Posted on June 17, 2020August 26, 2020 by crepcultureblog — Leave a comment

Affordable Sneakers for Summer

Who’s not looking for a fresh pair of trainers to break out for the summer? With the warmer months just around the corner, I wanted to put together a list of the best affordable kicks which you can pick up right now. Any of the shoes on this list will guarantee your steezy status at BBQs all summer long.

Nike Air Force 1 Low

The first summer sneaker needs no introduction. Nike’s Air Force 1 has been an everyday staple for millions of people since its inception in 1982. Originally designed to be a performance basketball shoe, the Air Force 1 has been adopted by just about everyone as their number one lifestyle shoe. The model is probably the most versatile on the planet, available in thousands of colour combinations with numerous collaborative cosigns. The durability of the model is another selling point for many people who are after a robust new sneaker for everyday use. The pair below is the recent Supreme collaboration Air Force 1, which is a take on the classic white-on-white Air Force’s. While these are somewhat hard to come by, the standard triple whites are readily available, a shoe which you just can’t go wrong with.

Supreme x Nike Air Force 1 by @wxbstr

Nike Ghost Racer

Last year, Nike retroed the Ghost Racer, a 90’s running shoe built for long-distance. The lightweight construction of the model, accompanied by a Zoom Air unit in the heel, provides a level of comfort which is second to none. The Ghost Racer screams 90’s aesthetics with its bright neon colour schemes and retro look, a style which is growing in popularity in 2020. Since the retro last year, a variety of colourways are available at most online retailers, giving you a whole range of options. Furthermore, the Ghost Racer Retro’s are currently on sale, hence their inclusion on my list of affordable summer sneakers. If you are after a pair of these standout 90’s runners, you can pick them up right now for £55, a markdown of almost 50% from their retail price. Retailers such as END, Size? and Hanon still has them in stock so make sure you grab a pair before they all go.

Nike Ghost Racer by @crlsslvdr

Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2

In my previous article, I touched on Nike’s newest retro, the Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2. This model was reintroduced by Stüssy on their most recent collaboration and now Nike is pumping out numerous colourways of the model. The upper is constructed out of an enlarged mesh canvas adding an aspect of breathability to the shoe, and the Zoom Air unit in the heel makes for an extremely comfortable ride. The Spiridon Cage 2’s come in at the retail price of £119.95 however at present there are plenty of discount codes available which can be used to secure your pair. Nonetheless, £120 seems like a pretty reasonable price for the technically superior runners! I have recently copped a pair and I cannot recommend them enough!

Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 by @CrepCultureBlog

Air Jordan 1 Low

Everyone loves an Air Jordan 1. The historic Nike basketball sneaker is, of course, Micheal Jordan’s first signature shoe which originally released in 1985 during his rookie season at the Chicago Bulls. While many OG collectors would stay away from the low and mid-cut versions of the Jordan 1, there has recently been a surge in popularity for both. In this category, my recommendation for an affordable summer sneaker would be a low cut Jordan 1. Not only is the shoe an icon in its own right, but is also very reasonably priced. For a pair of Air Jordan 1 Lows, you would be looking to pay £85 making them a very affordable option for those on a budget. Once again, the model is readily available at numerous retailers, as Nike continues to release different colourways. The price of the AJ1 low is similar to that of a Nike Air Force 1 or an Adidas Stan Smith, putting them in the same cost-effective category. If these simplistic low tops take your fancy, you can get hold of a pair on the Nike website, Size? and Footlocker, just to name a few. As mentioned above, the Jordan 1 Lows have a newfound adoration amongst sneakerheads so certain colourways have a tendency to sell out. Make sure you scoop a pair before then or keep an eye on @CrepCultureBlog on Instagram for the latest releases of the model.

Air Jordan 1 Lows by @nineteen.85

Nike Air Max 90

2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Nike Air Max 90 and the sportswear titans have been going all out in an effort to give fans of the model what they want. As a result, we have been treated to a whole rainbow of colourways of the Air Max 90, many of them staying true to the OG colour blocking of the model. There is a colourway for every occasion, meaning the options are limitless. My personal favourites which have released thus far are the ‘Hyper Grape’ (purple) and the ‘Volt’ pairs, but I am waiting it out in anticipation for the OG ‘Infrared’ pair in its remastered form. The Air Max 90 is a more aggressive, more defined version of its predecessor which retails for £115 in the U.K. However, as Nike have been releasing colours of the shoe since the beginning of the year, you can find particular pairs on sale right now for £85. Most of the major retailers have sales on at the moment and the Air Max 90 is included in the majority of these summer discount sales. If you ask me, £85 is a bit of a steal for a shoe with such an important history and one which provides the utmost comfort for everyday wear. I own the ‘Hyper Grape’ pair and I absolutely love them.

Nike Air Max 90’s by @dregoppy

Reebok Club C

Whenever I am asked for sneaker recommendations from my non-sneakerhead friends, I have two go to’s. The first, mentioned above, is the Nike Air Force 1. The second is the Reebok Club C. The Club C is one of Reebok’s most popular models and has made a come back over the last few years. The low cut shoe provides a sleek, casual look making the Club C a versatile model which can be dressed up or down, kept brand spanking new or beaten up. Much like the Air Force 1, the Club C is available in a whole range of different colourways and materials. My recommendation would be to go for the OG colourway of the model, an all-white variation which green accents, however at the time of writing this, Reebok has released a new pack of Club C’s. The pack features three versions of the model, each in a striking yet simplistic colourway. The green pair is very close to the OG, while the red and yellow pairs provide a fresh modification to this old school colour blocking. Priced at £69, you really cannot go wrong with a new pair of Reebok Club C’s for summer.

Reekbok Club C by @end_clothing

So there you have it, my reccommendations for afforable summer sneakers. Out of the six pairs included on the list, the Nike Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1 and the Reebok Club C’s fall into a similar category. While perhaps not designed solely for comfort, each model is a reasonably priced, readily available sneaker. These shoes are some of the most versatile on the market and make a great addition to any rotation. In contrast, the other three sneakers on the list are more comfort orientated. The Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2, Nike Ghost Racer and Nike Air Max 90 all provide an exceptional level of comfort however are probably less versatile options. These pairs would work very well in a sneaker rotation which also consists of another pair on the list, perhaps the Air Force 1 or the Club C.

Let me know if you end up picking up any of the pairs on my summer sneakers list! Make sure tag me on Instagram @CrepCulture Blog for a chance to be featured.

Shoutouts:

@wxbstr

@crlsslvdr

@nineteen.85

@dregoppy

Posted on June 9, 2020 by crepcultureblog — Leave a comment

Is There A Better Air Force Than One With A Backstory?

By Jack Cook @TheDripQuarterly

We all love the Nike Air Force 1, whether you lean towards a classic triple white or a more lively colourway such as Virgil Abloh’s collaborative efforts, every sneakerhead has at least one pair… but is there a better AF1 than a pair with a backstory?

Nike Air Force 1 ‘Rucker Park’

The first pair which we are going to feature is the Nike Air Force 1 ‘Rucker Park’ which has seen a worldwide release over the past few weeks. This Air Force 1 is a tip of the cap honouring the famous basketball court located in Harlem, New York City. This historic spot has seen the likes of Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and Allen Iverson take to the court, as well as numerous other NBA greats.

The upper of the sneaker is dressed predominantly in white with the stitching, lining and outsole in orange. This colourway is the same used on that of the Rucker Park Entertainers players jerseys during the park’s yearly streetball tournament. But the nod to the court does not stop there. The pair comes complete with basketball dubraes, rather than the typical silver lace dubraes, as well as the court’s zip code embroidered on the heel with the Nike Swoosh. The insoles even feature the pattern of a basketball court. Every detail of this Air Force 1 release has been carefully thought out to properly pay homage to the iconic Rucker Park.

It comes as no surprise that the shoe selected for this tribute is an Air Force 1, due to New York City’s longlasting relationship with the model. Nike has done a great job with this release to ensure Rucker Park, Harlem and New York City have been represented to the fullest.

Nike Air Force 1 ‘Puerto Rico’

The next shoe we are going to look at is going to be an instant classic when it drops on the 26th of June 2020. The Puerto Rico Air Force 1 is a re-release of the classic PR colourway from 2005, with some minor alterations. The most obvious difference between the two is the white Swoosh featured on the 2020 pair, compared to a navy Swoosh being used on its predecessor back in 2005.

The premium leather upper features the Puerto Rican flag embroidered on the heel, a sign of appreciation from Nike to the Caribbean Island its citizens who reside in the USA. This release brings back a wave of nostalgia for sneakerheads, many of which can almost rewind time and picture Fat Joe rocking in these in his ‘Lean Back’ video.

Nike Air Force 1 ‘Puerto Rico/Panama’ Controversy

A Puerto Rican themed Air Force 1 was originally scheduled to drop a while ago however it was cancelled by Nike due to the controversy involved. The shoe was met with a whole load of backlash after the sneaker appeared to be dressed in Panamanian artwork. It’s fair to say that Nike dropped the ball on this one, under the impression that is was Puerto Rican artwork. The release was axed soon after the backlash and it is now almost impossible to find a pair of the banned ‘Panama’ Air Force 1’s on the resell market.

What do you think about these upcoming Air Force 1’s, are any of them instant classics to you?

Written by @TheDripQuarterly, edited by @CrepCultureBlog

Posted on December 27, 2019July 14, 2020 by crepcultureblog — Leave a comment

CrepCulture – A Year in Sneakers

2019 has had a lot to offer in terms of the sneaker releases, retros and collaborations which we have been treated to by many of the big brands. In this article, I will be sharing my year in regard to which creps I copped to rock, sold and restored, including a few stories along the way. This article is not to be confused with the ‘Best Sneakers of 2019’, which is currently in the works!

I began the year with a bit of a heater, a shoe which actually released towards the end of 2018 but I didn’t get my hands on until February. Originally deemed a Shanghai exclusive the Concepts x Nike ‘Green Lobster’ Dunk SB thew SB fans into a frenzy trying to get secure a pair. The collaboration first released in Shanghai as a surprise drop on the morning of the 22nd of December and then received a slightly wider, but very limited, release on the 28th. I managed to get a pair of the converted Lobsters through an early morning campout and a bit of good fortune! I was actually camping out for a pair of the Concepts ‘Purple Lobster’ Dunk SBs with my brother, Max, at Concept’s Dubai location. We arrived just before 4am with the aim of bringing home two pairs of the Purple Lobsters! After about six hours in line, we were informed that there were hardly any big sizes available, much to the despair of sneakerheads towards the back of the line. Luckily for Max, he got his hands on a pair in his size but took the only UK10. Due to the uproar in the line, the management agreed to give those who missed out on their size first dibs on the stash of ‘Green Lobsters’ which were set to be released. So I put my name down and left empty-handed. About a month later the release date for the green pair was announced but unfortunately, I was back in the U.K. getting on with my studies. Knowing I should have a pair on hold, I sent my dad who was more than willing to wait a little while and bring home the Lobos. He found it hilarious that people in line were photographing each other’s sneakers – a very normal thing in today’s culture. After a bit of negotiation, he got my pair! Unfortunately, the only pair left was half a size big so I actually ended up selling them after failing to swap them for my true size. Out of the rainbow of Concepts Lobster SBs, I have to say the greens are certainly my favourite. Followed closely by the blue and purple colourways.

The next sneaker I picked up this year was a low key model which also released in 2018. If you read my ‘Best Sneakers of 2018’ article I wrote last year, you will know how much I love the Nike Skylon II. Last year I rocked the purple/pink/white Skylon II’s to death and was keen to get another pair. Coming in at the retail price of £84.95, the model is a no brainer if you want a casual run-around shoe or something to wear for the summer months. In March I bought my second pair in the orange/yellow/white colourway, one which I had had my eye on for some time. I managed to scoop them up off eBay for about £30, an absolute steal for a shoe which received a lot of wear in the following months.

In May, we witnessed one of the most hyped sneaker releases of the decade. Especially amongst the modern sneaker enthusiast, and in the current climate, people would put this shoe in their top ten list in recent years. We all know about Travis Scott’s relationship with Nike/Jordan Brand by now and his second Air Jordan instalment had people going nuts! The shoe responsible was Travis’ Jordan 1 which featured a colour palette never before seen on the model as well as an outlandish reserved swoosh. At first, sneakerheads were divided but those not in favour must have been swayed by the hype, as you hear nothing but praise for the collaboration today. This was one of those releases that was always going to be near impossible to cop, but somehow I managed it. This will probably irritate some of you reading but I didn’t really try! Dover Street Market came through with the W, and was the only raffle I entered just on that off chance. It’s funny because I never get wins when it comes to modern-day releases but the only two I have both came from DSM. The other pair was the original Off-White Nike Air Max 90’s from ‘The Ten’. Whilst those stayed in the collection, the Travis Air Jordan 1’s did not. The asking price at the time was pretty high so I sold them for cash plus one of the commemorative T-shirts from the drop. Looking back I wish I had held onto them for longer, as they currently go for double what I sold them for! But I was not in the financial condition to do so… student life and all of that.

Later that month, I picked up probably my most worn pair this year. If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen that I have rocked these non-stop since I grabbed a pair in the Footlocker sales. The pair is the Nike Air Max Plus ‘Grid Yellow’ a re-retro which first released alongside other Grid patterned TN’s in 1999. The pattern on the mesh upper alongside the clear cage make this shoe a showstopper in my opinion. I have also been tempted by the grey/red pair but am yet to pull the trigger. I recently travelled to Australia and my Yellow Grid TN’s were my crep of choice for the trip! The photo below was taken by Max whilst we were in Melbourne.

2019 has given birth to a revival of many models which had been long forgotten. Nike finally retroed the Tailwind IV and the Air Max Plus III. One model which is not in the same category but has seen a resurgence in popularity is the Air Max 90. Now despite all of this I actually didn’t buy any of the new 2019 Air Max 90’s despite trying to cop a few. Instead, I managed to get a pair of Dave White x Nike Air Max 90’s which were part of the ‘Wet Paint’ Pack in 2005. This is a big grail to many 90 collectors, myself included, and I copped this pair for a major steal of £50 back in June! As is usually the case with any Air Max over the age of ten years, the pair is no longer wearable, due to midsole crumbling but fear not, a restoration is currently ongoing. I had an old pair of Air Max 90’s with a very similar coloured air unit which I have used as a donor. The midsoles have been repainted and the OG outsoles have been attached. The only step outstanding is the reglue of the Dave White upper onto the doner soles, which in truth I am petrified of doing! I will get there eventually. A comprehensive tutorial article will be posted towards the beginning of next year outlining each step of the process, as well as the equipment needed and the overall costs. I have never done a sole-swap before so the article will be aimed more towards beginners, like me, who want to give it a go!

In August, I picked up my only non-Nike sneaker of the year, the Hypebeast (HBX) x Asics Gel Kayano 5’s. Honestly, Asics have killed it this year with collaborations from Ronnie Fieg, SneakerFreaker, Awake and numerous other high profile brands. Not to mention a variety of incredible GR colourways on some of their more desirable models. The Hypebeast Gel Kayano 5’s were certainly the standout pair for me and after eyeing them up for a while I finally got my hands on them during summer. The bulky 1990’s aesthetic of the model is perfect for today’s streetwear and high fashion inclination, and the materials used on this particular pair are second to none.

Nike’s Air Max line is my personal favourite thing in creps and over the years I have been collecting each OG colourway of each given model. One of these which I had not yet added to the collection was the OG Air (Max) 180’s in the Ultramarine colourway which originally released in 1991. The Air 180 was the first Air Max to advance past the standard air unit with its air bubble being visible at 180 degrees around the shoe. In October I was blessed by my boy Omar (shoutout to Omarni) with the 2011 retros of the 180’s for my birthday. What a hero! They have got plenty of wear since then, despite the wet conditions at the moment and could certainly do with a cleanup. A few OG colourways still elude me, in particular, the Air Max 360’s… but hey we’ll probably get a retro shortly!

One month later I copped my next pair and it was a bit of an impromptu one. This was the Gortex x Nike Air Force 1’s in the black colourway. I acquired these on a day out in London with my girlfriend where we spent far too much money and each returned home with a new pair of creps. While I copped the Gortex AF1’s, Lydia got a pair of the Nike Air Max 95 SP ‘Multicolours’ (rainbow slices) which released earlier in the year. I have hardly taken off the Air Forces since I got them! The Gortex and rugged leather upper make this shoe a very durable option for the weather to come in the next few months. I was drawn to this shoe mainly by the orange detailing which is present on the tongue and the heel, and the benefit of using them as a Timberland alternative!

My final sneaker pick up of the year was probably my favourite of the year. I secured a pair of the new re-crafted Nike Air Max 90’s in the ‘Hyper Purple’ colourway whilst in Dubai for Christmas. When I wandered into Nike DXB I was shocked to see both the purple and the volt colourways of the new Air Max 90’s sitting on the shelves. The purple pair, in particular, has been on my radar since we saw the first images online a few months back so these were a must cop! Whilst I was also tempted by the Volts in the OG colour blocking I am planning on waiting it out for the green pair dubbed the ‘Chlorophylls’. It’s fair to say I left the best till last. The new recrafted 90’s are honestly so much better in hand than they look in photos. The updated shape is beautifully done and makes the shoe feel much sleeker compared to the bulkier 90’s we’re all used to. The box size has been narrowed to match its original 1990 size and the pair comes complete with a Nike hangtag and arch supports. The box, hangtag and arch supports are all purple to match the theme of the sneaker which I think is a great touch from Nike. I can only imagine that the Volt, Blue and Green pairs, as well as the OG Infrared, will all release with similar packaging in their designated colours. This is such a good release, and the fact I was able to secure a pair two weeks before they drop in the U.K was pretty cool!

So that is my year in sneakers!

What did you pick up this year? Let me know what your personal favourite pickups were of the year by commenting below, or through Instagram @crepcultureblog

Posted on December 20, 2018December 21, 2018 by crepcultureblog — Leave a comment

The Best Sneakers of 2018

2018 has been a monumental year in terms of footwear. We’ve seen a whole load of new technology and models introduced, along with extremely coveted collaborations and huge growth of an already booming sneaker industry. In this article, I want to break down my ten favourite releases of the year, along with some honourable mentions. Bearing in mind I am a Nike guy so the list may be a little biased!

Also, huge shoutout to Dan Freebairn (@kickposters) for letting me use his illustration for the featured image of this article. Follow the link below to view his website and check out some of his other work!

kickposters.com

10. Nike Air Skylon II

An unlikely contender for most people’s top ten but a certain for mine! The Skylon II originally came out in 1990 and was the first Nike model to feature heel and forefoot air in its foam midsole. This year was the first time the model has been retroed since its original debut and the timing couldn’t have been better (especially with the ‘retro runner’ trend at the moment). The vibrant colours used on the Skylon definitely make it a stand out! The two colourways featured above were my favourite from the year.

9. Adidas Yeezy 700 Wave Runner

I had to include one Adidas shoe on the list and it’s got to be this one. Probably the strongest model (IMO) in the Adidas Yeezy locker, the 700 wave runner. Despite technically dropping last year, in very limited numbers and exclusive to the US, the model saw a global release this year and made waves in the sneaker community. Kanye’s first 700 colourway has sold out instantly on every drop. I would love to get my hands on a pair but unfortunately, the retail price on this pair was pretty high – £250 I believe.

8. Air Jordan 4 ‘Cactus Jack

Travis Scott has had a huge impact on sneaker culture over the past two years or so. This is his third collaborative effort with the Swoosh, this time with Jordan Brand on the Jordan 4. The inspiration behind the colourway came from the jersey colours of Travis’ hometown basketball team, the Houston Oilers. These 4’s released just around the time Travis dropped his latest album ‘Astroworld’ and contributed to the hype of the album further. I was lucky enough to be gifted a pair for my birthday!

7. Nike Air Max Plus OG

The Air Max Plus (or TN’s) saw another retro in its OG colourways towards the end of the year. Even though this model has been re-released in its OG form a handful of times, this release was certainly an anticipated one amongst air max enthusiasts. Nike got this release spot on and the packaging was next level! The box design featured the pattern of the TN’s toe box all over it, and the shoes even came with autonomic arch supports! This addition is something we haven’t seen in Nike packaging since the early 2000s, mainly because they’re a bit outdated but it definitely helped regain that vintage feel. My favourite of the three colourways was the OG ‘Tiger’ pair.

6. Nike Air Max 98 ‘Gundam’

In 2017 we saw a variety of Air Max 97’s released in a range of OG and new colourways for the 20th Anniversary of the model. This got sneakerheads excited for this year as we hoped for the same on the Air Max 98. Nike did not disappoint. The first two colourways we saw this year were the ‘Tour Yellow’ and ‘Gundam’ 98’s, the best of the lot if you ask me. The ‘Gundam’ colourway takes the number six spot on the list. The OG colourway is the perfect combination of blue, red, white and black and is bound to turn some heads. I always love the OG’s and this one is on right at the top of my hit list.

5. Nike Air Max 1 ‘By Day’

I’ve already written about my love for this shoe in a previous article so I’ll keep this one brief! The Air Max 1 ‘By Day’ or the Pompidou Air Max 1’s released in September and was a relatively slept on drop in the grand scheme of things. The sneaker features coloured piping all around the white upper, reminiscent of that of the Centre Pompidou in Paris. I love that Nike has gone back to the routes of the Air Max and delivered a colourway in celebration of them. Click the image above to read my full article on Nike’s history with the Pompidou Centre.

4. Nike React Element 87 ‘Sail’

Nike made some serious headway in 2018 with retros, collaborations and entirely new models. This falls under the category of the latter. Nike React was a technology introduced to us through their running shoe the ‘Epic React’ and was seen as a counter to Adidas’ beloved ‘Boost’ technology. This is the first time the springy sole was utilised on a lifestyle shoe and was, and remains to be, extremely popular. The new model also features a semi-translucent upper. The ‘Sail’ colourway was the first of many to be debuted to the world, and in my opinion, the best of the bunch. The model’s popularity is reflected in its resale price, currently selling for roughly £330 (Stock X).

3. CDG x Nike Air Max 180

The Air Max 180 was seen a whole lot throughout 2018 in a variety of colours and makeups. One of the leading colourways was this 180 by Comme Des Garçons and Nike, a partnership spanning almost a decade. The sneaker was pushed into the eyes of the world at Paris Fashion Week for SS18 and made an immediate mark. Three colourways of the model were released, all with a bold pink foundation, but the black and pink version was my personal favourite.

2. Parra x Nike Air Max 1

Piet Parra and Nike join forces once again on the Air Max 1. This is the third time the pairing has worked on an Air Max 1 together (not including the Albert Heijn Air Max 1’s which were not released to the public), the first time in 2005, the second in 2009. A slightly different approach was taken on the 2018 collaboration; the shoe featuring colours and patterns in the style of Parra’s artwork. A Nike Air Zoom Spiridon was also released beside the Air Max 1, as well as a full tracksuit. The model flew off shelves and was very difficult to get hold of. This shoe (and the surrounding release) was executed perfectly to continue Piet Parra’s legacy with Nike.

1. Sean Wotherspoon Air Max 1/97

I really did not want to put this in first spot due to the number of these I have seen this year… and the fact I wasn’t able to grab a pair… but how could I not. The whole story behind these is enough to sell the shoe alone. The fact that Sean Wotherspoon, a vintage collector, curator and co-owner of Round Two was able to take part and win the Nike ‘Vote Forward’ Campaign is something you dream about. The drive behind his Air Max 1/97 hybrid got everyone talking and as a result was probably the most hyped release of the year. This has taken the number one spot on my list because of Sean’s backstory and the process of building the shoe surrounding the Air Max day campaign. The material and colour combination is entirely unique to a Nike model and the hybrid wave is back in full effect as a result. I have written a full-length article on this sneaker and its importance in today’s crep culture. To read it, click on the photo above.

So yeah Sean’s 1/97’s rank supreme in my eyes.

Honourable Mentions

It was incredibly hard to narrow the list down to just ten pairs so it wouldn’t be right to do ‘the Best Sneakers of 2018’ without a few other mentions, worthy of the top few spots. So in no particular order:

Nike Tailwind 87:

Originally released in time for the Honolulu Marathon in 1986, the Tailwind changed the course of Nike footwear forever. The shoe was the first ever to feature the brands famous ‘Air’ cushioning in its sole. The model officially hit retailers the following year in 1979 and sold out straight away! In 2018 we saw a retro of the iconic model, in a colourway as close as possible to that released to the public in 1979. The shoes also came with a pair of white and blue Nike socks incorporating the vintage logo, a nice touch!

Skepta x Nike Air Max Deluxe

Finally, this year we saw retros of the Air Max Deluxe, a model not seen since 1999. The silhouette had a big year releasing in a variety of OG colourways as well as this collaboration with U.K. rap artist, Skepta. This was Skepta’s third collaboration with Nike and went hand in hand with his tour, ‘No Sleep on Tour’.

Supreme x Nike Zoom Streak Spectrum Plus

Supreme and Nike had probably one of their weakest years in terms of collaborative footwear. Out of a bad bunch, however, came these gems. The Streak Spectrum Plus’ debuted in 2003 and were designed for Japanese runners by Steven Smith. The most eye-catching feature is, of course, the flames, which run from the toe backwards. This design was inspired by the hot rod culture in the U.S. Before this collaboration, the model was pretty much forgotten, so it’s always good to see a banger like this make a comeback.

Diamond x Nike SB Dunk

diamond-supply-nike-sb-diamond-dunk-release-date-price-13

Nicky Diamond and Nike SB have an incredibly important history in the formation of the crep culture we see today. In 2005, the original Diamond Supply Dunk shook the world. It was like no skate shoe anyone had seen before, featuring the famous ‘Tiffany’ (Diamond) colour and black crocodile leather on the upper. Towards the end of 2018, we began seeing leaks of another Diamond Dunk low and we got three of them! The photos above depict my favourite of the colourways, the third being an all over yellow dunk, releasing in quantities of around 250 pairs. The dunks feature the platinum silver swoosh used on the original pair, this time removable, revealing tiffany hints. Just like the original, these are extremely sought after. Dunks are back!

Air Jordan 11 ‘Concord’

Around Christmas time every year, Jordan brand releases a Jordan 11 which used to cause havoc, with just about everyone trying to get their hands on whichever 11 was being brought out. In recent years the hype surrounding this seasonal release has not been what it once was. If there was a Jordan 11 which was going to change this, it’s this one. The Concord has been a classic since 1995 and certainly deserves a place on this list.

Air Jordan 1 x Union Los Angeles

The Jordan 1 had a huge year in 2018, with numerous colourways dropping and mass public appeal. These two pairs of Union Jordan 1’s were the best of the bunch in my opinion. Nowadays everyone is trying to get their hands on the original 1985 Jordan 1’s and this collaboration brought the OG’s to life in the present day. They are made to look old, with slight a discolouring to the midsole, laces and tongue. The yellow detailing around the panels certainly makes them a stand out amongst other Jordan 1’s and the mismatched upper is something we haven’t seen before on the model. I couldn’t make up my mind about which pair I preferred so they are both included!

Dragon Ball Z x Adidas Yung-1 ‘Frieza’

The Adidas Yung-1 has been one of Adidas’ most popular models this year and one of my personal favourites. This collaboration with Dragon Ball Z featured two models; the Yung-1 and the ZX-500, the first being the stronger of the two. The bold purple and pink detailing certainly make this sneaker stand out from the crowd. As well as this, the packaging was executed superbly, which always makes a big difference!

Daniel Arsham x Adidas 4D Futurecraft

Adidas’ 4D Future craft has got to be the most revolutionary innovations in footwear we have seen for quite some time. The technology is essentially, a 3D printed midsole on a running shoe. When we first heard of this project, people had a lot of questions. Will it even hold up? Is it comfortable? The answers are yes and yes. I have never tried on or even held a pair of these (due to their rarity and very high retail price), but have only heard good things. The reason these are included in this list is mainly due to the sheer technological advancements that have been made by Adidas and the possibilities this may lead towards in the future.

What do you think of my Top 10?

Let me know in the comments which you would or wouldn’t include! Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more articles coming soon.