{"id":478356,"date":"2015-12-31T18:56:23","date_gmt":"2015-12-31T23:56:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/?p=478356"},"modified":"2022-09-17T14:51:27","modified_gmt":"2022-09-17T19:51:27","slug":"staff-picks-our-favorite-sneaker-releases-of-2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/staff-picks-our-favorite-sneaker-releases-of-2015\/","title":{"rendered":"Staff Picks \/\/ Our Favorite Sneaker Releases of 2015"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, 2015 comes to a close. While we’ve already shared our compressive, #NK50 list of the top sneaker releases of the year, each member of our staff has their own unique and personal taste. For this yearend edition of Staff Picks<\/strong><\/em>, see which pairs were the personal favorites among the Snkrs Day team.<\/p>\n

Matt Halfhill \/\/ Founder & Publisher<\/h2>\n

10. DJ Clark Kent x New Balance 998 “Global Spin Awards”<\/h2>\n

Such great execution by an incredible OG.<\/p>\n

9. Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard”<\/h2>\n

photo via RCK<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Great story + quality materials = winner in my book.<\/p>\n

8. Converse Chuck Taylor II Black\/White<\/h2>\n

Converse gets it right by updating a classic while still holding true to its roots.<\/p>\n

7. Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Ventilator<\/h2>\n

Sometimes there are things bigger than sneakers and Kendrick addresses this with his inaugural release.<\/p>\n

6. adidas NMD<\/h2>\n

Loving this new model. Innovation is what is making adidas kill this year.<\/p>\n

5. Just Don x Air Jordan 2<\/h2>\n

Head turning classic with quilted leather, premium materials and all-blue execution. Cannot wait for the next!<\/p>\n

4. Takashi Murakami x Vans Slip-On “Happy Flowers”
\n<\/h2>\n

photo by Leon Gunera<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The entire story of this collaboration makes it one of the greatest pairings of all time. To know that Murakami’s staple shoe is the Vans Slip-Ons in off White shows that his love for the brand is real and this collaboration came from a place of mutual respect.<\/p>\n

3. Air Jordan 1 Pinnacle “Vachetta Tan”<\/h2>\n

These shoes are gorgeous right out of the box, but as you wear them they get better with age.<\/p>\n

2. Hypebeast x adidas Ultra Boost<\/h2>\n

Much love to Kevin and crew for celebrating ten years and improving an already incredible shoe.<\/p>\n

1. adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Moonrock”<\/h2>\n

With 360 degrees of comfort thanks to full-length Boost, and a one piece Primeknit upper, these are above the rest.<\/p>\n

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Allison Halfhill \/\/ Chief of Strategy<\/h2>\n

10. Asics Gel Lyte III “Rose Gold”<\/h2>\n

photo via Allike<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

So much to list that I love on this shoe. First, the bone suede and light colored laces are super clean. Continuing on with the subtle detailing is a light grey and bone speckled heel counter and outsole. Lastly, the rose gold hits take this shoe to the next level. Well done, Asics.<\/p>\n

9. Sneakersnstuff x adidas Stan Smith<\/h2>\n

I geek out over collabs that include fun elements and tell a story. From the stars that replace the stripes, the updated tongue tab to the Swedish flag detailing on the heel, the attention to detail makes this collaboration second to none.<\/p>\n

8. Premier x New Balance 998<\/h2>\n

This is one of those models that photos just do not do justice. When you hold the shoes in your hand, the quality of the materials chosen is immediately noted. Beautiful.<\/p>\n

7. Nike Roshe Run Diamondback “White”<\/h2>\n

The coolest thing to me about these Roshes is the contrast between the rounded sole of the shoe with the very angular diamondback texturing on the upper. Releasing an all-white shoe in Fall is also a ballsy move and I love that.<\/p>\n

6. Raf Simons x adidas Stan Smith “Grey”<\/h2>\n

The style of the Stan Smith has made an incredible comeback these past two years and I believe it is due to the fact that it is such an easy to style silhouette. This monochromatic grey with Raf’s signature “R” spin on the three stripes takes the model to the next level.<\/p>\n

5. adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Turtle Dove”<\/h2>\n

I love these shoes. I wish I owned these shoes :'(<\/p>\n

4. Air Jordan 10 “OVO”<\/h2>\n

One eagerly anticipated release that lived up to the hype. This is an example of a collab that is so well done it could have sold out at retail on its own, without the co-sign of one the hottest artists around.<\/p>\n

3. Air Jordan 1 Pinnacle “Vachetta Tan”<\/h2>\n

I love how beautiful these are in their pristine, unworn condition, but I cannot wait to see how the leather patinas over time. Stunning shoe.<\/p>\n

2. adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Pirate Black”<\/h2>\n

Hype aside, the design of this shoe is incredible and the Pirate Blacks are the most versatile colorway of the Yeezys released thus far.<\/p>\n

1. Takashi Murakami x Vans Slip-On “Happy Flowers” Blue<\/h2>\n

A truly historic collaboration of a Pop Art genius and one of America’s most iconic brands.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Darren Griffin \/\/ Staff Writer<\/h2>\n

10. Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Ventilator<\/h2>\n

Kendrick, in my humble opinion, made one of the best hip hop albums of all time this year. And because of that, I hope he wins all the Grammy\u2019s. Literally all of them. It\u2019s only right his Reebok Ventilator cracks my top ten. The materials were incredible – best I\u2019ve ever seen\/felt on any Ventilator. And like anything he does, the shoe had a message, an important one at that. Happy to have a pair of my own.<\/p>\n

9. Packer Shoes x Raekwon x Diadora N.9000 \u201cPurple Tape\u201d<\/h2>\n

photo by O’luyemi N’namdi<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In a culture where collaborations are excessive (to say the least), and ultimately only a small percentage resonate with consumers, the concept behind this release was uniquely thoughtful. From a nostalgic standpoint, it hit on every emotional level possible. I love Only Built for Cuban Linx<\/em>. I love that we live in a time where Diadora can quickly reposition themselves Stateside, given their Italian roots. Growing up in Texas, the \u201cPurple Tape\u201d seemed mythical at times as it was distributed largely on the East Coast. I love that Packer and Diadora thought to do this and executed the idea as well as they did.<\/p>\n

8. Tr\u00e9s Bien x Common Projects Achilles Low<\/h2>\n

photo via Four-Pins<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Collaborations are few and far between when it comes to Common Projects. This one with Tr\u00e9s Bien was perfect. Although I\u2019ve never experienced better quality leather on any other shoe, the move here to canvas was a breath of fresh air. The navy upper over the gum sole was money. Didn\u2019t quite get my hands on a pair, but I appreciate them all the same.<\/p>\n

7. Air Jordan 1 \u201cShattered Backboard\u201d<\/h2>\n

photo via RCK<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Again, I\u2019m big on the stories. That, though not in a singular sense, is what makes sneakers exciting for me. The \u201cBackboards” brought to light a story I\u2019d known about Jordan but had long since forgotten. Then there was the shoe, color blocked to perfection and with some of the best leather Jordan Brand had used in a very long time. Still on the hunt for these\u2026as I am with any good Jordan 1 I\u2019ve yet to secure.<\/p>\n

6. J.Crew x New Balance 998 \u201cHilltop Blues\u201d<\/h2>\n

Image via Quarterly Gent<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Simplicity always reigns. New Balance, when attached to J.Crew, is never at a loss for understated greatness. The blues, the browns, throw in a little tan. Mix that all up with high-grade materials and nostalgic baseball inspiration, and the J.Crew x New Balance legacy continues on without a hitch. Absolutely amazing shoe.<\/p>\n

5. Nike Air Force 1 High Remastered<\/h2>\n

I love Air Force 1\u2019s and I kind of hate them in a way. Actually, I don\u2019t hate them. I grew fatigued of them. But the remastered iterations changed all that. Forces look better than they ever have and yet they\u2019re on sale in every store, both brick and mortar and online. Not sure I understand that one.<\/p>\n

4. Air Jordan 8 \u201cAqua\u201d<\/h2>\n

After a swing and miss back in 2007, I was pretty excited to cop these on Black Friday. They were a favorite of mine back in the day, when most people hated them and I thought my taste was profoundly obscure. Wrong! I love the sparkle on the midsole, and the weathered presence at the heel. \u201cAqua\u201d 8\u2019s are one of those sneakers that look just as good beat as they do fresh out the box. Can\u2019t wait to break these in.<\/p>\n

3. adidas Yeezy Boost 350<\/h2>\n

With all the crazy hype aside, looking at the shoe solely based on function and aesthetics, Kanye nailed it with the Yeezy Boost 350. If I had to guess, the shoe achieved everything he set out to. It\u2019s wearable, sartorially inclined, affordable (relatively), and most of all, it\u2019s a representation of him, that we all love. There is no higher compliment for an artist.<\/p>\n

2. Air Jordan 1 \u201cChicago\u201d<\/h2>\n

photo by Wish ATL<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Everything orbits around this shoe. Everything. This is the picture that inspired everyone else to draw. Its value can never be understated.<\/p>\n

1. adidas Ultra Boost<\/h2>\n

Primeknit construction and Boost cushioning together is basically adidas jogging backwards to the finishline so they could look at the competition behind them. The Ultra Boost is a victory lap; running in excess of the race you\u2019ve already won to wave at fans and entrench yourself in the cheers. It is the equivalent of hitting the bullseye dead on; the perfect shot.<\/p>\n

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Ian Stonebrook \/\/ Associate Editor<\/h2>\n

10. Reebok Shroud<\/h2>\n

photo via End<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

I’ve gotta start with these just to get them out of the way because I’m still mad I didn’t get them. Sure, judging by my wear of late ’90s silos like The Glove or the EQT Elevation, these weren’t gonna get much burn but these were definitely everything to me the first time they came out. The ad in Eastbay with The Reignman ripping the skin off his chest while endorsing these shoes? It sounds weird on paper, but it was dope then and still hits. These are a challenging wear now, but they definitely speak to a time when shoes were more important than the outfit and innovation was more important than nostalgia. Oddly enough, I want them for exactly the opposite reasons. Better find a pair and props to Reebok for bringing back the Flintstone Questions, too.<\/p>\n

9. Nike Air Force 1 High Remastered<\/h2>\n

Biggest regret 2015: Not seeing Future, Drake, A$AP Rocky and Billy Idol when they were all in town for ACL. Second biggest regret 2015: Not wearing the White\/Silver AF1 Highs with my Victor Page jersey to see it. *sigh<\/p>\n

8. Supreme x Air Jordan 5 “Desert Storm”<\/h2>\n

When it comes to not wanting to dress like the cool norm, Supreme, retro Jordans and camo all rank at the top of the list of things I’d rather not wear and certainly not spend money on or lose sleep over. Still, I think the “Desert Camo” 5s are one of the best releases of the year and one of my personal favorites. Nevertheless, I remain too frugal to shell out the honestly underwhelming resale prices, but will definitely flash a thumbs up the next time I see somebody wearing a pair.<\/p>\n

7. Extra Butter x adidas ZX Flux Vanguard Pack<\/h2>\n

I get sent a lot of stuff, and it’s awesome — thank God for it, but the packages I definitely value the most are the unique stuff I can use. In years passed it’s been shoes like the Nike TW 13 that I still golf in and the adidas trail shoes with the berry scented heel which I still hike in. I’ve only worn the leopard Fluxs from this Extra Butter pack maybe once and still haven’t given the Mids a spin, but I use that canvas backpack they came in everyday. What’s even better is that the bag also came with a bunch of trail gear that’s actually useful (honest note: I haven’t used many of those yet). Either way, I think it’s ill that they made a pack that’s actually about getting out there and doing stuff and functional just the same. The guys at Extra Butter walk to the beat of their own drum and I really dig that.<\/p>\n

6. Taka Hayashi x Pendleton x Vans Slip-On<\/h2>\n

I don’t think people are sleeping on Taka because I think that everybody that’s been into shoes for the last five years knows who Taka is. Still, I’m not sure he gets his props. I think that’ll change. As the guys that grew up collecting retro Jordans before they were cool have now moved on to vintage Raf Simons pieces and rarer rarities, I’d like to think Taka will get his due from the steeze crowd just the same. But yeah, the Slip Ons are the clear favorite from the latest launch, would’ve been ill as an Old School too. Great guy and great designer.<\/p>\n

5. Nike LeBron 12 EXT “Wheat”<\/h2>\n

My sister Devon put me on the all-tan head-to-toe look at the top of the year and it hasn’t quite grown tired on me (all-brown next, btw.) The Nike LeBron 12 EXT “Wheat” does an amazing job of packing all the performance tooling of the LeBron line on an adult colorway that’s still fun. While eBay prices versus sales rack status would definitely deem the OG AZG in said scheme a better wear, I argue: is it really? These are dope and look that good in real life. Regret passing but will Diddy Bop if I find a size 11 in outlets.<\/p>\n

4. Pusha T x adidas EQT Running Support 93<\/h2>\n

Got the off-white pair the top of 2015 (thanks RaEsa!) and made a lot of memories in them. As a Pusha T\/Clipse fan, definitely remember riding my bike in snow across campus to buy Hell Hath No Fury<\/em> the day it came out back in college and still wear The Black Card Era t-shirt inspired by the We Got it For Cheap<\/em> mixtape skits we made for our high school IM hoops team. So, getting both of the Push shoes in 2015 was definitely #cool. They got burn all year, too. Trecked through the New York winter in them for many a moment and sported them sockless all summer in the Austin heat. These go super hard on any and all occasions and excited to make memories in the black joints into 2016.<\/p>\n

3. adidas Ultra Boost<\/h2>\n

These are the type of shoe that every time you put them on you feel like a jabroni for not previously having them on. I remember how geeked the adidas team was at the launch event (“Join the revolution!), but they were very right. Great event, even better trip. The Ultra Boost is the rare shoe that elevates all its marquee technology and is actually super good at its intended function (shoutout Darren’s performance review). Hypebeast killed it on their collab, too. While we’re on the Boost tip, the all-white Crazylight Boost 2015 is right there, too. I actually play basketball in these like I’m too cool for school, but in all honestly I cringe\/cry a little bit every time somebody steps on them. Big ups to Maddy, P-Jac and J-Til for those.<\/p>\n

2. Under Armour Curry 2<\/h2>\n

Playing basketball is my favorite thing to do, and in 2015 there’s not a better way to enjoy said sport than pretending you’re Steph Curry while doing it. At 27 years of age, the ‘signature effect’ holds true for this shoe — I’ve found it does for the D Rose 6, too — and wow, what a feeling. When the Curry 2 was first unveiled, it felt like a bit of a dud after the success of the 1 and the crazy season he had in it. Combine a ridiculous winning streak, insane highlights and some two-tone colorways and suddenly the Curry 2 is looking pretty good. Looks aside though, these are awesome to play in a great example of Under Armour winning on the hardwood focusing only on performance and not trying to elevate any technologies for marketing sake. As said before, these are great to play and UA has been putting out awesome hoop shoes for a while now. Thanks to Sarah at Foot Locker for helping me fulfill my hoop dreams.<\/p>\n

1. Air Jordan 4 “Oreo”<\/h2>\n

I wear these every day, every occasion. Going to the coffee shop to type posts, going to church on Sunday morning, raging at Barbarella on Saturday night, it really doesn’t matter, I wear the “Oreo” 4s and they look good with every outfit. Also, these are my first pair of retro Jordans in about four years, thank you very much to Damian, Patrick and the good people at VILLA for these. I’ve long loved the 4 and these hold up way better than the ’04 and ’06 releases and in the scheme of things they’ve probably got more burn already. All in all, the retro remaster initiative was definitely a good thing and the White\/Cement 4s (next to maybe the Lavender Yeezys) are the only must-buys for me in 2016.<\/p>\n

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Pierce Simpson \/\/ Staff Writer & Video Personality<\/h2>\n

10. Dover Street Market x Air Jordan 1<\/h2>\n

photo by Ravi Sidhu<\/a> for Hypebeast<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Navy Blue is my favorite color.<\/p>\n

9. Nike LeBron 13 \u201cHorror Flick\u201d<\/h2>\n

Brilliant execution of the color scheme. The speckled midsole really accentuates the theme of this model. Crazy Dope.<\/p>\n

8. adidas Yeezy 750 Boost<\/h2>\n

I hated them at first. Hated them. Now, they\u2019re fly as hell to me. The power of dope outfit pics weighs heavy on ya\u2019 boy.<\/p>\n

7. Just Don x Air Jordan 2<\/h2>\n

Don C just gets \u201cit.” Point, Blank, Period.<\/p>\n

6. Air Jordan 8 \u201cAqua\u201d<\/h2>\n

This is for my man DaQuan Wilson. Thank you for showing me the wave back in 2007\/2008 and how fly the Aquas could be. May you continue to rest easy bro and hopefully in another time and place we\u2019ll share lockers again as we did back as Freshman. Miss you, bro.<\/p>\n

5. The Shoe Surgeon x John Geiger \u201cMisplaced Checks\u201d<\/h2>\n

Initially this project had me perplexed but seeing the execution and the subsequent model itself, this ideation was a homerun. Props to Geiger and Company. (P.S. I need a pair. #BlessUp)<\/p>\n

4. Nike Air Trainer Cruz \u201cHaystack”<\/h2>\n

photo by Liz Barclay for Complex<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As a Dallas Cowboys fan it is probably a sin for me to root for anything other than my hometown team, let alone an instrumental figure of a division foe. However, the Nike Air Trainer Cruz \u201cHaystack\u201d had ya\u2019 boy traveling throughout the metroplex for a pair. So tough.<\/p>\n

3. adidas Ultra Boost \u201cWhite\u201d<\/h2>\n

Innovative. Comfortable. Aesthetically-Appealing. adidas has had a banner year thus far.<\/p>\n

2. Public School x Air Jordan 12<\/h2>\n

At times collaboration can be a crapshoot. Merging two brands can have its own difficulties but those \u201croad blocks\u201d were merely disregarded with this collab between PSNY and Air Jordan. With the tonal aesthetic and the suede upper, this may be my personal favorite collaboration of the past half decade.<\/p>\n

1. Air Jordan 1 \u201cShattered Backboard\u201d<\/h2>\n

photo via RCK<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

To me, the Air Jordan 1 \u201cShattered Backboard\u201d was one of the strongest silhouettes of the year. With it\u2019s tumbled leather upper and vibrant color scheme this model is surely an instant classic and undoubtley will become heavily sought after as the years pass by.<\/p>\n

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Sid Ashford \/\/ Video & Visuals<\/h2>\n

10. Raf Simons x adidas Stan Smith<\/h2>\n

photo via Bodega<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Didn’t cop<\/p>\n

DJ Khaled would say: “I call these, forgot to buy dress shoes and I still wanted to wear sneakers.”<\/p>\n

9. We The Best x iSlide<\/h2>\n

via We The Best<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Didn’t cop… yet<\/p>\n

DJ Khaled would say: “I call these, on the pathway to more success.”<\/p>\n

8. Nike Air Mowabb<\/h2>\n

Didn’t cop<\/p>\n

DJ Khaled would say: “I call these, rewind to the 90s.”<\/p>\n

7. Rihanna x PUMA Suede Creeper<\/h2>\n

photo by Inside the Sneakerbox<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Copped<\/p>\n

DJ Khaled would say: “I call these, too high on success.”<\/p>\n

6. Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard”<\/h2>\n

photo via RCK<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Didn’t cop<\/p>\n

DJ Khaled would say: “I call these, halloween Oreos.”<\/p>\n

5. Nike Air Presto Black\/White<\/h2>\n

photo via Highsnobiety<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Copped<\/p>\n

DJ Khaled would say: “I call these, the everyday-ers. I need something from the grocery store.”<\/p>\n

4. Just Don x Air Jordan 2<\/h2>\n

Copped<\/p>\n

DJ Khaled would say: “I call these, Smurf leather.”<\/p>\n

3. adidas Yeezy Boost 750<\/h2>\n

Copped<\/p>\n

DJ Khaled would say: “I call these, the Grammy vibes.”<\/p>\n

2. adidas Ultra Boost<\/h2>\n

Copped<\/p>\n

DJ Khaled would say: “I call these, comfort made for a king.”<\/p>\n

1. adidas Yeezy Boost 350<\/h2>\n

Copped<\/p>\n

DJ Khaled would say: “I call these, don’t ever play yourself – this is the best shoe of the year.”<\/p>\n

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Randy Nakajima \/\/ Photographer<\/h2>\n

10. adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Moonrock”<\/h2>\n

*Kanye shrug*<\/p>\n

9. Nike SB Zoom All Court “Cory Kennedy”<\/h2>\n

Finally, a Nike SB shoe other than the Janoski with a good vulcanized sole and solid skateability. Hence the name, this All Court tennis shoe turned skate shoe is my personal favorite out of all the rubber toe cap shoes to some out this year. Shouts out to Scuba for my pair!<\/p>\n

8. Nike Kyrie 1 “Black History Month”<\/h2>\n

Kyrie is one of the most technical players in the NBA today and easily in my top 5 favorite players. That being said it’s no surprise that his first signature shoe, especially in this colorway, is my go to basketball shoe.<\/p>\n

7. Mark Gonzales x adidas Superstar 80s<\/h2>\n

image via afew<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Mark Gonzales has always been someone I looked up to artistically and adidas incorporated him in this collab perfectly. Very minimal, but detailed Gonz flavor on this all-white shoe that came with a pack of markers to make it your own, just as Gonz does.<\/p>\n

6. BBC x adidas Stan Smith<\/h2>\n

Growing up as a skate rat, these hold a special place in my shoe closet. Pharrell coming from skateboarding culture really brought me into the shoe collecting game so these were very sentimental to me.<\/p>\n

5. Supreme x Air Jordan 5 “Desert Camo”<\/h2>\n

When photos first surfaced of these. I honestly wasn’t 100% sure about them, but once I was (by the grace of God) able to get my pair, the color and quality surpassed my expectations and have made it into my weekly rotation.<\/p>\n

4. Stussy x Nike Air Max 95<\/h2>\n

photo via Sneaker Room<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In typical Shawn Stussy fashion, this collab came out flawlessly simple and clean. With just the right colors on my personal favorite from the Air Max series, these are a must have (even though I have yet to get my pair…)<\/p>\n

3. WTAPS x Vans Sydicate Authentic Re-Issue “Yellow Wings”<\/h2>\n

When word came around that Vans Syndicate was going to go on a hiatus of sorts, I had to grab three pairs of these guys. Having already snagged a few WTAPS collabs Vans had done prior, these were absolutely no exception.<\/p>\n

2. Patta x Vans Old Skool<\/h2>\n

photo via Hypebeast<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

A Japan only release that I of course could not get my hands on, but a shoe that I will always be on the lookout for. A very clean and nicely branded collab with one of my favorite Dutch streetwear brands.<\/p>\n

1. adidas Ultra Boost<\/h2>\n

Particularly in all-white, this shoe is literally the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever put on. I’ve had the Flyknits, NBs, even some Asics and Saucony but these trump them all. To top it off, they look pretty great with a good pair of jeans. *insert Kanye approval face*<\/p>\n

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Zaul Zamora \/\/ Stylist<\/h2>\n

10. adidas Y-3 Qasa Low II<\/h2>\n

I was always a fan of the Qasa but always felt the laces threw it off, until these came out and into my rotation.<\/p>\n

9. Nike ACG Air Mowabb<\/h2>\n

I had these in Junior High and played tennis in them, so when I saw these were coming back in the OG colorway I was so hyped! A true ACG classic almost true to the originals.<\/p>\n

8. Nike Sock Dart “Independence Day” White<\/h2>\n

These are the definition of clean! Nike got it right with this instant classic, I loved the Presto and these are a nice updated version to me. It wasn’t overdone this year and has a lot of iD potential.<\/p>\n

7. Hypebeast x adidas Ultra Boost<\/h2>\n

Uncaged or caged, any Ultra Boost is going to be an amazingly comfortable shoe. Once you tie in the Hypebeast anniversary and a new version of the shoe, the clean black look is perfect.<\/p>\n

6. NikeLab Carnivore Huarache “White”<\/h2>\n

A sportswear classic updated with new technology. A premium leather upper with cutout panels, a removable bootie and the added Nike Free sole construction make for the ultimate comfort.<\/p>\n

5. Premier x New Balance 998<\/h2>\n

New Balance is great at telling a story and materials are never short on quality. Simple color blocking make these a must have for any outfit.<\/p>\n

4. Palace x adidas Pro Boost “Black”<\/h2>\n

photo via Hypebeast<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The king of product descriptions, Palace Skateboards, teamed up with adidas Skate to create the best soccer inspired shoe this year. Adding Boost technology to a classic futbol boot is a great way to fuse old and new.<\/p>\n

3. WTAPS x Vans Syndicate Authentic<\/h2>\n

When WTAPS teams up with Vans, you know you’re gonna get something good. Rumors have been that this is the last Syndicate shoe to drop but I think Vans has something up their sleeve for next year.<\/p>\n

2. ACRONYM x Nike Lunar Force 1 Zip “White”<\/h2>\n

I know a lot of AF1 fans were on the fence with the zipper addition to a classic silhouette, but I really like how these came out and they look even better on foot.<\/p>\n

1. adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Moonrock”<\/h2>\n

You already know! Plus it was the only ones to date I’ve been able to get.<\/p>\n

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Nick DePaula \/\/ Creative Director<\/h2>\n

10. Nike Zoom Penny VI “Memphis”<\/h2>\n

These carried over the “Penny Pack” 1 colorway<\/a> that I did in 2011, closing out an amazing chapter of NSW Penny products that I chipped in on over the years with Marc Dolce<\/a>.<\/p>\n

9. Gucci Slide aka Flip Flops “Black”<\/h2>\n

photo via Saks<\/p>\n

Obviously<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8. Under Armour Curry One “MVP”<\/h2>\n

Before joining the Nice Kick<\/a>s team, I worked a bit on the Curry One launch as a consultant with a great team of people at UA, and pushed hard to introduce the name “Charged Cushioning” as the shoe’s tech platform. To that point, UA Basketball had incorporated “Micro G” foam in all of their shoes. Steph went on to have one of the all-time great seasons in his first signature model, and it couldn’t have happened for a better dude. Just a surreal run.<\/p>\n

7. adidas Ultra Boost Black\/Purple-White<\/h2>\n

Amazing comfort. Gamechanger for adidas Running. In terms of actual new shoes that released in 2015, these are right at the very top.<\/p>\n

6. Lanvin Cap Toe Low Black\/White<\/h2>\n

photo via Soletopia<\/a><\/p>\n

Cap Toes will be on my Top 10 list every year they release in — forever. Just an incredibly constructed sneaker with a timeless toe cap that’s practically crease and scuff proof.<\/p>\n

5. adidas Stan Smith Primeknit Purple\/White<\/h2>\n

I love purple. I love comfort. These Primeknit Stans were an easy pick, and a summer favorite.<\/p>\n

4. Air Jordan 1 Low Black\/Royal<\/h2>\n

I didn’t get my first pair of Jordans until 2001 when the Royal 1s dropped. I just might like these Lows more, and had to pick them up when they dropped late this year.<\/p>\n

3. Nike Zoom Flight 95 Retro Black\/Carbon-White<\/h2>\n

Any year the Zoom Flight 95 re-releases is a great year — since it’s the greatest shoe of all time.<\/p>\n

2. adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Turtle Dove”<\/h2>\n

I also wore the Turtle Dove 350s a ton. Awesome comfort, and awesome partnership. It was pretty cool to see all the ways in which Kanye and adidas teamed up this year for a polarizing batch of launches that were all but impossible to actually get your hands on. More than anything, I think the 350 is a great shoe that was timely for the year.<\/p>\n

1. adidas Y-3 Qasa II Low Black\/White<\/h2>\n

2015 was a great year for the adidas brand, and if you’ve been following the Y-3 sub-brand through its decade-plus long run, we once again saw even more great models release from the Yohji Yamamoto led design group.<\/p>\n

The Qasa II Low, a slip-on adaptation of the hugely popular neoprene and elastic-based Qasa High, set a new bar for pure comfort, wearability and versatility. I got my pair in late February of this year, and have worn them for around three days per week ever since. My pair looks like complete hell by now, but they’re still my go-to sneakers when I’m on the run for errands or traveling around. It’s the perfect airport shoe. It’s the perfect wearing shoe.<\/p>\n

The mix of materials and depth of textures are awesome, and it’s a quick and easy silhouette that blends in with any outfit. Aurelien Longo, the model’s designer, absolutely crushed it, and I’m already on the hunt for another pair to wear all of 2016.<\/p>\n

Our EIC George Kiel III is out on daddy duty taking care of his newborn daughter. Make sure you wish him well and thanks for all your support of Snkrs Day in 2015!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Today, 2015 comes to a close. While we’ve already shared our compressive, #NK50 list of the top sneaker releases of…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2415,"featured_media":478445,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[1225587,1225545],"cultivate_rss":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nStaff Picks \/\/ Our Favorite Sneaker Releases of 2015 | Snkrs Day<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Where to buy Staff Picks \/\/ Our Favorite Sneaker Releases of 2015 shoes. 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