Although it might seem dramatic to claim that the 2021 best sneakers challenged our footwear prejudices is true. We have been anticipating the emergence of a post-sneaker world for months. If you feel like your bottoms are aching right now, don’t worry. Take a deep breath. This is not a retract. Loafers and derbies , boots –even the occasional dress shoes- all make up the basis of a healthy footwear diet. Sneakers are a reliable source for vital nutrients, so if you don’t wear them enough, your closet will feel ill.
We eat with great pleasure. It’s sort of. Blake stitching is not enough to sustain man. Your sneakers will be 2022’s poultry and eggs. You don’t have to eat them as often as red meat or dairy. But, they should be balanced by lots of whole grains, or whole-grain leathers.
There are plenty of bangers available. Many of the things that used to be the core of daily life have been lost, but the sneaker releases cycle isn’t one of them. There have been a steady flow of high-selling sneakers hitting the shelves since January. It’s worth looking at a few more. From blockbuster collaborations courtesy of the biggest names in the business to classics-in-the-making via smaller footwear upstarts, there’s never been a better time to start building out your collection–or fill in the gaps with whatever you missed out on the first time around.
These are some of the best sneakers for 2021.
5. Undefeated x Nike Kobe5 Protro ‘Hall of Fame”
Release Date: May 15,
Price: $190
The all-gold Undefeated Nike Kobe5 Protro was first seen in fall 2020. It is hard to believe that so much has changed in the Kobe Bryant sneakersphere since then. The most notable thing is that the Kobe Bryant and Nike relationship is over. Complex broke the news in April that Bryant’s estate had decided not to renew his Nike deal. Although Vanessa Bryant suggested that future negotiations may be possible, there has been tension between the sides. This culminated in her criticism of Nike over leaked Kobe 6s made to honour her daughter Gianna. This sneaker, which commemorates Kobe’s 2021 Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame was dropped at all was an important development. The shoes were quickly sold out, and Kobe fans scrambled to grab what might be his last Nikes. — Zac Dubasik
4. Nike SB Dunk Low ‘What the P-Rod’
Release Date: May 24,
Price: $150
In 2007, Nike SB was in its prime. SB Dunks’ eye-catching colors could be inspired by any movie or street rat, no matter if it was a sci-fi film franchise or New York City’s flying street rats. Nike SB had so many great releases, that they decided to combine them all, 31 to make the iconic “What the Dunk.” The original SB Dunk is now selling for five figures and SB is enjoying a second wave of popularity. The “What The” design has been a standard in sneaker design. Although the original 2007 release may seem dated, SB’s second installment released earlier this year and proved it could still be effective when done correctly.
SB made a tribute to Paul Rodriguez, one of the most famous pro skaters and the first to receive a Nike signature model. The “What the P-Rod” SB Dunk Low combines some of the most iconic releases from P-Rod’s 17-year relationship with the brand. This mismatched combination tells the story about Rodriguez’s Nike history, from 2005’s “J-Rod”, all the way to 2020’s boxing-inspired SB Dunk High. It may not be as good as the original. It will be inevitably compared to the original. It shouldn’t be ignored. SB deserves to be praised for his great interpretation of the theme, “What The”, for the new generation. Mike DeStefano
3. Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low
Release Date: March 4,
Price: $110
Supreme was a key player in Nike SB’s rise in prominence in 2000, so it is only right that it would participate in the second act. The 2021 rehash is a rehash from the iconic streetwear brand’s 2003 high cut hit. This is in contrast to 2019’s series jewel-Swoosh Dunks. Supreme covered the SB Dunk Low with the Croc overlays, gold stars, and Croc overlays from the above collab and added four new colorways to the collection: Hyper Royale, Black, Barkroot and, most importantly, Mean Green. It’s easy to dismiss the project as a cash grab, which added very little to their two-decade-long portfolio. It’s hard to argue against, but it’s fair enough. It’s a good formula, though. The first time it was used in 2003 and again in 2021. It’s a classic, and the combination of the nostalgic feel from the SB heyday and the styling made it just as popular as the original. It was a more popular product this time, with resale values reaching four figures straight out of the gate. — Zac Dubasik
2. Trophy Room x Air Jordan 1
Release Date: February 10, 2010
Price: $190
This is one sneaker. It would be difficult to find another shoe with such high expectations that has been hampered by controversy. Marcus Jordan may have backdoored a large portion of his stock to resellers in exchange for a huge pay day. Although we can’t confirm it, the reports and conspiracies are out. You should read the whole thing. Do the Blue Laces make the shoes more valuable? You can decide for yourself. The following is what we know about the sneaker. Jordan’s son flipped the “Chicago” Air Jordan 1 colorway with an icy motif in order to represent how MJ was “frozen out” of the 1985 NBA All-Star Game. The translucent outsole features the All-Star Game stars. The collar also features the text “Rumor have it” embossed on the inside. It also comes with a unique box design that matches the theme of this shoe.
This collaboration could have been the most amazing Air Jordan collaboration we’ve ever seen. They were limited to 12,000 pairs. This made it special enough. The shoe is not impossible to find, but it’s not impossible. Marcus’s connection to the brand lends authenticity to the story. Although all interactions with him were positive, the shoe’s murkiness has put many off the sneaker and everything Trophy Room is involved in. The sad part is that many people who feel let down by not getting the shoe would have bought them anyway. Retailers shouldn’t be hiding information from consumers, but that is not an excuse. It’s still one the most popular sneakers of this year. — Matt Welty
1. A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 3
Release Date: April 28
Price: $200
The A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 3 has everything. This Jordan 3 is a high-quality, premium version in an elegant colorway. It is a product of one the most renowned stores in the country and is a representation of James Whitner’s vision. It has also been one the most accessible and popularly marketed sneakers of the year.
The collaboration was created as a thank you note to Whitner’s mother. It uses the Jordan model Whitner grew up with and recreates it with women in mind. Although the sneaker was limited to ladies, a 16-inch run meant that everyone could own them. A Ma Maniere also released the “Raised by Women” video, which celebrated the role of women within Black families.
Although the leather and suede details on the shoe are some of the best you’ll find, it’s the hidden (and sometimes surprising) details that make this Air Jordan 3 truly unique. The Jordan 3’s iconic elephant print overlays have been replaced by hairy suede. The edges of the tumbled leather panels are left unfinished, while the lining is covered in a quilted satin. The colors are neutral and mix shades of grey with a cream-colored amethyst-inspired hue. You’ll see two messages written in Whitner’s mother’s handwriting. The lace aglets say “work harder”, a phrase that was inspired by an A Ma Maniere employee’s motivational screensaver.
It takes more than great design and a meaningful story to be the best sneaker of the year. The sneaker’s rollout was what tied it all together. Whitner, who was determined that the sneaker would be in the hands and possession of those who truly wanted it, made the jump. There were multiple releases of the collaboration in fairly large quantities. While it is impossible to please everyone you will find more Instagram comments praising the store than complaints. — Riley Jones
