2024 has been a good year for the sneaker game. 8 months into the year and spoiled us with fresh silhouettes, impressive collaborations and some iconic marketing campaigns to accompany their respective releases. Here’s a selection of some of our favorite drops of the year thus far!
1. New Balance 1906L
Debuting at the start of the year during Junya Wantanabe’s Fall/Winter ‘24 showcase at Paris Fashion week, this sneaker-loafer hybrid from New Balance sent sneaker and fashion enthusiasts into a frenzy. We’re big fans of how New Balance have re-emerged as tastemakers in regards to what people want their sneaker’s to look and feel like in 2024. Contrary to what some might say, the New Balance 1906L is just a good shoe; it’s comfortable and versatile, and in 2024 that is what matters most for a good sneaker.
2. Studio Nicholson x Asics 360 VIII
2024 has also been the year for good collaborations and the Studio Nicholson x Asics 360 VIII scores highly in that regard. The only criticism we could attribute to this sneaker is that it is notoriously difficult to find for most members of the general public, with only 100 pairs released worldwide. Drawing inspiration from Tokyo’s architecture and “street-style”. The ultra sleek, black sneakers were hand finished in London and also feature Italian leather detailing, a strong nod to Studio Nicholson’s principles.
3. Nina Chabel Abney x Air Jordan 3
We love a good Air Jordan collab, and the Nina Chabei Abney x Air Jordan 3 ranks highly on our all time favorites list. Initially teased in January by the Chicago artist, the sneaker turned out to be every bit as breathtaking as Abney’s art, adding a vibrant twist to the classic Air Jordan 3 silhouette.
4. Hidden NY x Asics Gel-NYC
A very special release, incorporating one of Instagram's most beloved aesthetic page’s and Asics's most iconic sneaker. The Hidden NY x Asics Gel-NYC has changed Asics's famous stripes to a pixelated and low-resolution design, with Hidden describing the release as “a shoe for designers everywhere”.
5. Miu Miu x New Balance SL
The second New Balance feature on this least, echoing our previous sentiment of the Boston athletic brand’s influence on what sneaker culture is in 2024. This collaboration borrows from the minimalist splendor of Miu Miu’s viral ballet flats and is, in our opinion, a classy twist on New Balance’s legendary line of dad shoe’s.