10. Air Jordan 9 “Cool Grey”<\/strong><\/p>\nI’m not really a fan of the 9, but this is my favorite pair because, well, it’s grey. I had them when they came out in 2002, so it was good to re-up 10 years later.<\/p>\n
9. Nike Zoom KD IV “Cool Grey”<\/strong><\/p>\nThe KD IV was the silhouette of the year in my opinion, and this was one of my favorite colorways that I didn’t get. Low-key grey and yellow is a pretty cool color combination.<\/p>\n
8. Air Jordan 1 “Gucci”<\/strong><\/p>\nI absolutely love the Gucci colorway. This was my latest pickup because I happened to walk in the store and they only had a size 11.5 left. I haven’t worn them yet, but I will very soon.<\/p>\n
7. Nike Air Penny V “Red Eagle”<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Penny V didn’t woo me when I first saw them online, but when the Snkrs Day store received their shipment of the “Red Eagle” Penny Vs, I took a liking to this shoe. The Penny line continues to produce great silhouettes.<\/p>\n
6. Nike Air Foamposite One “Stealth”<\/strong><\/p>\nI’m not into the bright Foam colors, but I dig the subtle pairs and this is the most subtle one I’ve seen in a while. This is easily one of the top 5 shoes of the year for me.<\/p>\n
5. adidas D Rose 3 “Brenda”<\/strong><\/p>\nadidas did a really good job with the D Rose 3. It’s one of my favorite basketball shoes on the market right now. The red on the Brenda makeup is so vibrant. I dig these.<\/p>\n
4. Nike LeBron X “Prism”<\/strong><\/p>\nThis is hands down my favorite LeBron X so far. It’s subtle yet eye-popping in the right places. I would like to get my hands on these soon.<\/p>\n
3. Nike Hyperdunk+ “Charcoal”<\/strong><\/p>\nI’ve played in the Hyperdunk 2012 more than any other shoe in the past six months. It’s definitely one of my favorite basketball shoes out right now, and the Charcoal pair is amazing in my eyes.<\/p>\n
2. Nike LeBron X “Yellow Diamond”<\/strong><\/p>\nThe yellow diamond LeBron X is my second favorite colorway of LeBron’s 10th shoe. As I stated earlier, yellow and grey looks good together. Also, I know they don’t come out until next year but we “saw” them in 2012.<\/p>\n
1. Air Jordan 4 “Oregon”<\/strong><\/p>\nThis is one of my favorite shoes that I’ll probably never own. The green contrast stitching on these 4s is pretty awesome. \n<\/p>\n
Ian Stonebrook<\/h3>\n 10. Jeremy Scott x adidas Wings “Denim”<\/strong><\/p>\nLight denim and clear gum is a combo so good it feels obvious, but I don’t think it’s really been done before. On top of that, the winged silo just amplifies the awesomeness. My sister and I have been into Jeremy Scott’s work with adidas for a couple years now but this was the first pair I ever purchased. Mike P copped the Leopard joints which are also pretty wavy.<\/p>\n
9. Premier x Nike SB Dunk Low<\/strong><\/p>\nBeing from Michigan, it was tight to see friends from back home sharing these shoes on Facebook that aren’t really even in to sneakers. Props to the good folks at Premier for putting out a shoe that was true to Michigan and embraced nationwide.<\/p>\n
8. Nike Air Force 1 Mid White\/White<\/strong><\/p>\nWise men like my father and Bobbito Garcia would argue that life is about balance. With the current state of crazy colorways or stealthed-out silos, all-white sneakers really are seldom seen. For that reason, I probably get a kick out of wearing these more than any other shoe on this list. I originally purchased these with the intent of getting them air brushed but am yet to make any progress on that move.<\/p>\n
7. Big Sean x adidas Pro Model “Detroit Player”<\/strong><\/p>\nBig Sean is the man. To see another 24-year-old from the state of Michigan living his dreams and getting his own shoe is pretty inspiring. I’m excited to see what other colorways they come up with (crossing my fingers for a pink gator skin pair) and if they work with him on any other silos (Superstar, EQT Elevation?). Can’t top releasing these the day of his homecoming concert either.<\/p>\n
6. The Cobra Snake x colette x Vans Era “Burger”<\/strong><\/p>\nI got a lot of Vans this year, but unfortunately I don’t have these Cheesburgers. Between some tight OTW drops and our own collab, the Era has become one of my favorite silos and a staple for summer in Austin. If I ever do come up on a pair of these I’ll probably rock them with a white polo and some chino shorts, something real reserved to mix it up.<\/p>\n
5. Nike Zoom Elite+<\/strong><\/p>\nI’d rather hoop than run, but when I do run, I run in these. Zoom Air transitions remarkably well from the blacktop to the trail and bodes well for my build and pace. This design is certainly slept on and takes well to color, too. All the more reason for a Spiridon re-retro or for Nike to just keep coming up with awesome new Zoom runners.<\/p>\n
4. Nike Zoom Kobe VII “Galaxy”<\/strong><\/p>\nTopping the “Galaxy” collection is gonna be next to impossible, but these are really the only ones I regret passing on. The space-inspired upper on these really look more like tie-dye to me, which I like, and the low top cut takes well to short season which lasts about ten months in Austin. Brittany and Jeffrey picked these up so I still see them which is nice. Thanks to my man Evan up in NYC, I swapped a Pendelton jacket for the inline “Away” colorway which still makes runs in my regular hoops rotation. The “Gem Green” Foamposites almost took this slot, but they didn’t.<\/p>\n
3. adidas D Rose 3<\/strong><\/p>\nAs alluded to in the previous pick, playing basketball is my favorite thing to do. The D Rose 3 is the best new basketball shoe I played in this year and in my opinion the best performer from the line. Because of this shoe I got to take a trip to Chicago, do a video my mom liked, and experience Ginos East. Excited to see Derrick come back and lace these up.<\/p>\n
2. Nike Air Force 1 Mid “Jewel Swoosh” NYC Edition<\/strong><\/p>\nFor some reason, retro fashion has hit a wall at about 1997. I’m not suggesting that everyone start wearing shiny suits, but I do think that trends from the mid 90s have become tired and its time to keep it movin’. This collection gave me that jiggy feeling that I was missing and provides some nice variety to the scene.<\/p>\n
1. Nike TW ’13<\/strong><\/p>\nReally the only shoe that came out this year that I ‘had’ to get. Thanks to Chris from Nike Golf I was lucky enough to score a pair that I now wear on the regular. The man that introduced me to golf, my dad, now has a pair and so does the guy who got me into sneakers in the first place, my big cousin Ty. Couldn’t ask for better company. \n<\/p>\n
TeeJay Void<\/h3>\n 10.Snkrs Day x Vans Sk8-Hi “The Duel”<\/strong><\/p>\nThese came out very well. The denim and leather combination looks great on foot. I’ve seen them worn with shorts, pants, and denim, and they looked equally as nice.<\/p>\n
9. Nike Air Penny V “Red Eagle”<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Penny V is already a dope shoe, but the “Red Eagle” colorway was a must have for me.<\/p>\n
8. West NYC x New Balance MT580 “Alpine Guide Edition”<\/strong><\/p>\nThe color scheme on these is crazy! The shoe was very well made.<\/p>\n
7. Air Jordan 4 “Cavs”<\/strong><\/p>\nIt’s still hard for me to believe these didn’t fly off of shelves. They turn heads every time I wear them. I’m a huge fan of the 4s, and this is one of my favorite colorways.<\/p>\n
6. Nike Air Foamposite One “Metallic Red”<\/strong><\/p>\nThe little extra they put on the red made this shoe top 10 for me. The foamposite craze has deaded the shoe a bit for me, but the Metallic Red is, and always will be, dope.<\/p>\n
5. UNDFTD x colette x La MJC x New Balance 1500<\/strong><\/p>\nThe colors and materials make this shoe amazing. The leopard print added to the lining took this shoe from good to great. The speckled midsole and gum outsole took it over the top for me.<\/p>\n
4. Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian”<\/strong><\/p>\nI’ve always loved these shoes. I didn’t get them when I was a young’n, but was able to cop this time. One of my all-time favorites.<\/p>\n
3. Nike LeBron 9 P.S. Elite “South Beach”<\/strong><\/p>\nThis shoe is undeniable. I like that the “South Beach” colors didn’t overwhelm the shoe.<\/p>\n
2. Sneaker Freaker x Saucony Grid 9000<\/strong><\/p>\nSuede and mesh were the perfect materials for the mint green\/tan color palette. The shoe replacing the conventional laces was executed well, too. The contrasting sole gave it the perfect finishing touch. Overall, this shoe was one of my favorites of the year, and I’m still on the hunt for them.<\/p>\n
1. Air Jordan 11 “Playoffs”<\/strong><\/p>\nDoes anything really need to be said about these. One of the best shoes ever. \n<\/p>\n\n
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Brittany Shelton<\/h3>\n 10. Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian”<\/strong><\/p>\nFor my personal top ten sneakers of 2012, I have decided to only pick shoes that I actually bought (or won) that released this past year, and I have to kick things off with the “Obsidian” 12s. These are the only 12s I need, and one of the most underrated retro Jordans of the year.<\/p>\n
9. Cole Haan LunarGrand “Scree”<\/strong><\/p>\nI wore a pair of these LunarGrands when I walked across the stage to get my Master’s from UT earlier this year, so in terms of significance and just pure comfort and style, these definitely crack my top ten.<\/p>\n
8. Nike Lunar TR1 “Oregon Ducks” White<\/strong><\/p>\nI have more Ducks gear than I know what to do with, but the white “Oregon” TR1s stand out in my collection. The comfort of the Lunar TR1 is unmatched in training shoes right now, and the color-morphing green lunar bottom is a fitting tribute to the Ducks’ ever-changing uniform style.<\/p>\n
7. Nike Air Safari<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Air Safari has been around as long as I have. It is one of my favorite shoes of all time, so I had to have a pair when they released again earlier this year.<\/p>\n
6. Air Jordan 4 “Cement”<\/strong><\/p>\nI am not a Jumpman fanatic by any means, but there are just some Jordans I will always have to have in my rotation. The “Cement” 4s are one of those shoes.<\/p>\n
5. Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski “Wino”<\/strong><\/p>\nJanoskis might just be the most consistent signature on the market right now, and the “Wino” release took them to another level. Definitely one of my favorite releases of the year and a great addition to my hoard of Janos.<\/p>\n
4. Nike Roshe Run<\/strong><\/p>\nI bought numerous pairs of Roshe Runs this year, and even re-upped after wearing my first black\/white pair into the ground. The best shoe to wear to music festivals, concerts, sporting events, running errands, going to work…you get the idea.<\/p>\n
3. Nike Air Foamposite One “ParaNorman”<\/strong><\/p>\nNike and Laika affirmed my suspicions that I am (and always was) weird by awarding me a pair of the “ParaNorman” Foams this year. I’m a huge stop-motion animation fan and loved the film that inspired these, so couldn’t be happier to own such an incredible shoe.<\/p>\n
2. Nike Flyknit Trainer+<\/strong><\/p>\nAs soon as I slipped my foot into the Flyknits earlier this year, I knew it was over. Super light, comfortable and aesthetically engrossing, the Flyknit is going to be a staple in my rotation for years to come.<\/p>\n
1. Nike Zoom KD IV “Year of the Dragon”<\/strong><\/p>\nI bought more pairs of KD IVs than I can probably remember when asked to do so, including two pairs of iDs, but the “Year of the Dragon” colorway that released earlier this year is still the one I wear most often. The KD IVs are definitely my favorite signature in recent memory, and definitely my top shoe of the year. \n<\/p>\n
Peter Sim<\/h3>\n 10. Nike Zoom KD IV “Galaxy”<\/strong><\/p>\nFirst of all, big ups to Leo Chang and KD for creating such an excellent shoe. The All-Star KD IVs really took the shoe to another level with the custom tongue label and the OD 3M reflective material. I’m a sucker for 3M and this shoe immediately sold me with the strap and the laces. And it retailed at $95??!? Just take my money.<\/p>\n
9. Concepts x Nike SB “When Pigs Fly”<\/strong><\/p>\nI think Concepts did a great job with these. We probably won’t find this shoe on too many Top 10 lists, but I think it needs more time to marinate. The pink suede is a color we’ve never seen on a Dunk SB and the royal blue is a great complement.<\/p>\n
8. Air Jordan 4 Black\/Red<\/strong><\/p>\nClassic. What more can I saaaaay?<\/p>\n
7. Nike Air Yeezy 2<\/strong><\/p>\nAside from the hype, this shoe pushed the envelope in form and function. HUGE upgrade from the first Air Yeezy with the slimmer and lower profile as well as the lux materials. The details are endless, but the ballistic mesh and the scales really set this shoe off. Also resting on an Air Tech Challenge II outsole? Great execution.<\/p>\n
6. Cole Haan x fragment design Lunargrand<\/strong><\/p>\nI know this isn’t a “sneaker” per se, but I really love this shoe. One of my go-tos this year. Timeless black pebble grain upper on a white Lunar sole. You really can’t go wrong.<\/p>\n
5. New Balance x nonnative CM997 “Dune”<\/strong><\/p>\nThis shoe is one of the greatest beige and tan shoes of all-time. The shoe uses a 997 upper and the 998 outsole which really meshes well together. The subtle use of beige, tan, cream is really well done, and the blue accent is a nice addition. Definitely one of my favorites from 2012.<\/p>\n
4. Nike Inneva Woven<\/strong><\/p>\nThis shoe is ridiculous and I am really mad I slept on them. The fact that the upper is handwoven is insane.<\/p>\n
3. Stussy NYC x Converse Pro Leather “Patchwork”<\/strong><\/p>\nBig shout to Mr. Vergara at Stussy NYC for goin’ in on this one. The silhouette is simple, but the upper is incredibly intricate. Throw on some premium materials, and you’ve got a perfect shoe.<\/p>\n
2. Supreme x Nike Air Force 1 “Camo”<\/strong><\/p>\nPerfection. You’ve got a NYCO camo upper on a white midsole and gum bottom. Timeless styling on a timeless shoe. That’s why I’ll take these over the Vac Tech joints all day.<\/p>\n
1. Nike Flyknit Trainer “Volt”<\/strong><\/p>\nDon’t get me wrong, I love the HTMs, but I wasn’t even able to lay a finger on them because they were impossible to cop. The Volt Flyknit Trainer was a really good consolation. The upper is simply incredible and innovative (despite the recent legal battles…). Nike always pushes the envelope every year in terms of technology, and the Flyknit was certainly a huge step forward. Can’t wait to see where Nike goes from here. \n<\/p>\n
Brett Pickert<\/h3>\n 10. adidas adiZero Primeknit “NYC Marathon”<\/strong><\/p>\nOne of the greatest sneakers of the year in my opinion.<\/p>\n
9. Nike Shox BB4 “Olympic”<\/strong><\/p>\nI got really excited to see one of my favorite sneakers receive the retro treatment this past summer.<\/p>\n
8. Kenzo x Vans<\/strong><\/p>\nThis was one of the sickest collaborations of the year, hands down.<\/p>\n
7. adidas Jeremy Scott Wings 2.0 “Stars and Stripes<\/strong><\/p>\nAmurrica!<\/p>\n
6. Nike Flyposite “Megatron”<\/strong><\/p>\nOne of the most slept-on sneakers of the year in my opinion.<\/p>\n
5. Air Jordan 10 “Chicago”<\/strong><\/p>\nMy favorite Jordan silhouette of all-time, I just wished they came out with more of the “City Pack”.<\/p>\n
4. West NYC x New Balance MT580 “Alpine Guide Edition”<\/strong><\/p>\nAnything resembling the Charlotte Hornets’ color scheme will always be up there in my book.<\/p>\n
3. Vans OTW Cobern 2 “Trout”<\/strong><\/p>\nI went to school in South Carolina, of course I love fishing.<\/p>\n
2. Ronnie Fieg x ASICS Gel Lyte III “Selvedge Denim”<\/strong><\/p>\nNo words can describe the quality on these sneakers.<\/p>\n
1. Nike Flyknit Black\/White<\/strong><\/p>\nJust ask around the Nice Kick office why this sneaker is my #1.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We?re finally here, the end of the year. You may have been following Complex?s best sneakers of 2012, but here…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":149,"featured_media":258421,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1342,742],"tags":[1209741,1225545],"cultivate_rss":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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