Top 10 Most Underrated Sneaker Releases of 2020
Despite many unfortunate global events, 2020 has somehow managed to bless the sneaker world with an overwhelming and diverse lineup of hot new releases. From the Chunky Dunky and Grateful Dead SB’s to Jordan Brand’s highly coveted collaborations with Dior and Off-White, there has surely been no shortage of hype. This seemingly endless roster of exclusive, highly-coveted drops has dominated the limelight, allowing some of the year’s best sneaker launches to fly under the radar and not receive the attention they deserve. We’re giving you the scoop on the top ten most underrated sneakers of 2020. Read on for the most underrated sneaker releases of the year.
1. Jordan 1 Retro High Zoom White Racer Blue
Launch Date: March 14, 2020
This model represents Jordan Brand’s recent revamp of the iconic Jordan 1 silhouette. The sneaker features a white leather upper tied together with glossy, light grey patent leather overlays. An icy, translucent sole and signature Zoom Air cushioning cap off the sleek design. This underrated Jordan 1 Retro high has the look but didn’t get the hype.
2. JJJJound New Balance 992 Green
New Balance’s are hot again. Yeah, let that sink in. For this collaboration, New Balance teamed up with the Montreal-based design studio, JJJJound to deliver a fresh take on a once forgotten silhouette in the sneaker community. The shoe features a mixture of green mesh and premium suede on its upper and is complemented by minimal, discrete branding. This classic and comfortable lifestyle runner is surely one of the most underrated collaborations of the year.
3. Jordan OG Melody Ehsani (W)
Back in March, Jordan Brand joined forces with LA based designer, Melody Ehsani, for this OG women’s-exclusive Jordan silhouette. The sneaker sports a black nubuck upper accented by reflective detailing and hints of vibrant, cherry red. Be sure to keep an eye on Jordan Brand’s future collabs with Ehsani; they’re definitely going to keep bringing the heat.
4. Nike Air Kukini Spiridon Cage 2 Stussy White
This killer collab between the sportswear giant and the southern California streetwear brand launched back in July. With a focus on comfort and style, this sneaker features a crisp white, web-like upper tied together with red and black accents throughout. Don’t sleep on Stussy and Nike; they rarely disappoint.
5. New Balance 827 Stray Rats
Arguably one of the year’s best New Balance releases came back in May with the collaborative launch of the 827 “Stray Rats” edition. This sneaker simply doesn’t get the credit it deserves. The swampy color scheme features a brown mesh and suede upper accented by red and green hues to give it the unique earthy-vibe. This off-beat collab with the Miami-based boutique showcases New Balance’s recent resurgence and growing popularity in the sneaker community.
6. Nike Air Presto Australia Olympic
Easily one of the most undervalued and underrated drops in recent months, the Australia Presto’s represent one of 2020’s most slept-on sneaker releases. This mid-July launch finally gave the general public their first chance to secure a pair of the highly-touted, limited colorway. The design was originally made exclusively for the 2000 Australian Olympic team. Grab your pair now; we wouldn’t be surprised if prices start to creep up.
7. adidas Yeezy Boost 380 Mist
The 380’s are certainly not Ye and Adidas’ best work. However, the Mist colorway flew under the radar when it dropped back in March. Depending on size, you can cop your pair now for near or under the original retail price. Comfortable, clean, and simple, this colorway might be one of the most underrated Yeezy drops of the year.
8. Nike Air Force 1 Low Retro Puerto Rico
At the start of June, we saw the release of this fresh, Puerto Rico-inspired colorway of the iconic Air Force 1 Low silhouette. The sneaker features a simple yet elegant white leather upper along with obsidian accents on the lining, outsole, and heel tab. The beautifully woven Puerto Rico flag hits the tongue and lateral heel to cap off the commonwealth-inspired design. In our opinion, this quickstrike drop is being heavily slept-on. Let’s see where prices end up.
9. Nike Air Max 90 20 Undefeated Black
Nike and Undefeated teamed up earlier this spring to bring sneaker fans an exciting new three piece Air Max collaboration. The Black or “Anthracite” rendition boasts a solid black mesh and nubuck upper along with a suede signature Swoosh. UNDFTD branding hits the tongue tag and heel to finish off the design. This pack might not have garnered the crazy levels of hype as many of its neighboring releases, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it doesn’t deserve the attention.
10. Jordan 4 Retro SE 95 Neon
Drawing inspiration from the OG colorway of the iconic Air Max 95 silhouette, this Jordan 4 model features a grey and neon color scheme. Vibrant colors and premium materials atop one of Jordan’s most iconic silhouettes – what’s not to love? Although this pair of Jays lacks the fingerprints of designers like Travis and Virgil, don’t kid yourself – these are fire.