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Peter Sim
10. Nike Zoom KD IV “Galaxy”
First of all, big ups to Leo Chang and KD for creating such an excellent shoe. The All-Star KD IVs really took the shoe to another level with the custom tongue label and the OD 3M reflective material. I’m a sucker for 3M and this shoe immediately sold me with the strap and the laces. And it retailed at $95??!? Just take my money.
9. Concepts x Nike SB “When Pigs Fly”
I think Concepts did a great job with these. We probably won’t find this shoe on too many Top 10 lists, but I think it needs more time to marinate. The pink suede is a color we’ve never seen on a Dunk SB and the royal blue is a great complement.
8. Air Jordan 4 Black/Red
Classic. What more can I saaaaay?
7. Nike Air Yeezy 2
Aside from the hype, this shoe pushed the envelope in form and function. HUGE upgrade from the first Air Yeezy with the slimmer and lower profile as well as the lux materials. The details are endless, but the ballistic mesh and the scales really set this shoe off. Also resting on an Air Tech Challenge II outsole? Great execution.
6. Cole Haan x fragment design Lunargrand
I know this isn’t a “sneaker” per se, but I really love this shoe. One of my go-tos this year. Timeless black pebble grain upper on a white Lunar sole. You really can’t go wrong.
5. New Balance x nonnative CM997 “Dune”
This shoe is one of the greatest beige and tan shoes of all-time. The shoe uses a 997 upper and the 998 outsole which really meshes well together. The subtle use of beige, tan, cream is really well done, and the blue accent is a nice addition. Definitely one of my favorites from 2012.
4. Nike Inneva Woven
This shoe is ridiculous and I am really mad I slept on them. The fact that the upper is handwoven is insane.
3. Stussy NYC x Converse Pro Leather “Patchwork”
Big shout to Mr. Vergara at Stussy NYC for goin’ in on this one. The silhouette is simple, but the upper is incredibly intricate. Throw on some premium materials, and you’ve got a perfect shoe.
2. Supreme x Nike Air Force 1 “Camo”
Perfection. You’ve got a NYCO camo upper on a white midsole and gum bottom. Timeless styling on a timeless shoe. That’s why I’ll take these over the Vac Tech joints all day.
1. Nike Flyknit Trainer “Volt”
Don’t get me wrong, I love the HTMs, but I wasn’t even able to lay a finger on them because they were impossible to cop. The Volt Flyknit Trainer was a really good consolation. The upper is simply incredible and innovative (despite the recent legal battles…). Nike always pushes the envelope every year in terms of technology, and the Flyknit was certainly a huge step forward. Can’t wait to see where Nike goes from here.
