With everything going on in the world at the moment, hobbies and interests have become increasingly important as a source of some light-hearted fun, and for many, that interest is sneakers. Still working or in lockdown, with company or alone, shoes have been here for us every step of the way. In light of the more serious events that have happened this year, it is also worthwhile remembering the little pieces of joy something as simple as our footwear has given so many of us, so without further or does, here are our picks for the top 10 sneakers of the year.
Image: Nike
Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 Stussy Fossil
Release Date: 03/27/20
Current value: $250-$550
Starting this list in no particular order is the Stussy x Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 “Fossil,” which released alongside “Cool Grey” and “Pure Platinum” versions of the shoe and saw the sneaker industry giant Nike work together with long time collaborators Stussy on a classic model. The result was by no means the most popular shoe of the year, but a heavily sought-after sneaker by those who liked it.
Image: Nike
Release Date: 02/29/20
Current value: $1400-$1600
Debatably the most influential sneaker of the year, this Nike SB Dunk Low was created in collaboration with Travis Scott, a popular Houston rapper also known for his collaborations with both Play Station and McDonald’s this year. Featuring a tear-away paisley upper and rope laces, those lucky enough to cop the sneaker on Travis Scott’s own website were treated to a unique navy paisley box.
Image: Nike
Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sail (W)
Release Date: 07/25/20
Current value: $1100-$1400
Although technically a women’s only release, every sneakerhead tried their luck at copping a pair of the Off-White x Air Jordan 4’s this summer. Coming in a sail upper with translucent TPU accents, the sneaker’s worn look captured the hearts of shoe lovers everywhere.
Image: Nike
Nike SB Dunk Low Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Dunky
Release Date: 05/16/20
Current value: $1000-$1500
Possibly the weirdest collaboration of 2020, was Ben & Jerry’s and Nike coming together to create one of the hottest sneakers of the year, the “Chunky Dunky.” The shoe features cow print on the upper with a dripping yellow tongue, and a tie-dye insole, that unmistakably comes together to resemble the ice cream company’s iconic ice cream tubs.
Image: Nike
Nike SB Dunk Low StrangeLove Skateboards
Release Date: 02/08/20
Current value: $700-$1000
The last SB Dunk to make it onto our list, the Strangelove Skateboards version of the silhouette was created to celebrate valentine’s day 2020, hence the red and pink color scheme. The shoe was the product of frequent Nike collaborators Sean Cliver and Todd Bratrut and featured velvet panels on the upper that helped the shoe stand out from its competition.
Image: Nike
Release Date: 06/26/20
Current value: $6500-$7500
Easily the most expensive sneaker on this list, the Dior x Air Jordan 1 Retro High has been a trending topic for sneaker conversation for over a year now after rumors of the shoe’s release surfaced online at the end of 2019. Only 8,000 pairs went on sale to the public, retailing for a whopping $2000.
Image: New Balance
Release Date: 05/01/20
Current value: $600-$1000
Whilst the rest of this list has been dominated by Nike and Jordan Brand, New Balance was able to challenge them this year with the help of Japanese streetwear brand WTAPS. Coming in a suede and mesh upper with reflective 3M overlays, this 992 was said to be inspired by the military, hence its green and grey color scheme.
Image: Nike
Release Date: 08/29/20
Current value: $500-$700
When the Union x Air Jordan 4 collection was first announced, the online response was less than positive, but by the end of 2020, it’s clear to see that public opinion has changed for the better. After getting co-signs from some big names, and Union revealing the tongue was stitched down, and could easily be unstitched if the standard Air Jordan 4 look was preferred, resale prices quickly returned to what you might expect from a Jordan and Union collaboration.
Image: adidas
Release date: 2020
Current value: $500-$600
Over the past six years, we’ve seen Kanye West and adidas cook up a number of iconic lifestyle sneakers. But this is the first model they have created for athletes, this became clear during the All-Star weekend in Chicago, where adidas and yeezy were handing out pairs on the streets. It may not be the most hyped model of 2020, but the Yeezy QNTM BSKTBL has certainly had a lot of impact on the sneaker scene.
Image: Nike
Nike Vaporwaffle Sacai Black White
Release Date: 11/13/20
Current value: $600-$750
Lastly, the Sacai x Nike Vaporwaffle followed up Sacai and Nike’s stellar collaborations on both the Blazer and the LD Waffle that debuted in 2019, and it did not disappoint. The “Black White” colorway, in particular, was able to complement the outlandish model, by distinctly highlighting each detail of the shoe, including its 3 soles, and 2 tongues.
