It's that time of the year where we talk about past releases and give our honest opinion on our favorite drop of 2021. To narrow down the products and select top 10 is nearly impossible. However, we've tried our best and compiled a list of what we think to be the best sneakers of 2021. Get the full scoop of our picks below:
10. New Balance 550
Release Date: June 24th
Retail Price: ₹11,000
We are sure you didn’t expect the list to start with New Balance. The brand is still a little underrated in India but it has gained a huge amount of customers due to their iconic releases. The New Balance 550 silhouette was originally debuted in 1989 as a part of their performance footwear program. Undoubtedly, they successfully revamped the concept and design which resulted in huge popularity of NB as a whole.
9. Adidas Yeezy 450
Release Date: March 4th
Retail Price: ₹19,999
We know many of you out there absolutely hate on this pair. However, the fact that it’s blowing up is a reality. The Yeezy 450 are designed by Kanye West and were seen on his feet in multiple occasions. The one-piece white EVA foam sole extends up to the neck of the shoe featuring a soft knit fabric. The 450s are available in white and black and more colorways are expected to release in 2022.
8. Air Jordan 1 High “University Blue”
Release Date: June 3rd
Retail Price: ₹13,995
Since decades, Jordan has been launching their OG silhouette with fresh colours and premium material. It’s safe to say these Jordan 1 highs are very popular in the market. The pair features university blue leather with a black swoosh and black wings logo with University blue branding on the tongue. In our opinion, they definitely tops the list of this year’s best releases.
7. Air Jordan 1 High OG “Patent Bred”
Release Date: December 30th
Retail Price: ₹13,995
If you are a Jordan 1 fan, you already know everything about this sneaker. Based on the iconic “Bred” colorway, the patent breds feature a modified patent leather. The Breds are famous for its controversial past. It was Micheal jordan’s first signature shoe with Nike which returned in 2021 with a different material to shine like never before.
6. Supreme X Nike SB Dunk Low
Release Date: March 4th
Retail Price: ₹8,200
Combining Nike's rich heritage and Supreme New York's coveted skate style, the SB Dunk Low is no doubt difficult to secure. As a part of their SS21 collaboration, the dunks are optioned in “Hyper Blue,” “Mean Green,” “Black,” and “Backroot Brown” colorways. All the pairs feature gold stars printed on the white leather mid-panel.
5. Off-White x Jordan 2 lows
Release Date: November 12th
Retail Price: ₹19,695
The Off-White X Air Jordan 2 Low is a remastered version of the classic Air Jordan 2 silhouette which first debuted in 1986. Inspired by the history and influence of this iconic sneaker, the late off-white designer Virgil Abloh has added his creative insights with his style to the classic Jordan 2 silhouette.
4. Trophy Room x Air Jordan 1 High
Release Date: February 10th
Retail Price: ₹13,995
Limited to just 12,000 pairs in total, this sneaker is a collaboration between Jordan Brand and the Orlando-based store Trophy Room. The design of the sneaker features the colorway of Michael Jordan’s iconic first signature sneaker with a glittery frozen treatment that represents him being ‘Frozen out’ of the 1985 NBA All-star game. Undoubtedly, it was one of the most hyped pairs of 2021 with a few pairs hitting the resale market before its official release.
3. The ‘50’
Release Date: August 9th
Retail Price: ₹13,995
You know the collaboration is going to be fire when Virgil works with Nike. Inspired by the ‘10’ collection, the ‘50’ features alternate colorways of the Nike Dunk. The whole pack of sneakers comes with a white and grey foundation, each sneaker being somewhat identical to the other. The only change between each dunk is the material, color of the Off-white tab, and bungee strap. One of the details which are sure to catch the attention of buyers is the numbering on each sneaker which can be located on the outside midsole. The number 1 and 50 are unlike the others. Both the sneakers feature a shiny silver swoosh, 1/50 being all white with an intentionally aged midsole and 50/50 being all black.
2. Nike Air Jordan 1 low x Travis Scott x Fragment
Release Date: August 13th
Retail Price: ₹13,495
Although a large number of people will disagree with this pair being on the 2nd spot, it is undeniably one of the most iconic releases of 2021. Nike explained it the best, ‘It’s the rare sneaker that satisfies the rule of three – sometimes, having three minds is greater than one.’ As we all know, It’s not the first time Travis and Hiroshi have teamed up with the Jordan brand on a project. In this collaboration, the 3 masterminds have come together to create a timeless piece using the Air Jordan 1 silhouette. The pair features an aged midsole with sail laces and fresh military blue on the heel, insole, and outsole.
1. Jordan 3 A-Ma Maniére
Release Date: April 28th
Retail Price: ₹17,595
We finally have a winner for 2021, Jordan 3 A-Ma Maniere. The Air Jordan 3 was Ma Maniere owner James Whitner first shoe. Not only is it his first retro Air Jordan bearing his shop’s name, but it's also the first Jordan his mother purchased him when he was a kid. This pair of Air Jordan 3s stands out not just for the narrative behind it, but also for Whitner and his team's ability to create a memorable sneaker. They have experimented with the Air Jordan 3 silhouette and added luxurious touches in the style of A Ma Maniere. They have successfully created a sneaker for women which men would be tempted to wear too.
What are your favorite releases from 2021? Let us know!
