Okay, okay! A majority of the sneakers listed below don’t exactly break the bank. We’re not talking about Balmain over here (tears for the other half of the size 10 leopard Giuseppes that were apparently lost at Barneys New York in Manhattan last winter). But being a lover of sneakers that are unorthodox or limited edition can cause a frenzy for both your unsatiated thirst and po’ wallet. As the top hypebeast and men’s style sites like Esquire and High Snobiety counted down their top sneakers of 2015, I recall the pairs that made my mouth water for cute kicks.
15. Nike Air Max 90 in Shanghai or Paris
One phrase only for these special edition Air Max sneakers: Dope AF. Look at the fantastic detailing of the woven-like pattern of the Shanghai (in pink) and the quiet texture of Paris (in lavender)!
14. Nike Roshes in Hawaiian Tropical Floral
With a heavy potential for the cheese factor, these Hawaiian print Roshes were cuter than we initially wanted to admit. When matched with a clean pair of jeans and accommodating tops, these Roshes became memorable ones. And you kind of can’t go wrong with Roshes.
13. Air Jordans 1 by Nike Air in Chicago
The first ever Air Jordan(s) turned 30 years old this year. The already classic shoe was celebrated for its enduring style. It possibly remains as the only sneaker that can be worn with a suit and not look whack. And women always look bomb in these.
12. Adidas by Raf Simons Stan Smiths
Yeah, we wanted these. They’re understatedly sick. And these Smiths were released in a variety of colors from rainy day grey to ultraviolet purple.
11. The Air Trainer Cruz by Nike
As the first Air Trainer in connection with a football player, the New York Giants’ Victor Cruz debuted his Nike sneaker on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. An interesting design that has a childhood toy feel and texture on the upper half (doesn’t it remind you of Legos?), the entire sneaker was inspired by Cruz’s late father.
10. Puma by Rihanna Creepers
Hot on arrival! The most coveted celeb “designed” sneaker that wasn’t a Yeezy in 2015, these creepers look great with a dressed down outfit, and even more, awesome with a dressy casual outlook. (Hint: add a blazer).
Watch the review of the Creepers here on LR’s YouTube:
9. Nike Cortez in Asphaltgold (or “Rose Gold”)
A super cute and unexpected sheen for the classic Cortez style. This was one of those hyped about sneakerhead releases that were actually befitting to the women fans of this culture. (I still got my navy blue ones from the late ’90s!)
8. Asics Gel Lyte V Liquid Metal in Gold or Silver
A new look for the underappreciated Asics brand. The bright and shiny Gold and Silver were similar to when Puma released their limited edition Gold sneaker wedge for the NY-based sneaker shop RIME.
7. Saucony 6000 Suede in White, Black and “Whiskey” (Yellow Gold)
We all (once again) forgot about Saucony until this trio came along, making (creamy) neutrals on the feet look effortlessly effortless. The working girl version of the Rihanna creepers.
6. Nike Sky High Dunk in Tie-Dye Colors
The type of item that haunts you because you didn’t buy them when you had the chance. Even when it went on sale. (Insert “The Scream” emoji). These tie-dye dunks were beyond stylish.
5. Puma Sky Iri Suede Women’s Wedge Sneakers
Puma and Nike may be the only brands making wedge sneakers that anybody would still consider wearing. These Iri Suedes came in grey and black shimmered via their complimentary yet subtle color schemes within the material. They also had a cool, crinkly look.
4. NikeLab Air Flight 89, 2015 versions
This taupe-golden-beige (“Vachetta Tan”) is so pretty to look at. It’s a reminder that some sneakers are like small pieces of art. (True!) The Air Flights of 2015 came out in five updated versions of the original 1989 cut.
3. LeBron James x Nike “Cork”
James is a living legend but lawd some of his sneakers wth Nike have been questionable. Yet in 2015, the brand released “Cork” and finally a LeBron sneaker was unforgettable for all the right reasons. The cork or “wood” pattern is dope and the criss-cross of the laces just evoke the intricacy of Japanese designers or concepts like Adidas’ Y3. This year’s Cork was the sequel to the original 2012 release.
2. Nike x Liberty of London Summer 2015 Collection
As a special collab with the brand Liberty of London, these women’s kicks were dark and sexy, giving florals their slightly traditional whimsical appeal, a completely femme fatale makeover.
1. Melody Ehsani x Reebok
It’s a hot commodity collab every time Ehsani and Reebok make the soles drop, their latest were reliably fun and loud. The Freestyle, or 59″11, were re-imagined in red, black and white graffiti scribble and the Pump decorated in black and white polka dot.
