ENDLESS Picks: Our Favourite Sneakers of 2022
With the start of a new year comes the opportunity to evaluate and explore the newest trends in sneakers. 2022 promises some iconic kicks that we are sure will become instant classics. To help you inspire your closet with the most sought-after sneakers of the year, ENDLESS has compiled a list of our top picks for 2022. Read on to find out which shoes made our list!
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Lost & Found”
Perhaps the most demanded sneaker over the last half-decade, the famed “Chicago” colour way finally saw the light of day in November 2022. Jordan Brand chose to add a layer of story-telling to the release, adding an aged effect to the shoes and the shoebox while inserting a mock receipt from Sandy Bros. Sports Depot. Dubbed the “Lost And Found”, this release nodded to the old traditions of finding old, deadstock pairs in storage rooms of mom-and-pop retailers. These are definitely a must for any sneakerhead’s collection!
We're suckers for a good collaboration, and the A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 4 does not disappoint. The sneaker features Violet Ore throughout the upper and overlays, excluding the black heel tab featuring Nike Air branding with “It’s not about the shoes..it’s about where you’re going” printed on the inside of the tab. Co-branding is seen on the tongue tag with the quilted liner once again making an appearance on an A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan collab. AMM branding is seen again on the hangtag with a Sail and Black midsole and Violet Ore outsole finishing off the sneaker.
Air Jordan 4 Retro "Military Black"
One of the most recognizable Jordan 4s are definetly Air Jordan 4 Military Black inspired by the OG Military Blue style from 1989. The sneaker features a smooth white leather on the upper, with a forefoot overlay in grey suede and contrasting black accents on TPU eyelets, molded heel tab and Jumpman logo. The signature visible air sole enhances the look as well as the two-tone midsole. They offer a perfect classic look which is easily combined with casual leisurewear but also sporty elegant outfits!
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low "Reverse Mocha"
The Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low "Reverse Mocha" is one of our favorite picks for 2022. The pair doesn’t do anything different from past colour ways, but it doesn’t feel like it was an afterthought either. It executes the rapper’s signature design almost perfectly with its brown suede upper, white leather overlays, and a cream reverse Swoosh. The release also had Travis Scott recruit a timely cameo from actor Javon Walton off the heels of his much talked about role in season two of HBO’s Euphoria. When Travis’s original Air Jordan 1 Low released in 2019, it was responsible for helping improve the reputation of the silhouette in the marketplace. Three years later, 1 Lows are much more popular than they were just a few years ago. In fact, Air Jordan 1 Lows release in plenty of colour ways nowadays. So, it’s nice to see that Jordan Brand and Travis Scott can still cook up a pair that feels special. This is a must-have sneaker for any Travis Scott fan or fashion-forward individual!
Nike Kobe 6 Protro "Mambacita Sweet 16"
The Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mabacita Sweet 16 pays tribute to the late Gigi Bryant and the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. The Nike Kobe 6 debuted in 2011 and was the sixth signature sneaker between Nike and the late Laker legend, Kobe Bryant. In 2018, Nike would retro some of Kobe’s older and most memorable sneakers under their Protro program as a means to better equip each pair for the demands and needs of current athletes. The Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mabacita Sweet 16 features a black snakeskin-inspired upper as a tribute to Kobe’s Black Mamba on-court moniker. From there, Gigi’s AAU basketball jersey number, 2, is stamped on both lateral sides of the ankle. The Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation crest is printed on the heel of each shoe followed by both Kobe and Gigi’s names underneath.
Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Collection
Last but not least, we have the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Collection. Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Nike marks the first time that the Air Force 1 is crafted outside of its home turf. With its late creative director Virgil Abloh at the helm of its design, the fashion house revealed its line of sneakers in Spring/Summer 2022 and immediately became one of the most anticipated releases of the year. By joining forces with Nike, Louis Vuitton cemented itself as a pivotal emblem of contemporary streetwear. These sneakers are perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of luxury to their everyday style but unfortunately do come with an insane price as expected by any LV product!
These are just a few of our favorite sneakers for 2022! What are your picks?