10 Best Sneakers of 2013
Though we're still Red October-less, 2013 has been a pretty eventful year in the sneaker world. From the Ronnie Fieg X Asics, released in June, to the Reebok Kamikaze II -- also released this past summer -- there's been a bevy of different styles, looks and choices that appeal to the hardcore sneaker lover and the person who's just getting into the sneaker game.
But which kicks stood out the most this year? Which were the most coveted? Which sneakers made the biggest fashion statement? Because, as any true sneakerhead knows, what you wear on your feet can make or break an outfit and your rep.
Without further ado, The Boombox presents the 10 Best Sneakers of 2013.
Maison Martin Margiela X Converse Collection
The teaser video didn't show much, just a plain white sneaker bursting through a plain white wall, but for some reason that video was just enough to get consumers excited about the Maison Martin Margiela X Converse Collection.
Each shoe covered in Maison Martin Margiela's signature white paint, the French fashion house fashion designer has put its avant garde spin on the popular Converse Jack Purcell, as well as the Chuck Taylor All Stars.
The sneakers come in both high-top and low-cut and it's obvious that Margiela went with the less-is-more-approach when making them, as the shoes represent a minimalist aesthetic and a nice alternative to many of the loudly-colored kicks that have been released this year.
The Maison Martin Margiela X Converse debuted on September 20 for $200.
Nike FlyKnit Lunar Chukkas
What makes the Nike FlyKnit Lunar Chukkas so special? For starters the ultra-light, soft, almost sweater-like material of the woven upper.
Coming in an impressive array of colors, the FlyKnits are perfect for casual wear because although they incorporate Nike Flywire technology for support, and a Nike Lunarlon outsole they're they don't look like fugly technical performance shoes.
Looks aside, the best feature of these kicks is comfort, as legions of consumers have chimed in and expressed how light and malleable they are. "I love these FlyKnit Chukkas," one customer wrote on Nike's website. They feel amazing on your feet. It seriously feels like a pillow that you're stepping on."
The FlyKnit Chukka's go for $170 online and at retail.
Air Jordan 5 Retro "Grape"
If you're an '80s baby or older, then you might remember the initial launch of the Air Jordan V back in 1990, with the typical Air Jordan colors of red, black and white.
You also might remember the shoe dropping in this White/New Emerald-Grape colorway soon after. Sneaker addicts simply called "Grapes."
Well, as of May 2013, these sneakers made a comeback -- a treat for retro sneaker lovers everywhere. And for a cool $160, you can add these classics to your collection, and get a small piece of the early '90s.
Ronnie Fieg X Asics Gel Lyte III
With all of the bulky, hard-leather sneakers that are out there, it's nice when you run into a pair of kicks that have a clean, simple, and understated look.
That's what you'll get if you pick up any kicks from the Ronnie Fieg X Asics Gel Lyte III Collection.
Coming in a host of different colors and styles, consumers can either purchase the Selvedge Denims, the "Volcanoes," the "Flamingos," the "Miami Beaches," or other styles, and they all have that classic Asics look, which is part running shoe, part fashion accessory.
Plus, each design comes with Ronnie Fieg's now famous design tweaks, as he's been working with Asics since 2007.
Nike Air Tech Challenge II "Us Open"
About three months ago, the Nike Air Tech Challenge "US Open" II made its debut at a downtown Manhattan retailer, and if you'll notice, these sneakers look way different than previous versions, taking on a black colorway instead of the usual brighter colors that have been used in the past.
With a purple outersole and midsole, and everything else in jet-black, these Air Techs have an extremely sleek appearance and are the perfect compliment to a crisp pair of jeans or even dressier clothes for that matter.
The shoes also come in burgundy and purple for those who prefer a slightly brighter color and a different look.
Clot X Nike Air Max 1
Although the Clot X Nike Air Maxes came out in the fall of this year, they actually have a wintry appearance for their silver and gray colorway, taking on the colors of a February blizzard or a beautiful looking ice storm.
The gray parts of the shoe are made of a mesh material that compliment the gray midsole, which has tiny white specks on it resembling snowflakes.
What's also different about these kicks are the clear bottoms with pictures of bare feet on them. Having animated drawings of feet on each shoe might not be your thing, but you have to admit, the designers were being extremely inventive in the making of these sneakers.
Again, the silver and white color scheme literally gives the Nike Air Max 1s an extremely cool appearance, and will set off any dark outfit perfectly. It's also the perfect sneakers to wear for that all-black-everything-look.
Air Jordan 3 "Doernbecher"
When it comes to Jordans, it seems that folks are way more interested in the old silhouettes than the newer ones and the Air Jordan 3 Doernbechers are no exception.
The 3s bring you right back to the time when Jordan ruled the hardwood, the Chicago Bulls ran the NBA and many of the sneakers still had that b-boy look.
What's even cooler about these sneakers are the fact the Nike allowed teen cancer survivor Cole Johanson to design them and all of the proceeds will go to the Doernbecher children's Hospital Foundation.
But that's not the only reason the sneakers sold so well when they first launched, they also look amazing, just like most of the Jordan releases.
Coming in the traditional Air Jordan colors of red, black and white, with a subtle gold checkered pattern, it was clear that we had to put these kicks on our best of 2013 list.
Packer Shoes X Reebok KamiKaze II "Remember The Alamo"
For these particular sneakers, the scene has to be properly set.
The year was 1996, the place was the Alamodome in San Antonio and the event was the NBA All-Star Game, and that's where Reebok got the inspiration for putting these peculiar looking kicks together.
Taking on the colors of the All-Star players uniforms that year, the high-top sneakers contain orange, three types of greys, blue and a shade of black.
On the surface, that may sound like a lot of colors for one shoe, but Reebok uses each color tastefully so the sneakers don't appear to loud or bright.
And the metallic gray suede on the toe-cap adds for a nice touch as well.
Reebok Shaqnosis
The Reebok Shaqnosis initially dropped in 1995 when Shaquille O'Neal was still dunking on everyone and making the rest of the NBA look like a middle school basketball team.
And now 19 years later, Reebook reintroduces the classic sneakers again, with that memorable spiral design that comes in blue, black and purple, black and white, green, pink and silver.
And even though these kicks can obviously be worn casually, the rubber outsole still makes them good basketball shoes, in case you want to try and dunk on somebody yourself.
Nike KD6 "Wheat/Gum"
The Nike KD 6 Wheat Gums have just been released in December of 2013, but they're so sleek looking and different from? the other sneakers on this list, we had to include them.
The first photos of the KD 6 show a beige and purple color pattern with the raised "KD logo" on the heel counter and the sneaker itself actually looks like it's made of a soft gum-like material.
Obviously, it was important for Nike to have the sneakers be just as comfortable as they are stylish, and with a slim and subtle design, they almost take on a shoe appearance without looking too conservative.
It's clear to see the Nike KD 6 Wheat Gums will have people buzzing straight into the new year.