The last days of December are here, giving the WhenToCop? team the opportunity to look back at the pairs we enjoyed the most throughout the year. Whether it's Nike, New Balance or adidas, designers and brands have outdone themselves with creations that push the boundaries of aesthetics, technology and style.
10 - Veneda Carter x Timberland 6" Lacer Boot
No need for introductions. The Timberland 6 Inch is a timeless classic that has made a strong comeback since last year. As the American brand celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, numerous collaborators took on the model to deliver their own interpretation. Between A-COLD-WALL, CLOT, Kith, Stussy and Supreme, there was something for everyone. In 2024, the New York icon came under the visionary eye of Veneda Carter. Following a first "Wheat" edition that first appeared in 2022, she unveiled a black version followed by a metallic design. An opportunity to rediscover the patent finish that characterizes Veneda's work and reimagines the Timberland.
9 - Junya Watanabe x New Balance Loafer
We already knew about Junya Watanabe's love for hybrid models, but this time, Rei Kawakubo's disciple took things even further. Blending a loafer with a sneaker is bold territory, yet Watanabe and New Balance (always seeking innovation) showed daring by combining the cushioning of the New Balance 1906R with a leather loafer upper. The result? An intriguing, captivating and versatile model sitting between a classic loafer and a trendy running shoe. Unveiled during Paris Fashion Week Winter 2024-2025, the pair sparked plenty of debate and remains, to this day, a design yet to be confirmed within the sneaker world.
8 - Comme des Garcons x Nike Air Foamposite One Olympic
You can always expect Rei Kawakubo's label to unveil a new collaboration with the Swoosh. After numerous successful partnerships, Kawakubo's empire brought its minimalist identity to the Foamposite. For the occasion, the pair made its comeback from the archives with a design faithful to the CDG imprint, bringing together the aura of the two original 2021 versions. The result? A solid execution with a wavy, textured foam upper specially selected by Comme des Garcons, released last July during the Paris Olympic Games.
7 - Corteiz x Nike Air Trainer Huarache
Rules The World... Nike and Corteiz understood that well with their trio of Air Max 95. After a resounding success last year, Clint continued writing his own story and that of his brand, this time taking the Huarache as his canvas. In this new chapter, the model designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1991 was given a new identity to shake up the codes: a rebellious spirit that effortlessly draws attention. Both heir and pioneer, the shoe claimed a deep respect for the era's design, which needed no Swoosh. While the first pair certainly drew attention, Clint once again demonstrated marketing prowess by recreating the brand's logo in the London sky with drones. A near-genius publicity stunt that was quickly followed by the release of a second pair, then an exclusive New York drop for the third iteration.
6 - A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 4 Phantom
While Fashion Week in January had all eyes on the catwalks, there were also exciting revelations taking place within the City of Light, notably from the A Ma Maniere shop. As an Air Max 95 made its entrance for 2024, James Whitner seized the capital's buzz to unveil an exclusive preview of the upcoming Air Jordan 4 signed by A Ma Maniere. A significant challenge given the success of the A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 4 Violet Ore from 2022. Spotted on his feet, the pair captured the essence of the label along with the traditional elements of Jordan and made a notable entrance last September, marking a new chapter between the two partners.
5 - Air Jordan 4 Retro Bred Reimagined
Jordan loves its classics. In 2024, the iconic Air Jordan 4 celebrated its 35th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the Jordan Brand pulled out all the stops and brought back a special edition from 1989: the Air Jordan 4 Bred. Worn by Michael Jordan during Game 5 of the playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 7, 1989, the model earned its place in sneaker history thanks to his shot dubbed "The Shot." The rest is history... While the pair has already seen five retro versions, this one swapped its usual nubuck for premium leather for the first time. On the branding side, the famous Nike Air made its grand return on the heel. In short, a piece of history that makes it a must-have of the year.
4 - Patta x Nike Air Max 1 Chlorophyll
Amsterdam's legendary shop, founded by Edson Sabajo and Guillaume "Gee" Schmidt in 2004, made its grand return with the Swoosh. After the six Air Max 1 editions unveiled through the Patta x Nike "The Wave" collaboration from 2021 to 2022, the Dutch brand celebrated not one, but two important milestones: its 20th anniversary and 15 years of collaboration with the sportswear giant. The occasion to bring back from the archives the Nike Air Max 1 Chlorophyll, originally released in 2009. A true collector's piece, the model made its comeback with a design faithful to the original. A choice far from surprising, since the Nike Air Max 1 stands among the most popular pairs of all time. "The original Chlorophyll project was like a debut album, full of energy and organic creativity. This release stays true to that essence, making it an exciting moment for the community," declared Patta co-founder Guillaume Gee Schmidt. In short, a genuine piece of history.
3 - Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack Sail
He announced twelve European dates. Continued his collaboration with Jordan. There's no stopping him. While the Travis Scott collaboration now spans a vast catalog of Nike and Jordan pairs, the two partners continued forging their path with the arrival of the Jordan Jumpman Jack, the artist's first signature shoe. White leather. Brown suede. Reversed Swoosh and gum sole. La Flame fused a retro pair with a colorway reminiscent of his previous collaborations. Highly anticipated, the model finally made its entrance last April and remains to this day a successful edition that saw a very limited release...
2 - Jack Harlow x New Balance 1906R Floral
Acclaimed rapper and New Balance ambassador since 2022, Jack Harlow delivered one of the finest 1906R releases of 2024, in collaboration with the Boston brand. At the heart of this partnership, one word: nostalgia. The pair paid tribute to the brand's founding days, channeling the intricate and opulent styles of the early 1900s. Like a tapestry, this pair marked a return to a bygone era, a bygone sartorial world. Particularly well-executed, the New Balance 1906R Floral nonetheless saw a very limited release. Enough to fascinate sneakerheads worldwide. Despite the frustration, the attention to detail is undeniable, from its special box to the matching dust bag, which embody the brand's premium spirit.
1 - Nocta x Nike Hot Step II
We had been waiting since last July, and the Nocta Nike Hot Step II finally hit the sneaker world. As Drake continued to wear the model during his tour, the basketball shoe extended the partnership between the two parties, building on the first-generation Hot Step launched in 2022. Mesh. Leather. Chrome details. Champagnepapi's label struck again, and the multiple colorways confirmed the model's resounding success. A summer hit, then an autumn essential, the model made headlines all year long and earns the title of best sneaker of the year.
How to stay updated on upcoming sneaker releases?
If you want to cop all upcoming sneaker releases, download our app WhenToCop?! Never miss a release and get all your chances to cop your pairs with the list of retailers and links to enter all skate shop raffles. Join us!