The 10 Best Sneakers Released In 2021 So Far...

 

2021 has been an amazing year for sneakerheads.

Every month has brought something special to fuel the passion for sneakers worldwide.

Whether it's from fresh colourways of retro jordans to exotic designs of new yeezys, there has been a lot to be excited about.

We are already half way through the year and many have had their picks for sneaker of the year.

Today, we will run down our favourite releases so far in 2021 and discuss why you should consider picking some of these up for the future.

10. Yeezy 450 Cloud White

Starting off the top 10, we have the Adidas Yeezy 450 Cloud White.

Debuting on the 6th of March, the Yeezy 450 Cloud White shook up the sneaker world with its abstract shape and exoskeleton structure.

Featuring a grey-beige upper, the Yeezy 450 adopts a sock-like fit which is wholly knit in construction.

What makes this shoe so special is how different it is.

The way the shoe resembles bones in a ribcage-like shape and the way it moulds with the outsole shows how design and creativity can go hand in hand.

Following in the footsteps of the Yeezy Foam Runner, Adidas has demonstrated that it can create shoes that are futuristic, out of this world and complex.

Therefore, we have given the 10th spot on our list to the Adidas Yeezy 450 Cloud White.

Credit: @realsethfowler

 

9. Jordan 1 Retro High 85 Neutral Grey

Jordan Brand set the tone for one of the best releases of the year in February with the Air Jordan 1 Retro High 85 Neutral Grey.

Returning for the first time since its release in 1985, the shoe is true to the original remake of the white/grey pairing that first landed in stores back in the day.

The main appeal of the Jordan 1 Retro High 85 Neutral Grey besides its original colorway is its attention to the dimensions, shapes and materials.

For this release, the Neutral Grey's shape features a straighter cut on the heel compared to the slightly curved composition that has been standard since 2015.

Pleasing both old and new Jordan fanatics, it isn’t hard to see why this shoe is up on this list.

By drawing on its roots with the classic high-top cut, this shoe is a timeless classic and will always be on people’s want list.

 

Credit: @Oneness

 

8. Nike Dunk Low Black/White

2021 saw the rise of many general release dunks.

We have had many different colours given to us spanning from red, green to blue.

However, we believe that the most iconic GR Dunk Low to release this year was the Nike Dunk Low Black/White.

The Nike Dunk Low in the black/white colourway is simple but clean.

Wearable with many outfits, this new sneaker shook up the sneaker world by giving a new easy colourway anyone can rock.

Ever since its release, this sneaker has quickly established itself as one the most popular dunks to release this year.

It’s reasonable price point range also makes it more widely available to the average consumer.

This shoe is definitely not one to be slept on and a staple for any collector.

Grab a pair of the Nike Dunk Lows in the Black/White colourway today!

 

Credit: @bowtiesandbonesblog

 

7. Nike SB Dunk Low Supreme

One of the most anticipated releases of the year was the Nike SB Dunk Low supreme.

Paying homage to the extremely rare 2003 Nike SB Dunk High Supreme, this shoe adds a twist to the original shoe with a new colour palette and shape.

Featuring gold stars and faux croc skin, the Supreme Dunk Low combines Nike’s rich heritage of hoops with Supreme’s coveted skate style.

With how iconic the 2003 SB Dunk was, this shoe is a must have for many. This shoe is simply too iconic to pass up.

If you are a diehard supreme fan or someone who has always wanted to obtain the immortalised Supreme Dunk Highs, this is definitely a shoe you don’t want to sleep on.

Credit: @stylelikekay

 

6. Jordan 1 High Trophy Room

The Jordan 1 High Trophy Room is definitely one of the most anticipated shoes to have dropped this year.

Spawning from the collaborations between Jordan Brand and Orlando-based retailer Trophy Room, this shoe aims to reflect Michael Jordan’s first All-Star appearance at the 1985 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis.

Featuring the original Chicago colourway, the Jordan 1 High Trophy room is constructed of white leather, red overlays and hits of black on the swoosh and ankle.

The shoe is coated in a glittery finish and has the quote “Rumour has it” embroidered on the interior side representing the fellow NBA stars plotting to freeze Jordan out of the All-Star game by limiting his possessions.

When images of this shoe were first revealed on the internet, people were ecstatic to get their hands on it.

People were ecstatic to get their hands on a piece of history.

This shoe would have definitely made it higher on the list if its release was more obtainable.

Rumour has it, this shoe was backdoored heavily before the release date making it essentially unavailable to the public.

Despite this, I have no doubt the Jordan 1 High Trophy Room will forever be a coveted shoe that represents a key moment in Michael Jordan’s career.

Credit: @yankeekicks

 

5. Jordan 4 University Blue

Breaking the top 5 we have the Jordan 4 University Blue.

The Jordan 4 University Blue was one of the few shoes that released this year that capitalised on the highly desired UNC colour scheme.

Drawing inspiration from the rare player exclusive UNC Pe and the Travis 4s, this shoe made a massive impact when it hit stores on the 28th of April.

People all around the world were scurrying to find pairs in store and online during the release date.

What makes the shoe so appealing is its strong connection to Michael Jordan’s college and its high quality materials.

The shoe’s quality suede upper and speckled cement grey midsole creates a premium feel to the shoe adding to its desirability.

This shoe is definitely one for the books and a shoe that will only get more popular with time.

You can purchase a pair of Jordan 4 UNCs here

 

Credit: @DTLR Villa

 

4. Jordan 1 High Hyper Royal

One of the highlights of the year came in April with the release of the Jordan 1 High Hyper Royal.

Often being compared to the Jordan 1 Turbo Greens, this shoe features a clean faded light blue look accompanied with distressed suede overlays. When this shoe came out people were extremely excited.

The light blue colourway was very popular and drove the price of this shoe to $500 AUD.

With its easily wearable colourway, this shoe has been deemed by many to be the best Jordan 1 High to have come out so far.

It’s colour scheme is unlike any Jordan before it and I definitely see it holding long term value.

Whether you're a casual fan or a diehard sneakerhead, this shoe appeals to everyone and will definitely not disappoint.

 

Credit: @Hanzuying

 

3. Nike SB Dunk High Carpet Dunks

Starting in third we have the Nike SB Dunk High Carpet Company.

The Nike SB Dunk High Carpet Company is unlike any other ordinary SB dunk high released this year.

It allows the wearer the ability to rip up the sneaker to their liking with tearaway uppers.

The shoe features a semi-translucent blue layer that if torn reveals a hidden message on the heel stating “Brought To You By The Habibis At Carpet Company”.

What makes the shoe unique is it’s attention to detail and its adoption of DIY characteristics.

By carefully considering the materials it uses, the shoe also pays homage to their roots of artistic screen printing, a common practice that the shop uses for their unique shirts.

When the shoe was released in March it was an instant success.

The shoe itself is more than just a novelty but a way to creatively express yourself however you want.

This is why it was one of the best SB Dunks to release this year.

 

Credit: @Hanzuying

 

2. Yeezy Foam Runner Moon Gray

Moving into the runner up position, we have the Yeezy Foam Runner in both the Sand and Moon Gray colourway.

Most people are no stranger to the slip on Yeezy Foam Runner.

With it having been released last year, the shoe has widely been accepted as one of the most comfortable sneakers out on the market.

The hype for Yeezy Foam Runners has not died down.

With more colourways on the way, this exotic looking shoe never fails to wow people in its design and complexity.

Sporting a futuristic alien look, the shoe is unique in its creation and is composed solely of a single piece of cushioning Yeezy material.

Its aerodynamic design utilises a medley of holes and ridges to maximise energy efficiency.

If you are looking for a futuristic approach to comfy shoes, look no further, Kanye and his Yeezy Foam Runners is the shoe to go for.

 

Credit: @Sneakernews

 

1. Jordan 1 High University Blue

Finally, at number 1 we have the Jordan 1 High University Blue.

Reminiscent of Michael Jordan’s rookie days in the University of North Carolina, this shoe stands out because it combines the sacred UNC colourway with the famous Jordan 1 High Silhouette.

When the shoe was first leaked late last year, everyone knew that they had to get a piece of this action.

The Jordan 1 High University Blue is composed of white and black tumbled leather with durabuck overlays.

Despite all the shoes that have been released this year, this shoe has proven to be one of if not the best sneakers of the year.

Its soft buttery leather and bright summer colours make it one of the best outdoor summer shoes for 2021.

The quality is 10/10 and the materials is second to none.

Like it or not, the Jordan 1 High University Blue has established itself as one of the most classic shoes to have come out this year.

It paved the way for a myriad of UNC inspired colourways and has defined 2021 as the year of the University Blue.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to grab a pair before it's too late!

 

Credit: @Houseofheat

Written by:

Oliver Tan

Analyst