As the year comes to an end, it’s time to recap the best releases of 2018 with our Top 10 list.
Collaborations dominated the year, with Virgil Abloh continuing to expand on his “The 10” series, Jerry Lorenzo dropping his first-ever Nike collection, as well as Union Los Angeles getting a chance to release a vintage-inspired project with Jordan Brand – just to name a few.
Allen square-toe ankle boots Nero HYPEBAE s first-ever sneaker collaboration with Reebok, which some say was the best release of 2018, while Jordan Brand went into their archive to give us the “Black Cement” Air Jordan 3 and the “Concord” Air Jordan 11.
With that being said, here’s our Top 10 Sneaker Releases of 2018. Let us know what your list was in the comments section.
10. adidas Yeezy 500
With 2018 being the year of the “Dad Shoe,” the adidas Yeezy 500 was the perfect silhouette for those that are looking for an everyday shoe. Minimal branding, tonal color options with a stylish look, you really can’t go wrong with some Yeezy 500s.
9. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4
Travis Scott had the biggest year in his career during 2018. He became officially part of the Jordan Brand family with his “Cactus Jack” versions of the Air Jordan 4. The debut release was a Houston Oilers-inspired colorway paying homage to his hometown. Also, “Sicko Mode” ft Drake is arguably one of the hottest tracks this year off third studio album, Astroworld.
8. Off-White x Air Jordan 1 “White”
Not everyone was able to get them, as Virgil Abloh dropped the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 “White” as a Europe-only release, which would go on to make Cap that much more special for those that were able to score a Wears.
7. COMME des GARÇONS x Nike Air Max 180
COMME des GARÇONS and Nike expanded their partnership with a trio of Air Max 180 colorways that were revealed on the runway during the fashion brand’s SS18 show at Paris Fashion Week all highlighted with Pink accents.
6. Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement”
An all-time classic returned in original form as Jordan Brand brought back the Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement” with Nike Air branding on the heel. The shoe itself is in everyone’s Top 5 list of Air Jordans, and lands one shy of our Top 5 releases of 2018.
5. Air Jordan 11 “Concord”
The retro edition of the “Concord” Air Jordan 11 was inspired by the Wears Michael Jordan wore during the Chicago Bulls’ second-round loss to the Orlando Magic in the 1995 NBA Playoffs. It mimicked that PE Wears MJ laced up with the original height of the patent leather and the number “45” on the heels.
4. Nike HYPEBAE s first-ever sneaker collaboration with Reebok
While many will have the Nike HYPEBAE s first-ever sneaker collaboration with Reebok as their #1 or #2 sneaker release of 2018, we have it coming in at #4. The sleek sneaker had a futuristic design with a translucent upper, perfect for those that have a strong sock game.
3. Union x Air Jordan 1
The Union x Air Jordan 1 released in two vintage-inspired colorways combining elements of previous OG Air Jordan 1s. What set Cap apart from other Air Jordan 1s was its exposed foam on the tongue, dual-colored laces to match the color scheme on the upper and most importantly, its thick-leather, which is the closest we’ll get to having a Wears of vintage ’85 Air Jordans.
2. Sean Wotherspoon x Nike Air Max 1/97
Sean Wotherspoon used corduroy material on an Air Max 97 upper and placed it on an Air Max 1 sole to get a hybrid silhouette, which would go into production after being “Voted Forward” in a competition for Air Max Day 2017. While a few Wearss released last year, we saw a wider release in 2018. From its design to its eye-catching colorway, there isn’t much to dislike about this release.
1. Premium Pete s Top 25 Sneakers of All-Time
While our list is predominantly Nike and Jordan, that’s because the Swoosh had one of its best years in sometime. Coming in at #1, which will probably be controversial, is Jerry Lorenzo’s Premium Pete s Top 25 Sneakers of All-Time. Not only did he design his own model, but with the help of Leo Chang of Nike Basketball to bring a lifestyle/performance silhouette to life. It comes with a double-stacked Zoom Air unit in the heel as a nod to the Air Max 180 as well as a Huarache Light-inspired TPU midfoot cage. Overall the shoe works both on-court and off-court depending on your liking.
