The Best Shoes Antonio Durao Wore on the Way to Getting Snubbed for Thrasher Skater of the Year

Long before the SOTY acronym was repurposed to mean Sneaker of the Year, it was coined by Thrasher Magazine as a shorthand for the SF skate bible’s annual Skater of the Year award. This year, SoCal weight lifter Chris Joslin took home Thrasher’s Rusty trophy after his 360 flip of the El Toro 20 stair broke the internet. For skaters with more refined taste, though, the clear choice for the end-of-year award was NYC ripper Antonio Durao. Not only is Durao’s avant-garde style a breath of fresh air in the industry, but his unreal ability on the board makes the wooden children's toy look like, well, a children’s toy.

In addition to his constant output this season, Durao was far and away the skate industry’s most interesting sneakerhead. A Nike SB-sponsored pro, Durao isn’t satisfied to put on new pairs of Dunks and Blazers every session, although he does wear plenty of those; he also seeks out random Jordans and non-SB Nikes to mix up his gear choice. Not only are his tricks incredible, but he’s definitely the only pro filming clips in Jordan 6s.

Durao might not have taken home the SOTY trophy this year, but it’s only right that we recognize his incredible year in sneakers.

Nike SB Air Force 1

The most anticipated Nike SB crossover since the Dunk SB, Antonio has been leading the charge in the wear-testing and early looks at the skate-ready Uptowns. From the blue suede and black sole pair to the Flax colorway and all-black wear test samples, if you want to get a feel for the upcoming SB AF1 debut, Durao is the one to watch.

Air Jordan 2 High Christmas

The Jordan 1 High is known as a classic skate shoe from the Bones Brigade era, and Antonio is taking it one step further by rocking MJ's second signature sneaker. More specifically, he skated the Air Jordan 2 Christmas. One of his most-skated silhouettes this year, this clip at the Flushing Meadows grate is as good as 2s have looked since Jordan.

Air Jordan 2 Low Christmas

He skated the white high-top colorway, so it’s only right he broke out the low-top Air Jordan 2 Christmas pair as well. Ho, ho ho.

Air Jordan 2 Low Cherry Blossom

The last Air Jordan 2 on the list, this white and pink low-top Cherry Blossom from last year, is just one of many forgotten colorways that Durao made look unexpectedly great on board.

Air Jordan 6 Toro Bravo

Durao’s Jordan love doesn’t stop at the silhouettes that actually make sense for skating, breaking out a red suede Jordan 6 Toro Bravo. Hey, at least it's suede.

Jordan Session

Durao might be the only person we’ve ever seen actually skate the skate-inspired Jordan Session.

Nike SB x Air Jordan 4

The second, blue colorway of the SB Jordan 4 didn’t hit quite as hard as the debut pine green pair, but if you look at Antonio’s footage from over the year, you wouldn’t know it. Perfectly mixing his love for Jordans with his SB sponsorship, this pair was practically made for Antonio.

Nike SB P Rod 1 Retro

Showing love to the man who brought signature model sneakers to Nike SB, Antonio filmed plenty of clips in the white and black PRod 1 retro, plus a few clips in the black and red colorway. With switch 360 flips like Durao’s, showing love to PRod is a must.

PSG x Air Jordan MVP

A Team Jordan for Paris’ most popular soccer team? Yeah, of course he skated it, he’s on the team.

Nike SB x Air Max 95 Cactus Flower

The biggest crossover SB release of the year, Durao’s penchant for skating non-skate footwear was tailored to once again with the re-engineered 95. While some complained about comfort and construction, Durao just filmed a couple clips in them instead.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com