10 Best Sneaker Collaborations of 2016

As 2016 draws to a close, and it’s time to look back on this year’s releases. We can’t deny that this year has probably been the biggest in terms of hype and relentless releases: adidas NMD’s, Ultra Boosts and Yeezy Boosts. It may seem that adidas have dominated the market this year, but it doesn’t mean that they’ve had the strongest releases. We’ve seen a resurgence in Nike’s popularity in the community due to models such as the Air Max 95, the Air Zoom Spiridon and the Presto Mid Utility. Enough of that, let’s get into the best (selected by us!) collaborations of 2016! 

#1 BAPE x adidas NMD R1

In every shape and form, the NMD line from adidas has definitely been one of the most popular line of sneakers to release this year. 2016 saw the release of countless NMD silhouettes, including a collaboration with BAPE. adidas NMD line has, undoubtedly, been their driving force in the sneaker market this year and has seen more people than ever getting into sneakers; is that for the right reasons though?  The collaboration saw BAPE take on the NMD R1 which featured the iconic BOOST sole and three-stripe branding. The sneaker released in a choice of signature colourways: black camo or signature green! It was extremely sought after as the number of units were limited. 

#2 ACRONYM x NikeLab x Air Presto Mid

This contemporary masterpiece from Nike was one of the hottest silhouettes of the year, it combined a futuristic look with style. The collaboration saw Acronym put a spin on the Air Presto Mid, which saw three colourways unveiled: Neon, Olive and Bamboo. The sneaker boasted technical materials, the Acronym flare, on the model including a waterproof zipper and collar construction. This gets a place on our list because it helped Nike stand out in the market, against a sea of UltraBoost and NMD’s. 

#3 Supreme x Nike Air Max 98

2016 saw Supreme bring back Nike’s Air Max 98 and propel it back into the mainstream. The collaboration saw the release of four colourways of the Air Max 98: snakeskin, red, navy and triple black. The sneaker was crafted from a combination of leather, mesh and canvas, typical of the retro silhouette. If you’re wondering, “How did this make the cut?”, it’s because Supreme brought back a silhouette that hadn’t seen the attention it deserved in recent times. 

#4 Palace Skateboards “Pro Primeknits” x adidas Originals

This wasn’t the first time we saw the Palace Pro, it had a release the year before, but it was a real eye-opener for fans. As a part of their ongoing collaboration, Palace Skateboards and adidas collaborated on the Palace Pro model in “Bright Orange” and “Surf Petrol”. The clean colourways and sleek model of this sneaker, see it getting a well-deserved place on our list. 

#5 adidas Originals x Pharrell Williams “Hu NMD” 

The adidas NMD was, arguably, the most popular sneaker model of 2016 but it was, also, the most played-out. The sneaker saw multiple renditions of it released on a weekly basis which were all too similar, so when adidas announced another collaboration with Pharrell we were excited! The line was dubbed “Human Race” and it saw the release of 5 different colourways: mint, black, blue, tangerine and red. This collaboration makes the list due to the overwhelming of adidas NMD model and Pharrell’s creative influence. 

#6 Stussy x Converse One Star ’74

Stussy teamed up with Converse to tackle their One Star ’74 model, which was very well received in the community. If you’re familiar with this model you’ll know that it features an-all-hairy suede upper with “One Star” branding on the suede. Stussy added their own twist, with unique branding on the tongue of each colourway and a translucent sole featuring the iconic “8 Ball”. The sneaker released in three colourways: dusty pink, black and pine green. This is one our favourite sneaker models of the model, so this one is a no-brainer! 

#7 Supreme x Vans “Checkerboard”

The symbolic partnership between these two spans back to 1996 (before I was even born!) and has created a series of skateboarding, inspired sneakers ever since. This year we saw Supreme take on the classic checkerboard pattern which has dominated the scene: DSM recently took it on, too. The pair came out with three colourways of the Sk8 Hi and three colourways of the Authentic Pro: blue, red and black. 

#8 Gosha Rubchinskiy x Reebok “Phase One Pro”

That Russian-skater-style mixed with a retro, Reebok silhouette. Earlier in the year saw Russian photographer and designer, Gosha Rubchinksiy, collaborate with Reebok on their iconic Phase One Pro. The collaboration released in three colourways, white, grey and black, and featured subtle Gosha branding on the heel and side of the sneaker. Sometimes, less is more. As Gosha has been one of the hottest designers of the year, this sneaker, undoubtedly, gets a place on our list. 

#9 Commes des Garcons PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor

This list wouldn’t be the same without, streetwears-adorred, CDG PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor that is a staple collaboration in a lot of people’s rotations. As you can see, the sneaker is an ordinary Converse Chuck Taylor 70s High with a couple of CDG twists, including: metal eyelits and a PLAY heart, which spruce things up a little bit. The reason this sneaker is on the list is because it’s iconic, a fusion between one of the most widely recognised silhouettes, ever, and Commes des Garcons.

#10 VLONE x NikeLab Air Force 1

VLONE, the love child of A$AP Rocky, Bari and Edison Chen, made moves when they collaborated with NikeLab on the Air Force 1. The sneaker made its first appearance at ComplexCon back in November and caused quite a stir. It was only until December 4th when the shoes were raffled off to the public at Art Basel Miami, where tickets were given to those who purchased either a VLONE x Nike longsleeve or hoodie. As a result, these were very limited pieces!