As 2024 draws to a close, the candidates for sneaker of the year are rapidly accumulating. There’s a lot to catch up on from this year’s sneaker lineup, including unexpected collaborations, general release hits that go unnoticed, and ridiculous Crocs with fake toes sticking out.
Though the trends we saw emerge last year have accelerated, it is too soon to predict how 2024 will affect the sneaker market as a whole. As you can see from our top picks below, niche shoe brands like On, ROA, and HOKA continue to do exceptionally well.
Check out our weekly roundup for the newest releases to stay up to date on everything new. The top sneaker releases of 2024 thus far are listed here.
HOKA x Satisfy U Mafate Speed 4 Lite STSFY RUBBER
In 2024, HOKA’s dominance in sneakers has only grown. Fashionable partnerships like this are a major factor in the brand’s fierce competition with the sportswear behemoths.
The Mafate Speed 4 trail shoe received a stylish update along with Satisfy, a running brand inspired by countercultural savoir-faire. It features two tonal colorways and a new lightweight transparent upper with a soft microfiber collar.
Nike x Nina Chanel Abney Air Jordan 3
The eye is drawn to Nina Chanel Abney’s green Jordans right away because of their striking hue and modern style. When examined more closely, the genuine craftsmanship is revealed, displaying her distinct artistic flair. The Jordan 3 is given a new look with fuzzy branding that gives it a fun, tactile touch. The rich, mixed-material upper, which adds depth and intrigue, is made from textured suede and canvas. The design is given a splash of color by subtle yet eye-catching orange accents. The sneakers are a unique piece because of this collaboration’s flawless fusion of streetwear and modern art.
New Balance 1906L
The year 2024 marked the unexpected normalization of Sneakers loafer hybrids, or snloafers as I like to call them. And the sneaker at the forefront is the New Balance 1906L.
The New Balance 1906 loafer went viral as soon as it was unveiled at Junya Watanabe’s Fall/Winter 2024 show. I couldn’t open Instagram without seeing the oddly formal dad shoe. This sneaker, a bewildering mashup of designs that has been expertly executed, will be discussed for years to come.
adidas Originals x Bad Bunny Gazelle San Juan
In homage to San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny’s native land, the well-known performer literally reinterpreted adidas’ iconic Gazelle sneaker. This sneaker’s front panels lean to one side.
In addition to the new, twisted paneling, this sneaker features a padded tongue, string laces, and a size tag stitched onto the outside of the shoe, among other tasteful and experimental details. Although Bad Bunny and adidas have collaborated on numerous sneaker designs, this is their most comprehensive idea to date.
ROA x Story MFG
Known for its ethically produced, slow-made apparel, Story MFG is causing a stir in the sneaker industry with notable partnerships like those with Suicoke and ASICS. The ROA Katharina sneaker is the best option for 2024 out of their amazing collection. Inspired by a checkered pattern frequently worn by rural farmers in France and Japan, this tough outdoor sneaker gets a rustic twist. The classic checkered motif adds a nostalgic touch while the design combines functionality and tradition. It’s the ideal combination of sophisticated cultural influence and long-lasting outdoor style. With a unique flair, the Katharina sneaker genuinely enhances the tough outdoor aesthetic.
ASICS x Hidden NY Gel-NYC
The ASICS x Hidden NY Gel-NYC was finally released in March 2024 after months of teasing, and it sold out right away.
The sneaker, which features a transparency grid around Hidden NY’s branding on the heel and a pixelated version of ASICS’ tiger stripe branding, was inspired by photo-editing software.
As evidenced by its sneaker partnerships and capsule collections, Hidden NY has evolved into much more than just an Instagram page in recent years.
Salehe Bembury x New Balance 1906R ‘Lava’
It was impossible to browse Instagram at the start of the year without coming across Salehe Bembury’s “Heat Be Hot” New Balances, which went viral. The sneakers in a fiery hue caused quite a stir and dominated social media accounts worldwide. I can now properly appreciate the fine design elements that set these sneakers apart after a few months of separation. Together with the glossy contrasting overlays, the gradient-printed mesh produces a stunning visual effect. While the texture and layering enhance the overall appearance, the fiery color scheme adds an exuberant vibe. It’s obvious that these sneakers are a striking statement piece in addition to being trendy.
On x Post Archive Faction Cloudmonster 2
The partnership between On and Post Archive Faction (PAF) represents a daring move for the Swiss company into more avant-garde fashion. On, which is well-known for its performance-focused footwear and high-tech sportswear, is pushing the envelope with this collection’s innovative designs that maintain a technical edge. The sneakers, which fuse On’s renowned performance technology with PAF’s futuristic outdoor wear aesthetics, are the collection’s most notable items. As a result of the distinctive combination of form and function, these sneakers are more than just shoes; they are a declaration of creative design. On is reinventing what it means to combine performance and fashion with this partnership.
CLOT x adidas Superstar
CLOT has re-established its partnership with adidas, which is a surprising move after years of successful collaborations with Nike. This partnership is CLOT’s first time working with a brand since the early 2010s. This change demonstrates CLOT’s developing approach to sneaker design and its capacity to produce innovative, striking styles. The way the brand combines its distinct cultural influence with adidas’ recognizable designs excites fans. The collaboration is expected to result in creative releases that fuse the cutting-edge aesthetic of CLOT with the illustrious past of adidas. A new era for both brands in the sneaker industry is marked by this reunion.
New Balance x Miu Miu 530 SL
With New Balance’s most recent partnership with Miu Miu setting the standard for a move toward flat-soled styles, the days of chunky sneakers may be coming to an end. The 530 SL sneakers provide a novel take on the oversized footwear trend by fusing luxury with sleek, minimalist design. These sneakers, which retail for an astounding $1,120, are as expensive as one might anticipate from a Miu Miu x New Balance release. They sold out almost instantly despite the high price, demonstrating how sought-after this partnership has grown. The design appeals to people looking for upscale athletic footwear because it has a sleek, sophisticated appearance. This collaboration establishes the standard for luxury sneakers in the future, where exclusivity and simplicity coexist.
Nike x Bode Astro Grabber
Bode is bringing the Nike Astro Grabber back for the first time since it was first created by Bill Bowerman, a co-founder of Nike, in the early 1970s. This vintage American football shoe, which is renowned for its bold design and slim profile, is making a comeback to the market to commemorate its 50th anniversary. The re-release seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary style, adhering to Bode’s nostalgic design language. The Astro Grabber capitalizes on the current trend of bringing back vintage sneakers with its iconic appearance. In addition to celebrating Nike’s illustrious past, its comeback presents the sneaker to a fresh generation of sneakerheads. The re-release is the ideal homage to a classic piece of shoe history.
