extinct. Every now and then sneaker drop lines may pop up, but it is nowhere near as it was before 2020. Bots have taken a hit as well since the overall value of limited shoes have gone down on secondary market buy/sell apps. Proxies have gone up in price too and are often only worth purchasing if someone has a top bot which is harder to come by in today’s age.

Drifts and Shifts

Trends across sneakers have changed countless times over the past few years. High tops to low tops to slides have all been popular in numerous aspects. New Balance has seen a surge in popularity thanks to their anticipated collaborations with creatives like Joe Freshgoods, Teddy Santis, and Salehe Bembury.

Partnerships across various brands have proved to produce some of the most sought after sneakers throughout the past few decades. Everyone knows the household names. Lately, there has been an increase in smaller labels who may have previously flown under the radar. Collaborations allow for more creativity and artists/creatives to show their unique twist on recognizable silhouettes. In the sneaker outlook for next year, partnerships between sneaker powerhouses and creatives show no sign of slowing down anytime soon .

The Jordan High 1s and the Nike Dunks have seen their peaks and some noticeable dips as of recently. Who knows what the next hot model will be for the brand with the check. Air Maxes have seen a resurgence lately with some noticeable collaborations with Cactus Jack. The Air Max 1 and 90 are some of the most popular models in the line and should be front runners for a potential spike in sales and popularity.

Brand Popularity

Across the sneaker industry, everyone knows Nike has been and will be number one for years to come. With Kanye’s departure within Adidas, the number two spot is up for taking. New Balance is a clear favorite to secure a spot among the top footwear brands around the world. Puma has a few surges every now and then with their basketball shoes. However, the German founded brand still doesn’t have the same appeal in their casual footwear line.

Smaller brands like SIA and Mache have seen an increase in popularity within the past few years. Nike has been exposed for countless quality control issues. People who take their business to independent labels do not have to worry about the level of quality. There is a prevalent boutique-like experience when dealing with well-crafted sneakers by the likes of Mache, SIA and The Shoe Surgeon.

Designer brands have focused more attention to sneakers and are not shy about crossing into the streetwear and casual footwear industries as well. Gucci’s collaborations with Adidas and Palace Skateboards show the gap between designer and casual wear/streetwear is not always far apart. Of course when fashion houses work with other brands, the prices will often reflect that of the higher end of the spectrum.

The highly anticipated Louis Vuitton Nike Air Force 1 Lows by Virgil Abloh did not disappoint. Less than a year after Abloh’s sudden death, Nike teamed up with the European fashion house to honor the late designer. The release was heard all of the world. Anyone who is somewhat interested in high-end fashion, sneakers, or streetwear knew about one of the most hyped and prepared for sneaker releases over the past five years.

Online Releases

One of the most important aspects for next year’s sneaker outlook is security and privacy. Bot protection will never escape conversations held around the world. More sites have proved to be showing at least some effort. Quizzes and captchas to filter out bots have sometimes given manual users a better chance. However, numerous sites still implement the same security measures. There will never be a definite solution for either side in this matter.

People will always complain about the lack of bot protection for almost every release. Bots have decreased in overall efficiency. Proxies have gone up noticeably and bot rentals have gone down exponentially. Not many people are looking to spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on a setup before getting an attempt to checkout a single pair. The rise of the sneaker resell market rose astronomically over the past five years. Everyone and their mother could get a few pairs here and there if they put just a little time and effort. Now, the input is rarely worth the output unless someone has an expensive setup and a reliable proxy/internet provider.

Sneaker outlook- Air Jordan 1 University Blue

Hyped online releases significantly decrease the odds significantly for manual users. However, the clearest advantage is the level of accessibility when products are available in a reasonable time frame. When kicks are sitting online and not selling out instantly, the ability to checkout a pair on your phone while being virtually anywhere in the world is extremely valuable.

Online sneaker shopping has taken over social media recently. Sneaker brand account pages have been known to drop shoes randomly on Instagram to surprise people from time to time. Sometimes people have trouble checking out on sites with poor traffic management. Social media shops are typically quick, easy to navigate, and reliable.

Promoting Individuality

Over the past five or so years, the sneaker game has opened its doors to more labels. A select number of brands ran the sneaker world over the past few decades. Underground and smaller labels are more accepted now than ever throughout the history of sneakers. The rise in creatives pushing their own sneakers has blossomed recently. Creatives finessed loopholes to come up with their own knock-off versions of Air Force Ones and Jordan 1 Highs in the recent past. Nike has put an abrupt end to dealing with bootleg sneakers with a federal trademark protection of the Air Jordan 1 that became official June 2021.

To mass produce quality sneakers requires enormous overhead and warehouse space. The rise of independent labels like Mache and SIA have shown that quality proves to be essential for smaller creatives. Labels who produce a limited run or a preorder allow for a manageable production phase; they don’t need to front the exorbitant costs like Nike and Adidas do on the regular. Focusing on a niche market lets creatives hone in on their unique specialties.

The Shoe Surgeon customizes sneakers with premium materials. He works on well known sneakers like Air Jordans, Yeezys, and designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior. Most of his pairs release in limited runs with four to five figure price tags. Independent sneaker labels build an extremely loyal following to appeal to a certain crowd. They create a personalized touch that cannot be felt with the footwear giants. The sneaker outlook for 2023 should continue to work in favor of independent labels who have extremely loyal customers

Prospective Sneaker Outlook

In today’s age, different sneaker brands are more accepted by those who are passionate about them and casual wearers alike. Back in the day, the freshest and coolest sneakers were always Nike or Jordan. Now, labels like New Balance have become more mainstream and pushed the narrative in favor of brands outside of Nike and Adidas. The hottest kicks of the year are often still Nikes or Jordans and sometimes Adidas sneakers. Other brands like NB, Puma, and Asics all have shown promising and effective releases to appeal to a wider audience. It is more acceptable than ever to wear other brands besides the largest in the footwear industry.

Sneaker outlook- Adidas Ultra Boost DNA ZX 8000

Sneakers have stories to tell.

Everyone who loves sneakers know how they represent more than just the physical shoes. There are often stories and backgrounds behind the materialistic aspect of sneakers; people who go crazy about sneakers often relate more to the deeper meaning and what a pair of shoes represents than how the shoe looks on the outside.

Brands outside of Nike and Adidas should continue to see an increase in popularity. Also, independent designers will look to find new ways to adapt to Nike’s copyright and trademark protections that put countless creatives out of business. Collaborations will no doubt boast some of the best sneakers of the year. Next year will determine how the rest of the decade will play out in the sneaker world. Will Nike separate itself more from its competitors or will other contenders arise?

Listen to the stories to figure out why sneakers are more than just a pair of shoes. The 2023 sneaker outlook should be interesting to see how things play out by this time next year.

“Virgil Abloh Was Here”

December 29, 2022

It has been over a year since the sudden passing of the fashion designer and streetwear icon, Virgil Abloh. Nobody within the past decade has impacted the sneaker community as much as Abloh. His influence is still impactful and will be for the foreseeable future; nobody can deny the fact that Abloh broke down barriers for designers everywhere no matter their opinion on his creative work.

Streetwear has typically been a subculture within the larger fashion scene. With Abloh’s presence and prominence, streetwear became widely accepted by almost everyone in the fashion industry. After the work of the Illinois native, the crossover between high-end/designer fashion and streetwear became normalized. Sneakers were one of Abloh’s main focuses that pushed limits and redefined the impact and precedents regarding collaborations.

Virgil Abloh’s most recognizable creative production is his collaboration between his world renowned brand, Off-White and the sneaker/apparel giant in Nike. “The Ten” collection showcased the true genius that Abloh was. He put his own creative touch on classic models like the Air Jordan 1, several Air Maxes, and Air Forces without doing too much. Abloh decided to work on already established shoes and turn them into unique sneakers that have never been actualized before. Past designers did not have the creative freedom that Nike granted to Virgil Abloh. He tweaked timeless models that were otherwise not altered since their inception.

After his first collection with Nike, Virgil Abloh’s influence showed no signs of slowing down. Nike has released countless pairs in collaboration with Off-White since their partnership first started. The quotes, “unfinished” materials, and exposed foam all are prevalent in numerous sneakers and in other brands looking to capitalize off of the well-known details popularized by Off-Whites’ founder.

Since Abloh worked with Kanye West on numerous creative collaborations, he solidified himself as a creative genius. The work between the two creatives started when they first interned together with the major fashion house, Fendi. Their work and influence together flourished; eventually, Abloh became the creative director at Donda. Through his own brand and West’s ties to Louis Vuitton, the trained architect became the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection in 2018 and later received more creative control of the major French fashion house.

Abloh broke boundaries at Louis Vuitton after he got full creative control of the men’s clothing line . He became the first person of African descent to command LV’s menswear clothing line. Virgil Abloh showed how Black designers can lead a major fashion house LVMH despite decades of prejudice and discrimination. As the son of Ghanian immigrants, Abloh rose to the top of the fashion world even with the odds stacked against him. If Abloh could do it, so can other marginalized individuals who wish to become influential designers in the industry.

Abloh provided blueprints and gave aspiring designers a chance to learn from his personal work. He quickly became a renowned leader and mentor in the high-end fashion and streetwear communities. Virgil Abloh openly mentored Jordan Bentley, a young Black creative who founded Hypland, a widely recognized and influential streetwear brand. Virgil Abloh could have easily kept to himself and focused only on his work. However, he wanted to provide for kids and young adults who look up to him as a man and an influential designer.

“Life is so short you can’t waste even a day subscribing to what someone thinks you can do versus knowing what you can do.”
Virgil Abloh

The Illinois native will be remembered for numerous things especially his major contribution to current state of sneakers. Nobody has recently paved the way for future creatives like Abloh. His concept of tweaking something already great by just three percent unlocks countless doors for upcoming artists and designers. The fact that one has to come up with a new, completely original idea is almost dead. Now, creatives have the ability to twist and change an already existing concept into something of their own without completely reinventing the wheel.

Streetwear and high-end fashion owe the world to Abloh. Very few designers have produced the amount of creative mastery that he did over a rather short period of time. May he forever live on through his original creations, collaborations, and noticeable influence on other artists and labels.

RIP Virgil Abloh 1980-2021

Notable Sneaker Releases of 2022

December 29, 2022

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.

Notable sneaker releases: Nike Air Max 1 Treeline

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.

Notable sneaker releases: New Balance 550 x Aimé Leon Dore Purple — NB 550

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*

Notable sneaker releases: Air Jordan 3 Fire Red

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

Notable sneaker releases: Air Jordan 1 High Taxi

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?