The Top 20 Best Sneakers of 2020
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2020 has been an uncertain year in many respects but one thing is certain... the year brought some of the hottest sneakers to ever drop.
The Nike Dunk silhouette came back stronger than ever, Jordan brand continued to release must haves in a sneakerhead's arsenal and we saw some daring and inspiring collaborations.
Without further ado...
Here is our top 20 list of the best sneakers to come out of 2020 (in no particular order).
Jordan 1 Retro High Dior
The collaboration between Jordan and Dior provided the hottest drop of 2020. With only 8,500 pairs being released, the attention to detail and the premium materials made this release one for the books This is the first time that Jordan has collaborated with a legacy fashion label like Dior.
Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sailr
Jordan Brand and Virgil Abloh teamed up again to deliver a beautiful sneaker that can compliment any outfit. The sail colorway and iconic Off-White branding made this one of the most anticipated drops of 2020.
New Balance 992 JJJJoundr
New Balance had a big year in 2020 releasing some timeless pieces. Montreal-based design studio JJJJound teamed up with New Balance to display sophistication through minimalism on the 992 with two-tone green suede and mesh on the upper.
Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 Stussyr
After originally debuting in 2003, this design received a refresh with the help of lifestyle label Stussy. This Spridion Cage 2 consists of a mesh upper with woven textile overlays and a black Swoosh, and features a cream/off white colorway that has been on trend for the most part of 2020.
Ben & Jerry's x Nike SB Dunk Low 'Chunky Dunky'r
Nike SB and famous ice-cream brand Ben & Jerry's connected to deliver the Chunky Dunky. Drawing inspiration from Ben & Jerry’s colorful ice cream pint packaging, this release goes beyond and features unique detailing that has never been used on the Dunk Low silhouette.
Travis Scott x Nike SB Dunk Lowr
Travis Scott and Nike have collaborated on some of the most hype sneakers in recent times and this include's the 2020 release of the Nike Dunk Low. The Dunk features an array of materials and prints that will definitely catch some eyes!
adidas Superstar Sean Wotherspoon Superearthr
After successful collaborations with Nike and ASICS, Sean Wotherspoon took his talents to adidas to deliver the Superearth - a sneaker made with sustainability in mind. Each and every facet of the shoe has been re-considered, from the vegan-leather upper to the rubber outsole, to create a Superstar sneaker that is free from animal ingredients.
Nike SB Dunk Low Grateful Deadr
An instant shout for sneaker of the year as soon as this pack released. Legendary psychedelic rock band Grateful Dead teamed up with Nike to deliver the most eye-catching release of the year. Featuring a fuzzy faux-fur upper and suede, this sneaker will definitely turn some heads. Our favorite out of the 3 is the green colorway!
New Balance 550 Aime Leon Dorer
Another sneaker of the year contender from New Balance. Aimé Leon Dore helped New Balance reintroduce an old school basketball sneaker in the 550, which originally released in 1989.
Jordan 4 Retro Union Guava Icer
The Air Jordan 4 Union Guava Ice features many new elements never before seen on the silhouette. The most notable addition comes in the form of a foldable nylon tongue, showing off the “Air Jordan” logo traditionally stitched on the tongue’s backside - some love it, some hate it.
The collaboration between Jordan and Dior provided the hottest drop of 2020. With only 8,500 pairs being released, the attention to detail and the premium materials made this release one for the books This is the first time that Jordan has collaborated with a legacy fashion label like Dior.
Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sailr
Jordan Brand and Virgil Abloh teamed up again to deliver a beautiful sneaker that can compliment any outfit. The sail colorway and iconic Off-White branding made this one of the most anticipated drops of 2020.
New Balance 992 JJJJoundr
New Balance had a big year in 2020 releasing some timeless pieces. Montreal-based design studio JJJJound teamed up with New Balance to display sophistication through minimalism on the 992 with two-tone green suede and mesh on the upper.
Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 Stussyr
After originally debuting in 2003, this design received a refresh with the help of lifestyle label Stussy. This Spridion Cage 2 consists of a mesh upper with woven textile overlays and a black Swoosh, and features a cream/off white colorway that has been on trend for the most part of 2020.
Ben & Jerry's x Nike SB Dunk Low 'Chunky Dunky'r
Nike SB and famous ice-cream brand Ben & Jerry's connected to deliver the Chunky Dunky. Drawing inspiration from Ben & Jerry’s colorful ice cream pint packaging, this release goes beyond and features unique detailing that has never been used on the Dunk Low silhouette.
Travis Scott x Nike SB Dunk Lowr
Travis Scott and Nike have collaborated on some of the most hype sneakers in recent times and this include's the 2020 release of the Nike Dunk Low. The Dunk features an array of materials and prints that will definitely catch some eyes!
adidas Superstar Sean Wotherspoon Superearthr
After successful collaborations with Nike and ASICS, Sean Wotherspoon took his talents to adidas to deliver the Superearth - a sneaker made with sustainability in mind. Each and every facet of the shoe has been re-considered, from the vegan-leather upper to the rubber outsole, to create a Superstar sneaker that is free from animal ingredients.
Nike SB Dunk Low Grateful Deadr
An instant shout for sneaker of the year as soon as this pack released. Legendary psychedelic rock band Grateful Dead teamed up with Nike to deliver the most eye-catching release of the year. Featuring a fuzzy faux-fur upper and suede, this sneaker will definitely turn some heads. Our favorite out of the 3 is the green colorway!
New Balance 550 Aime Leon Dorer
Another sneaker of the year contender from New Balance. Aimé Leon Dore helped New Balance reintroduce an old school basketball sneaker in the 550, which originally released in 1989.
Jordan 4 Retro Union Guava Icer
The Air Jordan 4 Union Guava Ice features many new elements never before seen on the silhouette. The most notable addition comes in the form of a foldable nylon tongue, showing off the “Air Jordan” logo traditionally stitched on the tongue’s backside - some love it, some hate it.
Nike SB Dunk Low J-Pack Chicago
The year of the Nike Dunk brought the iconic Chicago colorway to life. Although there were many notable releases of the Dunk, seeing these iconic colors on this silhouette just hit different.
adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Cinder
adidas and Yeezy didn't quite have the year competitors had, but they still released some great sneakers. Although this 350 is more simple than others, it's versatile and looks amazing on foot and that's why it makes it onto our list!
Jordan 1 Retro High Dark Mocha
When images of the Dark Mocha started circulating online, people were fully prepared to cop. Taking some design notes from the extremely popular Travis Scott Air Jordan 1, this clean and simple colorway makes it stand alone and a must have for those that missed out on the Travis Scott's.
ASICS Gel-Lyte III Sean Wotherspoon x atmos
Another Sean Wotherspoon collaboration makes it onto our list. The beautiful color-blocking and use of corduroy gives life to the classic Gel-Lyte III silhouette.
adidas Yeezy QNTM
Kanye West's first performance basketball shoe saw a lifestyle release in 2020. The hightop sneaker features an upper composed of embroidered mono mesh that provides a soft, resilient thread with a synthetic suede overlay that offers toe protection and durability.
Jordan 5 Retro Off-White Black
Jordan Brand and Virgil Abloh connected again to pay homage to the first Jordan that Virgil ever owned, the Air Jordan 5 Black Metallic. This sneaker dropped in two different colorways, Sail and Black, but we had to go with the darker colorway for this list.
adidas Yeezy 700 V3 Alvah
The next wave of 700s from Yeezy and adidas provided the Alvah. The third incarnation of the 700 is one of the most sophisticated designs playing with shape, line, and texture.
Nike SB Dunk Low StrangeLove Skateboards
Nike SB celebrated Valentine’s Day by connecting with legendary artists Todd Bratrud and Sean Cliver to provide another iconic Dunk from 2020. This Dunk comprises of a pink velvet upper with suede overlays and a red velvet Swoosh.
Nike Air Max 270 React ENG Travis Scott Cactus Trails
Nike and Travis Scott teamed up once again to deliver the Nike Air Max 270 React Travis Scott. This is the first time La Flame has put his signature touch on an Air Max silhouette and it did not disappoint.
Nike Vaporwaffle sacai Black White
After sacai and Nike's incredible collaboration in 2019 on the LD Waffle, the two teamed up to deliver the Vaporwaffle which was even crazier. This sneaker is stylish and intriguing, yet functional. Taking cues from the Swoosh’s original Waffle sole and adding a thicker, stacked midsole that peeks out from the heel.
New Balance 327
It’s not often that a new sneaker silhouette garners as much attention as the New Balance 327 did when it was officially revealed earlier this year. A beautiful sneaker that compliments most fits, and you wont be paying crazy resale prices.
2020 brought so many great sneakers that it was almost an impossible task to include only 20. From the Fear of God Converse to JJJJound's take on the Reebok Classic, 2020 had a sneaker for everyone. Although Nike had a stand out year, New Balance were the surprise package that delivered some serious heat.
Here's hoping that 2021 will be even better!
The year of the Nike Dunk brought the iconic Chicago colorway to life. Although there were many notable releases of the Dunk, seeing these iconic colors on this silhouette just hit different.
adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Cinder
adidas and Yeezy didn't quite have the year competitors had, but they still released some great sneakers. Although this 350 is more simple than others, it's versatile and looks amazing on foot and that's why it makes it onto our list!
Jordan 1 Retro High Dark Mocha
When images of the Dark Mocha started circulating online, people were fully prepared to cop. Taking some design notes from the extremely popular Travis Scott Air Jordan 1, this clean and simple colorway makes it stand alone and a must have for those that missed out on the Travis Scott's.
ASICS Gel-Lyte III Sean Wotherspoon x atmos
Another Sean Wotherspoon collaboration makes it onto our list. The beautiful color-blocking and use of corduroy gives life to the classic Gel-Lyte III silhouette.
adidas Yeezy QNTM
Kanye West's first performance basketball shoe saw a lifestyle release in 2020. The hightop sneaker features an upper composed of embroidered mono mesh that provides a soft, resilient thread with a synthetic suede overlay that offers toe protection and durability.
Jordan 5 Retro Off-White Black
Jordan Brand and Virgil Abloh connected again to pay homage to the first Jordan that Virgil ever owned, the Air Jordan 5 Black Metallic. This sneaker dropped in two different colorways, Sail and Black, but we had to go with the darker colorway for this list.
adidas Yeezy 700 V3 Alvah
The next wave of 700s from Yeezy and adidas provided the Alvah. The third incarnation of the 700 is one of the most sophisticated designs playing with shape, line, and texture.
Nike SB Dunk Low StrangeLove Skateboards
Nike SB celebrated Valentine’s Day by connecting with legendary artists Todd Bratrud and Sean Cliver to provide another iconic Dunk from 2020. This Dunk comprises of a pink velvet upper with suede overlays and a red velvet Swoosh.
Nike Air Max 270 React ENG Travis Scott Cactus Trails
Nike and Travis Scott teamed up once again to deliver the Nike Air Max 270 React Travis Scott. This is the first time La Flame has put his signature touch on an Air Max silhouette and it did not disappoint.
Nike Vaporwaffle sacai Black White
After sacai and Nike's incredible collaboration in 2019 on the LD Waffle, the two teamed up to deliver the Vaporwaffle which was even crazier. This sneaker is stylish and intriguing, yet functional. Taking cues from the Swoosh’s original Waffle sole and adding a thicker, stacked midsole that peeks out from the heel.
New Balance 327
It’s not often that a new sneaker silhouette garners as much attention as the New Balance 327 did when it was officially revealed earlier this year. A beautiful sneaker that compliments most fits, and you wont be paying crazy resale prices.
2020 brought so many great sneakers that it was almost an impossible task to include only 20. From the Fear of God Converse to JJJJound's take on the Reebok Classic, 2020 had a sneaker for everyone. Although Nike had a stand out year, New Balance were the surprise package that delivered some serious heat.
Here's hoping that 2021 will be even better!
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