With 2023 drawing to a close, it’s that time of the year where sneakerheads around the world begin to analyse every hot drop that’s happened over the last 12 months in order to pick their very own “Sneaker of the Year”. A topic that can create heated discussions between those who follow the footwear world, SOTY has become somewhat of an annual tradition amongst fellow enthusiasts. With the sneaker bubble continuing to grow exponentially, it’s becoming increasingly harder to pick a pair to take the top spot, as brands old and new have been stepping up their game and producing sneakers better than ever.
From collaborations to retro releases, we’ve seen an incredible number of strong pairs this year, with silhouettes such as the Air Jordan 4 and the adidas Samba experiencing mainstream revival. Here at Crepslocker we’ve whittled down our choices to 10 of our favourites from the last year, so read on to find out our top sneakers from the last 12 months, as well as our all-important “Sneaker of the Year” 2023!
10. Air Jordan 4 Retro “Thunder”
Last but by no means least in our list this year is none other than the AJ4 Retro “Thunder”. A re-release of a sneaker that originally dropped in 2006, the pair dropped back in May and was an instant success amongst collectors, especially with the newfound hype behind the Jordan 4 this year. Showcasing a black and yellow colour scheme, the kicks feature Jumpman logos on the tongues and heel tabs, with the AJ4’s visible Air unit situated under the heels. Still available to pick up today for reasonable prices, this is a true sneakerhead’s sneaker!
9. Yuto Horigome x Nike SB Dunk Low
While the hype behind Nike SB may have lulled slightly in 2023, that’s not to say that the Swoosh’s skateboarding division hasn’t been cooking up some absolute bangers this year! Take this collaborative SB Dunk Low with Yuto Horigome for example. Teaming up with the Japanese professional skateboarder, the design team decked out the popular silhouette in a neat grey/blue hue, with hits of brown and white finishing off the look. Yuto’s signature emblem sits on the rear of the laterals, potentially paying homage to fragment design? Either way, Dunks don’t get much better than this.
8. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Olive”
You’d be hard pushed to find a SOTY list from the past five years that didn’t contain a Travis Scott sneaker. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that the Astroworld superstar has become a force to be reckoned with in the footwear industry. April this year saw Scott work on the Air Jordan 1 Low OG once again, this time around decking it out in an olive green, white and black arrangement. While not necessarily anything groundbreaking, it’s hard to ignore just how wearable this colourway is.
7. Sporty & Rich x adidas Samba “White/Black”
Riding off the back of the blokecore trend, the adidas Samba has continued to enjoy widespread commercial success throughout 2023, and thanks to some high-profile collaborations it’s become even more in style. Emily Oberg’s very-own Sporty & Rich label teamed up with adidas back in June and dropped this subtle yet tasteful variation of the classic terrace silhouette. Coming in clutch with a clean white and black colourway, the kicks boast S&R branding hot stamped in gold, plus a classic gum sole for a timeless look.
6. April Skateboards x Nike SB Dunk Low
Australian pro-skater Shane O’Neill founded April Skateboards back in 2019, yet just four years later the brand has already bagged itself a collaborative Nike SB Dunk Low. Decked out in an eye-catching green/blue hue, the kicks boast classic colour blocking, custom branding at the tongues and heels and an icy-blue outsole unit. For a label that’s relatively new to the scene, it’s safe to say that April knocked it out the park with this hugely-anticipated collaboration.
5. Louis Vuitton LV Skate Trainer “Beige”
Designed by the late and great Virgil Abloh, the LV Skate Trainer has been a hit ever since it was first seen on the runway in Paris, however this beige edition that launched at the start of the year is without a doubt one the best renditions yet. Showcasing neutral hues that pair with just about anything throughout, the chunky sneaker is modelled on early 2000s skateboarding footwear. Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram is plastered across the design, while rope-style laces seal the deal, making these an easy choice as part of our top 10 sneaker releases from 2023.
4. Nike NOCTA Glide “Black/White”
With collaborations becoming increasingly more prevalent in today’s sneaker industry, it’s no surprise that sometimes things can look a little samey. However, Drake and the crew over at NOCTA certainly aren’t afraid to mix things up, as this September they introduced the brand-new Nike NOCTA Glide. Modelled on the Zoom Air Flight 95, the new Glide silhouette modernises the design with more angular looks and a muted black and white colourway. With dual branding throughout, this pair more than deserves its spot on our list. Top marks for the NOCTA team.
3. Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 “Olive”
London-based streetwear label Corteiz has gone from strength to strength in recent months, however the brand’s first-ever Nike collaboration is definitely something special. Considering Nike actually sued Corteiz a few years back for its name (due to sounding similar to Cortez), the fact that the brand has managed to now collaborate with the Swoosh shortly after is a credit to Clint and co’s work ethic. Launched in three colourways, the Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 is seen here dressed in a military green hue, complete with yellow details and an added speed lacing system.
2. Jarritos x Nike SB Dunk Low
Who would’ve thought that one of our top sneakers released this year would have been a joint effort between Nike SB and a Mexican soda pop brand? Well, hold the phone, because the Jarritos x Nike SB Dunk Low dropped back in May and we’re still not quite over it. Based upon both the mandarin and grapefruit flavours of the popular drink, the kicks feature removable hemp overlays that are designed to wear down over time as well as custom branding across the pair, making these wacky Dunks a pair that collectors went wild for. Another example of Nike SB proving itself as a collaborative force to be reckoned with.
1. Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green”
So there we have it, our 2023 sneaker of the year is none other than the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4. An in-house collaborative effort over at the Swoosh, the dedicated skateboarding division set to work on the ever-popular AJ4 to offer up a rough and ready variant that’s designed to withstand the harsh impacts of skateboarding. Decked out in an ultra-clean “Pine Green” colourway, the kicks came complete with Nike SB branding on the heel tabs and a gum outsole that adds another level to the look as a whole. Selling out instantly upon release, this pair was a hit with sneaker fans old and new across the globe.