Top 10 Sneakers of 2020

12.20.20

As the countdowns of 2020 continues, sneakers are up next. During the pandemic, there was a time when brands stopped dropping product. Whether they did not have much money for marketing, they were worried about their consumers heading to stores, or feeling bad about not currently having the funds to purchase. However, as things go better, so did the sneaker releases. From collaborations, rereleases, and color ways we never could have expected, here are my favorites from 2020.

J. Cole x PUMA

RS Dreamer

Release Date: 7.31.20

Retail: $125

Resell: $150+

This summer, J. Cole dropped his signature basketball sneaker with PUMA. It basically shocked the world that J. Cole was the first PUMA ambassador to have his own sneaker, when some people did not even know that he played basketball. The launch of the sneaker lead to storylines of J. Cole taking his shot at the NBA, and eventually getting a call from the Pistons for a try out. The sneaker sold out, and continued to do so with each new colorway release. Whether you are J. Cole fan, a PUMA fan, a basketball fan or just a sneaker fan, you have to get your hands on a pair of these and try them out for size.

Off White x Air Jordan 4 SP

‘Sail’

Release Date: 7.25.20

Retail: $200

Resell: $1,000

Off White did this one for the ladies, and they did it so well. The Jordan 4 is such a classic silhouette than anyone can wear. And, while this colorway is so simple, there is so much that had to go into it. Where do we go translucent, how dark do we make each panel. The different textiles and level of translucency in each pattern peace just makes this sneaker - perfect. There is no other word for it, which would explain why they are still reselling for over $1,000 almost six months after retail. Basically, if you do not have a pair of these, you are not doing it. (I am not doing it, either).

Jordan 1 Retro High

NC to Chi

Release Date: 2.13.20

Retail: $170

Resell: $204+

This sneaker may have been one of my first sneaker purchases of 2020. I was pumped that there was a Retro 1 for women specifically, and a good one at that. The story of Jordan going from UNC to Chicago in the NBA was the jump of a career, and comes together so beautifully in this silhouette. I love the mix of the red toe box and blue heel, and the black ties them in nicely. I feel like I usually go for a white sneaker, but the white would have dulled the color blocking here. These are one of my favorites to dress up, while keeping it retro. Highlight sneaker of 2020 that I own, I would say.

Nike SB Dunk Low Ben & Jerry's

Chunky Dunky

Release Date: 5.23.20

Retail: $100

Resell: $1,148+

When I first looked at this shoe, I did not feel like I needed it. Then the more I looked at it, I really needed it. Of course, I took an L, but they are one of the best sneakers to come out this year. The attention to detail and way they were able to encompass their entire brand into these sneakers, is just fantastic. From the cow fur, to the blue and green leather resembling the mountains on the box, to the swoosh melting like ice cream, and the funkadelic colors on the inside of the sneaker. On top of the insane presentation of the sneaker and seeding kits themselves, Ben & Jerry’s has been an extremely important brand this year when it comes to educating on the importance of the racial injustice we have dealt with the year.

J Balvin x Air Jordan 1 High OG

Multi-Color

Release Date: 12.8.20

Retail: $190

Resell: $468+

I am a true believer and letting your sneakers do the talking for you, when it comes to your look. Let them be what inspires your outfit, your mood, and explain a little bit about who you are. I could not think of a better sneaker to do so, than the J Balvin Air Jordan 1. It seems like he took inspiration from the Comme Des Garcons Air Froce 1 Mid, that dropped a few months earlier, with the exaggerated pattern pieces and jagged edges. The rainbow plays to his personality and the bright lights and loud music from performing, of course with his logo accenting in different areas of the sneakers. You have to be bold to rock these, but that is what is so fun about exclusive sneakers in the first place. I think he did a crazy good job with these.

New Balance x Salehe Bembury x 2002R

Peace Be The Journey

Release Date: 10.23.20

Retail: $150

Resell: $298+

Salehe Bembury is of course an important part to the sneakers success, but it is just the pure talent over the name than anything. Working for Yeezy and Versace will get you tons of hype, but what can you do with a New Balance? I truthfully love this sneaker with our without the name. Taking an orange fur and pairing it with different warm tones in different textures, and one cool color to really make the logo pop. Orange and blue are my favorite color opposing combination, which may help the sneakers case. I get teddy bear vibes with these, making me just want to take them home, throw them on with my favorite teddy coat and absolutely have the best fit in every room I walk into it. I’ll continue to keep my eyes on this to see if my size comes down at all over the next few months.

Sacai x Nike Vapor Waffle

“Black” & “Sail”

Release Date: 11.6.20

Retail: $180

Resell: $519+

A good sneaker that comes in male and female sizing is a winner for everyone. The Sacai’s have always been a hit collab for Nike, but the recent Vapor Waffle releases as a whole have just been hitting different. The upper is so different, with a thick mesh material, meeting a suede at the toe box. There are two Swoosh logos, one made with leather, the other just with a paint overlay. A black rubber that is on the top part of the sole, almost gives off the illusion of a third swoosh logo. This entire sneaker is basically an illusion. You have to really look and figure out which pieces go where, what each exaggeration of color or fabric does to support you. The extended heel is my favorite, as it just puts a really interesting and different detail to your sneaker. If you were able to pick up the Vaporwaffle in any colorway this year, you are winning.

GEL-KAYANO 5 OG

White/Multi

Release Date: 1.1.20

Retail: $140

Resell: $75+ (on eBay & Amazon in limited sizing)

This is probably my favorite pair of Asics of all time. I tried to get them when they came out. They should out instantly, but also only came in men’s sizes. For the first time, but not the final time in 2020, Asics was able to pull off something really aligned with the trends to make the sneaker heads want to give the brand a chance in streetwear, opposed to performance running. The sneaker is just the right amount of chunky, using the GEL technology in the sole to keep it super comfy. The exposed tongue gives the silhouette a nice shape, and the stretched out lacing system is super intriguing. On top of that, there is a mixture of suede and leather pieces on the upper with plenty of colorblocking. One of the first releases of 2020, a surprise delight from Asics.

Bodega x Nike Dunk High

Legend

Release Date: 12.28.20

Retail: $120

Resell: $600+

This is a new release, but had to make my top ten. Not only am I from Boston, like Bodega, but I am totally that baseball and sport fanatic you find in the city, as well. This version of the Nike Dunk High uses suede and leather in different brown hues, in resemblance of a baseball glove. The laces and stitching on the top of the heel are a thick black lace that ties the pieces together to continue the trend. A glossy, mini swoosh on one side, with Bodega screen printed subtly into the other side. This is a great touch as the name is slightly hidden and blending in, which pays homage to the stores motto of hiding in plain site. I took an L on these today, but they have to be one of my favorites.

Asics Gel-Kayano 26

Vivienne Westwood

Release Date: 9.28.20

Retail: $248

Resell: $139+

The Vivienne Westwood collaboration was my other favorite Asics sneaker of the year. While releasing in white and black, I especially enjoyed the white colorway. Overall, a neutral chunky dad shoe, super on trend. Then, just adding this additional layer of netting all across the upper. It gives off a sense of luxury. Those most be something special, to be protected with such detail. Adjustable by bungee, with hidden laces, something I love about a sneaker. They look comfy, classy, and different. I love these sneakers. Though I could not get them when they released, I’ve been seeing them pop up now and again, and put in a new bid for them on Stock X. This is a must have for my sneaker collection.