As a fashion enthusiast who has traveled extensively across various continents, I must say that this year’s sneaker game has been truly impressive. The list you’ve compiled showcases an array of innovative designs and collaborations that reflect the rich cultural diversity we see around us.
As we approach the end of December, it’s time for us here at TopMob to gather and reflect on the best new sneakers we’ve enjoyed this year. A total of 10 footwear brands have made our top picks, ranging from Cecilie Bahnsen’s floral ASICS designs to Kyrie Irving’s first lifestyle silhouette with ANTA. Each pair has a unique connection to its owner, providing a peek into the styles that caught our eye in 2024. Dive into the heartfelt analyses and fascinating tales below, and don’t forget to share which shoe you would include on our list!
POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) x On Cloudventure Peak
As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the constant chase for novelty in the sneaker world. Brands like On and HOKA have certainly made strides, yet their proposed designs rarely manage to keep my interest for long. However, everything changed when POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) joined the game. By collaborating with the elegant South Korean technical label, On transformed its Cloudmonster 2 from just another performance shoe into a stunning blend of functionality and aesthetics.
I became fully convinced about the project after seeing pictures from the duo’s Paris Fashion Week pop-up in June last year. But their subsequent showcase in January took it to a whole new level when they unveiled the Cloudventure Peak – the perfect blend of sleek, low-profile footwear. From that point on, I kept my anticipation in check until one special November night when I received an order confirmation, having won out.
After 18 months of building intense excitement for a shoe brand I hadn’t previously engaged with seriously, I found myself questioning if it could possibly meet such high expectations. But to my delight, the answer is yes! With each step, I feel a palpable sense of joy as I appreciate its comfort and aesthetics.
P. Andrade x ASICS GEL-KAYANO 14
International brands frequently team up with creative professionals from Brazil for local initiatives – a method that, though effective, seldom extends beyond regional boundaries or fully utilizes the wider capabilities of these collaborators.
In a bold move to shake up traditional norms, ASICS and P. Andrade introduced an innovative design that combines local influences with worldwide attraction. The inspiration for this release is drawn from the tale of an Amazonian beetle, which grabbed my interest due to its unique blend of innovation and cultural storytelling. This sneaker is as much experimental as it is elegant, making it a standout piece. Its broad availability highlights its universal appeal, and it garnered attention not just from streetwear enthusiasts but also sneaker lovers, a response I hope will continue for future projects involving Brazilian brands.
According to Marcus Vinicius, Social Media Manager, this collaboration is more than just an outstanding project for the year; it’s a trailblazer, establishing a new norm for how global brands can tap into local creativity to produce projects that resonate universally.
Procell x Mephisto Match
When considering what constitutes a “quality” sneaker in today’s market, which can often feel overcrowded, dominant, and let’s face it, cheesy more times than not (having been around long enough to become a bit of a grump about it), one concept consistently pops up: purpose.
A “good” sneaker is one that’s done with intent, done with purpose. It tells a layered story: you can get part of the “why” behind it by simply looking at it, but if you’re familiar with the collaborators or simply willing to dig a little deeper, you’ll be rewarded even further. And as far as I see it, no shoe was more intentional than the Procell x Mephisto Match this year.
Without knowing its history, you’ll notice this French-made shoe boasts a top-tier design crafted from superior leather and suede. The Procell emblem on the tongue above Mephisto’s logo is a notable detail, with the left shoe displaying “New York” in the window as a tribute to Procell’s hometown. If you delve deeper, there are many intriguing aspects to explore, such as the colorway that pays homage to British car manufacturers like Jaguar and Land Rover, and a subtle nod to Ralph Lauren. This shoe represents the culmination of co-founder Brian Procell’s lifelong passion for the brand, marking the beginning of what I predict will be a significant surge for Mephisto in 2025 and beyond. Every detail in this creation is deliberate, as demonstrated by the thoughtful design.
Not only are they easy to wear and incredibly comfortable, but they seem to improve with use. I can confidently say that I will be wearing them extensively in the near future without hesitation. – Ross Dwyer, Managing Editor
Kids of Immigrants x Nike Air Max Sunder
The Kids of Immigrants x Nike Air Max Sunder “Sun Down” is my sneaker of the year pick and I’m thrilled to own a pair. Everything from the storytelling and detailing to its intricate rollout made this a special release. Given that the Air Max Sunder is one of my favorite Nikes, I was ecstatic when I saw that it was finally returning this year. At first, I would have picked the OG “Canyon Gold” colorway, but the KOI collaboration dropping at the tail end of the year was timed perfectly.
As someone who is half Latino, I particularly appreciate the inclusion of calling cards in the service – a detail that holds personal significance because when I was growing up, we would use BOSS Calling Cards from our local supermarket for my mom to call home. The heartfelt promotional video for the campaign really touched me and gave me chills.
Beyond the captivating narrative, I can’t help but admire the meticulous craftsmanship that went into this project. This pair isn’t just a basic colorway swap; it’s a comprehensive redesign of the silhouette, featuring intricate paneling intersections, a mini Swoosh at the heel, and a dusty nubuck finish on the toe. There are even subtle details hidden beneath the shroud – like Easter eggs such as the last four digits of KOI’s phone number and a “name” tag. As a gamer, I feel like I’ve just unlocked an extraordinary in-game item!
This particular release held a unique significance for me as KOI co-founder Daniel Buezo personally autographed the shoebox with the notation “$OTY.” – Nick Llanton, Senior Social Producer
Under Armour Apparition
This year, I’m thrilled to see Under Armour jumping on board with the resurgence of classic running shoe aesthetics by reintroducing their Apparition sneakers. As someone who has always questioned the appeal of sporting “unconventional” kicks from popular brands, it seems counterintuitive to embrace a style that is deliberately not trendy. However, with this move, Under Armour is proving that sometimes, going against the norm can be cool after all!
Featuring starchy white netted upper sections, the Apparition model maintains a classic aesthetic while subtly distinguishing itself through metallic gunmetal details instead of more obvious silver or chrome accents. The striking cherry red highlights complement a variety of outfits and draw attention to the UA branding. Notably adorable when paired with white socks.
As a creative strategist, I’m finding myself intrigued by two contrasting aspects. Firstly, I’m embracing a subtle, post-trendy style with a hint of irony, fueled by Under Armour’s partnership with Balenciaga. Simultaneously, I’m keeping an eye on the evolving fashion trends in the sportswear sector. Under Armour is set to make waves again with its new basketball player endorsements and PE sneakers. This endeavor is a strategic move to broaden my brand portfolio with select items, which, if successful, will give me an edge in staying ahead of fashion’s curve when it comes to footwear. – Kirsten Chen, Creative Strategist
Sporty & Rich x adidas Handball Spezial “Auburn Gum”
This year marked the 10th anniversary of adidas Spezial, leading to several modern interpretations of timeless designs in recent times. Among these, adidas chose long-term partner Sporty & Rich to redesign the Handball Spezial – a more streamlined version compared to the Samba silhouette. With their established design ethos, the duo has once again demonstrated their versatility by subtly refreshing the sneaker, under the guidance of Emily Oberg.
Introduced alongside vibrant shades of teal and pink, the muted “Auburn Gum” colorway stands out for its softer appearance. The suede upper harmonizes well with the robust brown gum sole. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice the discreet Sporty & Rich branding in white on the leather three stripes on the side and also on the tongue, a signature touch of Oberg’s lifestyle imprint that has been present in all previous collaborations with adidas. As Elaina Bernstein, Associate Editor, suggests, there’s no need to alter a design that works well. Instead, simply add the Sporty & Rich label to it.
Satoshi Nakamoto x OTW by Vans Old Skool Reissue 36 (Friends & Family)
Vans has been firmly gripping 2024, particularly with their partnership showcasing Satoshi Nakamoto. From the start, they’ve kept the momentum going at full speed and haven’t slowed down since. These shoes boast a pearlescent sheen and a “Port Royale” color that harmoniously blends vintage appeal with contemporary style, making them feel like wearable art. What truly captivated me, though, is the pre-distressed midsole – it’s hard to tell if I’ve worn them multiple times or just a few. Vans seems to be playing a strategic game of chess rather than checkers, and I can’t help but admire their approach. Kudos to Greg Betty for his exceptional design work as the collaboration is available in two colorways and two additional general release pairs. A big shoutout to the Satoshi Team – George, Jeff, and John – for providing me with a pair to unwind in! – Erik Dietz, Director of HBX Archives
Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS GEL-TERRAIN “Sepia”
In a fresh take yet again, ASICS consistently reinvents its brand. Their collaborations never disappoint, but this latest release stands out. Cecilie Bahnsen’s refined and distinctly feminine aesthetic, combined with the padded 3D flowers and glossy finish, transforms these shoes into a unique piece! Dressing up an outfit is a breeze, just as Bahnsen intended. It’s sleek and sophisticated yet technical and lightweight, featuring a speed lacing system for enhanced functionality. To top it off, they carry the butterfly mark certification! Join me in a white gown and these shoes at the altar. – Jennifer Sanchez, Brand Partnerships Director
Salomon Snowclog
Initially, I must admit I was hesitant about them, but a single wear changed my mind completely – I’ll be spending most of my time in these shoes from now on. They are ideal for my morning coffee excursions, local errands, and even winter road trips during ski season. After a long day of skiing, I can hardly wait to swap my rigid boots for the comfy clogs. These shoes are so comfortable that you forget you’re wearing them. They boast an excellent grip and a small platform suitable for unpredictable weather conditions, while their stylish appearance adds a cherry on top. Not only do they catch people’s attention, but multiple individuals have inquired about their location. This holiday season, I plan to gift these shoes to my entire family, and I highly recommend you do the same! – Logan Slater, Director of Brand Partnerships
Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM 360 VIII “‘Clearly Aqua”
Whenever I don my preferred sneakers of the year, the Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM 360 VIII “Clearly Aqua,” I’m always showered with praise after praise.
Several brands use distinctive floral designs effectively; however, what truly distinguishes them is Bahnsen’s artful subtlety. She adorns each strap tip with a small flower, maintaining the masculine aesthetic of the original GEL-QUANTUM 360 VIII while adding her signature feminine touch. This transformation results in a pair of lightweight sandals, achieved by trimming parts of the upper fabric and embellishing the heel counter with an Aqua strap labeled “Clearly Aqua,” which also pays tribute to Bahnsen with her brand mark.
Over the years, I’ve had numerous pairs that I adored, but eventually grew tired of using them. However, this time it feels different because you can change the upper’s color scheme effortlessly by pairing them with a variety of socks. This is an excellent feature for those who enjoy experimenting with their sock and sneaker combinations! – David Cheng, Social Media Coordinator
Guadalupe x PUMA Clyde “Cidade Cinza”
As a proud resident of São Paulo, I’m thrilled to be part of this extraordinary collaboration that honors our vibrant city and its rich cultural tapestry. The “Cidade Cinza” theme resonates deeply with the unique spirit and dynamism of São Paulo, making it a powerful testament to our character. It’s truly momentous for Brazilian sneaker culture to have a global brand acknowledging our city in such a significant way. These sneakers aren’t merely fashion statements; they are emblems of pride and identity that we can wear with honor. – Julia Reis, Cultural and Community Coordinator
ANTA KAI Tribe “Almond White”
To be totally honest, I never imagined myself choosing a sneaker from ANTA this year; it wasn’t until recently that the brand even piqued my interest. However, when I laid eyes on the collaboration between ANTA and Kyrie Irving’s KAI Tribe in “Almond White,” something clicked for me – the combination of its captivating design and the compelling story behind it left me utterly smitten.
This year, for the first time, I traveled to mainland China, which offered me an exclusive glimpse into ANTA’s enormous manufacturing facility. I also witnessed passionate Chinese supporters celebrating Kyrie, and experienced the unveiling of their fashion line on the catwalk, right there in China.
As a gaming aficionado, I was thrilled to get a firsthand look at the debut lifestyle sneaker from Kyrie, now that he’s on board with ANTA. It was intriguing to catch a glimpse of what his role as Chief Creative Officer means for the brand. They even gave us a little taste of some upcoming, top-secret projects, and it’s obvious that ANTA is making big leaps forward. – AJ Sacil, Social Media Coordinator
Carnival x ASICS GT-2160 “Concrete Bloom”
Absolutely, another pair of shoes from ASICS! It seems the brand has been hitting it out of the park this year with numerous impressive in-house and collaborative releases. The GT-2160 “Concrete Bloom” is particularly noteworthy, as it was developed in collaboration with Carnival, Bangkok’s top streetwear and sneaker label. This shoe showcases the captivating spirit of the city, drawing inspiration from Bangkok’s bustling streets. With its unique blend of natural and metallic tones, the shoe pairs gray hues with accents of green and orange metal, symbolizing the beauty of flowers flourishing in concrete settings. The shoe also boasts a combination of suede, leather, and mesh materials, along with ASICS’ signature GEL cushioning, making it an ideal addition to my regular rotation. – Arthur Parkhouse, Editor and Partnerships, Thailand
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2024-12-20 20:57