SNEAKERS OF THE YEAR 2022

From Wales Bonner and her detail-heavy takes on three stripes classics, to Salehe Bembury and his trailblazing Pollex Clog, 2022 has been a year filled with a plethora of groundbreaking sneakers. Looking back on 2022, as well as glancing forward to the next year in excitement, UrlfreezeShops delves into a selection of the releases that cut through the noise and captivated audiences around the globe.

For his debut collaborative sneaker, it made perfect sense for the Detroit-based artist, Tyrrell Winston, to partner with Reebok on a Club C. After all, not only is the sneaker his absolute go-to in the studio, but it was also a favourite of his grandpa’s while growing up. The result was a stripped-back, nuance-rich take on the Club C, with his New York doodles — or noodles, as Tyrrell likes to call them — at the tongues, his signature on the outsole and pony hair at the heels to reference the focus of race horses. 

2022 was a big year for Teddy Santis and New Balance, not only through his Creative Directorship of the coveted Made in US line, but also his via his Aimé Leon Dore imprint. Mid-way through the year, the Queens-based label linked up with New Balance to bring the 991 under the spotlight, taking an already premium shoe and elevating it further in that typical ALD way. Two pairs were released, one in brown and green leather and the other in grey and green suede. Perhaps the biggest deviation from the norm came by way of the underlays, with spacer mesh used to achieve a more textured appearance. 

2022 marked the 25th anniversary of the much-loved Nike Air Max 97 Silver Bullet, providing the perfect opportunity for a reissue to mark the festivities. The sneaker released in its OG form, complete with all of its signature features: metallic, undulating uppers, concealed eyelets and full-length Air Max cushioning. Though the sneaker may be 25 years old, the fact it still looks progressive today makes it worth any sneakers of the year list.  

2022 was a big year for New Balance, with the label continuing to release high-energy product with a captivating momentum. It was a big year for the 990, too, particularly the third generation of sneaker, with Patta putting their stamp on the V3 in October. The approach was a step in a new direction for the V3, teaming olive green with fluorescent accents and a speckled midsole. As is typical of both brands, the campaign that launched the sneaker was perfectly executed, showcasing the shoe styled on the whole family to nod to both brand’s family-owned ties.  

Decades ago, prior to the use of proper inventory systems, sneaker stockrooms were monitored using pen and paper. As a result, pairs would frequently go unaccounted for and lost, only to be unearthed years later. With the Air Jordan 1 “Lost & Found”, it was the thrill of unearthing long-forgotten gems that inspired the sneaker’s finer details. Its ankle collars were cracked and faded, midsoles aged and yellow and leather cracked to resemble pairs that have spent years sat forgotten about in stockrooms. Even the box featured distressing, to really drive home the aged look and feel.  

Whenever Grace Wales Bonner and adidas come together, the result is elevated, nuance-rich takes on three-stripes classics. Mid way through the year, the two reunited to transform the fan-favourite Samba, tapping into the British designer’s inimitable and intricate approach to details and materials. The sneaker arrived in a duo of colours, red and white and green and white, with two-toned laces and contrast top stitching.

Nike and Stüssy’s ongoing partnership is one that’s fruitful and ever-expanding, resulting in a long list of coveted releases throughout the years. In August, Nike and Stüssy reunited for another deep dive into the Swoosh archives, bringing the Air Max 2013 under the spotlight. The sneaker arrived in a duo of colourways and material makeups, with two crafed from engineered mesh, in all pink and a black and gradient effect, as well as a fossil hemp iteration.

Travis Scott and Nike’s partnership extended with another rendition of the Air Jordan 1, the “Black Phantom”, continuing with their distinctive and experimental approach to the court classic. The sneaker was filled with idiosyncratic detailing, like the signature reverse Swoosh at the sidewalls, contrast stitching and an all-new bee motif at the heels. The colourway was more subtle than usual, with an understated shade of black used throughout.

2022 marked the first time ASICS and JJJJound joined forces, with the two coming together to transform 2008’s much-loved Gel-Kayano 14. The partnership was formed through a shared love of research and development, giving the late-noughties runner a subtle, elevated makeover. The sneaker was reworked in two colourways, with crisp white mesh, metallic silver overlays and debossed detailing throughout.

Nike and Tom Sachs’ partnerships are ones filled with a unique approach to both product and storytelling, creating sneakers from a disruptive and boundary-pushing perspective. 2022 marked another chapter in that collaborative approach, releasing the NikeCraft General Purpose shoe. The sneaker was created with the intention of eschewing the exclusivity so often associated with the industry, nodding to the humility found within everyday, blue collar working and the uniforms worn. The approach was both stripped back in appearance and durable in the construction, featuring a classic aesthetic — that was heavily inspired by archival icons like the Killshot — and a rugged mesh and suede construction.