Reebok Instapump Fury Grinch
Image via StockX
You’re probably looking at this shoe and laughing right now. While this is certainly an appropriate reaction, you also have to realize that the best Christmas shoe doesn’t always mean it’s the most “wearable” shoe. The Reebok Instapump Fury is already a hard sneaker to pull off, but when you add in elements of the Grinch, you’re left with a truly bizarre shoe that lives up to its name. What makes this particular model so great is that it pulls off the concept so well. Furry green textures throughout the upper help complement the red overlays perfectly. Reebok was able to pay homage to an iconic character while also staying true to the holiday. When you combine these elements together, you get a truly unique sneaker that will forever turn people’s heads. Depending on your crankiness around this time of year, this could be the shoe for you.
Jordan 11 Bred Playoffs
First worn on NBA courts back in April 1996, the AJ11 in Black/True Red-White are playoff-ready. This variation is the 2019 edition, which marked the first release for the style in seven years. The footwear ranks high on MJs grails and is undoubtedly one of the best Air Jordan shoes of all time.
Years released: 1995, 2001, 2008, 2012, 2019Upper material: Patent leatherOutsole material: RubberColourway: Black/True Red-White
Image: StockX
Jordan 1 Retro High Pine Green
Expanding the Black Toe lineup, these Pine Green Retro high tops arent just one of the best Air Jordan sneakers ever made, theyre probably the only ones that Celtics fans can embrace. The upper of this Jordan 1 Retro High is constructed from white tumbled leather. A black leather Swoosh, sail midsole, and pine green outsole complete this design.
Years released: 2018, 2020 Upper material: Leather
Image: StockX
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Only Fools And Horses
Next on our list of the best TV shows of all time is Only Fools And Horses.
This British television sitcom debuted in 1981, on BBC One, and ran for ten years, with a further sixteen sporadic Christmas episodes.
In a nutshell, the series follows the Trotters, a south-east London family of market traders and wheeler-dealers, as they do what they can to make their fortune.
The Top 100 Basketball Shoes Of All Time
This is it. The debate ends here.
If you’ve never had a pair of kicks from this list, you don’t deserve to step on a court. These are the shoes worn by legends as well as trendsetters.
This list ranks kicks by style, on-court performance and off-the-court reputation.
These are the top 100 basketball shoes of all time.
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Classic Sneakers That You Should Have In Your Wardrobe
In an era where the hype surrounding a sneaker can often elevate its value more than the style and comfort of the actual shoe, the term sneakerhead has lost some of its meaning. Before everyone was lining up for the latest pair of ultra-hyped collaborative sneakers, there were a handful of classic sneakers that everyone considered essential to their collection.
Possessing an understanding of the stories and historical anecdotes behind these fundamental styles is part and parcel of the game. That knowledge can result in a greater appreciation for how sneaker culture has evolved over the last few decades, as well as the product itself. Were not saying you need to be able to rattle off Michael Jordans stat line in any of his title-winning seasons to wear Jordans, but its probably a good idea to familiarize yourself with why the man, his legend, and the sneakers he wore have had such an impact on our community.
On that note, weve put together a Highsnobiety-approved list of ten classic sneakers you should own if you want to call yourself a sneakerhead.
Nike Zoom Flight The Glove
As worn by: Gary Payton
Just like he locked down the opposition, Gary Payton’s signature shoe locked in your foot, with a glove like exterior. After eight years in the league, which at that point included four All-Star appearances, a Defensive Player Of The Year and multiple spots on the All-Defensive team, Payton was acknowledged by Nike with his own pair of shoes. As one of the most iconic Nike signature shoes of all time, the Flight The Glove featured what was described as “Monkey Paw” technology, in which it would keep your ankles tight and snug as if your hand, or foot for that matter, was in a glove.
While Payton would go on to wear various other Nike sneakers towards the end of his time in the NBA, it was only fitting that he would wrap up his career wearing a pair of retro Flight Gloves while capturing his first and only NBA championship with the Miami Heat.
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Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Yecheil: 2021 Most Sought
The Adidas Yeezy Boost are in such high demand that the only way you could buy a pair right now is on Farfetch or resale website StockX.
The Yeezy, born from a collaboration between Kanye West and Adidas, also make for a great sneaker investment if you plan on selling them back. Their aftermarket price increased by 27% since they first went on sale. They remain one of the hottest sneakers of the year. Hipsters love them for their unique look, sneakers heads love them for their investment value on aftermarket websites.
We give an honourable mention for this alternative: the Air Jordan 1 Retro High North Carolina to Chicago released in 2021. The classic high-top silhouette remains a timeless hit.
NIKE
Air Jordan Xi Black/red
- Original Shoe Release: 1996
Rolled out in 1996, the Air Jordan XI is undoubtedly a big winner and ranks amongst the best shoes the Jordan brand has ever released. The Jordan XI features an all-black upper and red outsole, a concept that propelled the sales of the shoe. The Air Jordan XI went on to be among the most prominent shoes released. With over 25 years after its release, it can be incredibly difficult to find a clean pair of this model. Ebay will be your best bet for trying to get a hold of the Air Jordan XI in black/red.
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Nike Air Force 1 Shoes
Best All-White Nike Sneakers
Originally introduced in 1982 as a basketball sneaker, the Nike Air Force 1 remains a classic in the current era. It is recognizable as a streetwear icon, retaining its roots thanks to its leather upper with springy Air cushioning in the midsole. The pair spans generations of style, from its release date to the current Gen-Z and TikTok crowd. Theyre arguably the best Nike sneakers under $100 to be found.
Nike Zoom Flight 98 The Glove
PLAYER: Gary PaytonYEAR: 1998
Nike came correct with using the Glove as inspiration for Gary Payton. For those who dont know, Paytons defense was so tight, he was often referred to as a glove. The Zoom Flight 98 came with a shroud that could be zipped up. The shoes continued to become one of the most recognizable sneakers ever.
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Nike Lebron 10 Christmas
LeBron James might be the King of basketball but he was also the king of Christmas-themed signature shoes. During the early 2010s, LeBron was knocking every single Christmas shoe out of the park and the LeBron 10 “Christmas” is yet another example of this. Just like many other Christmas shoes from this time, the upper is completely red with some green accents. These green highlights are placed on the Nike swoosh, outsole, and laces. Not to mention, the LeBron 10 is one of James’ best Nike silhouettes so when you combine these elements together, you get a pretty amazing sneaker. Perhaps this shoe is aided by the other Christmas models before it. For instance, this was the first time LeBron really went bold with his holiday-themed sneakers and it paid off beautifully. If you love basketball shoes, then you know these are classic.
Nike Air Zoom Generation
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Released: 2003 | Worn by: LeBron James
There may never again be as much design pressure on a single shoe as the Zoom Generation, given James’ $90 million rookie shoe deal. The company’s top three designers, Hatfield, Avar and Aaron Cooper, tackled the project, pulling inspiration from James’ Hummer H2.
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Vlone X Nike Air Force 1 High $8000
Are high-tops your thing? Then the Vlone Nike Air Force 1 High could work well for you.
It was the predecessor to the original low-cut version and only 20 pairs were made, which were all sold at an auction in Paris.
If you ever manage to come across a pair of these, be sure to hold on to them as their currently worth around $8,000.
Diamond Encrusted Reebok Question $65000
Reebok has been one of the contenders in the sneaker business for a long time, along with Adidas, Converse and a small handful of others. They produced this glimmering diamond encrusted shoe as a promotional item and to show they could play with the big dogs in the expensive sneaker market. It worked out well since a pair goes for $65,000, but sadly, these are the only Reeboks to make the top 20 list. Jordans dominate the high-end sneaker market with a single-minded drive to win and honor the goddess of victory whose name they sport. Well that, and incredibly low operating costs because of where they get their labor.
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Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Buffy The Vampire Slayer is an American supernatural drama television series that was based on the 1992 film of the same name.
The show follows a young female vampire slayer called Buffy Summers as shes chosen to battle against all different kinds of vampires, monsters, and demonic forces.
The series received critical acclaim and, when the show was aired, used to reach between four and six million viewers per episode.
Air Jordan Iii Black/cement
- Original Shoe Release: 1988
Our list would not be complete if we leave out the Air Jordan III in Black and Cement. This shoe is perhaps the most popular Jordans of all time. The history behind what motivated the design of this shoe is what makes it special.
Tinker Hatfield modeled this one out to help strengthen the bond between Nike and Michael Jordan. This style is still what has carried on until today. Moreover, it is interesting to know that the main design team wasnt with Nike at this time. Michael had the idea of trying to incorporate his athletes personality into each of the shoes design. To a lot of fans still to this day, this shoe stands as the most perfect blend of tech and style.
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Nike Waffle Racing Flat Moon Shoe
The most expensive sneakers ever sold at auction, according to Guinness World Records.
On 23 July, 2019, the 12 original Nike Waffle Racing Flats, the “Moon Shoes” sold at Sotheby’s New York for $437,500.
Buyer Miles Spencer Nadal said via statement, “I think sneaker culture and collecting is on the verge of a breakout moment.”
The unworn shoes were handmade by Nike cofounder and Oregon University track coach Bill Bowerman, and only a handful of the original batch of 12 pairs remain in existence.
Guinness World Records says the owner plans on “displaying the sneakers â plus another 99 pairs acquired in the sale â at his Dare to Dream Automobile Museum in Toronto, Canada.”
Nike Foamposite One Sole Collector $6000
Developed in 1997, The Nike Foamposite One Sole Collector was a totally unique design for its time.
Its individual colourway and popularity amongst ballplayers fueled its sales and meant that it sold out fast.
The Foamposite is still a super popular shoe, and new colours are continuously being released. However, the older styles are the ones that get the most attention.
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Nike Yeezy 2 Red October $7500
If you like a bit of colour on your sneakers, then these Yeezys could be for you.
Symbolising the end of Kanye Wests collaboration with Nike, the Nike Yeezy 2 Red Octobers were a big hit, and Kanye promoted them everywhere he went.
Not the most versatile of colourways, but when worn correctly, theyll certainly raise a few heads.
Adidas Forest Hills Og
The Forrest Hills is a slightly newer model than some of the others on this list. Nonetheless, theres plenty to explain its popularity. This is yet another tennis model, one of many that adidas claims. Of course, each one of those releases takes the example of the Stan Smith, the OG tennis shoe.
But, models such as the adidas Forest Hills also stand alone to some degree. When adidas initially begins experimenting with the tennis shoe, there are few risks in their efforts.
After all, this is a notably conservative sport and the better call was always to, if you will, keep it between the lines. In a bit of a contrast to that, the Forest Hills design comes with some eye-popping characteristics.
The insole is reportedly in a space-proven material. The sole is in a whopping 246-gram cup style build. Both of these features are, at the time, trailblazers in tennis sneaker tech.
The shoe takes its name from the US Open location in Queens, New York. Fortunately for diehard Three Stripes fans, this shoe also returns to us this year as a retro drop. The classics never quite die, do they?
Where to Buy:
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Maison Margiela Black Fusion: The Single Most Expensive Sneakers
This one certainly isnt for everyone. You need a certain affinity with art to truly appreciate these luxury sneakers. The Maison Margiela Black Fusion are simply the most expensive sneakers on the market today. The shoe is made with premium materials, of course, but then undergoes a unique and handcrafted process to produce this particular look. The brand emphasizes that variations in colour or details are the result of the handcrafted nature of sneakers. Slight imperfections are not to be considered defects but add to its value and unique character.
On the resale market, the most expensive sneakers on sale today are the limited edition Nike MAG Back To The Future. They sell for over $30,000 on StockX at the moment.
NIKE
Air Jordan Xi Concord
- Original Shoe Release: 1996
This is among the best Jordan basketball shoes to be designed by Tinker Hatfield. The design was released when a lot of people thought that was the end for Nike and the NBA.
Hatfield paid no mind to the rumors and focused on the design. Surprisingly, the inspiration behind the design of the Air Jordan Concord were regular outing shoes and a lawnmower. Even after the design, Nike didnt show any willingness to pushing it. Hatfield asked them to take it to Michael Jordan, they refused, but the shoe generated a lot of buzz in the market.
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Vans Low Top: Best Sneakers Under $50
If youre on a really tight budget, your options are limited, but you can still find cool sneakers under $50. Our favourite are the Vans low top. Their timeless design and excellent build quality make them the perfect affordable sneaker. They are available in a range of colours.
And if you want something really inexpensive but durable and comfortable, check these Skechers Go Max-Athletic available in a range of colours. We found the for these sneakers under $30.
SKECHERS
Adidas Nmd: R1 Friends And Family $10000
The only pair of Adidas sneakers included in our list of the most expensive sneaker ever made are the NMD_R1 Friends and Family.
This style of shoe is only for a certain type of person, but it is a decent looking shoe.
Having said that, the NMD has been undeniably successful, selling out of colourway after colourway.
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The Sneakers You Need To Know About
I speak to a lot of young lads who are right into their sneakers. Hell, they probably have more pairs than I do. But, not to my surprise, they know very little about the history of their sneakers, or the history of sneakers that influenced what we all wear today.
Sure, its easy to live in the moment and accept todays products on aesthetic and comfort values, but every single sneaker on the market today has an origin story and were here to shed some light on it for you.
Todays high-tech sneakers like the VaporMax, Ultra BOOST and React Elements are a result of an almost century-long refinement process that has deviated, twisted and turned along the way.
Over the years, there have been so many important sneakers. They might not be the best known, they might not be the biggest selling hell, they might not even be the most loved but they were damn influential on sneakers in the mainstream or the sneaker culture that we are a part of today.
Lets make this abundantly clear, this list is in no way a popularity contest. Its put together on mere influence on the wider market, as well as the culture, so please, dont get upset if your favorite sneaker isnt on the list.
So now schools in session!
Heres a history class worth learning, and probably one youll pay full attention to. Here are 25 of the most influential sneakers ever!
Solid Gold Ovo X Air Jordans $2 Million
Its a bit of a steep jump from second to first position, but if youre thinking of spending $100,000 on a pair of sneakers anyway, then you may as well go one better.
There had to be a day when a pair of sneakers were coated in 24k gold, and that day finally came when Drake collabed with Nike to make the Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordan.
They were created by American artist Matthew Senna and each shoe weighs 50lbs!
$2 Million seems like a good deal with all things considered.
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