2023 is coming to a close and it’s only right that we have look back at some our favourite sneakers of 2023.
We must admit, it has been a great year for sneaker releases so we had to whittle it down to 15 of our best picks, otherwise, you’ll be there until next Christmas reading through all of them.
With no further adieu, take a look at our 2023 sneaker pick list and let us know your favourites in the comments below!
1. Wales Bonner x adidas Samba ‘Pony Leopard’
If you haven’t heard of Wales Bonner before 2023, you have certainly heard of the British designer now. Reimagining some of adi’s most revered fit from its sports archives, Bonner has wowed the masses with her fluent afro-centric design language, offering a revolutionary spin on some of our terrace favourites.
From her nifty exploration of Jamaican and European culture through her SS13 crochet and metallic makeups of the Samba to the AW13 collection delivering all the textures - premium leathers, nappy suede and our personal favourite the ‘Pony Leopard’- Wales Bonner is building quite an iconography for herself. We can’t wait to see what’s in store next for the Samba Chronicles in 2024.
2. A Ma Manière x Air Jordan 5 ‘Dawn'
Dusk or Dawn? We decided we’re more of a morning person for this line-up. It’s no surprise that the Atlanta-based fashion entity has pulled it out of the bag again this year with their stream of Jordan releases. 2023 saw the label work miracles on their first-ever Jordan 5 silhouette.
Changing its P-51 Mustang-inspired design into something quite divine. And it was the ‘Dawn’ rendition that got us talking, the smooth off-white leathers paired with dreamy accents of blue draped throughout - who could blame us?
3. Born x Raised x Nike SB Dunk Low
Perhaps an obvious favourite, however, the Born x Raised x Nike SB Dunk Low definitely stole our hearts this Autumn. After the untimely passing of Born x Raised owner Chris Printup, we believe that this SB delivered light to his legacy of designs.
The crisp white base, joined by titular blue overlays, metallic Swoosh detailing and the co-branding cues etched throughout - it doesn’t get more timeless than this.
4. Jarritos x Nike SB Dunk Low
April 2023 added some Mexican flair to our rotations with the Jarritos x Nike SB Dunk Low. Nike’s link-up with the soda-based company offered a distinctive take on the SB model. Canvas overlays offered a rustic gleam to its predominantly white overlays, while hints of green and orange ensured things were flavoursome throughout. Completing the design were the co-branded ‘Nike’ and ‘Jarritos’ heel counters which signalled this newfound partnership.
5. Air Jordan 3 ‘White Cement’ Reimagined
This year was the Air Jordan 3’s 35th anniversary and the Jordan Brand went in. Leaving us in awe by reissuing one of our favourite OG designs from 1988, the Air Jordan 3 ‘White Cement’ Reimagined was everything we asked from a retro.
Let’s be real, it was like all our prayers had been answered when the original ‘Nike Air’ labelling made its comeback on the heel and let’s not forget the timeless elephant hide-like printed overlays and premium tumbled leathers - the Jordan Brand certainly knew what they doing with this one.
6. Yuto Hurigome x Nike SB Dunk
The Japanese prodigy Yuto Horigome strikes again and this time it's off the skateboards. Joining creative forces Nike SB to create one of the most memorable dunks of 2023. The Yuto Hurigome x Nike SB Dunk showcased an elegant and subtle aesthetic, combining high-quality suede and polished leather elements.
The colour combination was both refined and impressive, featuring a tasteful blend of chocolate brown and subtle pink highlights at the heel. The emblem of cross-feathers, symbolising Horigome's skating expertise, embellishes the footwear, and custom insoles with a cloud-like feel to provide a distinctive level of comfort.
7. Nike Kobe Protro 6 ‘Reverse Grinch’
It may be a little late to the 2023 sneaker party but it still made it. December is notoriously known for its festive sneaker releases and Nike certainly didn’t disappoint. Celebrating the honour and court legacy of the late Kobe Bryant, Nike pulled off the ultimate homage to the Kobe Protro 6 signature ‘Grinch’ colourway with the ultimate twist.
Featuring a top-tier red mesh upper enhanced by synthetic snakeskin overlays, this updated iteration embodies Kobe's Mamba Mentality. Infused with a festive touch, the footwear showcases lively green details on the Kobe sheath logo and laces, all encircled by bold black Swooshes, with Kobe Bryant's signature prominently displayed on the heel counter.
8. Air Jordan 4 x SB ‘Pine Greens’
When you’d thought after the Nike SB x Air Jordan 1 ‘Lance Mountain’ mashup that it couldn’t be any better than this from the Jordan and Nike clan. Well think again as 2023 gifted us with the Air Jordan 4 x SB ‘Pine Greens’ and since then, we’ve never looked back.
This meticulously crafted design sent sneakerheads into a frenzy with its crisp white leather upper, accentuated with a rough suede mudguard, the staple AJ4 TPU overlays, with the SB elements coming in with the gum rubber outsole and the signature branded hits on the heel.
Find out how to clean your Jordan 4 x SB 'Pine Greens' here
9. J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 ‘Medellín Sunset’
This explosion of vibrant hues not only enhances the sneaker's visual allure but also narrates a tale of cultural heritage and self-esteem. It boldly signifies the harmonious connection between art, music, and the sneaker culture.
10. Nike x Patta x FC Barcelona Air Max Plus
The partnership that captured the hearts of sneaker enthusiasts, die-hard football fans, and style connoisseurs alike. The Patta x FC Barcelona x Nike Air Max Plus is a collaboration that is due to go down in sneaker history.
Not only for the celebration of the Nike Air Max Plus's 25th anniversary but for its striking gradient design, emulating the colours of the world-class football team. Branded Patta and FC Barcelona hits consolidate this sneaker design with an extra slice of heritage.
11. Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 1
This highly sought-after collaboration was part of the '1961' collection, celebrating the pivotal year when the PGA Tour ended racial discrimination. These sneakers symbolised progress and inclusivity in the world of golf.
Taking design inspiration from iconic Jordan colourways like 'Bred' and 'Royal,' the sneakers arrived black waterproof leather upper, combining style with golf-ready functionality. Vibrant 'Malachite' green accents added a touch of character. What truly distinguished these sneakers were subtle yet impactful details, including the Eastside Golf script logo on the Swoosh and 'CHANGE.' and '1961' debossed on the lateral heels of the left and right shoes, respectively.
12. Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 'Beneath the Surface' Pack
Chicago-based designer Joe Freshgoods wanted to elevate his inside voice this year with the ‘Beneath the Surface’ Pack and we know this is a little bit of a cop-out, but we couldn’t choose just one from this trail-inspired selection of sneakers.
In the ‘Beneath the Surface’ collection, Freshgoods introduces his unique camouflage print on both the 610 and Rainier shoe models. The 610 boasts a nubuck and mesh overlay upper, featuring a camouflage pattern blending olive, black, and grey hues, interspersed with dark orange and light orange accents.
The Rainier combines nubuck overlays with the custom "JFG" camouflage print, equipped with all-weather features like GORE-TEX material and a Vibram outsole for durability in harsh conditions. Unlike previous collaborations, this collection showcases a nature-inspired colour palette instead of pastel tones.
13. Drake x Nike Nocta Glide ‘Slime Green’
Drake went from rapping ‘left foot slide’ to creating a Nocta glide and we’re not so mad about it. This year the rap legend initially introduced the silhouette during his ‘It’s All Blur’ tour with 21 Savage and since then it has become one of the most distinctive silhouettes of this year. Its Nike Air Zoom Flight 95 reminiscent design debuted in 6 refreshing colourways but our standout one has to be the ‘Slime Green’ addition.
The fit arrived in a mesh upper, while carbon fibre-inspired mudguards sport a vibrant slime green hue. NOCTA branding is prominently featured on the jewelled tongue tag, while a black Swoosh graces the lateral side, accompanied by Nike branding near the eyelets. Chrome and faux carbon fibre details adorn the signature bug eyes, with NOCTA branding elegantly debossed on the latter. The sleek black outsole rounded off the design with some grippy traction.
14. Tiffany & Co. x Nike Air Force 1 Low '1837'
The Nike Air Force 1 x Tiffany & Co collaboration was like a sneaker masterpiece in the making, a historic moment where street style met luxury bling. It's the first-ever partnership between the legendary Air Force 1 and the prestigious jewellery brand, and boy, did it make waves in sneaker history! This release, coming 18 years after the iconic "Tiffany" Diamond x Nike SB Dunk Low, didn't just meet expectations; it blew them out of the water.
15. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG 'Olive'
Now it wouldn’t be a 2023 countdown without adding in a Travis Scott release into the mix. Hate it or love it, we’ve got a soft spot for the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG ‘Olive’. Word on the street was that this might have just been the grand finale of Jordan 1 collaborations with the Cactus Jack crew. But while we let that rumour simmer for a minute, the Jordan 1 Low x Travis Scott 'Olive' was turning heads at every street corner.
Leather suede uppers played nice with crisp white leather overlays up top on this one, giving off that effortlessly stylish vibe. A touch of subtle yellowing added a dash of vintage charm, and the red-hot Cactus Jack insignias on the heels offered a branded completion.
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