As far as sneakers are concerned, the year coming to an end has been rich with releases, special launches, and unique collaborations. Month by month, we want to highlight those that have remained in our hearts (and on our feet). Because, let’s face it, making rankings is one of our favorite sports, while we wait for 2022, which we are sure will not disappoint!
December: 1017-ALYX-9SM Nike AF1 High
Anticipated from the last Parisian fashion show in January 2021, the new luxurious colorways designed by Matthew M. Williams for the special series 1017-ALYX-9SM NIKE AF1 HIGH arrived as a perfect Christmas gift for sneakerheads. Williams has produced 8 bold and gritty finishes, combining the classic AIR FORCE 1 HIGH silhouette with the distinctive style of his brand 1017-ALYX-9SM. The looks combine minimalist touches with bold accents, characterized by an anodized buckle closure at the front and a Nike swoosh embroidered on the back. The 8 different colorways reference classic Nike styles like the OG NIKE AF1 or the Bred treatment combined with Williams’ minimalist approach to utility-style.
On StockX, for example, we find the white and gray version starting at €341, but also the black and red one for €483, the white and black one for €315, and the red one with black details for €336.
November: Reebok x Keith Haring
Pieces of art to wear on your feet. The sneakers resulting from the collaboration between Keith Haring and Reebok can only be defined that way. Two American icons that hybridize almost spontaneously and see their stylistic codes declined into four models: Classic Leather, Classic Leather Legacy AZ, Club C, Club C Legacy, and GL6000. Each version represents a specific reference to a work by Haring, an artist immortalized by the chalk drawings on black paper of the advertising posters created in the New York subway stations. The same graffiti is reproduced on the uppers, which become impromptu canvases with the aim of spreading Haring’s message of peace, namely that design should be accessible to everyone. The dog, the dancing figures, the smile with three eyes: each one can choose their favorite and take it for a walk.
For example, we find the Reebok Club C on StockX starting at €58, while the GL6000 (pictured below) is on offer at Foot District for €88.
October: Lacoste L001
The L001 sneakers by Lacoste have managed to celebrate the past by looking to the future, drawing inspiration from the brand’s tennis tradition of the iconic crocodile. The key details of these sneakers have been taken directly from the archives, primarily from the Rene, the brand’s first-ever shoes created by the founder, and from a vintage 1980s tennis racket. The shape is intentionally neo-retro with lines that trace graphic triangles on the upper. The base remains classic in pristine leather, with sharp lines and a calibrated use of colors: the grass green, deep navy blue, light mahogany, plum, saffron, red, and mint.
We find them on sale at About You for €84.90.
September: adidas Yeezy 700 V3 Azareth
The prolific Yeezy saga that links adidas to the rapper-creative Kanye West is enriched with a highly anticipated new chapter: the 700 V3 in the Azareth version, with chunky yet futuristic shapes, featuring a sky blue upper alternated with white stripes. The RPU cage that envelops the shoe gives a gradient effect and contrasts with the EVA sole, which replaces the recurring BOOST. The black tongue and collar add a gritty touch and break up the ensemble that would otherwise be a little too “puffy.”
The 700 V3 is for sale on StockX starting at €328.
August: Converse 7 Moncler FRGMT HIROSHI FUJIWARA
The reeditions of Converse are never enough. Audacious and at the same time conceptual is what Hiroshi Fujiwara of FRGMT created for Moncler, merging a triptych of different worlds. Starting from the original forms of historical models like Chuck 70 and Jack Purcell, the Japanese designer distorts and enhances them with a contemporary touch: the Chuck 70 in premium cotton canvas in black and indigo tones is thinned out and enriched with oversized graphic lettering on the sole, while the Jack Purcell maintains a minimalist soul with a full black black coating, with contrasting stitching and a smile on the upper.
We find them on Mr Porter for €140.
July: New Balance 990
A return to the origins with the MADE 990 Version Series that New Balance has launched, referencing the versions now retired from the market but remaining ingrained in the collective imagination. The American brand has made the first limited edition release of the 990v1 available, followed by other series with the 990v2, v3, and v4 numbering. Each archive model is characterized by a ruby red plaque on the tongue and an engraving on the insole with the original version and creation year. Additionally, the sole, insole, and dust bag bear the stampe of the clock tower at the New Balance factory in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The cult color? Gray, of course!
We find the 990v1 on StockX starting at €189.
June: JW Anderson
After years of collaborations with other sneaker brands, JW Anderson has finally decided to launch the first model under his own brand. The British designer has done it, of course, with his style, deconstructing the concept of sneakers and transforming it into a small work of art. Exaggerated proportions, absolute monochrome, and an intentionally reassembled leather and canvas upper. What makes it unmistakable is the thick contrasting sole, which refers to the stacked brogue favored by the designer.
On Farfetch, for example, we find the green version with black sole for €177.
May: Puma RE.GEN
A sneaker release that is part of a broader line that Puma has decided to focus on sustainability and upcycling: the RE.GEN. Made with industry scraps and other recycled materials, the clothing is made with recycled polyester or at least 20% recycled cotton, while the footwear has a minimum of 20% recycled material on the upper. Bright colors, dynamic lines, and a mix of fibers, with a special label that tells the story of each product.
On Yoox, for example, we find the Puma Oslo-City Re.Gen for €90.
April: Givenchy GIV 1
A highly anticipated model that has managed to mix luxury and performance, also the first designed by Matthew M. Williams, Creative Director of Givenchy since June 2020. The GIV 1 line is characterized by an aerodynamic design and strong graphical impact, with a series of unisex sneakers made in a mix of technical fabric and mesh, with embroidered details and injected TPU on the calfskin uppers. The featherweight soles are made unique by the 360° transparency, which in some versions exude a green-gold sheen, and in others take on a glossy black finish. On the underside, there are 108 injection points to reproduce the 4G emblem of the French Maison in relief.
We find the GIV 1 on Farfetch, starting at €553.
March: Maison Margiela x Reebok
Maison Margiela and Reebok in 2021 have launched several releases of the Classic Leather Tabi, both in white and black versions, all models that are part of an ongoing collaboration that began months ago. Inspired by the codes developed by creative director John Galliano, these sneakers embody the characteristics of the French fashion house in some of the most recognizable models of the American brand. Introduced by Maison Margiela in 1988, with its recognizable split-toe structure and the characteristic print created by the sole, the Tabi expresses the maison’s philosophy of deconstructive design. Originally born as a formidable running shoe in 1983, the Classic Leather has become an essential casual wardrobe staple and remains one of Reebok’s most recognizable and appreciated models. For this collaboration, the Classic Leather has been entirely reconstructed to fit the Tabi’s split-toe. In nappa with an EVA sole and a white or black tabi sock included with each pair of Classic Leather Tabi.
On SNS, we find the red version of the Classic Leather Tabi for €150.
February: Saucony Jazz ’81
In 2021, Saucony celebrated several important anniversaries: the mythical Jazz O’ turned 40, while the Shadow turned 30. The Jazz O’ is one of the most representative sneakers of the American brand, which launched this innovative and lightweight running shoe in 1981. To celebrate this occasion, the brand has launched a series of special tribute editions, including the Jazz’81 built with premium materials and new structural details that enhance comfort and fit.
We find them on Amazon in various color combinations starting at €59.
January: Air Jordan 13 Starfish
The detail of the white leather upper of the Air Jordan 13 Starfish with the embossed “branding” effect stitching is unmistakable: this release from the Air Jordan galaxy is characterized by highlighter orange inserts that make it visible even from a distance. The embossed silhouette on the tongue is a feature particularly appreciated by collectors.
We find them on Farfetch starting at €382.
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