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Peter Sim- Graphic Designer and Brand Strategist
10. Nike Trainer SC II QS
Apart from the Emerald Griffeys, this is THE retro I have been waiting for. When Bun had them in the KRIT video, I was so hype. Nike kept the retro very close to the original release, and the quality of the materials was top notch. I immediately copped both pairs.
9. New Balance x Concepts 999 “Kennedy”
This was one of the best collaborations I’ve seen in a long time. You can tell a lot of thought and time was put into the design and mix of materials because they immediately remind me of Cape Cod boating life and JFK. Salute to Frank the Butcher and the Concepts crew for creating such an iconic shoe.
8. Nice Kicks x New Balance 1500
I’m a little biased because I had the privilege of seeing some of the behind-the-scenes, but the outcome was great. Classic silhouette, and the colorway represents the NK brand perfectly. Matt did an outstanding job on these.
7. WTAPS x Vans Syndicate
Great set. Edgy, but refined design. Like all Vans Syndicate releases, the execution was excellent. The burgundy was a fresh choice for the Bones re-vamp.
6. Missoni x Converse Chuck Taylor (Blue)
Another stellar release from Converse and Missoni. They took a simple shoe and made it high fashion. The premium blue leather and blue laces really set the shoe off, and the thicker midsole is a subtle, but great complement to the overall design.
5. Air Jordan 1 Hi “Banned”
The “Watch the Throne” 1s. This shoe is what we down South call “goin fed”. The quality of the materials and details of the shoe were ridiculous, especially for a release that went straight to the outlets. The “Nike Air” branding on the shoe was a nice touch as well.
4. Air Jordan 3 White/Cement
Just like the Black/Cement 3, this is another classic. Perfect shoe for any and every occasion. This is my go-to.
3. Air Jordan 11 “Concord”
Classic in every single sense of the word. I remember when MJ wore them with the “45” jersey in the playoffs against Orlando, and I had to have them. I wasn’t surprised by the chaos caused by the 2011 drop because I grew up in Houston, and XIs always make the city go crazy.
2. Air Jordan 3 Black/Cement
I didn’t really pay attention to all the complaints about the quality. To me, this shoe right here is a masterpiece. If you don’t know, you better ask somebody.
1. Nike Mag
I don’t have a pair, but to me, the Air Mag was hands down the most impressive release of 2011 because Nike executed the drop with surgical precision. The shoe was crazy, the marketing around the shoe was exciting, and it was for a great cause. The Michael J. Fox Foundation raised a lot of money and got a lot of exposure around the world. Cats that aren’t even into shoes were going crazy over these. Golf claps all around.
