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With Easter just around the corner, it's hard not to notice the plethora of Easter-themed sneakers that grace the shelves of stores and online marketplaces (Check out our Best Nike Easter Sneakers Of All Time list here). However, when it comes to the Jewish holiday of Passover, we're left wondering why there aren't any Passover-inspired kicks. While we may not have actual Passover-themed footwear, we can still playfully pay tribute to the holiday by highlighting the top "passed over" sneakers of 2023. Just as the angel of death passed over the houses of the Israelites during the tenth plague, so too have some sneakers been "passed over" by sneakerheads this year. To honor this unique connection, we have compiled a list of the Top 10 "Passed Over" Sneakers of 2023, celebrating those under-the-radar gems that deserve a second look.
Air Jordan 1 High "True Blue"
The "True Blue" colorway breathes new life into the iconic Air Jordan 1 High silhouette as it pays tribute to the iconic AJ 3 “True Blue.” Despite its eye-catching mix of white, black, and bold blue, this sneaker has flown under the radar of many collectors.
New Balance 2002R Lunar New Year Pack
Celebrating the Lunar New Year, New Balance released multiple colorways of the 2002R themed around this Chinese celebration. The release featured a unique design with premium materials and intricate details, even including a “Protection Pack” variant of the model. Yet, they remain some of the most slept-on sneakers of the year.
Union AJKO 1 Lows
The Union AJKO 1 Lows combine classic design elements with a fresh, low-top cut. Although they boast a clean and versatile aesthetic (while being the very first iteration of the low-cut AJKO 1), these sneakers have been largely overlooked in favor of more hyped releases.
Air Jordan 2 Low UNC to Chi (W)
The Air Jordan 2 Low UNC to Chi (W) pays homage to Michael Jordan's college and professional career with a striking color-blocked design. Despite its historical significance, this release has been overshadowed by other models in the Jordan lineup (and it being an Air Jordan 2 didn't help its case).
Doyenne Skateboards x Nike SB Blazer Low
This collaboration between Doyenne Skateboards and Nike SB has resulted in a unique and artistic take on the classic Blazer Low silhouette. However, the limited release and niche audience have kept this shoe from receiving the attention it deserves.
LeBron James x Nike Air Max 1 Liverpool
Crafted as LeBron James is a partial owner of Liverpool Football Club, this Air Max 1 release features the team's signature red, white, and green colors. Despite the high-profile inspiration, these sneakers have remained relatively under the radar.
A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 12 Pack
This luxurious iteration of the Air Jordan 12, crafted in collaboration with A Ma Maniere, features a premium tumbled leather upper and subtle design elements, including suede. While the sneaker boasts exceptional quality, it hasn't gained as much traction as expected.
Air Jordan 1 High Reverse Laney (W)
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Reverse Laney (W) brings a bold and vibrant twist to the iconic silhouette. With a nod to Michael Jordan's high school colors, the sneaker features a striking combination of blue and yellow. Despite its eye-catching appearance and storied inspiration, this release has been largely overlooked, making it a worthy addition to our "passed over" list.
Stussy x Air Penny 2 Fossil
A collaboration between Stussy and Nike, the Air Penny 2 Fossil brings a fresh, streetwear-inspired look to the classic basketball silhouette. With its distinctive earthy tones and textured finish, the sneaker community has surprisingly overlooked this sneaker despite the well-known collaboration.
DTLR Exclusive New Balance 990v3 Greyscale
Exclusively released through DTLR, the New Balance 990v3 Greyscale combines a classic silhouette with a sleek monochromatic color scheme. Despite its timeless design and limited availability, this sneaker hasn't garnered the attention it deserves, making it a prime candidate for our "passed over" list.
Conclusion:
In the spirit of Passover, let's take a moment to appreciate the sneakers that have been "passed over" thus far in 2023. Each release offers unique design elements, materials, and collaborations worth a second look at. As you gather with family and friends for whatever holiday(s) you may be celebrating in the coming weeks, consider giving these underappreciated gems the recognition they deserve. Whether you're searching for an underappreciated collaboration or a fresh colorway of a classic silhouette, these ten sneakers prove that there's always something special waiting to be discovered. Who knows? You might find a new favorite pair in the process. Happy holidays and happy sneaker hunting.
