Top 5 Sneakers of 2020
2020 is most likely a year we would all like to forget and never remember. However, the sneaker world has had some memorable releases that are worth revisiting. We at Legit Laces have compiled our list of the Top 5 Sneakers of 2020.
Honorary Mention: Air Jordan 4 Fire Red (2020)
After a little over 30 years, Jordan Brand finally blessed us with the Air Jordan 4 Retro Fire Red. The Fire Red was one of the original colorways played in by Michael Jordan in 1989. This nostalgia filled pair returns to its roots with the “Nike Air” branded heel tabs and hang tag. White tumbled leather across the entire upper of the sneaker makes sure that the contrasting red lining, outsole and supporting wings pop. This is a must have for any collector whether they were around for the original release or not.
5. Adidas Yeezy Foam RNNR Ararat
The collaboration between Adidas and Kanye West continues to go strongly. We have seen several color ways of the familiar 350 V2 model release but Kanye continues to push the envelope with the Foam RNNR (Runner). The shoe is comprised of a single piece of harvested algae with Adidas EVA materials. The striking appearance with several holes across the sides and upper is designed with comfort and breathability in mind. Arguably one of the most unique and comfortable Yeezy models to date and retailing at only $75.
4. Air Jordan 1 Dark Mocha
The Air Jordan 1 has reigned supreme for the last few years in the sneaker industry. The silhouette's dominance continues with the Air Jordan 1 Dark Mocha being one of the most hyped shoes to release in 2020. Featuring, black nubuck leather along the front of the shoe and a mocha brown suede heel and ankle. This pair’s popularity has caused the iconic “Air Jordan 1 Travis Scott” to be jokingly referred to as a Mocha custom. Since release, the fever pitch popularity around this shoe has only continued to explode.
3. Nike SB Dunk Low Travis Scott
2020 has been another great year for Travis Scott. While we saw much more merchandise than shoes this year, he still dominates the market. The artist’s genuine love for the silhouette and his Dunk collaboration have almost single handedly reignited the Dunk craze. His pair features, a paisley tear away print across the paneling, thick rope laces, and Cactus Jack branding on the tongue tag. The Dunk’s resurgence in popularity dubbed the “Travis Scott Effect”, has caused prices for pairs from the early 2000s to see a dramatic rise in resale price.
2. Air Jordan 1 (High & Low) Dior
The collaboration between Jordan Brand and the French luxury brand Dior has set a remarkable new precedent. While a handful of sneaker and luxury brands have collaborated in the past, none have made such a significant impact as the Dior Jordan 1 High and Low. These extremely limited Jordan 1s retailed for a whopping $2,000 USD and feature, a Dior monogram swoosh on the side paneling, a clear blue outsole with Dior branding and a “Dior Nike Air” tongue tag. This sneaker opens the door to Jordan Brand collaborating with other luxury brands in (hopefully) the near future.
1. Nike Kobe 6 Protro Grinch (2020)
Unfortunately, 2020 began with the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi Bryant in a helicopter crash in Calabasas California. This untimely accident rocked the entire world. The public mourned the loss of an icon and arguably the world’s greatest basketball player to ever play the game. Given his passing, the sneaker world paid extra attention to every Kobe shoe release. Originally releasing in 2010, the Kobe line gave us one of the best Christmas gifts of all with the Nike Kobe 6 Protro Grinch 2020. We hope that Nike makes good on Vanessa Bryant’s promise that they will be soon available to any and all who may want to grab this sentimental pair.
As previously mentioned, 2020 was an absolute mess in almost every sense of the word. However, sneaker heads around the world were able to find some silver linings in a few releases through all of the craziness. Let us know what your #1 sneaker of the year is and good luck copping in 2021.