Category: Nike
Complex Sneaker’s Best of 2012 : Top 10 Sneakers of 2012
Complex Sneaker’s list of the Top 10 Sneakers of 2012:
“To determine the Top 10 Sneakers of 2012, we gathered a panel of experts for a round table battle discussion. The panel includes legendary DJ and sneaker expert, DJ Clark Kent, founder of Influence Mktg, Jay Corbin, founder and front man of Nice Kicks, Matt Halfhill, Ronnie Fieg of Kith, Jesse Villanueva of ALIFE, Frank the Butcher of Butcher’s Block TV. Representing Complex in the discussions were Sneaker Editor Russ Bengtson and Director of Content Strategy Joe La Puma.”
10. Reebok Question
The sneaker that helped bring ‘Reebok Back,’ landed at #10 on this year’s list. Not only is this a classic sneaker, it was also accompanied by a number of Allen Iverson appearances, to help bring back the memories of one of the game’s most explosive scorers and his very first signature sneaker.
9. Nike KD IV “Galaxy”
These are the fourth incarnation of the Kevin Durant signature sneaker line from Nike Basketball. The Nike KD IV took the Durant signature line to astronomical heights, quite literally with the Galaxy colorway that released for the All Star Game in Orlando. Now a bonafide superstar, Kevin Durant’s signature sneakers are following in the path of KD in becoming legendary.
8. Nonnative x New Balance 997
These combine the upper from the 997 with the outsole and midsole combination of the 998.
7. Nike Air Foamposite One “Galaxy”
Nike Sportswear took things to a new level by applying galaxy inspired graphics for the All Star Game in Orlando. Whether you bought the hype or not, the Galaxy Foams were groundbreaking in terms of Nike’s ability to create limitless colorways.
6. Nike Air Yeezy II
5. Air Jordan XI “Black/Red”
The heritage of this sneaker, specifically, Michael Jordan’s performance in the NBA Playoffs in 1996, make it one of the most special sneakers of all time.
4. Supreme x Nike Air Fore I “Camo”
It doesn’t get much more classic than the Air Force 1 and when Nike gave Supreme the chance to rework the timeless basketball sneaker. The fact that they combined camo print and a gum outsole made it arguably one of the best Air Force 1s to date.
3. Nike LeBron X
LeBron James’ signature sneakers have become more and more relevant to sneakerheads every year. After winning his first NBA Championship, his latest Nike Basketball shoe, the Nike LeBron X, has been getting rave reviews in just the short couple of months it’s been on the market.
2. Air Jordan IV “Black/Red”
Few sneakers can stir up memories the way the Air Jordan IV can. The return of the Black and Red colorway of the Air Jordan IV this year was the first time ‘heads had a chance to re-up (without buying a two-sneaker pack) since 1999. But whether you remember MJ hitting “The Shot” over Craig Ehlo, or just know the story, these pull weight.
1. Nike Lunar Flyknit HTM NRG
The HTM abbrevation stands for quality on its own but when it’s combined with a technoligical advancement like Nike’s Flyknit, it takes things to another level. The Nike Lunar Flyknit HTM NRG is a future classic we hope to see retro years from now.
* Repost via http://www.complex.com/tag/top-10-sneakers-of-2012
The Nike Air Hyperdunk
Nike travel back to 2008 and revisit one of their lightest and strongest basketball sneakers cooked up in the Innovation Kitchen – The Nike Air Hyperdunk. Introducing Flywire technology and Lunarlite foam, the design team at Nike were able to radically reduce weight and provide an ultra responsive cushioning system on the court. At only 13.0 ounces, the Hyperdunk was 18 percent lighter than the average basketball shoe and the perfect sneaker for Team USA to redeem gold at the Beijing Olympics. Check out rare development sketches below and see more at Nike Inc.
via sneakerfreaker.com
Nike Air Footscape Woven Chukka Motion “Wool”
The Nike Air Footscape Woven Chukka continues to push forward in terms of design with a new “Wool” offering. Building on the constant rainbow theme, the model displays a woven purple rainbow across the port and starboard. A grey wool construction is used across the majority of the upper, taking special note to highlight the asymmetrical lacing system. Comfort is assured through the use of Nike Air in the outsole and the design is finished with a soft tan outsole. Look for the Nike Air Footscape Woven Chukka Motion “Wool” to release this Fall.
via nicekicks.com
Nike Air Force 1 30th Anniversary Pearl Collection: Gold Speckle
With the summer coming to a close, Nike Sportswear proudly pays homage to a limited edition Nike Air Force 1, the latest release in the Nike AF1 XXX Pearl Collection.
Launching in limited quantities globally this month, the shoe symbolically juxtaposes the present and past with two different gold finishes. The present is honored with freshly minted new gold coloring on the lateral side and the past comes to life with vintage gold patina on the medial side.
Gold speckled laces and pattern on the AF1’s upper combined with premium construction details bring to life the performance-meets-style versatility of this iconic silhouette.
Crafted details of the AF1 include rolled leather edges, debossed perforated pattern on the toe box, and leather wrapped speckled midsole.
The shoe launches globally in limited quantities on August 31.
via highsnobiety.com
Nike Lunar Blazed
We’re pretty excited about this one – the iconic Nike Blazer high top sneaker has been given a makeover, fused to a Lunarlon outer sole. Named the Nike Lunar Blazed, the sneakers feature a suede upper with woven details on the heel and tongue, and a reinforced heel support. It’s a fresh take on this classic sneaker, and we look forward to its release in Spring 2013. So far it looks like it will be available in the colourways seen above. (Photography: Highsnobiety)
Nike Air Apprentice Premium NSW NRG Pack Fall 2012
If you are looking for a rather simple, clean, yet premium high top sneaker, then you might want to check out the new Nike Air Apprentice Premium NSW NRG. The high top sneaker comes in light grey and in black for Fall 2012, featuring a mixed leather, perforated leather and suede upper. A nice clean white outer sole and contrasting lining, underline the premium nature of the two sneakers.
Both colorways of the Nike Air Apprentice Premium NSW NRG are now available fromConcepts.
via highsnobiety.com
Nike Air Force 1 ‘USA’ 30th Anniversary
As Nike continues to celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of their most iconic basketball sneakers, the Air Force 1, they present another limited edition release for August 2012. Celebrating 30 years as an icon of the basketball court, the ultimate symbol of sport and style is modernized with all over reflective materials that nearly glow when caught by light. And when taken off, the wearer will be treated to one-of-a-kind patriotic poetry inscribed on the foot bed. The sneaker comes in a navy colorway, in a mix of reflective materials and suede. The Swoosh comes in white leather and the translucent outer sole is another great detail.
Look out for a release of the Nike Air Force 1 ‘USA’ sneaker in the coming weeks.
via highsnobiety.com
Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low
This Summer, Supreme has joined Nike SB to commemorate the 10 Year Anniversary of the Supreme Dunk Low. The sneaker features full-grain nubuck leather with embossed elephant texture made exclusively for Supreme. Without any doubt this will be yet another classic and one of the most hyped sneakers of the year.
The Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low Fall 2012 sneaker will be available in-store in NY, LA, London and online on July 19th. Japan will get it on July 21st.
via highsnobiety.com
Nike Air Force 1 “Jeremy Lin”
The Nike Air Force 1 “Jeremy Lin” first surfaced over two months ago. Today, this New York Knicks colored offering has begun surfacing at select retailers. This pair features a denim based mainstay, with nubuck overlays on the toe-cap, heel-cup, heel-tab and tongue. Each pair is finished off with a special “LIN” logo on the tongue tag, as well as a stitched “JL” graphic emblem on the heel tab. Show your love for Lin this summer by copping this pair at select retailers right now.
via nicekicks.com
Nike SB X Levis
Nike has revealed that they have collaborated with the giant brand of Levis which is featured on their products of shoes and apparel. The 511 skateboarding jeans are made from the classic materials but with specific modifications that integrate the Nike Dri-Fit technology. The footwear options come with the Omar Salazar LR, the Dunk Low Pro SB and the Team Edition.
