The year 2023 was filled with many great sneaker releases and the year is not over yet with a few more great sneaker releases coming towards the end of the year. Although narrowing down a list to ten of the best releases of the year was not easy our staff here chose our top 10 sneaker releases of the year.

1. Nike SB Dunk “Jarritos”
Release Date: May 10, 2023
The Beverage Brand “Jarritos” which is a very popular beverage in Mexico and also has become known worldwide, have collaborated with Nike to create a unique Nike SB Dunk. What makes this colorway so unique is that the uppers are tear away and many consumer distressed the sneaker to give it a more beat up look.

2. Nike SB X Air Jordan 4 “Sail Green”
Release Date: March 21, 2023

This was a highly anticipated sneaker release that many sneaker enthusiasts and skaters wanted, it was a regular Air Jordan 4 but revamped to make it a shoe to skate in and last longer than your typical Air Jordan 4. This shoe sold out instantly and was a fan favorite among sneaker enthusiasts.

3. Kobe 6 “Reverse Grinch”
Release Date: December 15, 2023

The “Reverse Grinch” was a highly anticipated release this year by far for basketball fans and Kobe Bryant fans. This shoe has been two years in the making when it was first revealed by Lakers Superstar Anthony Davis. The “Reverse Grinch” was no doubt one of the best shoes to release in 2023. Not many Kobe’s released this year but the ones that did were absolutely amazing and Nike is doing their best to give Kobe shoes to Kobe Bryant fans.

4. Nike Zoom Vomero 5 “Doernbecher”
Release Date: February 25, 2023

The “Doernbecher” Nike Zoom Vomero 5 was designed by Jaren Heacock. The Nike Zoom Vomero 5 was a very popular sneaker this year and had many sneaker enthusiasts wanting a pair. It essentially became the new “lifestyle” shoe and released in various colorways.

5. Air Jordan 3 “White Cement” Reimagined
Release Date: March 11, 2023

The Air Jordan “White Cement” Reimagined was brought out to celebrate the 35 year anniversary of the Air Jordan 3 which is a shoe that holds a lot of significance in sneaker culture. Jordan was set to leave Nike but Tinker Hatfield designed the Air Jordan 3 which ultimately made Jordan stay. The 2023 “White Cement” Reimagined brought back “Nike Air” branding and a vintage look to give the consumers an idea what an Air Jordan 3 from 1988 would look like if it made it to 2023 never worn.

6. Air Force 1 “Tiffany & Co 1837”
Release Date: March 7, 2023

One of the most hyped and popular collaborations of the year featured Nike and Tiffany & Co releasing an Air Force 1 together. The two brands collaborated on a Nike Dunk SB back in 2005, and 8 years later they collaborated yet again. Despite the shoe being very simplistic, it’s the “Tiffany Blue” Nike Swoosh and premium materials on the sneaker that made it a very sought out shoe this year.

7. J Balvin X Air Jordan 3 “MEDELLÍN SUNSET”
Release Date: September 23rd, 2023 

The Jordan 3 “Medellin Sunset” was inspired by Columbian sunsets. J Balvin collaborated yet again with Jordan brand and released an Air Jordan 3. This time around it was a lot more toned down and simpler compared to the Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 2 J Balvin collaborations.

8. Air Jordan 11 “Gratitude”
Release Date: December 9, 2023

Many thought that the Air Jordan 11 “Gratitude” was a disappointment at first because many thought it was be closer to the “DMP” Air Jordan 11. Closer to the release people got their hands on them and loved the quality and what’s December without an Air Jordan 11 release. Despite it not being the exact replica of the “DMP” Air Jordan 11 many people ended up enjoying this pair very much with the high cut patent leather and material quality on the uppers.

9. Air Max 1 ‘86 OG Big Bubble
Release Date: March 26, 2023 

Nike brought back a blast from the past with the Air Max 1. Nike decided to bring back the Air Max 1 but with the big bubble like they used to back in 1986 when they initially launched the iconic shoe. Despite it not having much resale value it is a unique sneaker that brings back a lot of nostalgia to early sneaker enthusiasts and gave many people from the newer generation to get a chance at owning a shoe that was similar to the original back in 1986. 

10. Adidas Crazy IIInfinity
Release Date: July 26, 2023

The Adidas Crazy IIInfinity was heavily inspired by the Adidas Crazy 1 which Kobe Bryant wore back in 2000 and was also his first signature sneaker with Adidas. Adidas brought this model back but in a futuristic form and went for more of a lifestyle sneaker instead of on court performance. While this shoe was an underrated release it was nice to see a sneaker brought back.