Our Best Sneakers Of 2020 | HypeDrop
2020 has been one hell of a year! We’ve faced a global pandemic, countless natural disasters and a landmark presidential election. The good news? We’re nearly on the other side.
We’ve had to change how we stay connected. And ‘sneakerheading from home’, as HypeBeast coined it, hasn’t been an exception.
Sneaker culture well and truly hit the mainstream this year. And to keep up with demand, brands worked overtime to produce innovative designs with unlikely collaborators. Nike x Ben & Jerrys ring any bells? High fashion labels have dipped their toe in to the sneaker sea, and vintage classics have made a much-hyped comeback. Amongst all of the chaos, anticipated releases have given us something to look forward to.
So, with 2020 *almost* a distant memory, we’ve teamed up to shine a spotlight on the sneakers that kept us sane.
Here’s our best sneakers of 2020, and then some!
Dior x Air Jordan 1
Nike wowed us with this collaboration - the Dior x Air Jordan 1. Produced in Italy, Dior’s Kim Jones set out to make the most luxurious AJ1 the sneakerverse had ever seen. And with the release coinciding with the sneakers 35th anniversary, we knew we were in for a treat! It holds the classic appeal we expect from the Jordan brand, with a monogrammed Swoosh twist. Limited to 8500 pairs, this sneaker is one for the history books!
You can find the Dior x Air Jordan 1 in our Jordan Elite Box.
Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Core ‘Black/Red’
We know what you’re thinking. ‘The Core ‘Black/Red’ isn’t *technically* a new release!’. And you’re right. But its re-release in November had Yeezy fans (and us) rejoice. The fan favourite made a comeback, and it’s just as sought after as before. It’s a minimalistic shoe, but its side wall lettering, heel pull stitching and signature ribbed soles still manage to pack a punch. Love him or hate him, Kanye makes one hell of a sneaker!
You can find the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Core ‘Black/Red’ in our Adidas Box.
Ben & Jerrys x Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Chunky Dunky’
Just as we thought 2020 couldn’t get any weirder, Nike announced their collab with Ben & Jerrys. The sneaker, modelled after the brands ‘Chunky Monkey’ ice cream, caused some controversy among SB devotees. For them, it gave in to ‘hype popularity’. For others, its vivid colourway, melting Swoosh and bold textures were perfect nods to Ben & Jerrys hippie roots. We’re with ‘the others’ on this one!
You can find the Ben & Jerrys x Nike SB Dunk Low 'Chunky Dunky' in our Hype Sneakers Box.
Jordan 1 Retro High Light Smoke Grey
The Air Jordan 1 makes our list for a second time! Giving us major Dior vibes, the Light Smoke Grey is the next best thing. The classic silhouette features premium leather panelling and grey overlays. But the pop of Varsity Red is what really makes this sneaker stand out. It’s the perfect contrast to an otherwise monotone colourway, and a striking addition to the AJ1 family.
You can find the Jordan 1 Retro High Light Smoke Grey in our Jordan Mid Tier Box.
Grateful Dead x Nike SB Dunk Low
A Ben & Jerrys collab was just the beginning for the Nike SB renaissance. In Summer the brand took home another victory, this time with The Grateful Dead. Famed for their eclectic style, the bands collaboration with Nike ticked all the right boxes! In a nod to the bands dancing bear mascots, the sneaker features faux fur panelling, a suede upper and grizzly swoosh. There’s even a pouch on the inside of the tongue for extra *storage*.
You can find the Grateful Dead x Nike SB Dunk Low in our Nike Box.
Off White x Jordan 4 Retro ‘Sail’
For many, it was the most anticipated release of 2020. And we can see why! The Off White collaboration first previewed at Abloh’s ‘Figures of Speech’ show in 2019. And to everyone’s delight, the sneaker made a second appearance at Paris Fashion Week. The confirmed collab sent sneaker fans (and us) wild! Translucent features, hits of mesh and a neutral colourway delivered a fresh take on the Air Jordan 4.
You can find the Off White x Jordan 4 Retro ‘Sail’ in our Off White Sneaker Box.
Travis Scott x Nike SB Dunk Low
Scott’s SB Dunk silhouette made its first appearance in the JACKBOYS music video, and it didn’t disappoint! It features a paisley suede upper and plaid flannel overlays, giving way to reveal a contrasting elephant print. Embroidery on the heel and Cactus Jack branding on the tongue complete the eclectic design. With Scott’s strong ties to Nike, it was only a matter of time before he collaborated on his own design.
You can find the Travis Scott X Nike SB Dunk Low in our Hype Sneakers Box.
Remember, we're giving you 20% off all boxes AND free shipping until 27th December. Now's the time to cop that sneaker you've been after all year! Visit HypeDrop to shop.