Best Sneakers of 2020
PART TWO: RELEASES
This year has been a year full of dope sneaker releases and sneaker brand collaborations; setting the bar high for what is next to come in 2021. As a two-part series to finish off 2020, I have curated a list of the best sneakers of 2020, in both collaborations and overall releases.
Last week, I released Part One to my Best Sneakers of 2020 series, listing my top 12 sneaker collaborations of 2020. In Part Two, I’ve carefully curated my personal favorite releases, with some making their way from the collaborations piece to here, some falling into the hype, and some remaining very underrated. We’ve seen New Balance completely pop off this year, designer brands continuing to collaborate with sneaker brands, unexpected releases, and many groundbreaking releases as well! I went through every single sneaker release from all brands throughout the entire year and was able to narrow down the list to my top 12 releases of 2020, in my opinion.
Check out my list of the best sneaker releases of 2020 below!
BEST SNEAKERS OF 2020: RELEASES
JORDAN 1 RETRO HIGH ‘LUCKY GREEN’
A highly underrated release, this colorway deserves a lot more recognition and hype than it did. Including a vintage look to it, along with a minimal feel, this colorway pairs well perfectly with many different outfits and styles.
You can purchase a pair here.
UNION LOS ANGELES x JORDAN 4 ‘OFF-NOIR’
This Union LA x Jordan collaboration lived in my top releases and collaborations of 2020 since the original photos were released. The unique touch to the 4’s play a huge role in that, which includes the tongue stitched down, giving the individual sneakerhead the option to cut the thread and deconstruct it or not - adding a personal preference to the sneakers. Besides the uniqueness, the off-noir colorway was also released multiple times, giving consumers a better chance to cop, ultimately making the better colorway, in my opinion, available to a wider audience.
You can purchase a pair here.
DIOR x NIKE AIR JORDAN 1
The Dior x Jordan collaboration was one of the largest and most desired releases of 2020. The release not only attracted the sneaker community but many designer brand consumers (who don’t collect sneakers) as well. The sleek and minimal design, along with the Dior logo in the swoosh, made this pair my favorite designer x sneaker brand collaboration. Regardless of a steep price point of $2000, everyone wanted the chance to cop them. As the hardest sneaker to buy this year, the limited amount of pairs defintely made this release even more appealing.
You can purchase a pair here.
AMBUSH x NIKE SB DUNK HIGH ‘BLACK’
As a massive fan of AMBUSH myself, I was so excited when I saw the official images for this colorway drop. The swoosh adds for a more dramatic effect, with the color itself keeping the sneaker simple and able to be paired with an infinite amount of fits.
You can purchase a pair here.
CONVERSE RUN STAR HIKE ‘BLACK’
As an OG Converse fan, I knew I had to cop these when they dropped. After actually missing the first drop, I was finally able to get my hands on them over the summer and have lived in them ever since. The reason this sneaker lands so high on my top releases for this year is plain and simple: taking an iconic silhouette and adding a bit of functional flair is something I personally love when brands do. This pair is stylish, offers great stability, has an added platform that can dress the sneaker up or down.
You can purchase a pair here.
AIR JORDAN 3 RETRO ‘UNC’
Originally seeing these on a Jordan Brand employee back in 2019 (who was rocking the PE version of the sneaker), I anxiously waited over a year for this pair to drop. Although finding my size was nearly impossible, the quality did not disappoint and these are definitely a 2020 release must-have.
You can purchase a pair here.
TRAVIS SCOTT x NIKE SB DUNK LOW ‘CACTUS JACK’
We saw a plethora of awesome dunks released this year, but this Travis Scott collaboration is by far in my top two. TS continues to make strides and create some dope sneakers with Nike/Jordan Brand, adding his own personal touch. One of my favorite attributes of this particular TS collab is the unique mix of different patterns and colors, which all seemed to rise in popularity throughout the year.
You can purchase a pair here.
STUSSY x AIR ZOOM SPIRIDON CAGE 2 ‘FOSSIL’
We saw the beige/nude/tan colorway included in many sneaker releases this year, but these caught my eye, mainly for the Spiridon Cage 2 silhouette. As a Stussy brand fan, I always enjoy the brand’s collaborations with Nike but these are my favorite of the bunch. Not only is this sneaker, along with the other two colorways in this collab, very comfortable, but the clean, minimal design makes for great sneakers to pair with a variety of men’s and women’s styles.
You can purchase a pair here.
JJJJOUND x NEW BALANCE 992 ‘GREY’
Now I must admit, I just discovered Montreal-based studio, JJJJound this year and I am so happy I did. The brand itself matches a lot of my interests and favorite aesthetics and I already knew that this collaboration with New Balance would fall into this list. I am all about comfort - something I can always guarantee NB to provide - but the colorways in this collab added a fulfilling minimal but unique design - perfect for some comfy, but stylish, fits.
You can purchase a pair here.
JORDAN 4 RETRO OFF-WHITE ‘SAIL’
As the only Jordan x Off-White release I personally liked this year, this sneaker is a grail of mine and definitely deserves all of the hype it got. This women’s exclusive release was given a special early access on SNKRS for female users only, which allowed first access before the general release. What I love most about the pair is the minimal design and colorway, giving the kicks a more modern look and allowing for an extensive way of dressing them.
You can purchase a pair here.
AIME LEON DORE x NEW BALANCE x P550 ‘WHITE RED’
If you know what styles I tend to lean towards, then you know a vintage look is always one of my favorite vibes in sneakers and fashion. The Aime Leon Dore x New Balance collaboration, which features four different white-based colorways, includes details to give the sneakers a more vintage feel, including yellowed accents and the signature NB branding on the side of the sneaker. By far my favorite New Balance sneaker to release this year!
You can purchase a pair here.
BEN AND JERRY’S x NIKE SB DUNK LOW ‘CHUNKY DUNKY’
First off, I would be surprised if this sneaker wasn’t in someone’s top releases of 2020. This one-of-a-kind collaboration with Ben & Jerry’s is iconic and the details of the sneaker alone make this sneaker a head-turner. I’ve seen these kicks rocked in some of dopest fits throughout the sneaker community. To me, this pair is one of the more artistic sneakers released in the past few years and they can be paired with so many different colors and styles. A must-have for any sneaker collection.
You can purchase a pair here.
Best Sneakers of 2020
PART ONE: COLLABORATIONS
This year has been a year full of awesome sneaker releases and sneaker brand collaborations, setting the bar high for what is next to come in 2021. As a two-part series to finish off 2020, I have curated a list of the best sneakers of 2020 in both collaborations and overall releases.
What seemed to be both the year of the dunks, as well as New Balance collaborations as a whole, it was very hard to compile my personal list for best sneaker collaborations for the entire year. We saw some unexpected collabs, like Nike x Ben & Jerry’s, as well as some groundbreaking ones, like Dior x Nike/Jordan and Ivy Park x adidas. I went over every single collaboration and was able to narrow down the list to pick my top 12 of 2020, in no particular order.
Check out my list of the best sneaker collaborations of 2020 below!
BEST SNEAKERS OF 2020: COLLABORATIONS
STUSSY x NIKE AIR ZOOM SPIRIDON CAGE 2
in Fossil
The first of three Stussy x Nike collaborations this year, this one was by far my favorite. Released towards the beginning of quarantine, this entire collection sparked a lot of interest. Besides the choice of the three different dope colorways and the Spiridon silhouette, we were all at home, which meant a lot more attention was on social media and what new sneakers were dropping. No sneakerhead wanted to miss out.
You can purchase a pair here.
JJJJOUND x NEW BALANCE 992
in Grey
One of two colorways, the New Balance collaboration with Montreal-based studio, JJJJound, were pairs that primarily attracted a specific audience but then exploded all over social media, attracting even a wider audience. JJJJound is a brand that originated as an Instagram mood board, which means they were already set to design sneakers to attract a market of sneakerheads who love neutrals, comfort, and an Instagram aesthetic worthy sneaker. Before the official release, select sneaker influencers and stylists were given pairs and began posting aesthetically pleasing photos with the sneakers. With those photos being re-posted and shared throughout the social platform, a pair that were already set to be a hit became even more popular because of the strategic marketing and design.
You can purchase a pair here.
DIOR x NIKE AIR JORDAN 1
The Dior x Jordan 1 sneaker collaboration, or what I like to think of as the sneaker that “broke the internet”, was finally released earlier this year. Available in both the low and high Jordan 1 silhouettes, these sneakers were incredibly hard for anyone to get their hands on. Regardless of the highs having a price point of $2000, it was still vastly impossible for any sneaker consumer to add to their collection. This was the one pair that I saw everyone enter the Dior raffle for and try to cop, whether they were sneaker collectors or not.
You can purchase a pair here.
SALEHE BEMBURY x NEW BALANCE 2002
Peace Be the Journey
The current VP of Sneakers and Men’s Footwear at Versace, Salehe Bembury, collaborated with New Balance to design a colorway that he said was inspired by his recent attraction and time spent in nature. One of my personal favorites of 2020, the 2002 model includes large-hole mesh, a two-toned outsole, and a combination of different colors. This sneaker is a mix of comfort and unique design.
You can purchase a pair here.
UNION x NIKE AIR JORDAN 4
in Off-Noir
Following such a successful collaboration back in 2018, Union Los Angeles collaborated with Jordan Brand once again to release four sneakers, including the Air Jordan 4. The 4’s, available in “off-noir” and “guava ice”, includes a unique touch to them: the tongue is stitched down and the consumer has the option to cut the thread and deconstruct it. The off-noir colorway was also released multiple times, giving consumers more chances to cop.
You can purchase a pair here.
AIME LEON DORE x NEW BALANCE P550
in Green
The Aime Leon Dore x New Balance collaboration features four different white-based colorways, including red, green, navy, and grey. Each sneaker attributes details to give them more of a vintage feel, including yellowed accents and the signature NB branding on the side of the sneaker. This is by far one of the best New Balance sneaker collaborations of 2020.
You can purchase a pair here.
NIKE SB DUNK LOW x BEN & JERRY’S
Chunky Dunky
An unexpected collaboration turned nearly impossible sneaker cop, this pair of Nike Dunks are one of the most unique sneakers to be released this year. Along with the sneaker, the exclusive packaging (F&F) includes a gigantic faux pint of ice cream and other Chunky Dunky themed merch. This is definitely a one-of-a-kind collaboration and a must for all sneaker collections.
You can purchase a pair here.
OFF-WHITE x AIR JORDAN 4
in Sail
Created to be a women’s exclusive sneaker, this is one of my personal grails of 2020. The sail colorway falls completely on-trend and can be worn in a variety of ways for both women’s and men’s fashion. The SNKRS app even had a women’s exclusive early access, which targeted women’s accounts only and allowed them to grab a pair before anyone else.
You can purchase a pair here.
CACTUS PLANT FLEA MARKET x NIKE DUNK LOW
in Pure Platinum
Completely covered in Swarovski crystals, this collaboration was actually impossible to get your hands on. Originally selling for $550, this collab is going for over $2,000 resale. I personally love the upscale DIY look - it is definitely a unique concept, as are all CPFM x Nike collaborations.
You can purchase a pair here.
RONNIE FIEG x ASICS GEL-LYTE III
The Palette
With 30 different colorways included in this collaboration, and matching KITH sweatshirts to go with each pair, there is certainly a colorway to fit everyone’s aesthetic and individual style. Created for the 30th anniversary of the Asics Gel-Lyte 3, this is Ronnie Fieg’s largest footwear collection to date. He chose the top 30 color hues that KITH has used in past for both footwear and apparel.
TRAVIS SCOTT x NIKE SB DUNK LOW
Cactus Jack
One of the many Travis Scott x Nike sneaker collaborations of this year, these dunks are my favorite out of the bunch. Travis Scott has shown proven success with all of his past Nike and Jordan Brand collaborations, and these did not disappoint. The different colors mesh well together and multiple design materials and patterns made this sneaker, unlike others he has released with Nike. We also saw a rise in the paisley pattern this year and these fit right in!
You can purchase a pair here.
IVY PARK x ADIDAS ULTRABOOST
in Maroon
After a long-awaited re-brand for Beyoncé’s clothing line, Ivy Park, the first release of her Ivy Park x adidas collection broke the internet. The entire collection was broadcasted all over social media platforms with different celebrities and influencers, like Reese Witherspoon, showcasing her PR package of the entire collection. This pair takes the infamous Ultraboost silhouette and has some added flair to it, including the orange Continental outsole and maroon Primeknit upper. It also includes an Ivy Park branding on the heel counter.
You can purchase a pair here.
Small Business Saturday
What is better than Black Friday? Small Business Saturday, of course!
I have curated a list of some of my favorite small businesses in streetwear, lifestyle, and sustainability that I wanted to spotlight during this upcoming holiday season.
A positive effect that I believe 2020 brought to the world is a greater support for small businesses, especially those owned by POC. The significant support that has blossomed over social media for small businesses throughout all industries this year is truly amazing to see. When you are able to, I believe it is particularly important during this time to be shopping small.
This year, I personally made it a goal of mine to focus on shopping small and I’ve successfully been able to discover so many awesome and dope brands in streetwear and fashion, lifestyle, sustainability, and more; some of which I have featured here! With many of these brands being Black-owned and Latina-owned, I wanted to continue to do my part in not only supporting small businesses, but those also owned by POC. The small businesses I chose to spotlight believe in quality, uniqueness, support for basic human rights and human rights movements, and sustainability.
Check out my spotlight of some of my favorite small business below!
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:
FOR WMN
A Latina-owned digital store and social media platform, FORWMN is a brand that sells trendy accessories made for bold women. The brand is not only committed to empowering all women, but continues to bring awareness and speak out on all social issues, including women’s pay, especially women of color, and basic human rights for all.
FORWMN is offering a 10% automatic discount all weekend long and free shipping on Small Business Saturday!
You can shop the brand here.
REVOFEV CLOTHING INC.
REVOFEV Clothing Inc. (Revolution of Evolution) is a first class streetwear brand, established in 2011. It is designed in the Bronx, NY and inspired by defiance. The brand’s signature "Idiot Box” logo represents breaking the mold and defying cultural norms pushed through media.
Although their operation is small, they’re steadily driven by an incessant desire to build solidarity amongst community and collaborate on projects with other creatives of various mediums.
Their newest drop, the REVOFEV Panther Hoodie, is available now. Be sure to stayed tuned for a REVOFEV Clothing Inc. brand spotlight to premiere on sportynspicey.com within the next few weeks!
You can shop the brand here.
DEL LUVRA
Designed and made in New York, Del Luvra is a contemporary, black-owned, made-to-order womenswear brand that focuses on unique and minimal handmade pieces. The brand’s owner and designer, Francess Metzger, takes pride in running a slow fashion brand, with the use of sustainable practices such as little to no waste of fabric and a continuous effort to move in a more sustainable direction as the brand grows.
Follow Del Luvra on Instagram to stay in the know about when the brand’s next collection is releasing. (Hint - hint: dropping in December!)
You can shop the brand here.
VELA
Hand poured with love, VELA’s Air Force 1 candles are a must for every sneaker head. The candle comes in 6 different shades and scents - a candle for everyone’s tastes! Whether the candle will be burned or left as a decor piece, both the details and the scents on each handcrafted candle are impeccable.
VELA just restocked all candles so grab them quickly before they are gone!
You can shop the brand here.
PLANTSKETBALL
Ball is life. Plants are too. Repurposing basketballs since 2019, Plantsketball is truly a unique brand. Using some classic basketballs, as well as some more current and trendy basketballs and soccer balls, there is a different planter for everybody’s individual space and taste.
Plantsketball is currently offering a 15% off discount storewide!
You can shop the brand here.
KNUPP KOUTURE
Knupp Kouture is a brand inspired by destinations all around the world. They take both the cutest current trendy styles and unique vintage pieces to match a wide variety of styles.
The entire site is up to 40% off and is offering free shipping.
You can shop the brand here.
MOVE IN SILENCE
One of my personal favorite Los Angeles-based brands, Move in Silence, is a streetwear brand that highlights the designers’ loves for Los Angeles culture. The unique designs make their pieces unlike any others and truly showcase their art and the culture. My favorite piece has to be the Lakers Championship Tee - truly iconic.
The Move in Silence site opens today, November 28th!
You can shop the brand here.
GIRLS WHO DRESS LIKE BOYS
Girls Who Dress Like Boys is a social media brand for females replacing heels with sneakers - a lifestyle. They are a pioneer in the world of women’s streetwear and sneakers, showcasing the styles and art of those who love the culture and who are not afraid to dress out of the societal norm. Their online store features some minimally branded merch including mugs, totes, crewnecks, and more!
You can shop the brand here.
BRICKLAND CO
The Jersey-based streetwear brand Brickland Co. offers a minimal, contemporary, and vintage vibe in one. Between their best selling Brickland Vintage Championship Tees, basics, and dope wood lighters, this brand is a brand everyone needs in their closet.
Make sure to shop the Brickland Co. sitewide sale!
You can shop the brand here.
FUNK ORIGINALS
Funk Originals is a New York City-based brand that is completely owned and operated by New York City-based women! The brand focuses on making one of a kind, unique, handmade pieces that are gender-free and designed to deliver good vibes and happiness. No piece is like the other. They sell a variety of styles and sizes - my favorites being the crewnecks and tote bags!
You can shop the brand here.
THE CONEY SHOP
A result of 2020 - a quarantine baby (one of the best things to come out of 2020 IMO) - The Coney Shop creates custom trinkets that are sure to bring fun to your daily life. New York City-based and made, each item is handcrafted, unique, and made to order. The brand follows the trends and the holidays and continues to add new items on a weekly basis!
You can shop the brand here.
MERAKI BY TANIA
Meraki: [may•rah•kee] when you do something with creativity or love; putting a piece of your self into what you do
Created by @withlovetania, this Los Angeles, CA-based brand just dropped their first carefully curated flannel release. With months of love and hard work put into the creation of the brand, the first collection of beautiful flannels are each named after infamous streets of LA - honoring some of the primary streets that Tania believes represent the rich culture that natives of LA have.
You can shop the brand here.
MENTAL HEALTH GLOBAL NETWORK
The Mental Health Global Network (MHGN) was founded to normalize mental illness & connect individuals to recovery. Their mission is to prioritize mental health at an equivalent level to physical health.
The Mental Health First Aid Kit is an on-the-go toolkit that helps soothe anxiety and mental health issues! Just like every facility has a physical first aid kit on hand, MHGN believes that every school, office, and household should have access to mental health coping tools.
The Mental Health First Aid Kit is currently on sale for $19.
You can shop the brand here.
DEDA COLLECTION
DEDA Collection (Do Everything Dream Always) is a black-owned streetwear brand that represents having zero boundaries or limitations; anything you dream, you can accomplish. Their current line features basic logo pieces in a variety of styles and colors, both in youth and adult sizes. Each piece is made from quality material and has textured logos.
You can shop the brand here.
COOL GIRL CANDLES
The name says it all - these candles are cooler than your average! Each candle is graced with a cool name or quote, including their most popular, “This Smells Like Harry Styles” Candle and also offers customizable options. This is a gift that will truly light up the eyes of any fan girl or boy.
Hand Poured in Dallas, Texas, every candle is made out of coconut and soy wax and contains a phthalate free fragrance.
Cool Girl Candles is offering a 15% automatic discount at checkout.
You can shop the brand here.
My Fall Essentials | 2020
The best season is finally here - it’s fall baby!
If you live in NYC, you know how dreadfully hot it was all summer and the beginning of fall. It’s finally beginning to chill out and become the real fall season. I have been itching to pull out all of my dope fall/winter pieces, as well as cop some new essential pieces for this upcoming chilly season. Throughout the summer, being in lockdown had me online shopping away and have been expanding my fall/winter wardrobe for the past few months. Some of my favorite brands have also dropped some dope pieces that I couldn’t pass up on and you shouldn’t either. Check out my list of fall essentials that I can’t wait to rock this season below!
FALL 2020 ESSENTIALS:
FEAR OF GOD ESSENTIALS OVERSIZED SWEATSHIRT
IN OATMEAL
Part of the Spring/Summer 2020 collection, this Essentials hoodie will act as a staple for your fall and winter fits. With a clean and minimalist logo and color, this hoodie can be worn many different ways for many different occasions
You can cop it here.
TRAVIS SCOTT CACTUS JACK
AIR FORCE ONE’S
Originally released last November, these sneakers are the perfect fall color way. With both warm and cool tones, crazy detailing, and a removable lace cover, they are versatile for various styles and fits.
You can cop it here.
GOLD JEWELRY
Despite what color theory may state, everyone can pull off gold jewelry. My favorite gold piece at the moment are the Boyfriend Hoops from Mejuri, a brand that has popped off all over social media this year. You always need a staple pair of hoops added to every fit!
You can cop it here.
JOAH BROWN CROPPED MOCK NECK LONG SLEEVE
IN TOBACCO
This Joah Brown basic is about to become your next go-to turtle neck this season. Versatile for both fitness and fashion, this top can be worn with your favorite leggings and ultraboosts for an AM workout and then paired with a pair of oversized camo cargo pants and faux leather black boots for your PM night out with the homies.
You can cop it here.
NEW BALANCE X JJJJOUND 992
IN GREY
Comfy season is here! Released in both grey and green color ways, this collaboration is one of my favorite sneaker releases of 2020. Made in the USA, these kicks are not only made a little more sustainably (if you are purchasing in the USA) but will also help you elevate your fall sneaker game
You can cop it here.
1017 ALYX 9SM STUSSY DENIM JACKET
Everyone knows a denim jacket is a fall staple piece. Enhance your outerwear collection with this dope mute navy denim jacket that will match with a plethora of your fall and winter fits.
You can cop it here.
SUPREME GONZ MAP DENIM TOTE
IN WASHED BLACK
This is by far one of my favorite pick ups from the Supreme s/s 19 drop. Incredibly underrated, this tote is the dopest tote I own. Besides the great quality in the material, the look of the map, with a bunch of derogatory words and phrases making up the street names, adds some extra “oomf” to this tote.
You can cop it here.
SET ACTIVE SCUPTFLEX LEGGINGS
IN STORM
I would like to thank every influencer for posting in Set Active this year and “influencing” me to buy a pair of these. Outside of the color selection, these high waist, seamless feel legs are perfect for your fall athleisure fit. Grab a matching bra to complete the set!
You can cop it here.
PROFOUND CO. BANDANA PAISLEY COTTON FACE MASK
IN BLACK
Let’s be real, having a fashionable mask is a necessity for 2020. The bandana paisley print is trending and this mask is a must to add to your growing mask collection.
You can cop it here.
FENG CHEN WANG X CONVERSE 2-IN-1 CHUCK 70 HIGH SNEAKERS
IN ORANGE & OFF-WHITE
These are a MUST cop. I am an OG Converse fan but these sneakers are a collaboration I didn’t know I needed until they were released. Also available in black & white, these kicks will elevate and make my comfy fits that much better.
You can cop it here.
CHILDHOOD DREAMS CHILDHOOD GRAPHIC TSHIRT
One of my favorite upcoming streetwear brands owned by the Laker’s Kyle Kuzma is a brand you don’t want to miss. The quality of the shirts is great and the minimalism allows you to wear this tee many different ways. I recommend sizing up for an oversized fit!
You can cop it here.
KITH WOMEN FOR CALVIN KLEIN MESH RACERBACK
IN BLACK
The Kith x Calvin Klein line of undergarments is definitely a favorite fashion collaboration of mine to come out of 2020. With both men’s and women’s available and restocking indefinitely, everyone should be able to get their hands on the collection and add the detail to their wardrobe.
You can cop it here.
JOHN ELLIOT CARGO PANTS
IN CAMO TIE DYE
Quarantine brought us an overload of tie dye and let me just say I am not mad at it! Seeing brands incorporate tie dye within their brand’s style and aesthetic is a trend I do not see going away this fall and winter. These John Elliot cargo pants are a great comfy wardrobe addition.
You can cop it here.
JORDAN 3 RETRO FRAGMENT
So fresh and so clean! Whoever said not to wear white after Labor Day has not seen this sneaker drop. Although it is a much different color way than the Jordan 1 x fragment collab, the simplicity, minimalism, and cleanliness of this sneaker caught my eye. This color way is a must for the upcoming winter season.
You can cop it here.
RHUDE LOGO RUGBY LONG SLEEVE POLO
IN BLUE
This Rhude polo is the statement piece you need in your closet. The colors are on par with this season’s color palette and the long sleeve style make it a perfect seasonal purchase.
You can cop it here.