Cool Greys caused campouts, collabs killed, but it was new models that changed the game in 2010. The past year saw more competition among brands with the emergence of new challengers and company revivals. Technology pushed performance making sneakerheads consider cushioning over colorway for the first time in ages. Was 2010 the sign of a new golden era? A change of the guard? We think so, but decide for yourself by looking at our top 18 new silhouettes of the past year.<\/p>\n
**Note** <\/strong>This list only includes sneaker MODELS that were new to 2010. All retro product and new colorways were disregarded.<\/p>\n Nike Zoom Huarache Trainer<\/strong><\/p>\n \n 2004 saw the Huarache revival in basketball, but this year we saw it happen with training. An aggressive design managed to look futuristic and retro at the same time to all while holding up on the feet of the NFL’s top athletes.<\/p>\n \n Face it, the odds were stacked up against the LeBron 8. The Air Max LeBron VII would be hard to top and their was still a heavy backlash from “The?Decision”. Then the South Beaches happened. One colorway reminded everybody exactly what the LeBron 8 was: one of the greatest basketball shoes on the market for the game’s most electrifying player.<\/p>\n \n The only thing that eclipsed the wait and the hype was the actual product. Solid design, good performance, and great colorways made these a hot seller and a splash debut for Under Armour basketball. We’ll enjoy these for the time being but we’re already curious as to what the shield has in store for Jennings’ second sig.<\/p>\n \n Love ’em or hate ’em, you’re thinking about Reebok basketball again. The torch has been passed from AI to John Wall with some questions still unanswered. Is Zig Tech the new Hexalite? Is it the new DMX? Is it something bigger? Pop culture phenomenon or performance protagonist? The jury is still hung but 2011 should deliver the verdict.<\/p>\n \n Some hybrids have been embraced, but have any ever been considered better than their origins? The Air Max 24\/7 begs the question. A 360? Air Max sole gives it the comfort edge on any retro runner and its integrated upper has all but destroyed the sales of the 97 and switched over some 95 loyalists.<\/p>\n \n \n Band of Ballers and the World Basketball Festival saw Converse basketball back in action. The Star Player EVO stands out as their best new model serving as an updated version of the OG of the same name.<\/p>\n \n If you’re not familiar with Hyperfuse technology get familiar. Trust us when we say it will be EVERYWHERE in 2011. Lightweight, durable, and breathable it points to the future of footwear for its mastery in?performance?and production. Rondo’s mass destruction of the playoffs brought the sneaker to the mainstream and created an insane interest. Once released it pleased fans with its performance and color choices. They’ve only just begun…<\/p>\n \n On the low, adidas basketball had a great year. Top to bottom, the 3 Stripes released a variety of strong basketball shoes all at reasonable price points. Best yet they dumped the team overhaul and brought back signatures with the greatest being the adiZero Rose. Their ad team killed it discovering how to properly market D-Rose in his best season yet. Competition is back in performance basketball.<\/p>\n \n Sick colorways, solid performance, and a low price made sneakerheads embrace Kevin Durant’s signature line.<\/p>\n \n Sneakerheads and inspiring designers have paid attention to Future Sole since its birth. This year the program took a major step with the Jordan Melo M6 Future Sole. Austin Jermacans’ design was worn by Melo on court and also released to the public; a breakthrough in the contest and an inspiration for all future applicants. These also ranked among the most popular performance Jordans of the year. Props to JB and Austin.<\/p>\n \n Rather than ditch a winning recipe, Eric Avar and company took the key ingredients from the Kobe V and spiced it up in the Innovative Kitchen. The result was a snaked out oddity that carried over the performance highlights and styled on the competition.<\/p>\n \n This past year Li-Ning made huge strides. They officially opened up shop in the US after years of having their models on top NBA players. The BD Doom was their top shoe dropping in a host of hot colorways and eventually getting major chain distribution.<\/p>\n \n Lunar Foam owned 2010 popping up on basketball, running, training, retro, and more. Of all the strong Lunar releases the Nike LunarEclipse+ stands tall as the most progressive and best use of the well-received tech. Do your feet a favor and get some.<\/p>\n \n Worn by Peyton Manning, the Situation, and everyone in between, the Zig Pulse made a huge splash in 2010. The energy drink for your feet caught on in a big way thanks to great marketing and courageous color blocking. These might not be a favorite amongst sneakerheads today, but they will definitely be important to tomorrow’s.<\/p>\n \n Minimal yet complex, the Nike Lunar Rejuven8 Mid is as obscure as it is opportunistic. While it doesn’t have a designated sport function it does pack a lot of tech into a comfy and futuristic silo.<\/p>\n \n adidas took a risk with the Fortitude. The silo blurs the line between sneaker and boot for a funky casual model that responds well to bright colors.<\/p>\n \n Retro ACG product has been hot for a minute. The Lunar MacLeay ices the competition being light, fresh, and durable. This rare combination makes it ideal for all weather and terrain. \n Shop collaborations are far from uncommon, but designing a silhouette? Unheard of. The Supreme x Nike SB ’94 channels the spirit of the New York skate scene in the mid-90s using heavy basketball influence.<\/p>\n Now that you have seen our 18 rookies of the year, which new model caught your attention the most throughout 2010? Let us know in our voting poll below.
\nNike LeBron 8<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nUnder Armour Micro G Black Ice<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nReebok Zig Slash<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nNike Air Max 24-7<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nConverse Star Player EVO<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nNike Zoom Hyperfuse<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nadidas adiZero Rose<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nNike KD II<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nJordan Melo M6 Future Sole<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nNike Zoom Kobe VI<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nLi-Ning BD Doom<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nNike LunarEclipse+<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n
\nReebok Zig Pulse<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nNike Lunar Rejuven8 Mid<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nadidas Fortitude Mid<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nNike ACG Lunar MacLeay<\/strong><\/p>\n
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\nSupreme x Nike SB ’94<\/strong><\/p>\n
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