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Brittany Shelton
10. Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian”
For my personal top ten sneakers of 2012, I have decided to only pick shoes that I actually bought (or won) that released this past year, and I have to kick things off with the “Obsidian” 12s. These are the only 12s I need, and one of the most underrated retro Jordans of the year.
9. Cole Haan LunarGrand “Scree”
I wore a pair of these LunarGrands when I walked across the stage to get my Master’s from UT earlier this year, so in terms of significance and just pure comfort and style, these definitely crack my top ten.
8. Nike Lunar TR1 “Oregon Ducks” White
I have more Ducks gear than I know what to do with, but the white “Oregon” TR1s stand out in my collection. The comfort of the Lunar TR1 is unmatched in training shoes right now, and the color-morphing green lunar bottom is a fitting tribute to the Ducks’ ever-changing uniform style.
7. Nike Air Safari
The Air Safari has been around as long as I have. It is one of my favorite shoes of all time, so I had to have a pair when they released again earlier this year.
6. Air Jordan 4 “Cement”
I am not a Jumpman fanatic by any means, but there are just some Jordans I will always have to have in my rotation. The “Cement” 4s are one of those shoes.
5. Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski “Wino”
Janoskis might just be the most consistent signature on the market right now, and the “Wino” release took them to another level. Definitely one of my favorite releases of the year and a great addition to my hoard of Janos.
4. Nike Roshe Run
I bought numerous pairs of Roshe Runs this year, and even re-upped after wearing my first black/white pair into the ground. The best shoe to wear to music festivals, concerts, sporting events, running errands, going to work…you get the idea.
3. Nike Air Foamposite One “ParaNorman”
Nike and Laika affirmed my suspicions that I am (and always was) weird by awarding me a pair of the “ParaNorman” Foams this year. I’m a huge stop-motion animation fan and loved the film that inspired these, so couldn’t be happier to own such an incredible shoe.
2. Nike Flyknit Trainer+
As soon as I slipped my foot into the Flyknits earlier this year, I knew it was over. Super light, comfortable and aesthetically engrossing, the Flyknit is going to be a staple in my rotation for years to come.
1. Nike Zoom KD IV “Year of the Dragon”
I bought more pairs of KD IVs than I can probably remember when asked to do so, including two pairs of iDs, but the “Year of the Dragon” colorway that released earlier this year is still the one I wear most often. The KD IVs are definitely my favorite signature in recent memory, and definitely my top shoe of the year.
