Your basket is currently empty!
Month: December 2022
Our list of the best sneakers of 2022 (part 2)
Over the last few articles, we’ve been counting down our top sneakers of the year, building up the suspense to this very moment. The final part of our top sneakers of the year list. So, without delay, let’s get straight into our picks for the top 5 spots on our sneakers of the year list.
Image: Sneakerjagers
5. Jordan 1 Retro Low OG SP Travis Scott Black Phantom
Starting off the second half of our top 10 sneakers of the year list, Travis Scott has once again edged his way into conversations on the topic. A year of ups and downs, Scotts more recent silhouette adaptions haven’t caught on as much as his earlier work. But new colorways and renditions of earlier works (such as on the Air Jordan 1 Low) have kept his collaborations as some of the wildest and most sought-after releases of the year. Scott released two different colorways of the Air Jordan 1 Low this year, but we chose the Jordan 1 Retro Low OG SP Travis Scott Black Phantom – which came entirely in black save for some white branding – for our list due to its creativity. Deciding to stray away from previous Travis Scott releases and taking a much more minimalist approach. With over 3.5 million entrants in its SNKRS raffle, the fact that this shoe is only number 5 is a testament to the quality of the next 4 sneakers.
Image: Sneakerjagers
4. New Balance 993 Joe Freshgoods Performance Art
Making his second appearance on our top 10 sneakers list, Joe Freshgoods rounded off his historic year in sneakers on a high, releasing three New Balance 993’s decked out in pink, grey and green respectively. The pack followed on from his previous “inside voices” collection, now taking on the name “performance art”, and involving a rollout which included entering a raffle for the shoe by donating second-hand books and art supplies to charity. The shoe’s simple colour blocking, using soft pastel colors, was a winning combination. So much so, that we thought the shoes were this year’s best proof of New Balance’s continued dominance at the top of sneaker culture.
Image: Sneakerfreaker
3. Nike SB Dunk Low Concepts Orange Lobster
It’s challenging to top one of the most coveted sneaker collaborations ever, but Concepts keeps raising the bar with its Lobster Dunk series, which began with the first red pair in 2008. Since then, there have been versions made into Kyrie Irving’s signature basketball shoes before all of his drama, as well as blue, green, purple, friends-and-family yellow pairs. The Nike SB Dunk Low Concepts Orange Lobster, one of the biggest mystery-filled shoes over the previous 12 months, was added to the lineup this year and debuted first at Art Basel. There was some debate over whether or not the early leaked pairs had black bands on the toe box (they did). They are unquestionably the best Nike SB Dunk this year, as that area of Nike has cooled off since it re-ignited a few years ago.
Image: Sneaker News
2. Jordan 4 Retro A Ma Maniére Violet Ore
Coming in second on our list is Atlanta retailers A Ma Maniere, the debatable winner of 2021’s sneaker of the year. Specifically, we’ve chosen their Jordan 4 Retro A Ma Maniére Violet Ore above their other stellar collaborations as one of the best sneaker releases of the year. Coming in a luxury burgundy upper and a matching sail sole, the model continued from where the grey and burgundy A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 2 left off and the upcoming Air Jordan 12 collaboration will follow. With the Air Jordan 4 already being one of the top shoes of the last few years, save for a special Off-White release in 2021, the model has seen few collaborations that have been able to capture the same genuine excitement as its retros. However, A Ma Maniere dismantled this trend, becoming the most anticipated Air Jordan 4 in 2022.
Image: Nike
1. Jordan 1 Retro High OG Lost And Found
Rounding off this list it is none other than the Jordan 1 Retro High OG Lost And Found. Coming in identical red, white and black colour blocking to the Air Jordan 1 Chicago, the model caused a frenzy online the second sneaker fans got wind of this release. Now, if this sneaker release was simply a Chicago Air Jordan 1 Retro, it may well have still topped our list, the original is that good. But this model cemented its place at number one by offering something new and piling on some extra nostalgia. Naming the colorway “Lost and Found,” the shoe references a story of walking into an old shoe retailer and finding a beaten-up pair of Air Jordan 1 Chicagos crumpled-up in the corner. The model therefore came with a fake receipt, a worn box and aged details on the model, all adding to the narrative of the shoe getting lost, before being found after years of aging. In doing so, the shoes honour one of the key parts of sneaker collecting, the process of the hunt. Searching for that rare sneaker at the back of a small independent store. And the adrenalin that comes with succeeding in finding an exclusive pair. Breathing new life into one of the best sneakers ever, the Air Jordan 1 “Lost and Found” is our 2022 sneaker of the year.
Our list of the best sneakers of 2022 (part 1)
After last week’s article, we are ready to start our breakdown of the best sneakers of 2022. Starting with positions 10-6, whilst the top 5 pairs will be announced later this week. Follow us at @woovinsneakers on Instagram to be notified when part two of this list is released, and remember that these are our own subjective choices, so many great shoes have been released this year, and this is our own personal attempt to pick out our 10 favourites.
Image: Sneakerjagers
10. New Balance 9060 Joe Freshgoods Inside Voices
Beginning this list is the New Balance 9060 Joe Freshgoods Inside Voices, the collaboration which introduced us to the new 9060 model, as well as reminding us why Joe Freshgoods is such a core asset to New Balance. Part of his “inside voices” sequel to his previous “outside clothes” sneaker campaign. Freshgoods seamlessly debuted a new model whilst continuing his story telling from his previous collaborations. Building a body of work which showed his taste in soft colour palettes and luxury materials, from wide-holed mesh to fuzzy suede overlays. Although a phenomenal release, expect to see another Joe Freshgoods sneaker making an appearance in the second part of this list.
Image: Highsnobiety
9. Salomon ACS PRO Advanced Kar L’Art De L’Automobile
Next, we have the Salomon ACS PRO Advanced Kar L’Art De L’Automobile, a well-deserved entry from French sports brand Salomon after a stellar couple of years. Boosted by the success of Gorp-Core, Salomons sleek and practical trail running models have seen an uptick in popularity, boosted further by the number of exceptional colorway releases over the last few years. Few of these come close to the collaboration between one of the highest-rated Salomon models, the ACS Pro Advanced, and France-based streetwear brand and car dealership L’Art de L’automobile. Creating two versions which both added high contrast racing colors to the model. This emphasized the unique layering on the ACS Pro Advanced. These pairs deserve their place on this list for their involvement in pushing Salomon into mainstream sneaker fashion.
Image: Hypebeast
8. NikeCraft General Purpose Shoe Tom Sachs
Tom Sachs’ heavily anticipated return takes our number 8 spot, with his unconventionally conventional brand-new silhouette. The NikeCraft General Purpose Shoe Tom Sachs shoe served to offer something new to sneaker collectors. A shoe that cared primarily about its wearability and value it gave the wearer as an everyday shoe, over worrying about the more superficial elements of sneaker marketing. With its unconventional “as simple as can be” and “creativity is the enemy” marketing, and minimalist silhouette, the model has split the sneaker community. The outpouring of love from those who have gotten their hands on the model, as well as its creativity in terms of its rollout, has earned it a place on our top sneakers of the year list.
Image: Sneakerjagers
7. Nike SB Dunk Low Sandy Bodecker
A more recent release to sneak onto this list, is the Nike SB Dunk Low Sandy Bodecker ‘eBay‘. Only released earlier this December. This model was inspired by one of the rarest Dunks of all time, coming in eBay’s colors, that had one of the three pairs in existence shredded after its initial charity auction. This shoe honours this history with transparent panelling where the model was cut, as well as the late Sandy Bodecker, the man behind the Nike SB Dunk Low. Bodecker was gifted a pair of the original eBay Dunks. It’s very hard to hate this sneaker, hence their feature on this list, regardless of the recency of their release.
Image: Sneakerjagers
6. Nike Dunk Low Union Passport Pack Argon
Ending the first half of our list, as well as continuing our appreciation of the Dunk is the Nike Dunk Low Union Passport Pack Argon collection. Primarily due to the shoes helping to keep the Nike Dunk Low, a model that debatably peaked back in 2020 and 2021, on top of the sneaker game well into 2022. Coming from long-time Nike collaborators, LA-based Union, the Nike Dunks have a “passport pack” theme, due to each colorway honouring a past region-exclusive Dunk release. Each pair is also fitted with an extra ripstop layer on the upper over the typical leather upper. With Union being famous for their attention to detail, small details like their skateboarder silhouette motif and loose stitching helped this pack of three colorways have a significant impact on the sneaker game. This pair earns its title as the best and most creative Nike Dunk collaboration of the year.
Beginning our countdown of the best sneakers of 2022
As the year comes to an end, it’s time to rate our favourite sneakers which have been released over the last 12 months: pitting our favourite kicks against each other, measuring their success in terms of popularity, creativity and greater importance within the sneaker space. But before we release our full top 10 list, we thought it was worth writing about some of the beloved models that narrowly missed out on our list. So, without further ado, check out below our honourable mentions for 2022’s sneakers of the year.
Image: Complex
Starting off this list we have the Louis Vuitton x Air Force 1. Although many people have put it as their top sneaker of the year, we thought that such an exclusive model can’t be featured on a top 10 list of sneakers when we have barely seen it. Other than viral images on social media, the models that retailed for no less than €2000 have not come close to reaching the average sneaker collector. That being said, its release is worth a mention, if not thanks to the iconic nature of the two brands coming together, then as the brainchild of the late great designer Virgil Abloh. Tying together his work with both brands throughout his design career, the model stands out as the most luxurious Air Force 1 we have ever seen.
Image: RESHOEVN8R
Next up on our list of honourable mentions is the Salahe Bembury X Crocs Pollex Clogs that have been so popular during the course of the year. Although not making it onto our top 10 list since its standout colourways were released at the backend of last year, Sasquatch, Cobbler and Crocodile editions have all been released this year to much acclaim. The unique design has helped usher in a wave of slip-on models this year, and its cutting-edge production process will likely continue to influence other slip-on models for years to come.
Image: Complex
The Kobe 6 “Mambacita” deserves a mention, as whilst the average sneaker fan – especially outside of America – may have looked over the release, it was such a big deal for the Kobe fans amongst us. Honouring Kobe as well as his late daughter, a fellow basketball player, it comes in their Mamba Sports Academy teams colours. This deeply personal release resonated with sneaker fans and Kobe fanatics alike, especially after an uneasy period where Nike’s deal with the Kobe estate fell through, leading to a stoppage in Kobe models. Seeing the two parties resume their partnership and provide such a beautiful model to fans was a special moment in sneakers that is worth remembering.
Image: Sneakerjagers
Making Asic’s first appearance on this list, after a very successful year, is their leading Gel Kayano 14 model. More specifically, a rendition of the Gel Kayano 14 from one of the top collaborators of the last few years, Montreal-based creative design studio JJJJound. Coming in a silver and black upper paired with a sail midsole, the pairs quickly sold out and are now reselling for over three times the original retail price. What makes this shoe so special, however, is that it stands alone – in a year when the Gel Kayano 14 has received so much praise, as THE Gel Kayano 14. No other colorway of the silhouette comes close to the popularity and notability of JJJJound’s take on the model. It perfects quite a simple look that still captures the essence of the 2000’s runner and pushes the model to its fullest potential.
Image: Sneaker Freaker
The last sneaker that we felt deserved a mention was a personal favourite, the Stray Rats x New Balance 580. Whilst it didn’t garner the same attention as any of the shoes on our top 10 list, it’s notable firstly for helping to bring back the New Balance 580, an initially Japan-exclusive model, ushering in a run of general release 580s which has been confirmed to continue well into 2023. Moreover, the two different colourways released as part of the collaboration both brought something new to New Balance’s roster, offering a contrasting look filled with late 2000’s nostalgia, perfect for the y2k style which is so popular right now.
So, do you agree with our picks? What shoes do you expect us to include in our top 10 sneakers of the year list? To be notified when we release our top 10 sneakers of the year, follow us @woovinsneakers on Instagram.
Everything you need to know about the 990v6
Image: Sole Retriever
With New Balance still popping in the sneaker space, the release of the New Balance 990v6 has garnered plenty of attention. Serving as the latest addition to the New Balance 990 line, and following up on the highly successful 990v5, the new model was advertised in a commercial featuring Sydney Mclaughlin, Action Bronson and other big New Balance ambassadors.
The shoes come in a mesh base with a nubuck frame across the shoe, fitted with oval-shaped holes similar to the 990v3. TPU accents are present on the top two eyelets and the new balance branding on the tongue. The heel counter also seems to have a plastic outer layer, covered by a nubuck overlay, which continues on to the toe guard at the front of the shoe. The upper is then paired with a white midsole at the front, whilst the back of the midsole is contained in a plastic casing, sitting atop a thin ridged outsole. New Balance’s “N” logo is front and centre on the lateral side of the shoe, whilst the model 990 branding can be found on the heel counter. Overall, the model hits a perfect balance between being cushioned and weighty, but still remaining sleek and running-inspired.
Image: Sole Retriever
Whilst the internet’s reception hasn’t been immediately positive, that’s only to be expected when debuting the latest version of a 40 years old sneaker line. But we think once the colorways start to hit the shelves, any doubters will be won over. Debuting in a predominantly grey colorway, as can be expected from New Balance, we have already got images of future releases, most notably in collaboration with rapper, chef, and New York hero, Action Bronson. Already giving New Balance some serious promo when he rocked them during his AEW debut this September. The contrasting colors on his model highlight the 990v6’s updated layers on the upper, and show how well the silhouette can be utilized for different looks.
Image: Sole Retriever
Released back in November in America, and finally hitting EU retailers this December, if you fancy picking a pair up for yourself, check out WOOVIN to make sure yours getting the best price without any hassle. And make sure to follow us @woovinsneakers on Instagram, where we will notify you on new blog posts and all things sneaker related.
Kith will be taking Salomon to new places this December
Image: Sole Retriever
Kith, a sneaker and streetwear boutique started in 2011 by Ronnie Fieg, has become one of the best-known high-end retailers of sneakers, not only in America but across the world. But one of their defining traits is the frequency of their collaborations with other brands, such as their Kith Treats ice cream selection devoting flavours to stars such as LeBron James and Action Bronson. In addition are their sneaker collaborations with Nike, New Balance, Asics and a whole host of brands, sneaker and fashion related or otherwise.
Image: Sole Retriever
This month, however, they will take on the increasingly popular silhouette, the XT-6, as their first collaboration with French sports equipment and clothing brand Salomon. It was popularized during the recent “Gorpcore” trend which focused on functional outdoor wear, from hiking clothes to extreme weather jackets. Alongside brands like Arc’teryx, Salomon – who have been putting out quality outdoor gear since 1947 – have adapted to their growing lifestyle-focused consumer base. This is no clearer than with their XT line, with frequent collaborations and new colourways being made to keep consumers’ attention. And with much success: the XT-6 has held on to its popularity as we come out of the “Gorpcore” phase, due to their easy wearability with several athleisure/y2k outfits. Plus, this Kith collaboration comes off the back of Salomon’s collaboration with Maison Margiela, noting a clear indication of the kind of audience Salomon are trying to capture, diversifying their sales from functional sportswear towards increasingly trendy lifestyle designs.
Image: Sole Retriever
The shoes have been remade in three new colourways, all with white detailing playing second fiddle to the blue, brown and purple colours that define each pair. Otherwise, the model is kept relatively simple and minimalist save for the addition of Gore-Tex to the model for the first time, further blending the worlds of function and fashion. Subtle Kith branding shall be featured on the tongue tab alongside Salomon branding, which is also present on the heel counter.
Look out for these pairs landing in stores from the 19th of December but, if you’re looking to pick up a pair of Salomons over the holidays, check out WOOVIN to guarantee you are getting the best prices.
Everything you need to know about the eBay x Nike SB Dunk Low
Image: Sole Collector
One of the most revered Nike SB Dunks of all time, the original eBay Dunk shall be given a proper release this December – but not how you would expect to see it. To explain its appearance, here’s the backstory you need to know if you are keen on the model.
Back in 2003, a pair of Nike SB Dunk Lows made in collaboration with eBay (featuring their famous red, yellow, green and blue colourscheme) were auctioned off for charity through the site. Whilst they were advertised as being 1 of 1s, three pairs were actually made. The first was a sample pair, the second was the pair which was sold and the third set was gifted to Sandy Bodecker when he retired in 2008.
Image: Sole Collector
For its first proper release, however, the first pair arguably holds its significance, as it was cut into four parts after the auction to ensure the purchased pair was truly a one-of-one. In doing so, the image of the four pieces of SB Dunk has become so significant that the pair set to release will feature the same indentations where the sample pair was cut. In its place will be transparent panels holding the three parts together, alongside transparent details on the sole in this place.
The third pair is also relevant to the story, however, as it was made later on to be gifted to Sandy Bodecker in 2008, who can be credited for Nike’s flourishing skateboarding line in the 2000s after many failed attempts throughout the 90s. Amongst many other brilliant decisions, it was ultimately his idea to convert the popular basketball model, the Nike Dunk, into a skating shoe, having noticed the abundance of skaters wearing Nike’s basketball models. The Nike SB Dunk Low would go on to take over the world, hence his retirement present being fully earned. In 2018, however, Bodecker would pass away, leaving behind a legacy that has stayed and will continue to stay with sneaker fans. His general popularity and sheer likeability within Nike’s team are why his work continues to be remembered, and why it was only right to include him in the story of the eBay x SB Dunk Low’s eventual release. Hence the image of Sandy Bodecker holding fellow Nike employee James Arizumi’s son printed on the shoe’s left insole.
Image: Sole Collector
The eBay x Nike SB Dunk Low will be released on December the 17th in limited quantities, alongside 10 even more exclusive pairs that come with a skateable box. But look out for the model becoming available soon afterwards via one of WOOVIN‘s verified stores. Offering zero buyer fees and taking out the hassle of getting your hands on sneakers, if you’re a fan of the SB Dunk silhouette you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better collector’s item.
The latest Salehe Bembury release will be coming this holiday
Image: Sole Collector
Salehe Bembury is one of the hottest sneaker designers in the game right now, stamping his mark onto the scene in late 2020 for his work with New Balance, particularly on the newly unarchived 2002R. More recently, however, amongst a slew of popular releases it’s been his crocs that have garnered everyone’s attention. But now, once again, Salehe Bembury has returned to work with New Balance, this time on the 990v2 – the shoe that will carry on from his “Peace be the journey” and “Water be the guide” releases, all of which take inspiration from the environment around us.
Officially named the New Balance 990v2 “Sand be the time,” one quick look at the silhouette will show you why the shoe is named what it is. Bembury’s latest collaboration features a pink suede upper with pink mesh underlays and a grey nubuck underlay around the toe box of the sneaker. The New Balance logo on the side of the shoe is made from a fluffy purple material, matching the 990 marking on the tongue and the top eyelets. The midsole features New Balance’s Abzorb cushioning and comes in a dark beige – referencing the shoe’s sandy theme – save for a grey detail on the heel and the outsole, which comes in purple.
Image: Sole Collector
Whilst Salehe Bembury has released a number of projects with New Balance, this three-sneaker series has been by far and away the most popular, partly due to the sheer thought that has been going into each release. From the ad campaigns and official images to the unique boxes each pair has come in, Bembury has successfully turned his releases into a spectacle that people don’t want to miss out on. Moreover, he is creating a product that feels like it is worth the money, with no corners cut and utilising the most interesting materials available.
Image: Sole Collector
The New Balance 990v2 has seen a limited release through Bembury’s website but is expected to be released in greater quantities in the near future. If you fancy getting a pair or are looking for potential sneaker gifts in time for Christmas, check out WOOVIN for all your sneaker needs. Search through our verified stores with the knowledge that every purchase has zero buyer fees, giving you the best deal possible.
Why do we collect sneakers?
Image: Sneaker Freaker
For a lot of us, the holidays are time for seeing loved ones, and for festive parties with colleagues and friends. And whilst this can be a beautiful time of year, it is also a perfect time for people to question your sneaker collecting as a means of making lighthearted conversation. So, if someone in your life decides to ask you what the fuss is all about, we have compiled a couple of reasons for our love of shoes which may help you survive these potentially awkward conversations.
First off, the complexity of a shoe must be admired. Whilst a T-shirt can be appreciated for its comparative simplicity, it is a much more straightforward process to create a T-shirt than a shoe. For a start, it needs fewer materials and the production of fewer parts, such as the torso and the two sleeves. A sneaker, on the other hand, has a tongue, upper, midsole, outsole, overlays, and more that each goes through an arduous production process before being compiled to create a shoe. Therefore, sneaker fans can find there is more to get excited about a shoe, as there is simply more going on.
We also love sneakers for their function, as something that we wear on us as a public form of self-expression, but also one that can serve many of our desires. For example, different shoes can be useful for playing different sports, walking on certain terrains, or keeping our feet warm during the colder months. We all have owned a pair of shoes we have found particularly beautiful, or that had an especially comfortable sole. All things that make you want to wear the shoes, or even go as far as collect them.
Image: Hypebeast
Sneakers’ place in pop culture is particularly important when discussing why so many of us are addicted to shoes. Sneakers are present on our tv screens, in films or on sports stars. Our favourite celebrities wear shoes and collaborate with sneaker brands, and our favourite musicians may mention their love of a particular shoe in their music. Sneakers are an extension of pop culture, which connects us to our favourite characters and celebrities, allowing us to temporarily see how it feels to walk in their shoes (pun intended.)
Lastly, what makes sneaker collecting separate from sneaker appreciating, is not the size of a collection, but rather the love of the hunt. The love of chasing down that pair you want, from entering all the raffles or standing in line for hours, to scouring the internet for that rare sneaker in your size. Sneaker hunting means something different to every sneaker fan, but in essence, collecting can be like a treasure hunt, with your collection acting as your trophy cabinet.
Image: Complex
A look ahead to the release of the Air Jordan 11 Cherry
Image: Sneaker News
If you are tapped into the world of shoes, you may know that Sneakerheads eagerly anticipate the holiday season for one common reason. Although Air Jordan 11 lows and the occasional women’s Air Jordan high release throughout the year, every december, a single pair of Air Jordan 11’s are released in the run-up to Christmas. Its release is looked forward to throughout the year, and the quantities of pairs made for the annual Air Jordan 11 release reflect that. Back in 2015, SportsScanInfo reported over a million pairs of Air Jordan 11’s were sold that December, so you can comfortably predict with the growth of the sneaker market over the last few years, that the stock count for this year’s Air Jordan 11 Cherry model is likely to also be at least 7-figures.
Image: Sneaker News
2023’s Air Jordan 11 colourway features a red patent leather, with a white mesh around the top of the upper. The phylon midsole comes in white, with red detailing on the carbon fibre shank plate present on the medial arch. Lastly, the outsole is made from a translucent rubber, and white and red branding is present around the Sneaker.
The Cherry colourway was most famous for its usage on an OG model of the Air Jordan 12, released back in 1997, which worked in Jordan’s Chicago Bulls red and white colours, with a splash of black on the lining. The colourway returned once again on the Air Jordan 13 in 1998, and subsequent retroes of both models have kept the colourway’s relevance ticking over. However, that is not to say that the colourway doesn’t have any history with the Air Jordan 11. Although not an original Air Jordan 11 high release from 1986, the Cherry colourway debuted on the lowcut version of the model back in 2001, cementing its place in the history of the sneaker, and justifying the upcoming release’s surrounding pandemonium.
Image: Sneaker News
The Air Jordan 11 Cherry has been confirmed to be releasing in full family sizing on December 10th, but if you want the best price without having to deal with the stress of trying to seek out a pair, keep your eyes on WOOVIN. Our verified stores offer sneakers on the secondary market with zero buyer fees, and flexible delivery options to suit your needs.
