2016 is coming to a close and we have seen a HUGE number of sneaker releases this year. Again, it’s been an awesome year for sneakers in general with a number of great collaborations and new innovations. It was hard to pick but in the end, there could be only 10 on the list. Once again, Yeezys have been excluded from the list because it’s waaaayyyyy too hyped up and you don’t need us to hype it up anymore now, do you? So here we go, the best sneakers of 2016 (in our humble opinion), in no particular order:
10. REEBOK CLUB C X CROSSOVER “MATCH POINT”
Working on Reebok’s Pump Fury earlier in the year, Crossover does it again this time with the Club C model. Featuring a very clean colorway of a white upper and an off-white outsole, it has that UK cool vibe. Plus the premium leather, side perforations and Crossover branding on the left heel make it stand out among a crowd of white sneakers.
9. PUMA X RIHANNA CREEPERS
Rihanna’s FENTY collection has proven to be very popular and last month she was honored with the title “Shoe of the Year” by Footwear News. A combination of the Puma Suede and creeper sneakers, the inspiration stems from the mosh pits scene of the 80s and 90s. It may look simple but it took Rihanna to put together this killer combo, which proved to be a huge hit especially among the ladies.
8. AIR JORDAN 1 RETRO ‘BRED’
Said to be the one that started it all, Jordan Brand decided to bless us again with yet another release of the black/red colorway in bigger quantities and it wasn’t disappointing. Part of the Remastered series, the Air Jordan 1 staple returned in all its glory with softer, tumbled leather on the red panels and a higher cut than the previous 2013 release. Jordan fanboys were definitely happier this time around.
7. NIKE AIR FORCE 1 HIGH ‘WHEAT’
Is 2017 the return of the AF1? Time will tell but for now we will settle with this pair that was released at the beginning of the year in conjunction with the first opening of Malaysia’s 1st JD Sports outlet. Decked out in a yellow/brown colorway that brings to mind Timberland’s iconic 6-inch boot, this AF1 release sold out on the first day itself. Not surprising considering how easy it is to match it with your outfit.
6. ADIDAS NMD
If anyone has to say anything regarding sneakers this year, there’s no doubt the NMD will be mentioned. Hate it or love it (more love in fact based on the numbers), the adidas’s NMD reigned supreme. With its sleek design, sock-like fit, and a ton of colorways, resell prices were sky high. The comfort level thanks to its Boost sole contributed to its popularity too whether in mesh or Primeknit form.
5. CONVERSE ONE STAR ‘HAIRY SUEDE’
If you are getting tired of Converse’s All Star, you can always consider the alternative of getting the excellent One Star. This time it comes with a Nike Lunarlon insole for better cushioning and a plush, hairy suede material in a variety of colorways. Plus, that iconic star on the sides on its otherwise minimalistic look will make you stand out. Whether you are at the mall or at the park, this will be your go to shoe in the years to come.
4. ASICS TIGER GEL LYTE 3 X REIGNING CHAMP
This is probably the coziest pair in the list and with good reason too. The classic runner is covered in Reigning Champ’s signature terrycloth material, which can also be found in their garments. The speckled midsole, RC embossed logos and open stitching will grab your attention on its otherwise simple, minimalist look. A lot of us slept on this release but lived to regret it.
3. AIR JORDAN 11 ‘SPACE JAM’
December is usually the month of Air Jordan 11 and this year proved no different with the 20th anniversary of the Space Jam movie. The traditional all black mesh and patent leather are what you will expect but the higher heel cut and stitched 45 (instead of 23) on the back heel are what makes it different from previous releases. Those who couldn’t get it back in 2009 will be happy to go through their happy, Looney moments with this pair.
2. ADIDAS ULTRA BOOST ‘UNCAGED’
Last year, we mentioned the Ultra Boost in our shoe of the year list. This year, we saw the Solebox and Hypebeast collabs and man, we wanted a pair for ourselves! Well, it finally came and thanks to the exclusion of the lace ‘cage’, this version was a lot more streamlined than before. Functional and practical as it was before, it still looks good on feet whether it’s for casual meetings or if you are at the gym.
1. VANS OLD SKOOL/SKATE HI X SHOWROOM “21:30”
There were a number of collaborations this year but nothing stood out more than our local Showroom’s work with the giant skateboarding icon. Taking Van’s classic models and putting their own twist to it, Showroom came up with not 1 but 2 winners! Both models are decked in a generous amount of reflective 3M and Velcro checkerboard side stripes that when peeled, reveals the alternative look of white stripes. Rumor has it that resell prices for these are shooting upwards of $6++. Say what?!
There you go, the best sneakers of 2016! We hope you enjoyed reading the article and do share your thoughts on the comment box below.
Happy New Year from the MASSES team and have a good weekend.
