Every year must wrap up with a personal list of the best sneakers. Each list is entirely subjective. Some overlap may be expected. However, everyone’s unique sneaker taste makes collecting sneakers fresh, interesting and conversational.
Enjoy and leave a comment of your personal top 10 sneakers of the year!
10. A Ma Maniere Air Jordan 12 White
Another women’s release in extended sizing by A Ma Maniere and Jordan Brand. The duo has been on a hot streak over the past few years.
A minimal aesthetic is kept on point as with previous AMM x JB releases. Burgundy suede on the lower panel and a white leather upper complete the luxurious look.
This release is one of my personal favorites of the year. They aren’t considered a top ten sneaker by many, but they make my list because the Jordan 12 is one of my favorite Jordan models of all time. The French Blue 12s are one of the favorite cops when I first started to get more invested in sneakers.
Although many people aren’t as high on 12s as other models like 1s, 3,s and 4s, they are still a clean looking silhouette. Paired with premium luxe materials, a satin sock-liner, and suede hints, the A Ma Maniere Jordan 12 displays signs of quality craftsmanship.
9. New Balance 990v6 Made in USA Action Bronson Baklava
Anyone that knows of Action Bronson knows how unique and outgoing the man is. The sneakers fit his style and personality damn near perfectly.
Bronson has made it publicly known that he’s a major supporter of New Balance even before the brand’s massive popularity increase over the last few years. The unique colorway stands out just like the Queens native. Although another pair comes in shades of blue, the Baklava pair stands out and represents Bronson’s uniqueness well.
Although these sneakers aren’t for everyone, they are without a doubt original and exciting. If someone is walking down a busy street wearing the Baklavas, they will be sure to get heads turning. The loud sneakers are a refreshing look on a timeless silhouette. Bronson described the sneakers as a painting- something meant to evoke emotion.
8. Nike Kobe 6 Protro Reverse Grinch
The Kobe 6 Grinch is one of the best Nike basketball shoes of the modern era. A red “reverse” pair surfaced earlier this year and shock dropped before officially releasing on December 15th.
Nike Kobe 6s are one of the most recognized Kobe models. The original Kobe 6 Grinch released Christmas Day 2010. A release hit the market for Christmas 2020. Arguably the best colorway in the Kobe sneaker line, the Christmas-inspired basketball sneakers are highly respected and appreciated all over the world.
Nike knew they wouldn’t be able to top the OG Grinches but still had plans for a successful sequel pair. The Reverse Grinches are a unique nod to the originals. Both are almost instantly recognizable. The Nike Kobe 6s are popular amongst many NBA players; the Reverse Grinch 6s will be sure to be a hit in the league just like their predecessors.
7. Nike SB Dunk Low Jarritos
Another year with tons of Dunks. However, some stand out more than others for obvious reasons. The collaboration between Nike SB and the Mexican soft drink brand Jarritos captures history and heritage in a clean pair of summer sneakers.
The tearaway hemp canvas overlay adds a unique touch to the pair as hints of orange are shown in high abrasion areas after considerable use. The canvas is inspired by original canvas bags used to harvest vibrant fruits central to the iconic Jarritos flavors. Green and orange hues are highlighted throughout the sneakers as homage to the brand’s iconic colors.
This collab proved to be one of the better Nike SB Dunk Low releases and best Dunks of the year period. The special edition pair comes with a separate box stacked with four Jarritos classic drinks. Mandarin, lime, pineapple, and fruit punch all make the cut. The classic bottles are specially branded with Nike’s check logo.
6. Travis Scott Air Jordan 1 Low Olive
Another year, another Travis Scott collab making a top ten end of year list. Bangers will continue to be produced as long as Jordan Brand and Scott continue their working relationship.
Continuing with neutral colors, the olive swoosh adds a nice touch to complement the cream midsole. Black suede and white leather complete the Jordan 1 low with a fresh look.
Although not as hyped as other Travis Scott Jordan 1 Lows, the olive pair is nonetheless an instant sell out. The demand will be prevalent for any well designed Jordan x Travis Scott collab.
The backwards swoosh will always draw attention. Although the Travis Scott collab hype isn’t at its peak, the duo between the Houston rapper and Nike still make countless end of year lists.
5. J Balvin Air Jordan 3 Medellin Sunset
The first few collaborations between Colombian global star J Balvin and Jordan Brand have been extremely underwhelming. The Jordan 3 gave Balvin a fresh approach to work on something simple yet unique.
A gradient midsole represents the Medellin sunset going from a deep purple to a vibrant yellow. Balvin’s iconic smiley face is seen on the heel tab opposite of the Nike Air branding.
A clean and simple look makes this sneaker’s midsole pop even more. Some of J Balvin’s previous Jordan collabs have been loud or even all over the place. His work on the Jordan 3s proved to be one of his best works with Air Jordan yet. Balvin has publicly said he wants to work his way through even more Jordan models. A Jordan 4 or 5 might be on the horizon soon between the duo.
4. A Ma Maniere x Nike Air Ship
The sneaker that created the Air Jordan 1. Keeping up with the “reimagined” trend over the past few years, AMM and Jordan Brand didn’t disappoint on this often overlooked silhouette.
This collab saw many people draw toward the classic silhouette. A Ma Maniere knows how to add unique touches without implementing unnecessary changes or modifications.
The A Ma Maniere Nike Air Ship showcases the model how it should be. Vintage black, white and cream soles mesh perfectly. Signature AMM logos are seen throughout the pair recognizing a major part of Air Jordan and sneaker history.
3. Air Jordan 3 White Cement Reimagined
A classic colorway reimagined. Plain and simple. Timeless and exquisite.
One of the best Jordan 3 colorways and arguably one of the best Jordan colorways of all time make a return with a unique twist. The Nike Air on the heel tab is always more appreciated than the Jumpan logo.
Although quality control on the elephant print wasn’t up to most’s liking, the pair still remains a top contender for some of the best sneakers of the year. Minor infractions didn’t take away the magnitude and importance of the White Cement Reimagined 3s in 2023.
2. Nike SB Air Jordan 4 Pine Green
The Jordan 4 craze has still been relevant in 2023. This pair will make countless lists and will often be a top three pick.
White and green don’t make it onto many Jordans for many reasons. However, the work between the design teams at Jordan Brand and Nike SB exceeded expectations. This pair of sneakers was executed flawlessly. The only people hating on this pair are those who don’t like Nike and/or Jordan to begin with.
Appreciate a classic when it’s right in front of you. The years from now, the Nike SB Air Jordan 4 Pine Green will be considered one of the best Jordan releases of the decade.
1. Joe Freshgoods New Balance 990v4 Keisha Blue
A Chicago exclusive. All blue on a timeless model. Glow in the dark laces. Premium touch and feel.
This pair made it just in time to claim the top spot. Those who say it came out too late are placing unnecessary requirements and criteria for being one of the best sneakers of the year. Joe Freshgoods coming out of Chi-town has killed it year in and year out.
The Freshgoods 990v4 pack has been nothing short of amazing. Premium materials paired with timeless silhouettes make for a highly anticipated collaboration. New Balance has been consistently teaming up with hot designers like Joe Freshgoods; the Boston-based brand has shown their willingness to step out of the box and give creative control to respected artists and designers. Joe Freshgoods has been on a run and will continue producing quality work in 2024 and beyond.