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.