#NK50 // The 50 Best Sneaker Releases of 2015

 

 

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It’s that time of year.

As the holidays approach and Father Time finds it fitting to cap off an amazing 2015, so do we. By most measures, this year has been a fantastic one for sneakers. Kanye West and adidas brought new energy to the market literally and figuratively, boosting Boost sales and sightings through a fashionable, functional and futuristic lens. Proverbial giant Jordan Brand made remastered retros a reality, Nike continued to innovate and celebrate, and smaller brands of the heritage and new variety made significant strides.

So, what were the 50 best sneaker releases of 2015 to the Nice Kicks staff? Check out our picks below and share your feedback and personal favorites with the hashtag #NK50.

50. Public School x Air Jordan 12

public-school-air-jordan-12

If nothing else, 2015 was the year for designer sneaker collaborations that pushed the culture forward and for the better. Public School, undoubtedly the leaders of this expressive and conformity combative charge, proved that understated sophistication ranks above the rest with their rendition of the Air Jordan 12. Removed from luxurious leather or Italian suede or something else super luxe, they worked with a potent nubuck fabrication and still delivered one of the most material rich releases of the year. Hopefully, this is just the start of a long relationship between PSNY and Jordan Brand. – Darren Griffin

Jag är sugen.. Men inte för det priset.

49. Nike KD 7 “What the KD”

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The Nike “What The” series has become quite the staple within the Nike lineage as of late due the popularity of a variety of models. This notion was further strengthened by the release of the “What the” Nike KD 7. Featuring a variety of eclectic hues throughout its upper, and detailing that encompassed each colorway released from the Nike KD 7 series, this collage of a kick was rather strong considering the sartorial difficulties it presents. – Pierce Simpson

48. J.Crew x New Balance 998

J.Crew x New Balance

Image via Quarterly Gent

There is a history of magic that happens when menswear curator J.Crew and New Balance connect. This time, both sides collaborated on the fan-favorite 998 in a “Hilltop Blues” colorway as part of Crew’s “In Good Company” release. The combination of sandy brown mesh with navy and brown suede panels made this joint effort one of the best so far. Not to mention, the grey laces, reflective 3M, red accents and overall inspiration of the Big Apple’s neighborhood ballparks. – George Kiel III

47. Converse Chuck Taylor II

Converse Unveils the Chuck Taylor II

Reinventing an American classic can be rather treacherous terrain. However, that’s exactly what Converse did this year as they provided sneaker lovers with a new look via the Converse Chuck Taylor II. Although ‘new look’ may be overstated considering the new model dosn similar styling to that of the OG, the performance features allow for prospective users to gain more comfortability and subsequently more wear time in them. All in all, this shift in technology may strengthen the classic American brand even more. – Pierce Simpson

46. Nike Air Max 1 Leather Black/Red

nike-air-max-1-leather

An Air Jordan colorway on an Air Max: pretty novel idea, right? While it’s long been known that color block swaps will keep the retro run in stride for years to come, the list of shoes that have made actual advancements using the pull-and-plug approach is actually pretty short.

More minimal than any AJ Lab launch, the Nike Air Max 1 Leather Black/Red relies on the same hybrid theory of the aforementioned Air Jordan collection but in simpler fashion. Rather than amplifying a signature attribute, the most universally excepted AM model takes on the tones and textures of its AJ equivalent. Add embossed branding and you have a made for the masses hit that looks more JD than GR. – Ian Stonebrook

Mycket underskattade skor… Synd

45. Nike Air Foamposite One “Sharpie”

Nike Air Foamposite One Sharpie

photo via UBIQ

In ’97, Penny was being hassled by the NBA about wearing the all-blue Foams because they didn’t comply with the NBA’s 50/50 footwear rule. Therefore, he applied a Sharpie to his Foams to meet the NBA’s standards. This release showed once again how Nike is consistently able to tell stories through sneakers. – George Kiel III

44. VILLA x Wale x ASICS Gel Lyte III

VILLA x Wale x ASICS Gel Lyte III Bottle Rocket

Sneaker culture is a constant, sneaker seeding is a trend. Fortunately, Wale knows this and fans know this about Wale. Rather than sell his sole for a conventional kick contract that would put a retainer on his rotation, Folarin felt it fitting to join the VILLA movement. You smart, Wale. The DC MC and the Philly force both care about kicks and culture a great amount and are making measures to provide a path for a better both. Their first shared steps were laid in the form of the VILLA x Wale x ASICS Gel Lyte III “Bottle Rocket” — a fun focused collab with just enough chase. We’re excited to see what they do next in 2016. – Ian Stonebrook

43. Extra Butter x adidas Vanguard Collection

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Sneaker storylines tend to draw more from fan friendly fiction than true tales, strategically steering towards accumulation as opposed to accomplishments. Really out there in all regards, the Extra Butter x adidas Vanguard Collection not only played off Boy Scout camping trips but actually played to it. Packing two rad revamps of the trailblazing ZX Flux, said styles actually came with equipment you could blaze a trail in — namely a canvas backpack, beach towel, night blanket and other trail trinkets. Save the #streetsnaps for the social shares, going outside and actually doing stuff is forever cool. – Ian Stonebrook

42. Nike LeBron 12 EXT “Wheat”

nike-lebron-12-wheat

Paying tribute to King James’ rookie campaign and the beloved Air Zoom Generation of the same color, Nike Basketball unleashed a “Wheat” LeBron 12 EXT during the spring season. It was undoubtedly one of the better LeBron 12 colorways of the year, and although the wheat and gold brought back memories of the 2003-04 NBA season, we’re ready to see the actual Generation come back. Come on, Nike. – George Kiel III

Jag är lite sugen på dessa till och från.. De finns på REA lite då och då… Men det blir fortfarande för dyrt med frakt och moms ifrån USA:.
Mina LeBron 12 jag köpte ifrån USA kostade mig 3700+kr hemma och klara.. Det är alldeles för mycket.

41. Palace x adidas Pro Primeknit

Hypebeast

Image via Hypebeast

How real is this? While A$AP acclaim has helped propel PALACE from London skate staple to international ‘it’ brand, their work with adidas has continued to widen their range. Much like the Mob, Palace does a good job of staying true to their roots while representing references that read as cross-cultural and the adidas Pro Primeknit is a perfect example. Blending Samba steeze with Primeknit nuances and half pipe performance, you’ve got a shoe that caters to all while still serving its core customer. – Ian Stonebrook

40. Nike Kyrie 1 “All Star”

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With his star beginning to rise, it was incredibly unfortunate to witness Kyrie Irving go down during the NBA Finals, but I’m willing to bet the immensely talented guard returns to form and even surpasses his stellar play from before. That sentiment is also shared for the next silhouette within the Nike Kyrie linage. However, when it comes to his inaugural signature sneaker, Kyrie and Nike made a strong impression within the sneaker industry. With a variety of different iterations, the “All-Star” colorway certainly drew fans’ attention as its tonal makeup and adjacent hues fit perfectly with the NYC themed All-Star game. – Pierce Simpson

39. Air Jordan 11 Low “Playoffs”

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The annual 11 Low release the past few summers has become a hugely anticipated drop. After Jordan Brand launched the “Concord” Lows last year, fans of the model (read: everyone) couldn’t wait to see what was in store for 2015. Much like last summer’s 11s, this year’s launch actually incorporated some oft-forgotten history dating back to the shoe’s original 1996 debut. The Black / Varsity Red lows, just like the “Parade” 11s, were an original PE made for Michael. He was spotted at his Flight School camp during the summer of ’96 in the red-lined version that’d eventually release some 19 years later, though many were hoping for the black-lined pair he wore for a first half in the Finals instead. Either way, the “Playoff” 11 Low was a hugely anticipated launch that gave fans a chance to wear one of the most iconic Jordan silhouettes in a summer-ready Low. – Nick DePaula

38. Pusha T x adidas EQT Running Guidance ’93 “Black Market”

Pusha T x adidas EQT Running Guidance 93 Black Market

King Push has been doing this fashion thing for more than a minute (we’re talking way before hashtags). From throwbacks in the “Grindin” video to big Pony Polos in the Hell Hath No Fury liner notes, Terrance and big bro Malice have been early on everything, laced in luxury labels but always keeping a street sentiment.

Pusha-T’s work with adidas is, well, that to a T. The “Black Market” EQTs see Push avoiding the sophomore slump, relying on dark detailing to match not one, but two, upcoming albums of the same wave. Technically sound and elevated by textures, these are a slow burner in a year defined by artist influence. – Ian Stonebrook

37. Nike Air Force 1 High Remastered

Nike Air Force 1 High

It seems like most of us have a love/hate relationship with the Air Force 1 High. At times they’re the greatest shoe ever invented, and other times, well, the exact opposite. Maybe Nike was keying on our seesawing train of thought when they put the Kilgore classic through the retro remaster ringer. What came out the other end once again piqued our interest for the shoe yet again. The materials where masterful, a few steps above par, and those colorways we all know and love took on a new life, one that juxtaposes perfectly with a heightened cultural awareness of fashion. All of a sudden AF1’s and topcoats were fresh together. What a time… – Darren Griffin

Det har blivit många AF1 för mig i år =) Lite nykär i modellen.. Mycket kul att det är fokus på den igen.. Flax har jag på väg hem.. Får se hur ”Remastered” den är.
Det senaste NIKEiD lädret är bara AMAZING!

36. Colette x ASICS Gel Lyte III

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Some would think that polka dots and sneakers shouldn’t collide but after the debut of the Colette x ASCIS Gel Lyte III, it’s certain that this “dotted” rendition worked really well. With its white underlay and blue hints throughout, this was a strong staple for the 2015 campaign, continuing to solidify Colette as a high holder in a truly respected class of collaborators. – Pierce Simpson

35. Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier 8 Flyease

Nike Zoom Soldier 8 Flyease

In 2012, Matthew Walzer set out to have Nike create a shoe for athletes that have trouble getting in and out of shoes, in particular those hampered by disabilities. What happened three years later? They did it. With the help of Mark Parker, Tobie Hatfield and a guy you may have heard of by the name of LeBron James, the shoe was created. It also just so happened to release at retail, get wear from the US Special Olympics Basketball Team and turn out incredibly dope. We’re proud of Matthew and salute to Nike, now can we get Flyease everywhere in 2016? – Ian Stonebrook

34. Rihanna x PUMA Suede Creeper

PUMA x Rihanna Suede Creeper

photo by Inside the Sneakerbox

Apprehension struck me when I first heard about the Rihanna x PUMA partnership. Then I remembered how well Solange had done re-appropriating their heritage collection and calmed down. Really, I just wasn’t sure what direction they would take. Smartly, and ideal for a collaborative introduction, they just added a little height and demeanor to the Suede, which was perfect. The creeper sole is the perfect time capsule for 2015. Sure, it’s been done before, but it’s never been done this way. – Darren Griffin

33. Nike Air Presto “Lightning”

KithNYC

Image via Kith NYC

Long before there was the Roshe Run, there was the Presto. Released in shirt sizing and sporting graphic uppers years before the ZX Flux, the shoe was an early attempt at lifestyle running by the best-known-for-basketball and alway innovative Alpha Project collective.

Instantly impactful, the shoes sold upon initial launch and years later received the retro treatment with Lunar adaptations and other pushes. In 2015, they came back in all their OG glory with drops like the “Lightning” and “Brutal Honey” colorways. These kicks won’t cause campouts, heck they might even go on sale, but they’re pushing forward the forever stuck in the ’90s retro wave while meeting modern fashion on the way. Everybody wins. – Ian Stonebrook

32. Nike Air Trainer Cruz

Cruz

photo by Liz Barclay for Complex

It’s been incredibly tough to witness Victor Cruz suffer multiple injury setbacks that have caused the stellar wideout to miss the entire 2015 NFL season. However, despite the adverse circumstances involved, 2015 has been a bit on a blessing in a way for Mr. Cruz as his signature Nike silhouette has dropped at retailers. With various homages to his life and nostalgic nods throughout, it certainly seems like this model will eventually reach cult-like status in due time. – Pierce Simpson

31. BAIT x Hasbro x New Balance 580

bait-new-balance

photo by Randy Nakajima

BAIT has built a brand off charitable collaborations, unique launch methods and evolving/revolving in-store experiences. The BAIT x Hasbro x New Balance 580 is good, clean fun in every since of the phrase, bringing youthful jubilance to the chunky runner we all know and love. – Ian Stonebrook

30. Sneaker Freaker x Packer Shoes x PUMA Blaze of Glory

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In recent years, Packer Shoes has kept it consistent by killing each and every heritage basketball silhouette with a nostalgia driven storyline and A+ execution. In 2015, the Jersey giant teamed up with Sneaker Freaker to revive a cult classic of the retro runner variety: the “Bloodbath” Blaze of Glory. Puling from the teeth of the 2008 release, this pop-up pair proved to have just as much bite on its second swim. – Ian Stonebrook

29. The Shoe Surgeon x John Geiger “Misplaced Checks” Air Force 1

The Shoe Surgeon

photo by Nick DePaula

When customs first came about it was all about paint jobs. Then it turned to material upgrades and now its gone to brand bending hybrids. Swag surfing on the crest of that wave are John Geiger and The Shoe Surgeon. Playing Operation on the likes of Nike and adidas Yeezys alike, perhaps their most profound work is the “Misplaced Checks” Air Force 1s.

A clever concept and a wittier name, the most impressive part of this execution is that they’ve been able to pull off a string of actual releases. While custom culture will forever be about one-of-ones for friends, fresh kids or even famous people, it’s awfully impressive to see a couple young creatives sparring with the corporations. – Ian Stonebrook

Jag vill jättegärna ha ett par “Misplaced Checks”.. Men ska jag betala såna summor överhuvudtaget så ska HELA skon vara utan lyxigt material.. Inte bara loggorna. Och nu så kryllar det av copycats och kopior världen över så nu är det inte så kul längre.

28. Ronnie Fieg x Diamond x ASICS Gel Lyte V

Ronnie Fieg x Diamond Supply Co x ASICS Gel Lyte V

Image via Kith NYC

Ronnie Fieg has an uncanny gift to make rather nice sneaker silhouettes remarkably appealing to the vast majority of the sneaker culture. However, when you pair Fieg with one of the more notable streetwear brands of all time in Diamond Supply Co., you’re certainly on par for another successful item. Such was apparent on the Ronnie Fieg x Diamond x ASICS Gel Lyte V. Featuring “Tiffany” themed hues throughout the upper, this pairing was the perfect contrast to the partially oversaturated collaborative realm of sneakers. – Pierce Simpson

27. Air Jordan 13 Chris Paul PE

air-jordan-13-cp3

It is widely known that Michael Jordan’s cat-like reflexes inspired the beloved Air Jordan 13. Its panther paw inspired outsole and holographic detailing both compliment and mirror Michael Jordan’s explosive and intense style of play.

CP3’s incredibly fast reflexes and ability to gracefully maneuver his way through defenses were once enhanced by the Air Jordan 13, specifically this Hornets “Away” colorway. Before this CP3 13 released to the masses this year, it was a highly sought-after sample and fetched triple-digit payouts.

To the delight of many sneakerheads and Chris Pauls fans alike, this once hard to find 13 made its way into retail dressed in the tumbled black leather, teal suede and yellow accents we were all accustomed to. – Jeffrey Jason

26. Ewing 33 Hi “Beef & Broccoli”

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photo by Rock City Kicks

Ewing has been releasing classic colorways of their iconic 33 Hi for years now. In 2015 they surprised everyone when they laced the 33 Hi with the nostalgic “Beef & Broccoli” colorway that has graced the Timberland Field Boot for around 20 years.

Both Patrick Ewing and the Timberland Field boot are NYC legends, so it was only right that Ewing Athletics marry the two. This edition of the 33 Hi features brown and green waterproof suede, gold hardware and round boot laces making it the perfect winter sneaker for those who don’t rock boots. – Jeffrey Jason

25. adidas Superstar

adidas-superstar

The year in adidas Superstar fandom, for me, will always be defined by the leaked image of Pharrell sitting in the middle of the Supercolor Pack. That one picture vocalized so much about the shoe, its possibilities, and the impact it would have on the year. Like the Stan Smith in 2014, the Superstar seamlessly infiltrated every relatable genre — sneaker culture, of course, but also fashion, music and sports. adidas had hit another home run without creating a new silhouette, lessening the gap between their competitors who’ve built a legacy doing the exact same. It’ll be interesting to see which heritage shoe they attempt to achieve similar success with next year. – Darren Griffin

Jag kommer aldrig få en sådan chans igen att få en och samma skomodell i ALLA möjliga färger…..
Jag skulle hittat någon som ville dela med mig..

24. Ronnie Fieg & Slam Jam x Diadora 7000

diadora

Trust, these guys know what they’re doing. Killing collabs before they were handed out like free sunglasses, Ronnie Fieg and Slam Jam proved just how well and how long they’ve been doing this by making the Diadora 7000 look like a shoe worth a four-figure price tag. Redressed and revamped, each pair helped cement a sneaky strong year for Diadora, with all arrows pointing towards another strong run in 2016. – Ian Stonebrook

23. Under Armour Curry 1 “MVP”

under-armour-curry-one-mvp-0
You really can’t have a better full season than Stephen Curry just had: All-Star starter. 3-Point contest title. Franchise-best record. MVP. NBA Champ.

On top of all of that, Stephen also had his very first signature sneaker launch, and it’s been smoking out nationwide. While colorways tied to his college, pops and even favorite candy launched throughout spring, it was the celebratory and aptly-dubbed “MVP” colorway of the Under Armour Curry One that ultimately made its mark. With resell prices hitting for as much as four times the retail price, Curry’s dream season was capped off perfectly as he and Under Armour look to make some traction in the ever-competitive hoops landscape. – Nick DePaula

Jag SKA testa ett par UA.. Och jag har redan sett modellen som ska komma efter den som precis blev officiell..
Och den är inte alls snygg.. Så man kanske ska passa på nu.

22. Air Jordan 8 “Aqua”

Air Jordan 8 Aqua On-Foot Look

photo by Randy Nakajima

The Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” means a lot to me personally so it was a must to write on my behalf. I remember being fond of this particular silhouette back in 2007 after seeing a friend of mine sport them who would ultimately pass away in 2010. It’s arguably one of the strongest Air Jordan colorways within the lineage due to its sharp and contrasting hues of black, purple and teal along with the still-innovative design of the Air Jordan 8. It’ll be interesting to witness how the impact of social media will influence or hinder the success of this model because it may either cause acclaim or dissatisfaction due to potential over-saturation. – Pierce Simpson

21. Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Ventilator

Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Ventilator Release Date

Kendrick Lamar’s visibility in sneaker culture, like his spins on pop radio, are often discussed but rarely seen or heard. But that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. It’s kind of like the odd perception that everyone ‘fake likes’ To Pimp A Butterfly. It’s just not true. It’s a groundbreaking album that’s perfect and should be referenced in all music theory lectures from here forth. His Reebok Ventilator collaboration, though more understated, certainly deserves its placement on this list (and others). The suede is masterfully placed and the leather lining made for an extremely comfortable ride. Kendrick isn’t a pop guy. All the same, his Ventilator isn’t a hypebeast worthy shoe. But that doesn’t make him, or his shoe, any less great.

20. Air Jordan 1 Pinnacle “Vachetta Tan”

Air Jordan 1 Pinnacle Vachetta Tan On-Foot Look

photo by Randy Nakajima

The Air Jordan 1 Pinnacle series has been a nice breath of fresh air for Jordan Brand releases as far as attention-to-detail and luxurious feel. Unlike the white and black pairs, this particular 1 featured a premium tan leather base and burnished bronze accents as opposed to gold. It was easily one of the most stylish Jordan releases of 2015. – George Kiel III

Dom tråkigaste Pinnacle hitills.. Och nästa modell som kommer att vara ett par håriga Jordan 4 är ÄNNU fulare…

19. Takashi Murakami x Vans Vault Slip-On

vans-0

photo by Leon Gunera

The Vans Vault x Takashi Murakami capsule collection, one of if not the most anticipated Vans releases of the year, brought some much-needed vibrancy to the summer season. The unparalleled artist incorporated his inimitable, character-themed artwork and Japanese motifs on Vans’ classic silhouette, the Slip-On. All nine of the styles – six adult pairs and three toddler designs – were undeniably great and if that wasn’t enough, the collection came with a matching trio of skate decks and t-shirts. – George Kiel III

18. Nike Air Mowabb

Izzy Nice Kicks 4web

photo by Randy Nakajima

The Nike Air Mowabb is just one of the many gems that Tinker Hatfield has blessed us with over the years. This iconic piece of footwear combines the comfort of the Air Huarache with the stability and protection of a lightweight boot.

In addition to having the comfort of a sneaker and the protection of a boot, the Nike Air Mowabb also has an iconic colorway, complete with a midsole that everyone loves in 2015. The speckled midsole you see on the Mowabb is a staple in the NIKEiD world and is, more often than not, welcomed on the latest offerings from Nike Sportswear and Nike Basketball.

The day we received word that this sneaker would be making its way back into retail, we knew it would be one of the best sneaker releases of 2015. – Jeffrey Jason

17. Air Jordan 10 “OVO”

Air Jordan 10 OVO

photo by BAIT, figurine by @plasticcell

Anything Drake touches these days catches fire, and the OVO 10s that released this past summer were no different. Following a pop-up shop release earlier in the year, the buzz escalated into one of the most sought-after sneakers when they officially launched. – George Kiel III

16. Sneaker Freaker x Saucony Grid 9000 “Kushwacker”

Sneaker-Freaker-x-Saucony-Grid-SD-Kushwhacker-1

photo via Titolo

Sneaker Freaker and Saucony should collaborate more often. In its first joint effort since 2012, the Kushwacker is one of Sneaker Freaker’s best collaborations yet. Their latest appealed to sneakerheads and admirers of, well, other things. The purple suede base was contrasted by mesh underlays, beige foamstripes, 3M hints on the heel and black suede overlays. Oh, and the release came with a complimentary pair of purple KUSH socks. – George Kiel III

15. Air Jordan 11 “72-10”

air-jordan-11-72-10

To commemorate the 95-96 Chicago Bulls timeless 72-10 season, Jordan Brand opted to bring a brand new colorway of the ever-so-popular Air Jordan 11 to the shelves this holiday season. The materials and details incorporated – an iridescent, glossy patent leather, thick premium leather, embossed Jumpman logo, blacked out “23” on the upper heel and “72” and “10” on the lace tips – is what set this release apart from the rest and made it one of the best Jordan releases of the year. – George Kiel III

MYCKET sköna skor!! Dessa ligger absolut på min topp 10 lista för i år!

14. Premier x New Balance 998

Izzy Nice Kicks 8web

photo by Randy Nakajima

Not bored of the board but clearly more creative than just one genre, Premier proved it had the juice in 2015 on this lush launch with New Balance. The Grand Rapids skate shop looked east to the Motor City, bringing automobile inspiration for to a model with plenty of miles on it. The result? A clean ride begging to be worn that will also look great in the garage for years to come. – Ian Stonebrook

13. Air Jordan 13 “Doernbecher”

Air Jordan 13 Doernbecher

Despite the painful circumstances they’re created in, it’s hard not to see the joy in the Doernbecher design series. Crafted by kids at the OHSU Doernbecher Hospital with the help of Nike, this charitable collection has proved more creative, more meaningful and honestly more fun than any other launch of the themed variety. This year’s Air Jordan 13 DB was a standout in an accomplished class, stretching the limits of the hologram icon. Great work, John and props to Nike and all the kids that brought happiness through creativity no matter the circumstances. – Ian Stonebrook

Tråkigaste DB året hitills..

12. Nike Air Foamposite One “Mirror”

KithNYC copy

photo via Kith NYC

Sure, the general consensus has been that the Foamposite has lost its luster. After some rough graphic executions of late and the seemingly neverending monthly launches of the model, we saw a relatively more simplified edition shut things down this past February at All-Star Weekend. Debuted by Zach LaVine during Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge, the glossy chrome Foam upper channeled 2001’s chrome Dada CDubbz in the best way possible, and caused an instant rush of higher eBay prices than most everyone was expecting. After losing its way over the past year or two, here’s to hoping that the “Mirror” Foamposite can set the model back on the right track moving into 2016. – Nick DePaula

11. Just Don x Air Jordan 2

a-first-look-at-the-italian-made-just-don-x-air-jordan-2-retro-0

photo via Kenlu

Don C just gets it, simple and plain; he gets it. Whether he’s revolutionizing the game with his luxe, detailed renditions on nostalgic ball caps or placing a spin on in-game NBA shorts, the designer from Chicago is certainly worth the acclaim as a creator.

So when the collaboration between his budding brand Just Don and the iconic Jordan Brand was finally unveiled, it came as no surprise that it was amazing. Utilizing the quilted blue Chanel bag as a muse, Don would place a unique spin to the Air Jordan 2 and subsequently take the sneaker world by storm. You know you have a hit on your hands when both collegiate players such as UK’s Devin Booker and pro players such as Rudy Gay don the silhouette during games. – Pierce Simpson

10. Nike Sock Dart #BETRUE

sock-dart-be-true

There’s a lot of good going on with the Nike Sock Dart #BETRUE. For quirky collectors, the Sock Dart is a forgotten favorite from the Nike archive, catching co-sign from Fragment Design and riding the casual runner wave opened by the Roshe Run. For the socially conscious, the #BETRUE message is a major moment for equal rights with an amazingly well-timed launch.

In 2010, it was surprising that a performance basketball shoe like the LeBron 8 could cause campouts. In 2015, a sneaker openly celebrating Gay Pride is selling out and it’s being worn by anyone and everyone. Our culture’s certainly come a long way. – Ian Stonebrook

Huh??

9. NikeLab Kobe X HTM

nikelab-kobe-x-elite-low-htm-00

When Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield and Mark Parker link up for a shoe design, expect greatness. The latest collaboration between these three featured three splendid, upscale versions of the Kobe X – all representative of the Black Mamba’s on-court skill. Two of the greatest aspects of all three came in the form of the two different sets of screw-in aglets in metallic finish and the Nike Free-inspired flex grooves along the outsole. – George Kiel III

8. Supreme x Air Jordan 5 “Desert Camo”

air-jordan-5-supreme

Hate hype and be over collabs, retros and camouflage print all at the same time, but there’s no denying the dopeness of the “Desert Camo” Supreme x Air Jordan 5. The obvious standout in the three-part pack, this shoe is doing everything deemed right or wrong in sneakers and streetwear and it’s doing it best. Word is the recently launched Nike SNKRS App was the move for copping these would-be campout kicks. Regardless, salute to those that got these, a worthy wear indeed. – Ian Stonebrook

Ja.. Dessa var coola.. Absolut.. Men dom andra två… Det hade kunnat bli så så mycket bättre…
Men.. Varför anstränga sig när det inte behövs är väl Supremes motto ´.

7. adidas Ultra Boost

adidas-ultra-boost-white

Say what you want, but Kanye rocking the adidas Ultra Boost on the regular certainly helped the profile of this model. However, prior to that scenario taking place, this stellar adidas creation was certainly a favorite amongst diehard sneaker enthusiasts. With its array of design innovations such as adidas’ patented Boost technology combing the sole, this model boasts a streamlined shape complimented by adidas’ Primeknit composition canvasing the upper. All in all, it’s easy to see why the Ultra Boost makes a viable case for MVP of 2015, with the recent “Uncaged” Hypebeast collab serving as the icing on the cake. – Pierce Simpson

6. CNCPTS x New Balance 997 “Luxury Goods”

concepts-x-new-balance-made-in-usa-997-luxury-goods-pop-up-store-0photo via Hypebeast

CNPTS and New Balance incorporated an imposing, tonal orange base on their February-released 997 dubbed “Luxury Goods.” It also came with a hefty price tag of $235. Yet, you can’t deny it being one of the best sneaker releases of the year, quality-wise. – George Kiel III

Dessa skulle man ha haft… Mest för att jag var nyfiken på hur pass lyxiga de är… Och orange är alltid snyggt.

5. Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard”

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photo via RCK

The “Shattered Backboard” Air Jordan 1 surprisingly crept up on people during the first half of 2015. At times when you hear sneaker nicknames of this variety, you almost subconsciously dismiss it. However, once you discover the history of the name and then check out the color-blocking scheme of this model, it’s easy to see why this model is ranked highly on our list. – Pierce Simpson

Samma här… Man kan t.o.m se på bilder hur bra och mjukt lädret är…
Jag ser fram emot ett par Retromaster Bred 1 i ÄNNU bättre kvalitet!

4. adidas Yeezy Boost 350

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No matter what you thought of the polarizing Yeezy Boost 350’s design, the anticipation and ensuing madness to get a pair in late June was precisely the kind of launch date frenzy that adidas hoped for when they officially partnered with Kanye West in late 2013. With a release perfectly lined up to dominate summer, the shoe has been spotted on everyone from style icons to adidas’ entire NBA roster to even LeBron’s right-hand man Maverick Carter. It was even placed as a must-have fashion item — for women — by Vogue.

It’s the most widely released Yeezy model ever — and despite what Matt Powell might think — the 350 eventually crashed every website, flew out in seconds, and was surely one of the most sought out sneakers of the year from collectors to even casual sneaker buyers. Kanye’s influence is as strong as ever, and most definitely here to stay. – Nick DePaula

3. Air Jordan 6 “Maroon”

Air Jordan 6 Maroon On-Foot Look

photo by Randy Nakajima

For years, collectors of the way back variety have begged for two things: OG detailing and better materials. In 2015, Jordan Brand delivered exactly that with their Remastered Retros initiative. Late? Maybe. Expensive? For sure. But no matter how you cut it, this year we got retros that finally felt built to last and in the cuts and colorways we’ve long wanted. The Air Jordan 6 “Maroon” was perhaps truest to form, sporting the ‘Nike Air’ branding that exemplifies just how much details matter to the Day 1 fans of Mikes and Nikes alike. – Ian Stonebrook

Mycket sköna… MYCKET snyggare live än på bild.. Mycket underskattade.. Absolut på min topplista.

2. Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”

Air_Jordan_1_Chicago_on_foot_555088101_6

photo via Wish ATL

Even though the “Chicago” 1 has released in a couple variations in recent years, you’d literally have to go back more than 20 years to 1994 to find a version that Air Jordan fans were truly pleased with. Thankfully, the 2015 edition — a 30th anniversary launch — was executed with more care and attention to detail than most recent Retros. The leather was commendable. The silhouette nearly spot on to the original. A “Nike Air” woven tongue label was finally included, and even the box was perfectly put together. While everyone would’ve liked to see more pairs release, it was a great sign of what’s to come for the brand to see a shoe that everyone had been after all this time be finished off so well. Well done, JB. – Nick DePaula

1. adidas Yeezy Boost 750

adidas Yeezy 750 Boost

The stakes were sky high for Kanye West and adidas’ design debut and some would say the road was rocky. The shoe’s unofficial Instagram unveiling saw more memes than must-cop comments, popping up in the Friday night funnies. However, the tide turned over the course of that Grammy weekend when the star studded seeding list was unveiled and a cozy Kanye performed in them on stage. Like every Kanye kick before, was the celebrity co-sign the selling point or was the design simply that good?

Over time, it appears that the design was simply that good. Sidelining sampling in favor of function and genre bending, the adidas Yeezy Boost 750 is new in a world of retro, a balanced blend of sport and luxury, and yes, still not for everyone. In Kanye’s quest to democratize fashion, will he soon release a shoe that’s truly for everyone? He’s made a career out of quieting critics, we’re excited to see what’s next. – Ian Stonebrook

What do you consider to be the best sneaker release of 2015? Let us know on social media with the hashtag #NK50, we want to hear what you think!

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