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If you thought 2023 was big, wait until you check out the best sneakers of 2024. From collabs that we once thought were impossible, to colourways that we didn't think we'd ever see again, the past 12 months have been a blessing for your feet (and a curse for your bank account).
We can probably think of over a hundred shoes worth shouting out. But rather than just listing every single pair, we hit up some of the biggest experts, collectors, and sneaker nerds to mark their biggest grail of the year.
The usual suspects are all here, sure. But this year has also been full of underdog stories – and here are the best sneakers of 2024, as told by 24 sneakerheads.
“In my opinion, one of A Ma Maniére's best collaborations with Jordan Brand was their first Air Jordan 3 that released back in 2021. This year, James Whitner managed to bring out a black version as part of the ‘While You Were Sleeping’ collection. And once again, the execution, the details, and the packaging were all just perfect.”
Thierry Tek, creative director at Beautifully Said
“The AE1 by Adidas was, unquestionably, one of the best sneakers of the year. From the marketing behind it to the simple, yet futuristic aesthetic, and of course, the personality and talent that was the engine that powered them, this silhouette was firing on all cylinders. Seeing Anthony Edwards ball out of control in them and completely annihilating his opponents didn't hurt either. For me, the AE1 was the impetus that made wearing basketball sneakers cool again.”
Tyler Mansour, founder at Makeshift Studio
“I'm a huge fan of Aimé Leon Dore's New Balance 1000 ‘White,’ as it brings a little fresh energy. Under the direction of Teddy Santis, this standout partnership continues to breathe new life into vintage models. For me, the sneaker is a great example of how a classic can evolve and stay relevant.”
Greg Schwartz, co-founder, president, and COO at StockX
“This year, I made it my goal to start playing basketball again, so my personal favourite was the Anta Kai 1s, which have been my go-to shoe to hoop in since they dropped. Kyrie Irving's new signature sneaker hits on a different level for me. I've been playing in them weekly for most of this year, and they still feel as durable and comfortable as when I first got them.”
Ant Kai, artist and designer
“I'm a bit partisan here, but this is our first collaboration with Jordan Brand. I think because collabs are so common these days, it has desensitised the consumer. This is a monumental collab for Awake NY and a level of validation that you cannot quantify.
“A lot of time and consideration went into the design, and no detail was taken for granted. From the buttery soft leather to the silver metal Jumpman charm that came with the shoe. If you purchased this, you got bang for your buck.”
Angelo Baque, founder at Awake NY
“The Astro Grabber has such a simple and minimal silhouette. The shoe embodies Bode's craftsmanship values alongside Nike's performance elements, and this fusion has resulted in this sexy number. I'm a big fan of textures and how these shoes feel in hand, so seeing the waffle-like texture makes them look good enough to eat.”
Saam Zonoozi, co-founder at Picante
“Corteiz's Nike Air Trainer Huarache has got to be one of my favourite drops of the year, because the silhouette is so symbolic in UK culture, especially for Gen Zs and millennials. We were rocking Huaraches religiously in secondary school (being from Nottingham, I can vouch that these weren't just a staple in London).
“The drop was so good because it had a full apparel collection to go alongside it. I have the shoes, and there are so many small details that would usually go overlooked. 10s across the board.”
Latya Bennett, artist and designer
“Futura is a true legend, and his 2004 FLOM SB Dunk is one of the ultimate and most significant pairs in sneaker culture. 20 years later, finally getting another FL-stamped Dunk is everything. Although I do wish it didn't have this thick mesh material on the toebox that creases quite badly, I think it's a beautiful shoe and so important for the new generation to re-discover and represent Futura on the feet.”
Dennis Mazur, CEO at Sneakerdenn
“There are so many reasons to love this shoe. First, it's from a challenger brand. Asics was previously only loved by your favourite sneakerhead's favourite sneakerhead. But moves like this are making them a mainstream favourite in '24 and beyond. Secondly, it's from Hidden.NY which is a magazine? A meme account? A new-age Tumblr? No one really knows who Hidden is. He, she, or they can walk amongst us and not even be recognised. They are respected not because of who they are, but because of what they select.
“And that skillset has recently offered them the power to create – whether it's their own in-house label or collaborations like this. Thirdly, Hidden knew the assignment, executed it, and Asics delivered. There are so many small, nuanced details in this shoe. Each time I wear it, I notice something new.”
Jeff Staple, founder at Staple and Reed Art Department
“I will always root for Nike. But, like many of you, my cup runneth over with Dunks, Jordans, and AF1s. Thankfully, Nike harbours a vast library of silhouettes to draw from. Vomero 5s have been warmly welcomed this cycle. The ‘Low Poly’ AM1 was a smart flip on a beloved classic, and we like to see Nike leading in design and innovation again with the 3D-printed Air Max 1000.
"I could've dedicated an entire entry around the resurrection of the Air Max Sunder in 2024, but it's the Kids of Immigrants collaboration that brings it into 2025. The streetwear designers preserved the zipper enclosure, internal lacing system, and midsole, but liberated the upper of the Sunder's mudguard. In its place, a web grid balances the retro ACG stylings with neo-futuristic overtones. It's a precise alchemy of nostalgia and progression that only Nike can concoct. More of this, please.”
Bobby Kim, co-founder at The Hundreds
“MM6 Maison Margiela's Salomon XT-6 Mule is probably the shoe that I've worn most this year. Not only is it super easy and versatile, but it's also extremely sleek and a great all-rounder. Sneaker-turned-clogs FTW.”
Lorenzo Federici, artist at Lorenz.OG
“My top choice is the NASA x Reebok BB4000 II. I love all things space-related, and to bring the two together is fantastic. I love the use of vis-tech and it's great to see the Hexalite. It's a great combination of past and future, which I particularly like to see in collaborations.”
Joe Foster, founder at Reebok
“Japanese culture, especially with footwear, has always had an allure to anyone in this game. And the early 2000s was probably where it was at its most influential. With a plethora of regional exclusives, Japan really led the race with the most obscure and sought-after colourways. The search was always on to get something your peers didn't have, and one of those shoes everyone tried to get their hands on was the ‘Linen’ Air Force 1. It was extremely hard to come by. Thankfully, Nike treated us to a retro this year, and us older guys' dreams were finally realised.”
Aman Tak, buying, marketing, and design at Offspring
"As a massive Air Max 1 fan who loves bold colourways, the crown undoubtedly goes to the Air Max 1 '87 ‘University of Oregon.’ It's got a lot going on, but in a good way. Bold colourblocking, premium materials, and limited numbers automatically make this a future classic."
Josh Herbert, founder at Captain Creps
“For me, seeing a collaboration by a female artist making its way into sneaker of the year conversations is monumental, but that isn't the only thing that makes this shoe great. While Nina Chanel is known for her busy, vibrant colours and shapes, the way her style has been applied to the shoe and packaging is super sophisticated, pairing bright orange and green with thoughtful textures. The heel tab, in particular, is a favourite detail of mine.”
Titi Finlay, multidisciplinary artist
“This collab was huge for Brazilian culture. To have Asics, a footwear giant, collab with one of the biggest tastemakers in Brazil is immense, especially in a time when the culture is influencing a lot of people in fashion globally. On a deeper level, it allowed Brazil to be seen as more than just their green and yellow colouring that a lot of uninformed brands use to try and enter their market.”
Callum McCaff, founder at Outlander Magazine
“One of the best sneakers of 2024 is the Reebok Instapump Fury ‘Chinese New Year.’ Made to mark the Year of the Dragon, it's great to see my favourite design honour the year I was born in. The materials and graphic applications are also perfect.”
Steven Smith, head of creative innovation at Crocs
“One of my favourite drops this year is the Rombaut x Puma Levitation. I like these so much because they remind me of my time at Yeezy, working on sock shoe iterations since 2019. I'm glad to see this approach come to life even today.”
Cesar Idrobo, footwear designer
“I grew up rocking Vans' Old Skools, and these are a beautiful upgrade to the classic silhouette. If I had these back in high school, maybe I'd have a better rizz game. The sneaker industry has been super crowded recently, and these felt refreshing to see. It achieved a great mix of nostalgia and style. The mixture of the accessories seems thoughtfully designed, making it more fun and unique.”
Andrew Chiou, artist and designer
“The ‘Grandma's Driveway’ AJ4 RM took it this year, but I also appreciated what SoleFly did with the AJ12. Using the iconic silhouette and drawing inspiration from a cafecito for both the colourway and the story was a great choice. The materials they used were spot-on, with the cracked ‘Sail’ leather on the upper being a particularly nice touch. The subtle design details on the insole, tongue, and heel tab were executed beautifully. I think it's an excellent everyday wear, and brought some needed energy to the AJ12.”
Nigel Sylvester, professional BMX athlete
“The Clogposite first came out in the early 2000s, and it was resurrected recently thanks to the Y2K sneaker design boom. I love Supreme's execution of the return. It has so much energy and colour and graphics that, every time I slide in, they make my feet feel like they've transformed into sports cars. Just pure fun.”
Yoon Ahn, co-founder at Ambush
“The Wales Bonner x Adidas Superstar is such a perfect take on my all-time favourite silhouette. The croc-textured upper gives it this cool, elevated vibe, and the subtle colours just work so well together. It's a fresh twist on the classic Superstar, but it still feels true to what made it so iconic. Definitely one of those pairs I'll keep reaching for.”
Dani Buck, content creator and DJ
“The Wu-Tang Clan x Nike Dunk High is, undoubtedly, one of the top three sneakers of the year due to several compelling factors. Firstly, when these were first released in 1999, they were originally a friends and family-only drop, with just 36 pairs made. This rarity has embedded the shoe with a legendary status in sneaker culture. Secondly, Wu-Tang Clan is not just a musical group; they are a cultural institution with an influence that transcends music, affecting fashion, film, and street culture. The reintroduction of their sneakers brings this legacy into the present, celebrating their enduring impact on hip-hop and streetwear.
“Finally, for years, the Wu-Tang Dunks have been a grail for collectors due to their extreme scarcity. This year's release finally democratises access to this grail, allowing a broader audience to partake in what was previously an exclusive club. The fact that it's now available at retail price, rather than the astronomical resale prices, is a significant win for consumers.”
John Trottier, CEO at Johnnyskicks
“I was an early believer in Zellerfeld. I knew they had the ability to change the footwear landscape, and this moment with Nike was massive. I love the final product, I love the design, but most of all, I love the doors that it has opened. Cornelius, the founder, is absolutely second to none. This is just the beginning for ZF.”
Sean Wotherspoon, co-founder at Round Two
