If 2021 was lively in terms of sneaker releases and offered many successful releases, undoubtedly making it one of the best years in terms of drops, the pandemic significantly disrupted the announced releases and supply. However, this did not prevent major brands from continuing to offer us unique collaborations and releases, and they adapted as best as possible to satisfy sneakerheads. Discover the throwback we have prepared for you on the best sneakers released in 2021.
New Balance M2002R Protection Pack “Rain Cloud”
Source: ViewFrance
Revamped, New Balance made an unexpected comeback and does not intend to give any respite to its competitors. Trendy and retro, it strikes hard in the sneaker world by reissuing its silhouettes such as the New Balance M2002R Protection Pack “Rain Cloud”.
Released on August 19, 2021, at a price of €150, it belongs to the Protection Pack composed of two other silhouettes, the "Phantom" and the "Sea Salt". It generated a lot of buzz and quickly sparked enthusiasm since it was not a collaboration but simply a sneaker release from the Boston brand.
Already appeared in 2010, New Balance opted for a deconstructed design with different materials on its base, in mesh, smooth leather, and suede. Completed with shades of gray highly appreciated by New Balance, it quickly rose in resale value and proved that a pair does not need a collaboration to stand out from the others.
Off-White x Nike Dunk Low “Lot 1”
Photo Credits: KicksonFire
Very present this year, the Nike Dunk Low has been released multiple times. So much so that we cannot count the number of models that the Swoosh Brand has offered us.
The late Virgil Abloh managed to create real excitement this year around this silhouette by proposing perhaps the largest collection with Nike. Named “The 50 Collection”, it offered 50 pairs, including 48 Dunk Lows in a gray colorway, 1 pristine Dunk Low, and 1 black Dunk Low. Each adorned with the famous lacing system signed Off-White, this collection was distributed in an unprecedented 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 of this vast collection. Structured on a white canvas base and a yellowed midsole, this silhouette stands out from other pairs with its metallic silver swoosh. Highly sought after for its design and different materials, it now has 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 concept store A Ma Maniére based in Atlanta is one of the most beautiful collaborations of 2021 and fully deserves its place 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 origin of the pair and it is a tribute to maternal figures and more particularly to black culture that A Ma Maniére offered to its community.
Released on May 22, 2021, at a price of €200, this new Air Jordan 3 initially sports a discreet look but is built around several materials of great precision such as grained leather and suede overlays. Reminiscent of the very first OG editions, the colorway consists of 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 attractive story and design. The collaboration between the two labels will have a sequel in 2022 with the announcement of an A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 2 Retro SP "Sail". Finally, know that this superb iteration received the Collaboration of the Year award from Footwear News at the 35th annual FN Achievement Award.
Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Qs “Street Hawker”
Photo Credits: Pinterest
One of the first releases in 2021, the Swoosh brand started the year with limitless creativity by presenting this unprecedented Nike SB Dunk Low in homage to Chinese culture.
Designed by Jason Deng, the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Qs “Street Hawker” quickly became desired by sneaker fans. With multiple diversity, it draws inspiration from typical dishes from six major Chinese cities that are represented on the mismatched silhouettes of the pair. Innovative and unprecedented, it is an edition that quickly became a collector's item that the sportswear brand added to its Nike SB Dunk Low range.
Released on January 30, 2021, at a price of €110, this composition is covered in watercolor patterns bringing to life the dishes associated with Chinese gastronomy. Thus, the left foot is adorned with lighter shades dominated by beige, while the right foot is designed with a palette of brighter and more varied colors. Other details such as Chinese characters are added, an additional nod to this Eastern culture.
Adidas Yeezy Slide “Pure”
Photo Credits: @thevault.au (Instagram)
Label under the direction of Kanye West and partner with Adidas, Yeezy is already timeless with its many successful models. After a strong presence in 2021, Ye was bold and proposed a completely new range, that of the Yeezy Slide.
Released in April 2021 at a price of €60, it didn't take long to see the silhouette of the Adidas Yeezy Slide “Pure” along the beaches. With many reissues, it ranks as one of the most sought-after pairs of Yeezy.
Built on a molded base of algae and a single piece of EVA foam, this Yeezy Slide displays a comfortable and minimalist look with a neutral and trendy shade. It allows for better grip with its serrated sole and aims to prevent unfortunate slips. Avant-garde, this collection has expanded its range in a wide choice of colorways such as "Resin", "Ochre", "Enflame Orange", "Glow Green", "Soot" and many others, much to the delight of the community.
Patta x Nike Air Max 1 Wave “Monarch Orange”
Photo Credits: @igklaudia (Instagram)
Inspired by the architecture of the Centre Pompidou, the Parisian silhouette designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1987 is currently very present on the market thanks to its excellent quality materials.
After 5 years of collaboration between Patta and Nike, they presented us with 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 a very well-executed autumn construction in mesh and suede and automatically fits into this throwback. The aesthetics of the pair, already highly attractive, is adorned with an unprecedented orange wave-shaped insert, breathing new life into this brilliant silhouette.
Air Jordan 4 Retro “White Oreo”
Photo Credits: @blkcthemall (Instagram)
Made by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 4 holds an important place in the collection of some sneaker fans. Indeed, it is this silhouette that allowed the famous Michael Jordan to obtain the title of top scorer in the NBA for the third time.
Very present in 2021, the Jordan Brand once again introduced beautiful 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 initially supposed to release in June. It took patience and an additional month to see this wonder released. Composed of a pristine leather upper, it was inspired by 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.
Find Part 2 to check out the rest of the best sneakers of 2021!
