We are fast approaching the end of 2015 and it has been another great year for sneakers. Earlier this year, we wrote an article about the emergence of adidas as a force to be reckoned and boy, adidas did not disappoint. It has been a strong year for the sneaker conglomerate from Germany but that doesn’t mean everyone else has been sleeping. We have compiled a list of sneakers (it was hard; there were just so many good releases!) and after much discussion, we have shortlisted them to 20 pairs we thought were the best for 2015. The other thing we did was list shoes that were available at retail in Malaysia so if you don’t see some of your shoes, don’t fret.
So without further ado, these are the sneakers (general releases and collaborations) we thought were the best of 2015 in no particular order:
General Releases
adidas Ultra Boost
Not to sound ultra bias, we believed that adidas’s Boost technology was a total game changer. Utilizing a mostly Primeknit upper and a Boost sole, there was no doubt that it’s arguably the most comfortable shoe to have on feet right now. But I guess most of you would know since what used to sit on shelves is virtually selling out in nearly every CW that’s been released. Try on a pair now if you don’t believe us and look out for the upcoming 6th issue of the MASSES magazine on how it feels like to own an Ultra Boost.
Nike Air Max 95 “Neon”
The Air Max 95 celebrated its 20th anniversary with a multitude of CWs including the “Grapes” (we are waiting for the “Black Grapes” retro), Independence Day pack and a new colorway, “Greedy”. But the “Neon” CW was the one that stole the spotlight. The shoe box is as close to the OG box as we will ever get with a jumbo “air max” printed on the sides and although the OG detailing of the PSI indicators were missing, the AM95 “Neon” still sold out pretty fast indicating that this model is still very much prized among Air Max fans.
Converse Chuck 2
Classics never die and neither do updated ones as Chuck 2 proves. Chuck 2’s silhouette is almost the same as a typical Converse but it still managed to cause quite a commotion here in Malaysia. The shape/look are similar but there were notable changes and also some serious upgrades in material, namely the Lunarlon insole. Although Converse Malaysia had brought in a large quantity of Chuck 2s during the launch, the All White and Black CWs sold out within a couple of weeks! That is why Chuck 2s are definitely one of our favourites for 2015.
ASICS Gel Lyte 3 “Kimono” Denim
ASICS’s Gel Lyte 3 25th anniversary this year was celebrated every month with a release of a collaboration of some sort but they haven’t been slouching on their GRs. In fact, you could have mistaken the GL3 “Kimono” Denim as a collaboration pair and we wouldn’t blame you. The combination of denim (symbolizing the West) and oriental floral print (symbolizing the East) was hard to miss. The fact that it worked and actually looks so good on feet makes us appreciate the attention and work they put into this shoe even more.
Air Jordan 1 Retro “Chicago”
It comes as no surprise that Jordans usually sell out the minute they are released and sometimes we don’t understand why but this pair was an exception. Made with exceptional leather uppers (for a Jordan), it certainly lived up to the hype with the OG Nike Air branding instead of the Jumpman logo on the tongue and throwback box. Although this is the 4th time this particular model has been retro-ed, this is the closest you will ever get to the original since 1994. We can only imagine the hype for next year’s AJ1 Retro “Bred”.
adidas Tubular
Based on a vintage model, the Tubular was actually released towards the end of last year. This year, the adidas Tubular was released in more CWs and it was well received for it’s Y3-ish looks and variations. Released in various materials including suede, Primeknit and mesh, interesting CWs (floral print anyone?). its appeal to casual and hardcore sneakerheads proved to be a successful hit among consumers. Look out for next year’s Tubular, the first looks have us excited with its increasingly high fashion design and carved out midsole.
Nike Air Presto
The Presto was released overseas last year to much anticipation but it was the retro release of the “Lightning” pair here in Malaysia that got local fans rejoicing. Marketed back then as “T-Shirts for your feet”, the Presto is mostly made up in mesh/neoprene uppers with either tonal or graphic uppers. Slimmer and sleeker than its successor, the Sock Dart, it sold out pretty fast here and we haven’t even seen all the OG CWs yet. Look out for more of the Prestos next year as Nike has big plans for this silhouette.
Air Jordan 8 Retro “Aqua”
Originally released in 1993, this year would mark only the third time the “Aquas” have been given the Retro treatment. Part of the Remastered line introduced early this year, Jordan fans have been waiting for this release since 2007. Spotting a lighter shade of grey and a few minor changes, it’s still probably closer to the original version than the 2007 version. Did we mention that this was also Jordan’s 1993 All-Star shoe? Yup, if you are a Jordan head, this is a definite must have on your list.
Nike Air Huarache
2015 has been a great year for Nike’s Air Huarache, particularly the “Triple Black” and “Triple White” CWs. A Tinker Hatfield classic, it debuted in 1991 with a Lycra and neoprene combination upper and was a favourite among runners for how light it felt on feet. Though it’s been 24 years since its conception, the Air Huarache still looks modern enough to be rocked in today’s time and fashion-conscious enough to be rocked at fashion shows. The Air Huarache is easily one of Nike’s bestsellers of the year and popular enough to get people queuing up at retail stores.
adidas Xeno Flux
Released in February in the USA during the NBA’s 2015 All Star Games, this shoe was going to change the way we think of multicolored sneakers. With a full murdered out black upper that changed color because of its reflective surface, the Xeno Flux was out to break necks. The Xeno was a breath of fresh air in the sea of multicolour sneakers and easily one of the best looking shoes of the year thanks to its shape and its snake-scale like upper.
Collaborations of 2015
adidas Superstar 80s x BAPE x UNDFT ‘Por Vida’
The holy trinity of streetwear came back again this time with the Superstar 80s with 2015 marking the Superstar’s 45th anniversary. Presented in 2 different CWs of black and white with premium leather material, BAPE signature camouflage accents are placed on the lining, heel tab and tongue. BAPE’s and Undefeated’s unmistakable trademarks are embossed on the heel area in gold to finish off the clean exterior of the Superstar.
ASICS Gel Lyte 3 x Packer “Dirty Buck”
Inspired by the dress shoe of the same name, Packer really came up with a winning combination of CW and materials used on this pair. A luxurious brown suede with hints of 3M on the upper with a contrasting salmon pink midsole made this not just a sneaker for casual outings but for semi-formal affairs as well. Add in the debossed ‘Packer’ at the heel and we have a really good looking shoe. Well, we can understand why it was one of the most expensive shoes on the reseller market earlier this year.
Nike Lunar Force 1 x CLOT
Old-school Air Force 1 heads usually don’t pay much attention to Lunar Force 1s in general but when this pair from CLOT came up, it generated a fair bit of hype. Nike’s Swoosh came back in jewelled form adorning the sides in red and blue respectively on the Hyperfuse/mesh upper while the Lunarlon midsole had a gum outersole. On top of that, the special box looks like a book, which included CLOT patches, a dust bag and a signed note from both Poon and Chen.
New Balance x Concepts “Luxury Goods”
Concepts really killed it last year with their 997 “Rose” in conjunction with the launch of their pop-up store in NYC. Their follow up to the “Rose” was this pair, inspired by Parisian fashion powerhouses. Sporting a orange CW with a suede upper and a rich leather on the tongue, there was no doubt this was a very well crafted shoe once you had it in your hands. Well it was made in USA so it’s no wonder that it looked and felt so good.
PUMA x KITH x Highsnobiety “A Tale of Two Cities”
To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Highsnobiety collaborated with KITH and PUMA. 2 pairs were released, one was the Blaze of Glory and the other was the R698. It’s not often that you see premium quilted nubuck on the R698 while the Blaze of Glory gets a strap with Highsnobiety’s logo printed on it. Thank the creative genius of Ronnie Fieg for these 2 beauties that came in a custom flag-inspired box, which also doubled as a magazine holder.
ASICS Gel Lyte 3 x AFEW “KOI”
The “Koi” inspired pair from AFEW 3 years ago received a lot of positive reactions from sneakerheads around the world and this time around is no different. For ASICS GL3’s 25th anniversary, AFEW decided to stick to their “Koi” design and made it even better. The GL3 had an outsole that featured a Koi pattern, the heels featured AFEW’s logo and ‘Family’ in Japanese wording and brown leather hits. Add in the red suede toe box and wooden eyelets and what we have are the makings of a future classic well worth the anticipation.
VANS Syndicate Authentic “S” x WTAPS
A celebration of Van Syndicate’s 10 anniversary, this sneaker is decked out in a gold/wheat-ish CW. Keeping it minimalistic, hits of suede cover the toe and heel while the canvas upper is printed with WTAPS’s “Wings” print all over. The look is finished off with a mustard yellow gum sole. Lucky you if you managed to cop a pair, rumour is that this could be Van’s last Syndicate pair to ever be made.
Reebok Ventilator x CROSSOVER “NAM Pack”
The second partnership between Reebok and Crossover was anything but disappointing. Taking inspiration from the ‘Vietnam War’, the sneaker was covered in a luxurious black nubuck upper with a white speckled midsole. Along with the co-branding of the Reebok Ventilator, CROSSOVER’s trademark skull and the words ‘NAM’ on the metal lace lock, the icing on the cake was the limited special box that it came packaged in.
Saucony Grid SD x Sneaker Freaker “Kushwacker”
How often is it that you see a well executed purple based CW on a sneaker? Well it’s not often that we see a purple coloured sneaker but this pair from Saucony and SF was simply sneaker-licious. Based on a purple suede upper, the Grid SD is also complimented by black suede and hits of 3M on the heel. Beige foamstripes, grey suede on the heels and an off white midsole completes the look. Was it any surprised that it was sold out nearly instantly?
adidas Stan Smith X Porter
If you are into streetwear, there’s no doubt you would have heard of Porter, Yoshida & Co., Ltd.’s main label. Partnering with adidas on the classic Stan Smith, the sneaker was released in two CWs, midnight navy (suede) and black (leather). Featuring the familiar Indian Orange usually found on bomber jackets on both pairs, the tongue and toe box also featured the signature nylon fabric synonymous with Porter bags. Signature Porter logos are featured on the tongue to complete the clean look.
You may have noticed that we did not include certain sneakers like the Yeezys or the Air Jordan 5 x Supreme but that’s only ’caused they were so hyped up. So, did you cop any on this list? Let us know what you have and if you agree or disagree with our list on the comments section below.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance from the MASSES team!
