The Top 15 Sneakers of 2015

2015. What a time to be alive. This year we saw the largest jump in sneaker enthusiasm for a single brand that we've seen since Nike brought Air Max to the equation. Adidas made such a large move for their brand by not only bring us Kanye West's Yeezys, but also bringing arguably the most innovative sneaker technology to the market since the announcement of air technology with Boost. Boost revolutionized sneaker comfort and became the new benchmark in a single year. With some input from the other guys in our small group of sneaker enthusiasts, here are the top 15 sneaker of 2015. Was Boost technology enough to make Adidas capture my top sneaker choice of 2015? Take a look at the list and be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments or via Twitter!


15. Yeezy Boost 750 "Light Brown"

The first Yeezy from Adidas was long awaited after the news of him signing with the brand. In 2015 we finally got the Yeezy Boost 750 in light brown as the debut model from Kanye West and Adidas. Although the shoe received mixed reviews initially, the hype that built-up to its release rivaled some of the largest hype-machines we've ever seen in sneakers. No matter how a list of top sneakers from 2015 is constructed, the Yeezy Boost 750 is necessary due to the overwhelming demand for the shoe. Plus, Boost.

14. Atlas x Nike SB "35mm"

2015 was not the strongest year for Nike SB that we've seen recently, but there were certain shoes that stuck out above the rest. As the only SB model on the countdown, the Atlas 35mm pairing gave us great materials, an extremely wearable color palette and unique packaging. Although the sneaker looks to be ordinary, there are details on the insole and outsole that make it great. Plus, it's a sneaker that you can wear no matter what the future of fashion brings.

13. Nike Air Jordan 1 "Shattered Backboard"

The most anticipated new colorway on a Nike Air Jordan model in recent memory, the Shattered Backboard Air Jordan 1 also brought higher quality materials than we'd seen over the past few years. Even with Nike Air on the tongue, the color orange is a difficult color to get people excited about, but the Shattered Backboards did just that. These will undoubtedly be a shoe that Jordan-heads look back on in the future and revel about.

12. Packer Shoes x Sneaker Freaker x Puma Blaze of Glory "Blood Bath"

Following the 2013 Sneaker Freaker releases of the "Great White" and "Black Beast" Blaze of Glory, this year we saw the "Bloodbath." In an extraordinarily wearable colorway, this rendition of the BOG from Puma sets itself apart from others. The theme of the shoes is well taken as the blood-colored upper is contrasted nicely against the aqua hits on the midsole. Couple the shoes with the incredible packaging and add-in the staggered releases at their pop-up shop, this shoe deservedly finds its way into the top 15.

11. Premier x New Balance "PRMR"

With their first shot at a New Balance collaboration, Michigan-based Premier gave us a tonal delight with their PRMR 998. Modeled after many other shoes we've seen in the past with contrasting toe boxes, these differentiate themselves by using toned-down colors. Both the quality of the leathers and suedes used on the shoes, as well as their overall wearability make them a staple to many sneakerhead rotations.

10. Ronnie Fieg x Highsnobiety x Puma RF698S "A Tale of Two Cities"

In 2015, there was much hype in build-up to the Ronnie Fieg x ASICS "Homage" release which paid respect to the different ASICS GEL Lyte IIIs that Ronnie has created over the years, but before that Ronnie gave us something even more unique--his own Pumas. Although the RF-Blaze of Glory saw some changes from the original BOG model, the RF698S was much more substantially redesigned. Fieg removed the model's tongue and instead replaced it with a neoprene sock liner. Additionally, Ronnie added to the shoe by removing additional panels and allowing the Puma striping to extend from the midfoot through the heel of the shoe. Successfully orchestrated, this redesigned begins the top 10.

9. Hanon x ASICS GEL Lyte III "Lyte Night"

The first ASICS on the list is one of 2 from the 25th Anniversary series celebrating the 25th anniversary of the GEL Lyte III model. Captured in monochromatic blues, the Night Lyte GEL Lyte IIIs are the cooler side to Hanon's widely heralded Wildcats. Shrouded with the classic Hanon flames and a trinity emblem on the sockliner, this pair is simple yet statement-making. Successful, yet simple, color-blocking gets this pair into the top 10.

8. SoleBox x Diadora N.9000 "Ferro"

Making a splash over the past 2 years, Diadora has reestablished itself among the popular runner brands, and to many Diadora enthusiasts, the Ferro takes the cake. Color-blocked and contrasted, the upper of the Ferro is simple enough to be worn often but make enough of a statement for onlookers to turn their heads for a second glance. Using quality materials not seen used by many other brands, the N.9000 series of collaborations has found success for the brand.

7. Commonwealth x ASICS GEL Lyte V "Da Vinci"

After the success of their "Gemini" GEL Lyte V colorway, Commonwealth gave the model a second show with the release of the "Da Vinci." Limited to only 500 pairs and exclusive to Commonwealth itself, this pair was highly sought after by ASICS enthusiasts the world over. Aside from their rarity, the Da Vinci brought back Earth tones with a nice mix of materials including distressed leather and pigskin. Difficult to do, Commonwealth made these toned-down colors pop off feet and find themselves in the top 10.

6. Nike Air Jordan 1 "Chicago"

Paying homage to the original days of Jordan 1s, the Chicago used great leathers and featured unlaced pairs out of the box. A staple to any Jordan enthusiasts collection, this Chicago colorway rendition also featured Nike Air on the tongue, something we'd all been waiting to see happen again. After Nike cancelled their original release, the Chicagos gained even more momentum and hype within the sneaker world. Just outside of the top 5 for the year, the Nike Air Jordan 1 Chicago is a true classic that will always be fashionable.

5. Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 "Moon Rock"

Many argue about which color is better, so replace your favorite color here. No matter which colorway you liked best, the Yeezy Boost 350 was an extreme success from Adidas. Not only was the hype at astounding levels for each pair, there were enough pairs to give everyone at least the feeling of being able to own a coveted Yeezy. Yeezy Boost 350s were the reason the resale on many other shoes didn't reach their pinnacle and became bricks, as many continued to save up for the next Yeezy. Vote Yeezy Boost 350 in 2016.

4. Adidas Ultra Boost "White"

Much like the Yeezys above, you can replace the white with the color of your choice, but the white is mentioned because it's the the colorway that Kanye wore and truly got the Ultra Boost model launch off the ground. Until then, there was no primary Boost model that people were passionate about, as many couldn't decide between Energy, Pure, and Ultra. However, the Ultra Boost created a name for itself by providing multiple great colorways throughout the year, but most of all, having extreme comfort which will never go out of style.

3. LimitEDitions x Diadora N.9000 "Castellers"

One of the most sought after 'runner' releases of the year, these Diadora find themselves in the top 3. Not only are they created of premium materials and and incredible color choices, they also feature an extremely detailed heel graphic that represents the shoes' inspiration. Additionally, the same graphic was given on a keyring and is found on the box. Crafted of kangaroo leather and wolverine suede, the materials on these are next level. Clearly a top 3 choice.

2.  Packer Shoes x ASICS GEL Lyte III "Dirty Buck"

Nearly unanimously the best 25th Anniversary GEL Lyte III of the year, Packer brought us a banger with the Dirty Bucks. What made these one of the more interesting releases of the year was the hesitation by some because of the pink-toned midsole, but once they released all hesitation subsided and the hunt was on, especially for the specially packaged pairs which included tons of extras. The Dirty Buck remind us of what a a great model, simple colorway, and quality materials could do. Greatness and well-deserving of the silver medal spot.

1.  Titelhelden x Kangaroos COIL-R1 "Cheesecake"

Incredibly difficult to purchase and only available from Titelhelden in Hamburg, Germany, the Kangaroos Coil R-1 "Cheesecake" top off the list. Crafted of calfskin leather and handmade in Germany, the Cheesecake are simply colored in off-white accented by a classic gum bottom. Not only does the colorway reflect the inspiration behind the shoe but also allows for year-round, lifelong wear. White and gum will always be in style. Attention to detail from the hand-stitched Titelhelden patch adorning the tongue to the intricate patterning of threads holding all panels together, nothing beats something crafted by human hands.


Honorable Mentions:

Ronnie Fieg x ASICS GEL Lyte III "Homage"
Nike Air Force One "Wheat"
Concepts x New Balance 997 "Luxury Goods"
Nike Flyknit Racer "Multicolored 2.0"
UnheardOf x Anonymous x Nike SB "Nasty Boys"
Jordan IV "Oreo"