The Best Sneakers of 2024
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Sneakers hold a unique place in culture, bridging the gap between fashion, functionality, and personal expression. The best sneakers of 2024 tell stories of craftsmanship, collaboration, and creativity. They reflect not just where the industry is but where it’s going. From rugged trail sneakers to artistic reinterpretations of vintage classics, this year’s releases showcase how sneakers can be deeply personal while resonating with global audiences.
Collaborations continued to dominate in 2024, with brands tapping into niche communities and iconic figures to create designs that felt fresh and meaningful. The Kids of Immigrants x Nike collaboration focuses on storytelling, turning the Air Max Sunder into a canvas for celebrating diversity and resilience. These kinds of designs go beyond aesthetics— they’re rooted in ideas that make the wearer feel connected to something bigger.
Similarly, Aimé Leon Dore’s take on the New Balance 993 shows how a well-executed partnership can elevate a classic silhouette into something aspirational.
The “When Things Were Pure” pack from Joe Freshgoods’ reintroduction of the New Balance 1000 also captured attention and is a vivid reminder of how sneakers can tell deeply personal stories.
Similarly, Aimé Leon Dore’s take on the New Balance 993 shows how a well-executed partnership can elevate a classic silhouette into something aspirational.
The “When Things Were Pure” pack from Joe Freshgoods’ reintroduction of the New Balance 1000 also captured attention and is a vivid reminder of how sneakers can tell deeply personal stories.
This year also saw sneakers embracing more specific lifestyles and philosophies. The HOKA x Satisfy U Mafate Speed 4 is a perfect example, combining trail-running performance with minimalist tonal design. It’s not just a shoe; it’s a tool for adventurers who value function as much as form.
HIDDEN.NY bridged its digital influence with the physical world through its collaboration with ASICS, debuting their second project, the Gel-Venture 6 Shield, which feature a green tiger stripe and light grey accents
Artistic expression also played a big role in this year’s releases. Contemporary artist Nina Chanel Abney reimagined the iconic Air Jordan 3 with green fuzzy textures, canvas overlays, and orange accents. Similarly, Nike x BODE’s Astro Grabber reimagined retro footwear offering a bridge between past and future. Wales Bonner continued bringing an artisanal touch to Adidas, combining heritage-inspired silhouettes with handcrafted accents like crocheted overlays and crocodile leather. These designs remind us that sneakers can be more than functional — they can be heirlooms.
At the bold end of the spectrum, Action Bronson’s partnership with New Balance delivered a sneaker that demanded attention. With its vibrant clash of colours and textures, it felt like a reflection of Bronson’s unapologetic personality — chaotic yet wearable. Meanwhile, New Balance’s 1906L quietly gained traction by embracing early-2000s nostalgia, blending retro running aesthetics with modern comfort.
At the bold end of the spectrum, Action Bronson’s partnership with New Balance delivered a sneaker that demanded attention. With its vibrant clash of colours and textures, it felt like a reflection of Bronson’s unapologetic personality — chaotic yet wearable. Meanwhile, New Balance’s 1906L quietly gained traction by embracing early-2000s nostalgia, blending retro running aesthetics with modern comfort.
Ultimately, the top sneakers of 2024 remind us why this culture thrives. Sneakers are deeply subjective; they resonate differently with everyone based on personal taste, memories, and aspirations. Whether you gravitate toward minimalist designs, bold statements, or shoes that tell a story, the best sneaker is always the one that feels like it was made for you.
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