The 14 Best Sneakers of 2022 (So Far)
We all hoped that 2022 would take us out of the doldrums. The past two years have been a doozy, to say the least, and judging by all the headlines inundating our news feeds daily, there is still a lot more misery to go around—and plenty to complain about. Where is the light at the end of this dark, dismal tunnel? Well, here to offer a glimmer are the best sneakers of 2022.
Yes, 2022 isn't over yet, but in this halfway period, sneaker brands have already released styles that’ll definitely brighten up a shoe rack—and hopefully your disposition along with it. You don’t even have to be a full-fledged sneakerhead to appreciate the quality design and the feeling that a new pair of kicks can elicit. Because the best sneakers have the knack for spreading joy, and in these uncertain times, we could all use a whole lot of that.
The roster below, of course, is still developing, and we’ll be adding to it as the year progresses, but check out what’s available now, all of which, we promise you, will add a much-needed pep to your step.
Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker Created by Virgil Abloh
Virgil Abloh shall forever have a fixed place in the firmament of fashion. The designer and artistic director of Louis Vuitton men’s, who passed in late 2021, brought edge to luxury fashion and elevated streetwear. And to honor his legacy, the French label posthumously released one of his last designs, a Nike Air Force 1 made of calf leather that features LV’s Monogram and Damier patterns. Two hundred pairs were exclusively sold at a Sotheby’s auction, and a percentage of the proceeds are being donated to The Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund, which supports the education of students of Black, African American, or African descent.
Release: January 26, 2022
Nike Hot Step Air TerraDrake NOCTA Sneaker
When Drake calls on the cellphone, it’s best to answer quickly. In late January, the singer and Nike released the NOCTA x Hot Step Air Terra, a sneaker that sold out rather quickly. Those that managed to get their hands on ’em were treated to a retro-inspired design that features perforations throughout the upper and chrome detailing on the tongue and toebox.
Release: January 27, 2022
Air Jordan Why Not? Zer0.5 Sneaker
Russell Westbrook has the reputation of not only being the fastest man in the NBA, but also the most stylish one. Merging these two characteristics is the Why Not? Zer0.5, a sneaker from his partnership with Jordan that features data-informed traction and updated cushioning. And like all his designs under the Jordan banner, the latest features a bold mixture of colors—this one in beige with red, yellow, ginger, and seafoam blue details.
Release: February 17, 2022
Air Jordan XII Retro Playoffs (2022)
It’s been 25 years since the infamous “Flu Game,” a legendary basketball moment that saw Michael Jordan scoring 38 points in Game 5 of the finals, all while supposedly being sick. And the shoes on his feet just so happened to be the then new Jordan XII. To celebrate the anniversary of its release, Jordan, the brand, is reissuing the iconic sneaker, which features a carbon fiber shank plate and sunburst quilting throughout the upper that was inspired by the rising sun on the Japanese flag.
Release: March 11, 2022
Nike + Acronym Blazer Leather-Trimmed Ballistic Nylon and TPU Sneakers
The history between Acronym's Errolson Hugh and Nike is prodigious, resulting in some earth-shattering styles (ACG, anyone?). In February, after a three-year hiatus, both joined forces once again on the this here sneaker, a marvel of innovation and a prime example of the techwear trend that Hugh established.
Release: February 10, 2022
JJJJound x New Balance 990v3 Olive Sneaker
JJJJound's Justin Saunders has brought his serene, streetwise aesthetic to a number of nifty collabs in the past. But the one that debuted in February with New Balance is one of his tastiest yet. The way he softened the 990v3, casting the sneaker is a calming shade of olive green with reflective gray details is, simply put, *chef's kiss*.
Release: February 24, 2022
Marni x Veja V-15 Scribble-Print Sneakers
Marni is a brand built on bold, playful color compositions and idiosyncratic silhouettes. When Francesco Risso became the designer, he heightened this sensibility, showcasing collections that surpass fashion and enter into the realm of high art. In March, however, Risso offered something more accessible: a gallery-worthy sneaker created in partnership with Veja, the sustainable label celebrated for offering cool, casual kicks.
Release: March 2022
Hoka One One x Bodega Kaha Low GTX Sneaker
Big, bold, and a little bit funky sneakers: we expected nothing less from a collab between Bodega and Hoka One One. The former has had many collaborative sneaker drops this year—and will undoubtedly have many more—but this one with an olive upper with splashes of yellow, blue, and fuchsia is tough to beat.
Release: March 25, 2022
Adidas Kobe Bryant Crazy 97 EQT Sneaker
The Crazy 97 (née EQT Elevation) skyrocketed to fame when Kobe Bryant won his first and only NBA Dunk Contest in 1997. Then, Black Mamba signed with Adidas, before switching over to The Swoosh in 2003. And despite the loss of the late, great basketball player, The Three Stripes celebrated 25 years since a legend took one of the highest honors in the sport.
Release: May 6, 2022
Vans Julian Klincewicz Edition OG Authentic SP LX Sneakers
Julian Klincewicz is a filmmaker who's captivated the likes of Calvin Klein and Gosha Rubchinksiy. Vans, too, can't seem to get enough of him, tapping Klincewicz for a second team-up in May. This time around, they served up a collection of sneakers and apparel that's inspired by youthful imagination and teenage angst.
Release: May 7, 2022
Reebok x Maison Margiela Question Mid 'Memory Of' Basketball Shoes
Check out our list of the best white sneakers, where you'll see Reebok and Maison Margiela listed separately. The brands may have different designs philosophies, but both know how to make something good. And this collab, my friends, is good.
Release: May 20, 2022
Adidas x Gucci Gazelle Sneaker
Adidas and Gucci are two brands that have so much synergy. Not only do both labels have a sweet affection for stripes and celebrating ’70s styles, both are also committed to sustainable practices. And in June, they dropped a collection that just needed to happen. Included in the mix was a high-fashion take on Adidas's iconic Gazelle, and style that's since been worn by Brad Pitt, Harry Styles, Idris Elba, and Elliot Paige. Basically, everyone on our mood boards.
Release: June 7, 2022
Converse x Golf Le Fleur Curry GLF 2.0 Sneaker
June was a banner month for Tyler, the Creator. Not only did he drop a summer bop and corresponding music video with Pharrell and 21 Savage, he also released some spicy kicks through his Gold Le Fleur label's collab with Converse, which perfectly reflects his MO: elevated streetwear with a preppy bent.
Release: June 9, 2022
Rick Owens + Converse TURBODRK Chuck 70 Coated-Canvas High-Top Sneakers
The silhouette of the Converse Chuck 70 sneaker is as classic as it gets; it hasn’t changed much in its century of existence. Last year, to give it a refresh, the brand went to an initially unexpected-seeming source: Rick Owens. The collab featured a square-toe, keeping to Owens' futurist aesthetic, but retained the respect for the original. The shoe was a hit, which is why both released an iteration for 2022 in black lacquered-denim.
Release: July 13, 2022
From: Esquire US
