Top 10 Sneakers of 2022...So Far

June 30, 2022

Throughout all the sneaker releases in 2022, many of us have been fortunate to cop some of our favorites. Although the year is only at its halfway point, many releases may seem to be forgotten. With that being said, STAY FRESH presents the Top 10 Sneakers of 2022…So Far. 

Nike x Travis Scott 'Cactus Jack' Air Max 1 - SHOP NOW

A part of the collaboration with the Cactus Jack x Nike Air collection, the Air Max 1 Travis Scott ‘Baroque Brown’ is inspired by the Nike ACG ‘Pocket Knife’ hiking shoe. The sneaker features a fully mesh upper with brown durabuck overlays throughout. The sneakers design features multiple elements from a traditional trail runner such as a Gillie drawstring lacing system as well as a yellowed reverse swoosh which completes the outdoor aesthetic.

 

Union x Nike Dunk Low 'Passport Pack' - SHOP NOW

Inspired by travel documents and passports, the Union x Nike Dunk Low ‘Pistachio’ is dressed in a green and navy semi-translucent upper. An emblem inspired by Walter Lee Young is featured on the heel, while a yellow Union LA tag is dressed on the upper. The sneakers traveling theme is inspired by the Union team's journey of traveling the world to find exclusive sneakers and streetwear. 

 

Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 by Virgil Abloh - SHOP NOW

Originally expected to release in late 2021, the arrival of the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 collection emerged initially through a Sotheby’s auction. The luxurious sneakers began bidding at $2000 USD and eventually closed in ranges of $125,000 - $175,000 USD. Only 200 pairs were released to the public with an exclusive Louis Vuitton pilot case, making the release highly sought after. The sneaker is entirely made of calfskin giving the Air Force 1 a boutique like makeover. The proceeds from the auction, which totaled nearly $26 Million will be donated to Virgil Abloh’s Fashion Scholarship Fund for Black students.

 

A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 2 Retro - SHOP NOW

Drawing inspiration from their 2021 collaborative release on the Air Jordan 1, A Ma Maniere continues their reign on the Air Jordan 2 silhouette. The sneaker continues the vintage aesthetic of past collaborations with a cracked cream leather upper and brown accents. The sneaker was released alongside a short film titled ‘Your Airness’ which beautifully captured a poetic story about Women as well as the Black community.

 

11 by Boris Bidjan Saberi Bamba 5

Designed by German Menswear designer Boris Bidjan Saberi, the Bamba 5 features a fully piece dyed upper with meshes of Goretex on a Salomon sneaker base. Boris is known for his graphical applications and techniques in fabric dying and treatments. The sneaker showcases his stylings throughout the dyed paneling while Salomon provides its durable rubber outsole and classic bungee lacing system.

 

Supreme x Nike SB Dunk 'High By Any Means' - SHOP NOW

For the first time since 2002, Supreme released a collaboration on the iconic Nike SB Dunk High. Drawing inspiration from the exclusive CO.JP Dunk High Pro B Brazil colorway released in 2002, Supreme re-introduces the iconic dunk. The sneaker features a green and yellow color blocked leather upper and overlays. The text ‘SUP’, ‘By Any Means’, ‘Supreme Team’, ‘Nike NY’ and ‘No Love’ are embroidered throughout the sneaker which completes its novelty aesthetic.

 

Salomon ACS Pro Advanced

Dating back to the mid-2000s Salomons pays homage to the original GCS Pro trail running model by featuring a supportive Kurim structured upper as well as utilizing their signature Air Flow technology. The ACS Pro Advanced model upgrades from the previous GCS Pro by introducing a reimagined Agile Chassis System paired with a Continental outsole. The ACS Pro Advanced has recently outgrown the classic Salomon XT-6 Model as this year's favorite hiking sneaker.

 

New Balance x Aime Leon Dore 991 - SHOP NOW

Three years after their first ever collaboration, New Balance and Aime Leon Dore collaborated on the 991 which Released as a part of the Made in UK line. The sneaker features a premium quality throughout the mesh upper and smoothed leather overlays. Teddy Santis originally teased the sneaker in late May on Instagram and it eventually made its way into the Aime Leon Dore SS22 Lookbook. Since its release the sneaker has continuously grown its own hype as one of this year's best New Balance releases.

 

Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita

Paying tribute to the late Gigi Bryant and the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, the Kobe 6 Protro Sweet 16 honors the late daughter of Kobe Bryant perfectly. The sneaker features a black and white snakeskin upper which is based off the AAU Mamba Academy team’s uniforms and Kobe’s moniker of being the ‘Black Mamba’. The Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation crest is embossed on the heels of both sneakers with both Kobe and Gigi's name below as a way to honor the two.

 

Adidas x Gucci Gazelle - SHOP NOW

One of this year's more recent releases, this collaboration between Gucci and Adidas was one nobody expected. Gucci subtly nods to the bootleg culture of their garments through the stylings of these sneakers. The Gazelle features the classic Gucci monogram print throughout the upper with an adidas gum sole. Surprisingly the two brands have created one of the year's greatest sneakers and hopefully will continue to in the future.

 

Honourable Mentions

Air Hot Step Terra - SHOP NOW

Originally teased in Drake's 'Laugh Now, Cry Later' music video, the Nike Hot Step Air Terra Drake NOCTA White was inspired by UK Grime culture and their love for classic Air Max trainers. The sneaker features a premium white tumbled leather upper with hints of mettalic silver accents throughout the swooshes and details. The presence of Air Max cushioning and G-TEK, which is a comfort technology found in the 1999 ACG Air Terra Humara model, makes this sneaker perfect for all sorts of activities.

 

Tom Sachs x NikeCraft - SHOP NOW

Following the highly popular Mars Yard series, Nike and Tom Sachs collaborate once again on the NikeCraft General Purpose Shoe. The minimalistic sneaker features a molded cup sole, suede mudguards and a breathable knit making the sneaker perfect for any wearer. Tom Sachs continues his waffle sole tradition and raw edged foam tongue continuing his vintage aesthetic for footwear.

 

 

WHICH SNEAKER RELEASE FROM 2022 WAS YOUR FAVOURITE?

 

 

 

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