2016, like every other year has seen a lot of dope sneaker releases. Here are the top 10 releases of the year so far.
Nice Kicks x adidas Consortium NMD R1 PK
To date, this is the only collaborative version of the almighty NMD that we’ve seen from adidas, although we have reason to believe that more are on the way. The Nicks Kicks NMD fell under adidas’ Consortium banner, standing out from other NMD drops thanks to its sublimated red and black tie-dye upper, inspired by vintage concert posters and local art from Austin, Texas, the home of Nice Kicks. The collaborative NMD also featured a Nice Kicks-branded heel tab.
NikeLab Air Force 1 Mid “Vachetta Tan”
The brand with the Swoosh wasn’t about to sleep on the naturally tanned leather craze, and made sure to throw their hat in the ring with this NikeLab Air Force 1 Mid “Vachetta Tan.” Not the only Vachetta execution we’ve seen from Nike, but certainly one of the best. The soft palette combined with a classic silhouette definitely hit home for many sneakerheads, especially the female demographic.
When images of this project first leaked, many were doubting their legitimacy, but Supreme officially released four versions of this obscure Air Max family member in late April. The quartet included a blacked-out version, a navy blue version, a red version as a nod to Supreme’s famous box logo, and the highlight of the release – a snake pattern edition that you’ve probably spotted in more than one street style gallery on Highsnobiety.
In late 2015, Rihanna added a platform sole to PUMA’s iconic Suede, creating the new, so-called Creeper silhouette for girls. Later in May 2016, the collaboration was reprised with another round of colorways, featuring two tonal black and white versions, as well as a Gucci-inspired makeup. Although this updated sneaker is strong enough to stand alone as a general release, the extra endorsement from Rihanna made the Creeper a must-cop for many.
Nike Air Jordan 1 Low “No Swoosh”
For this release, Nike did what many would consider the unthinkable, de-Swooshing the Air Jordan 1 Low. Many sneaker fans might concede, it’s not as drastic as a Swooshless Air Jordan 1 High, but nonetheless, this release testified heavily in favor of the luxe-minimal sneaker movement. These were further lofted up by engraved metal lace and a low-key embossed “Wings” logo on the heel.
Solebox x adidas Consortium Ultra Boost Uncaged
As part of the Consortium World Tour, adidas and Berlin’s Solebox came together for an all-German release, cooking up one of the earliest Uncaged Ultra Boost models. The resulting shoe featured a Primeknit upper in several shades of grey, and flashes of red on the outsole and insole. As with most Solebox collaborations, this particular Hikmet Sugoer-designed Ultra Boost was an instant hit, going on to garner noteworthy profits on the resell market.
For Air Max Day 2016, Nike and Hiroshi Fujiwara unveiled the Air Max LD-Zero H. Expanding on the always-popular HTM series, for the fist time Fujiwara was allowed to create his own Air Max variation for the annual sneaker holiday, which re-imagines the upper from Nike’s vintage Boston silhouette, paired with the Air Max 2014 bubble platform. Returning to navy blue (often his colorway of choice), Fujiwara noted “I wanted to create something that would resonate with people who are interested in classic styles.”
What Nike describes as a “T-shirt for the foot,” the Air Presto was originally released back in 2000, and this year, the Beaverton camp presented a new spin on the silhouette, bringing us the Air Presto Ultra Flyknit. The update includes an adaptable Flyknit upper and mid-top cut, rounding out this timely, summer-ready release.
Naked CPH x Reebok Club C “Daze”
Copenhagen’s female-dedicated sneaker outpost Naked has been around for over a decade, since 2004. In its time, the shop has cooked up more than just one bangin’ sneaker collabo, but this year’s Reebok Club C “Daze” may have trumped them all. The sneaker was done up with an unmistakable off-white calf-hair upper, with debossed Reebok and Naked branding on the heel. We’re holding our breath for more from Naked.
Gosha Rubchinskiy x Reebok Phase One Pro
Moscow designer Gosha Rubchinskiy lent his eye and distinctive cyrillic lettering to Reebok’s Phase One Pro sneaker, which was recreated in white, black and slate grey colorways. Gosha’s instantly recognizable branding appeared in bright text on the heel. An effective drop for Gosha fans.
