Now that 2024 is behind us, we can take a step back and assess the sneaker landscape with a fresh perspective. This was a year of revival and reinvention—after a period of creative stagnation, brands re-embraced risk-taking through unexpected collaborations, bold material choices, and innovative reworks of classics. Consumer behavior also saw a shift: impulse buying gave way to a more thoughtful approach, with collectors and casual buyers alike seeking meaning and individuality in their purchases. How did the sneaker industry respond? By crafting silhouettes that spoke to both heritage and the future.
Beyond aesthetics, 2024 also saw a growing emphasis on sustainability and craftsmanship. Brands experimented with eco-conscious materials, limited-run productions, and modular designs that extended the lifespan of sneakers. The intersection of fashion and performance continued to blur, with high-fashion houses pushing technical footwear into new realms, while sports brands refined their archival releases to cater to both athletes and lifestyle consumers. As sneaker culture evolved, so too did the conversations around authenticity, exclusivity, and storytelling.
Futura Laboratories x Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Bleached Aqua’
From £360, buy here.
A long-overdue reunion, Futura Laboratories and Nike SB revisited one of sneaker culture’s most legendary designs. Two decades after the release of the coveted FLOM SB Dunk, Futura returned with a fresh iteration. The Bleached Aqua colorway was an instant classic, boasting a white mesh upper, multicolored canvas overlays, and Futura’s unmistakable signature on the lateral panel. Despite minor design grievances—some sneakerheads lamented the creasing potential of the mesh toebox—this pair became an essential pickup when it dropped on May 18, 2024.
Jordan 4 Retro Bred Reimagined
From £288, buy here.
OG colorways never go out of style, and Jordan Brand’s "Reimagined" series proved just that. The Air Jordan 4 Bred Reimagined arrived in February, maintaining the beloved black, red, and grey palette while swapping nubuck for tumbled leather. This small yet significant tweak added a premium feel to an already iconic shoe, ensuring it remained one of the year’s most sought-after releases. The February 17th drop date saw instant sell-outs, reaffirming the timeless appeal of the AJ4.
Issey Miyake x New Balance MT10O
Sold out everywhere.
Minimalist yet statement-making, the Issey Miyake x New Balance MT10O seamlessly blended Japanese design principles with New Balance’s technical expertise. The shoe came in three neutral tones—navy, black, and white—emphasizing “barefoot mobility” through lightweight construction and a streamlined silhouette. The combination of leather, ripstop, and mesh materials ensured durability while maintaining an effortlessly refined aesthetic.
Verdy x Nike SB Dunk Low Visty
From £400, buy here.
Verdy, best known for Girls Don’t Cry, returned for his second Nike SB collaboration—this time independent of his previous label. The Visty Dunk took inspiration from his beloved plush character, translating its fuzzy, playful energy into a sneaker that felt both irreverent and collectible.
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Canary
From £89, buy here.
Travis Scott continued his sneaker reign with the ‘Canary’ Air Jordan 1 Low, an homage to his high school, Elkins High. The colorway blended canary yellow with racer blue, light silver, and gum brown, while signature elements like the reverse Swoosh and Cactus Jack branding remained untouched. The gum outsole and Nike Air-cushioned midsole cemented it as another standout in Scott’s portfolio.
MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon XT-6 Mule ‘Black’
£350, buy here.
Mule culture surged in 2024, and MM6 Maison Margiela capitalized on the trend with its Salomon XT-6 Mule. Marrying high fashion with outdoor functionality, this slip-on iteration retained the rugged XT-4 sole and signature quick-lace system while stripping back the heel for effortless wearability. It was the ultimate blend of style and utility.
Nike Air Max 1 '87 ‘University of Oregon’
From £345, buy here.
For Air Max purists, the ‘University of Oregon’ edition of the Air Max 1 ’87 was an immediate grail. Featuring an eclectic mix of perforated tan leather, leopard-print eyestays, and a blue Swoosh, the sneaker was a masterclass in maximalist design. A standout detail? The gold-embroidered heel tabs reading "ONCE A DUCK" and "ALWAYS A DUCK."
CLOT x adidas Superstar
$200, buy here.
Marking a significant pivot, CLOT returned to adidas after years of Nike collaborations. Edison Chen reimagined the Superstar as a dress shoe hybrid, complete with tassels and premium leather construction. The design, first teased at Shanghai Fashion Week, was a refreshing take on a classic silhouette.
Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack TR Sail Dark Mocha
From £196, buy here.
Travis Scott’s influence extended beyond his Air Jordan collaborations with the debut of his first signature sneaker, the Jumpman Jack TR. The ‘Sail Dark Mocha’ colorway, worn by Scott throughout late 2023, launched in April and reinforced his dominance in the sneaker world.
Nike Kobe 4 Protro Girl Dad
From £142, buy here.
A heartfelt tribute, the Nike Kobe 4 Protro ‘Girl Dad’ paid homage to Kobe Bryant’s love for his daughters. Inspired by a green Philadelphia Eagles beanie he wore courtside with Gigi, the sneaker featured an aqua upper, suede overlays, and metallic silver heel detailing. Released on June 7, 2024, it was a poignant and highly anticipated drop.
adidas Originals x Bad Bunny Gazelle San Juan
£240, buy here.
Bad Bunny continued his creative partnership with adidas, this time putting a surreal twist on the classic Gazelle. Named after Puerto Rico’s capital, the sneaker featured asymmetrical front panels, exposed size tags, and string laces, making it one of the more experimental collaborations of the year.
ASICS x Hidden NY Gel-NYC
£165, buy here.
After months of teasers, ASICS and Hidden NY finally delivered their highly anticipated Gel-NYC collab in March. Inspired by photo-editing software, the sneaker featured pixelated tiger stripes and a transparency grid effect, cementing Hidden NY’s status as more than just an Instagram mood board.
Bentgablenits x Asics Gel-1130
From £780.
Toronto-based upcycling collective Bentgablenits turned sneaker collaboration on its head by incorporating genuine vintage Cracker Jack charms into their ASICS Gel-1130 collab. Each pair was one-of-a-kind, featuring hand-stitched antique trinkets and hand-dyed velvet laces. With fewer than 200 pairs released, this project was as much an art piece as it was footwear.
