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When it comes to sneaker collaborations, 2022 has been one helluva year. Over the past twelve months, we’ve seen nothing but hype. From Virgil Abloh’s hotly-anticipated Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 collection to Chitose Abe’s special edition sacai x Nike Cortez OG, some of the industry’s biggest names went all-out. While we can’t give a shoutout to every single one of them, the Sole Retriever team have done our best to come up with a list of the top ten sneaker collaborations of the year.
Let us know what you think of this line-up, and while you’re here, make sure you follow our official Twitter account and download Sole Retriever’s Mobile App for the hottest sneaker and streetwear news, releases, and raffles.
1. A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 4 Retro SP "Violet Ore"
When it comes to collaborations, James Whitner and his talented team know exactly what they’re doing. After releasing an Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan 2, and Air Jordan 3, A Ma Maniere finally completed the Jumpman quartet this season, and it was totally worth the wait. Crafted from premium purple leather throughout, the A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 4 “Violet Ore” is widely regarded as one of the hottest sneakers of the year. With button detailing around the heel, a soft quilted lining, inspirational messages, and so much more, we almost wonder how it’s physically possible to fit so much heat into one single shoe. 2023 will see even more AMM Jordan Brand sneakers, but the AJ 4 is going to be a hard one to beat.
2. Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Collection
Virgil Abloh’s contribution to the design world cannot be understated. His work with Off-White, Nike, and Louis Vuitton will forever inspire future generations and, arguably, his biggest achievement was the fusion of sportswear and luxury fashion through the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Collection. What was once a fantasy colorway created by customizers became a reality and caused a frenzy in the fashion world with every person hoping to secure a pair for retail. A wide range of colorways were produced with notable ones being the classic LV brown monogram print used primarily on their leather goods, a metallic gold upper, and graffiti-covered AF1 Mids. While the price point was for those with deep pockets, those who were priced out of the release can still appreciate this as a marquee moment in Virgil’s career and sneaker history.
3. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG "Reverse Mocha"
Travis Scott doesn’t miss. After taking a break from things, he returned with the Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG “Reverse Mocha.” The highly anticipated follow-up to the original “Mocha” Lows, these have become an instant classic. It’s clean white and brown design, complete with Travis Scott’s backwards Swoosh on the lateral sides and branding throughout made this pair another must-have.
4. Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex Clog "Sasquatch"
Without a shadow of a doubt, Salehe Bembury’s partnership with Crocs was one of the most unexpected successes of the year. Hype surrounding the clog company has been growing at a steady rate thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this collaboration shot it to another level. With so many vibrant colorways to choose from, we personally think that the Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex Clog “Sasquatch” is the best of the bunch. Understated yet unique, this is, hands down, the most wearable pair of the collection. Crafted from Croslite foam, it’s intricately carved with the American designer’s signature fingerprint design for a look that’s sure to turn heads. The rubber strap has also been completely redesigned so you can enter Sport Mode in style.
5. JJJJound x New Balance 990V3 "Olive"
We can’t have a list with the top sneaker collabs of the year without mentioning the JJJJound x New Balance 990V3 “Olive.” Made in collaboration with Justin Saunders’ social media moodboard-turned-global fashion platform, even though you probably don’t even know how to pronounce the brand’s name, that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is one of the most sought-after NBs ever. Crafted from a chalky green suede that’s soft and supple to the touch, it’s equipped with a pair of creamy laces for a vintage vibe. While most collaborators tend to paste their name throughout the shoe and call it a day, the Montreal-based imprint has gone down a more tasteful route, and it has obviously worked wonders.
6. Bad Bunny x adidas Forum Buckle Low "Last Forum"
San Benito (who goes by Bad Bunny) dominated the charts in 2022 with his hottest musical release to date, Un Verano Sin Ti, shattered records by grossing nearly half a billion dollars on his worldwide tour supporting the release, and earned a wide range of awards from the likes of Billboard, Spotify, Apple Music and more. On top of this, the Puerto Rican superstar also continued his collaborative efforts with adidas on his infamous redesigned Forum Low. Closing out the year, the two released the Bad Bunny x adidas Forum Buckle Low “Last Forum,” a white/grey iteration of their hit collab that is inspired by an endless summer. With premium materials and the extra goodies (like multiple laces, tongue shrouds, and dust bags) Bad Bunny and adidas closed out this chapter of their partnership with a banger.
7. Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low "Orange Lobster"
Inspired by one of the rarest lobsters in the world, the “Orange Lobster,” which is a one in 30 million chance of coming across one. Continuing its theme that started in 2008, Concepts’ “Lobster” Collection has been one of the most popular and sought after Nike SB series since the sub-labels inception in 2002. The Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low “Orange Lobster” sports an orange-based upper with lobster detailing, a custom printed liner, and rubber bands on the toes, just like you’d see on a lobster in the tank. Releasing a special edition version exclusive to Concepts alongside the skateshop regular release, collector’s and non-collector’s got the best of both worlds trying to complete the set.
8. sacai x Nike Cortez "Forrest Gump"
To celebrate the Cortez’s 50th Anniversary, Nike entrusted Chitose Abe with the sacai x Nike Cortez OG, and she certainly didn’t disappoint. Inspired by the colorway that appeared in 1994’s Forrest Gump, the Japanese style icon’s take on the silhouette features the same nylon and suede construction but she has deconstructed it from the ground up. From the tongues to the lacing system all the way to the midsole, everything has been doubled up for an aesthetic that is quite literally twice as nice. Abe also added an Air bubble down below, which is something that has never been done in the model’s five-decade-long history.
9. Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 993 Performance Art "Powder Pink"
One of the most prolific collaborators under the wings of New Balance, Joe Freshgoods has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of the Boston-based footwear brand in the “hype” world of sneakers. Following up his assisted debut of the New Balance 9060, JFG took the premium running model, the New Balance 993, and turned its typical grey and colorless design into a representation of “Performance Art.” As the included hangtag stated, “The beauty of art is not all things are intended to be what they are made for. We take it and make it our own.” This mantra was executed to perfection with the Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 993 “Powder Pink” as the pastel hues across the premium pigskin suede mixed with vintage creams on the soft and comfortable 993 sole unit give those an outlet to express themselves through a sneaker that was once seen as an elitist running silhouette.
10. Rick and Morty x Puma MB.01
Rick and Morty is one of the most popular animated series of this era. An instant classic, it was no surprise to see the Adult Swim cartoon crossover into the sneaker world. Thanks in part to LaMelo Ball, who’s favorite show is Rick and Morty, his first hit signature sneaker with Puma, the MB.01 got a unique makeover in 2022. The Rick and Morty Puma MB.01 is very unique, with one sneaker coming in green, while the other in a bright pink. With its out of this world theme, and Melo’s “No From Here” phase, this was a perfect match.
