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.