If 2021 was packed with sneaker releases and delivered numerous successful drops, making it undoubtedly one of the best years for drops, the pandemic significantly disrupted announced releases and supply. However, that didn't stop major brands from continuing to offer us unique collaborations and releases, and they adapted as best as they could to satisfy sneakerheads. Check out the throwback we've put together on the best sneakers released in 2021.
New Balance M2002R Protection Pack “Rain Cloud”
Source : ViewFrance
Revamped and ready to take on the competition, New Balance has made an unexpected comeback and shows no signs of slowing down. Trendy and retro, this sneaker is making waves by reissuing silhouettes like the New Balance M2002R Protection Pack “Rain Cloud”.
Released on August 19, 2021, for €150, this sneaker is part of the Protection Pack, which includes two other silhouettes, the "Phantom" and the "Sea Salt". It generated a lot of buzz and quickly gained popularity since it wasn't a collaboration but simply a sneaker release from the Boston brand.
First introduced in 2010, New Balance opted for a deconstructed design featuring various materials on its base, including mesh, smooth leather, and suede. Enhanced with shades of gray that New Balance fans love, this sneaker quickly climbed in resale value and proved that a sneaker doesn't need a collaboration to stand out from the crowd.
Off-White x Nike Dunk Low “Lot 1”
Photo Credits: KicksonFire
This year, the Nike Dunk Low has been everywhere, released in multiple iterations. It's hard to keep track of how many models the Swoosh brand has dropped.
The late Virgil Abloh generated a real buzz around this silhouette this year by launching what is arguably the largest collection with Nike. Named “The 50 Collection”, it featured 50 pairs, including 48 Dunk Lows in a gray colorway, 1 pristine Dunk Low, and 1 black Dunk Low. Each pair showcased the iconic lacing system designed by Off-White, and this collection was released in a unique way with exclusive access on SNKRS.
Released on August 9, 2021, at a price of €180, the Off-White x Nike Dunk Low “Lot 1” is the first colorway from this extensive collection. Built on a white canvas base with a yellowed midsole, this silhouette stands out from the others with its metallic silver swoosh. Highly sought after for its design and unique materials, it now boasts an excellent resale value.
A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 3 Retro SP WMNS “Raised by Women”
Photo Credits: Complex
Placed directly in the spotlight, the Air Jordan 3 in collaboration with the Atlanta-based concept store A Ma Maniére is one of the most beautiful collaborations of 2021 and truly deserves its spot in this throwback.
James Witner, co-founder of AMM, unveiled this silhouette with remarkable quality and finish. For the occasion, a short film revisited the origins of the sneaker, paying tribute to maternal figures and particularly to Black culture that A Ma Maniére has offered to its community.
Released on May 22, 2021, at a price of €200, this new Air Jordan 3 initially sports a subtle look but is built around several precisely crafted materials such as pebbled leather and suede overlays. Reminiscent of the very first OG editions, the colorway features a combination of white, gray, and beige.
Highly anticipated, the A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 3 Retro SP WMNS “Raised by Women” is a particularly successful collaboration with an engaging story and design. The partnership between the two labels will continue in 2022 with the announcement of an A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 2 Retro SP "Sail". Lastly, know that this stunning iteration received the Collaboration of the Year award from Footwear News at the 35th annual FN Achievement Awards.
Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Qs “Street Hawker”
Credits Photo : Pinterest
One of the first drops of 2021, the swoosh brand kicked off the year with limitless creativity by presenting this Nike SB Dunk Low as a tribute to Chinese culture.
Designed by Jason Deng, the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Qs “Street Hawker” quickly became a must-have for sneaker fans. With its diverse inspiration, it draws from typical dishes of six major Chinese cities, represented on the mismatched silhouettes of the sneakers. Innovative and unique, this edition rapidly became a collector's item that the sportswear brand added to its Nike SB Dunk Low lineup.
Released on January 30, 2021, at a price of €110, this design is covered in watercolor patterns that bring to life the dishes associated with Chinese cuisine. The left shoe features lighter shades dominated by beige, while the right shoe is crafted with a brighter and more varied color palette. Additional details, such as Chinese characters, are included as a nod to this Eastern culture.
Adidas Yeezy Slide “Pure”
Photo Credits: @thevault.au (Instagram)
Under the direction of Kanye West and in partnership with Adidas, Yeezy has already become timeless with its many successful models. After a strong presence in 2021, Ye wasn't shy and introduced a completely new range, the Yeezy Slide.
Released in April 2021 at a price of €60, it didn't take long to spot the silhouette of the Adidas Yeezy Slide “Pure” along the beaches. With numerous restocks, it has become one of the most sought-after sneakers from Yeezy.
Made from a molded base of algae and a single-piece EVA foam, this Yeezy Slide boasts a comfortable and minimalist look with a trendy neutral shade. It features a better grip with its serrated sole designed to prevent unfortunate slips. Cutting-edge, this collection has expanded its range with a wide variety of colorways such as "Resin", "Ochre", "Enflame Orange", "Glow Green", "Soot" and many more, much to the delight of the community.
Patta x Nike Air Max 1 Wave “Monarch Orange”
Credits Photo : @igklaudia (Instagram)
Inspired by the architecture of the Centre Pompidou, the Parisian silhouette designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1987 is currently making waves in the market thanks to its top-notch materials.
After 5 years of collaboration between Patta and Nike, they have presented several anniversary editions such as the Patta x Nike Air Max 1 Wave "Noise Aqua", the Patta x Air Max 1 Wave "Night Maroon", and the Patta x Air Max 1 Wave "Black", which quickly became must-have silhouettes.
Released on October 15, 2021, at a price of €160, the Patta x Nike Air Max 1 Wave “Monarch Orange” quickly won the hearts of sneaker lovers with its beautifully executed autumn construction in mesh and suede, fitting perfectly into this throwback. The already highly attractive aesthetic of the sneaker is enhanced by a unique orange wave-shaped panel, breathing new life into this brilliant silhouette.
Air Jordan 4 Retro “White Oreo”
Credits Photo : @blkcthemall (Instagram)
Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 4 holds a significant place in the collection of many sneaker fans. This is the silhouette that helped the legendary Michael Jordan secure the title of NBA's top scorer for the third time.
Making a strong presence in 2021, Jordan Brand once again introduced stunning releases that expanded the lineup of this retro and timeless model.
Released on July 3, 2021, at a price of €190, the Air Jordan 4 Retro “White Oreo” was originally set to drop in June. It took a bit of patience and an extra month to finally see this beauty hit the shelves. Featuring a pristine leather upper, it draws inspiration from the Air Jordan 4 White Cement from 1989. Clean and elegant, touches of gray and red were added to this upper, which quickly became a classic.
Check out Part 2 for the rest of the best sneakers of 2021!