The year is just about over!
We can’t believe it either. While there were some great things that happened this year there may have been a few things that flew under the radar, or maybe even a few things that you forgot. We got through Hurricane Sandy, a Presidential election and even a few scandals but one thing that happened throughout all of it, among other things, was the release of footwear.
So many amazing kicks came out this year from just about every footwear company. Collaborations ran rampant and your favorite musicians were either spotted wearing them or making them. Shoes we haven’t seen in years made a reappearance and a few brands made a gave some classics an update.
Take a look at the 12 of the pumped up kicks that we loved during 2012. Tell us if we missed one of your favorites from this year in the comments section below.
12. The Big Sean x adidas Pro Model II Detroit Player
Big Sean released this shoe just this month and it’s his first official collaboration with Adidas. The shell-toe Adidas are already a classic but Sean added his own snakeskin and gold accent twist that made these cool enough to make the list. Did we mention that they were limited to only 380 pairs? Swerve!
11. The Comme des Garcons x Supreme x Vans Pack
Nothing is better than the 3-way collaboration. Supreme’s highly publicized collaboration with Comme des Garcons resulted in the creation of a pair of shoes with Vans that was perfect in every way – especially for lovers of Vans. The contrasting stripes made for a really cool colorway that earned it a spot on the list.
10. The Nike Zoom Kobe 7 “What The Kobe”
All the best Kobe 7s in ONE Kobe 7 – Good job Nike. You can’t go wrong.
9. The Concepts x New Balance 999 – S.E.A.L.
Based on the high-performance boot used commonly by the US Navy SEALs: the OTB Abyss II, the colorway of the Concepts x New Balance 999 – S.E.A.L. made it a standout pair for this year’s top 12 of 2012
8. Nike Air Max 90 Hyperfuse “Infared”
Nike always finds a way to update the classics. The Infared Air Max 90 is a favorite among almost every sneakerhead and this year Nike managed to incorporated their hyperfuse technology into this classic
7. Ewing Athletics 33 Hi
Patrick Ewing hasn’t been on the court for decades but his signature shoe made a return in 2102. How could we NOT put it on this list.
6. Nike Free Inneva Woven NSW NRG
The Nike Free Inneva Woven NSW NRG is made out of a completely woven upper. Name one other sneaker that does that? Additionally the inside is lined toatally in leather and it’s on a Free bottom which not only means that it’s comfortable but that it will move with your foot in just about any way imaginable.
5. The Nike SB x Supreme Dunk Low
Supreme has worked with Nike SB on many occasions. But not since 2002 have the two made a low top dunk. 2012 marked the triumphant return of the Nike SB Dunk Low to Supreme’s legacy of insane collaborations
4. Missoni x Converse Chuck Taylor Hi
Many people might wonder why this one is ranked so high. The main reason is because the Missoni x Converse Chuck Taylor is perfect in just about every way. It’s constructed from Missoni fabric, with leather accents. It is a great shoe that makes a statement without doing too much and it is also a collaborative effort between a high end brand and a low end model. Its a match made in streetwear and high fashion heaven.
3. Ronnie Fieg x PUMA “Cove” Disc Blaze OG
There are not many Puma’s that cause as great as a fanfare as these Disk Blaze OGs by Ronnie Fieg. The suedemakeup of the shoe in the rich “Cove”colorway is unlike anything we have seen on this model. Additonally the Puma logo on the side and parts of the tongue are 3M which means it lights up when a camera flash hit’s it. If these aren’t Instagram or facebook ready, we don’t know what is.
2. Nike Air Foamposite One “Galaxy”
This shoe literally made the news. People camped out for over a week to get their hands on these Foamposites, made to look like a scene from outer space. Will it make you jump into space – probably not but whether you wear them on the court or on the street, you will look good wearing it. They also have a re-sale value of about $1500 which is a pretty hefty profit if you paid the $200 retail price
1. Nike Air Yeezy II
Anyone who was able to get their hands on this shoe is a master at getting exclusive shoes. He or she undoubtedly waited for hours of stalked the internet for the perfect time to get these and since it’s the second collaborative effort between Nike & Kanye West, it was well worth it. The soles glow in the dark and the shoe itself comes with a sleeper bag for safe transport, much like sneakers from high end brands. The side panes are made to replicate alligator skin and although this came in two colorways, this one was undoubtedly the fan favorite
Honorable Mention: The Air Jordan IV “Bred”
The only reason that this didn’t make the actual list was because 2012 had so much amazing new products that we had to recognize them but the re-release of the Air Jordan IV is nothing to sneeze at. It’s one of the most popular Air Jordan models and colorways of all time. The last time it was available for purchase was during 2008 and fans of the shoe would not let it get away from them again. Even though it just got released on Black Friday, it was such a strong competitor that It had to be on the list somehow.
