We know you've been spending more time at home than you'd like and maybe more time surfing the web for sneakers than you'd admit but that's ok, we're not here to judge. In fact, we're going to give you a hand as our staff has curated their top sneakers in 2020 (so far). Criteria for these sneakers are: design, materials, and creativity. Notice that 'popularity' or even 'legacy' isn't mentioned, so don't be surprised if some the "top names" are missing. This is a list of shoes our staff found stood out amongst the rest and should be on anyone's radar looking for new shoes.
Let's get to it:
Yeezy 700 V3 "Avlah"
The Yeezy 700 V3 "Avlah" ticks off a few items on our checklist for "top sneakers". The originality is second to none, as the Yeezy 700 V3 weren't just a much-needed addition to the Yeezy line, but a complete deviation from any other sneaker. If you really need proof of its distinct characteristics, just take a look at the technical specifications: Monofilament engineered mesh with glow-in-the-dark RPU overlays, PU encapsulated EVA midsole, and more. It takes a certain level of design to get "glow in the dark" sneakers right, and Yeezy delivered with these. The original design, excellent comfort, and sheer "cool" factor cement the Yeezy 700 V3 "Avlah" amongst the best sneakers of 2020.
Strangelove SB Dunk
It wouldn't be right to talk about sneakers in 2020 without mentioning SB Dunks (we've gone over why SBs are a crucial part of this year here). Nike's skateboarding division has come roaring back this year, with sweet new designs and authentic collaborations that lay at the heart of Nike SB. Amongst these exceptional collaborations is their work with Strangelove Skateboards out of California. Timed up to release on Valentine's Day, the unique use of velvet and masterful execution of pink with red made these a memorable shoe for years to come.
Travis Scott Dunk
While it may seem like a cop-out to throw out Travis Scott's Nike collaborations when talking about "shoes of the year", hear us out. This is not about the hype. The details and materials on this shoe, like the thick woven laces, bandana overlays, and mismatching swoosh's make the design stand all on its own. If you were lucky enough to cop a pair, we're jealous.
Air Fear Of God 1 " The Answer"
We're suckers for originality. While making your own silhouette with Nike gets you a lot of points in our book, you get even more points for making something as sleek yet striking as the Air Fear of God 1. Jerry Lorenzo upped the "wow" factor by unveiling the first two-tone upper seen on this shoe, a nod to the iconic Reebok "Question" sneakers, both paying homage to Allen Iverson (who earned the moniker "The Answer").
Yeezy 380 Mist Reflective
Like many people, we've enjoyed the run of similar-colored Yeezy 350s, but we're ready for something new. Enter the Yeezy 380. Debuting late 2019, Yeezy treated us to a brand new, high top-esque silhouette updated with increased comfort. The 380 Mist Reflective that dropped this year sees the 380 dressed in brown/grey hues, with a reflective 3M material to deliver a little bit of 'pop' amidst the smooth palette. We love these for the design, materials, and originality.
Women's Air Jordan OG
The term "OG" is never one to take lightly. These shoes do the name justice however, as they are straight out of 1998, brought back by Nike to deliver 2020 style and swagger. With design elements borrowed from the Jordan 13, these have the perfect blend of cush, street, and girl power.
So there you have it. These are sneakers that we believe are worth your consideration in 2020. What do you think, did we miss anything?
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