From my intro post:
Best collaboration: A sneaker or set of sneakers in collaboration with a designer or sneaker outlet. Could include something like Consortium Adidas for instance. Might include new or retro models.
Remember that all these posts are about sneakers I have actually purchased and own. Not ones that got away or sneakers I admire on others or sneakers that I passed on. Sneakers I own and wear.
#3: PSNY x Air Jordan 12 “Wheat”
I think this sneaker has completely fallen off people’s radar as we head into the best of 2017 round-ups. Maybe because it only released via SNKRS Stash in NYC (along with the two other colourways in Paris and Milan). Maybe because there were just so many great collabs this year. Maybe because no one else likes it as much as i do?
I like this sneaker a lot. The suede is great quality, the sneaker feels amazing in hand and the colour is just so perfect for an NYC themed Jordan 12. There were a bunch of wheat Jordans this year but none as good as this PSNY Jordan 12 in my opinion.
#2: Off-White x Air Jordan 1
I realize that it’s crazy to put the “Sneaker of the Year” at number 2 on my completely arbitrary best of 2017 countdown. I could definitely have found a way to construct a new category and make the OW Jordan 1 the winner. But there is another sneaker that has to take that top spot for me, so here we are.
I love this shoe. I entered EVERY raffle and briefly considered flying to Europe to try and win raffles there, just so I could have more chances to buy it. Literally at the last possible chance I managed to buy it from Nike.ca. It is amazing in every detail and so much fun to wear. I love what Nike and Virgil did on the whole collection and I really look forward to seeing what I will have to spend months obsessing over in 2018.
#1: KAWS x Air Jordan 4
Could there ever have been another choice? No. This is everything I could want in a sneaker collaboration; an artist I have liked for a long time collaborating with Jordan to make a beautiful sneaker. It looks good in pictures but really shines when you hold it in your hand. The details like the suede on the midsole, and the leather lining, and just the weight of the shoe make it untouchable for me. I feel amazing every time I wear it. I need the black one to match too.
Runner ups:
Nike AF-100 Don C – an amazing sneaker with many of the same kind of quality details I love in the KAWS 4.
Atmos x Jordan 3 – I love the incorporation of a traditional Air Max detail (safari print) in to a sneaker designed to compliment an Air Max with traditional Jordan detailing (elephant print). Perfection.
Hype Less 