Take the hype surrounding any other fashion drop, turn it up about a hundred notches and you’ll have a pretty solid idea of how coveted streetwear launches can be. Throw sneakers into the mix and you’re looking at some of the most desirable products on the market.
The reasons why the following shoes are expected to cause a frenzy among sneaker enthusiasts and the fashion set are due to special collaborations, exclusive colourways and of course, a limited edition run with a limited stock. Here are some of the coolest sneakers to have on your radar in the first quarter of 2020:
Release Date: April 2020
The product of French maison Dior and sportswear juggernaut Nike, the Dior x Air Jordan 1’s are the very definition of luxury streetwear. The iconic Air Jordan silhouette is decorated with Dior’s logo all over the Nike swoosh along with “Air Dior” punched into the classic Air Jordan logo. These sneakers are reportedly made in Italy and rumoured to retail for US$2000 (S$2,712). Only 1000 pairs will be available for sale in the first drop of this much-hyped collab.
Image: Instagram (@yeezymafia)
Release Date: Spring 2020
The latest iteration of Yeezy sneakers has arrived on what looks to be a new direction for Kanye West’s streetwear brand. The “Phosphor” colourway features an eye-catching combination of neon green and black as well as heat-welded 3M reflective accents. It’s a sportier direction for Yeezy as we enter the new decade. While the official launch date has yet to be released, it is expected to drop in the first quarter of 2020 and will retail for US$220 ($S298).
Release Date: January 2020
After the incredible success of Balenciaga’s Triple S sneakers, the off-kilter fashion house has solidified their place in the hearts of sneakerheads and streetwear fanatics everywhere. The brand is known for creating unique silhouettes and it does just that with their newest sneaker that debuted at Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2020 show. The Tyrex sneaker is an amalgamation of sportswear, technology and office wear with design elements that combine all three. Featuring futuristic rubber panels and an unusual square toe sole, this pair of sneakers definitely makes a statement.
Image: Instagram (@stephane_ashpool)
Release Date: January 19 2020
Parisian streetwear brand Pigalle is teaming up with Nike and classic sneaker brand, Converse to drop a capsule collection that includes a stunning pair of Chuck 70s. The low-rise sneaker features a vibrant tie-dye-esque aesthetic. This collaboration has already been buzzed about since November this year when basketball legend, LeBron James was spotted wearing pieces from the collection.
Image: Instagram (@beyonce)
Release Date: January 18 2020
Queen Bey recently revealed her collaboration with sportswear brand Adidas under her fashion label, Ivy Park. This collection has been brewing since the announcement of Beyonce’s partnership with Adidas in April 2019 and fans of streetwear and the Grammy-winning singer now have a good idea of what to expect. Beyonce has picked a hybrid of Adidas’ classic Three Stripes silhouette with the Samba and injected her own elements such as the neon orange accent above the gum sole, making for a simple, everyday-friendly sneaker.
Image: Instagram (@hypebeastkicks)
Release Date: Spring 2020
When sneaker designer Steven Smith and Kanye West officially revealed this new Yeezy model at The Fast Company Innovation Festival this year, memes began to flood the internet. Then again, considering the unique clog design and how Kim Kardashian has been rocking her pair on Instagram, it will likely be a coveted pair of sneakers that everyone loves to hate. With a rumoured retail price of just US$75 (S$101) and a silhouette made of sustainable, algae-based foam, this drop is definitely one to look out for.
Image: Instagram (@hypebeastkicks)
Release Date: January 2 2020
This gorgeous pair of performance sneakers made its debut on the tennis court at the 2019 Flushing Meadows. Worn by the tournament winner, Rafael Nadal, the shoes have been receiving a lot of buzz from sneaker enthusiasts and athletes as it combines the streamlined design of Nike’s Vapor series with the durability of their Cage series. The result is not just a good-looking pair of sneakers but one that boasts high performance worthy of the biggest names in sports, specifically tennis.
Image: Instagram (@dior)
Release Date: TBC
Making its debut on Kim Jones’ Dior Pre-Fall 2020 runway was this new take on the B23 sneakers, done in collaboration with Shawn Stussy. The creator of the beloved American streetwear brand, Stussy has added his signature touch to the B23 via floral illustrations and intricate beaded patterns. Stussy has created several iterations of the B23 in this collection with Dior, some incorporating the maison’s well-loved oblique pattern. Official prices and release dates have yet to be announced but the fashion set is definitely waiting with bated breath.
Image: Instagram (@hanzuying)
Release Date: February 2020
Japanese designer Chitose Abe has decided to continue to work with Nike on expanding their popular LDWaffle model. Just like his previous collaborations, the sneakers feature a double-exposed swoosh and a waffle rubber outsole. This time though, it features suede accents and leather overlays, adding texture and details to an overall minimalistic design. This drop comes in “White Nylon” and “Black Nylon” colourways and will be priced at a reasonable US$160 (S$216).
Image: Instagram (@hanzuying)
Release Date: February 2020
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Air Jordan 5, Jordan Brand has married the sneaker’s classic silhouette with Off-White’s touch of “hype” to create a slightly modernised version of this highly coveted sneaker. The colours were inspired by one of the OG colourways, namely the Black, Muslin and Fire-Red, launched three decades ago. You’ll also find Off-White’s signature lettering on the sides of the shoes underneath a cool netting detail and the laces (which says “shoelaces”). A pair will set you back US$225 (S$305), if you are lucky enough to get your hands on them.