2025 Sneakers Of The Year (so far)

Can you believe we’ve reached the halfway point in the 2025 calendar year? It somehow feels like a year's worth of sneakers have already dropped, and yet so many have yet to release. 2025 has offered a mix of highly anticipated retros, exciting collaborations, and eye-catching new silhouettes that have captured our attention.

Here's a look at the standouts that have defined the first half of 2025 and could stick around for the Sneaker of the Year conversation:

Air Jordan 5 "Black Metallic Reimagined"

A perennial favorite, the "Black Metallic" Air Jordan 5 returned with a "Reimagined" twist, delivering subtle yet impactful updates that thrilled purists and new fans alike. The enhanced reflectivity and faithful construction made this a must-cop for many.

Air Jordan 4 "White Cement" / Air Jordan 4 SB “Navy” / Air Jordan 4 “Nigel Sylvester - Brick By Brick”

The Air Jordan 4 has arguably been the silhouette of the year so far, with multiple high-profile releases. The "White Cement" returned to widespread acclaim, nailing the details that made the original iconic. The Nike SB collaboration in "Navy" brought skate heritage to the basketball classic, while Nigel Sylvester's "Brick By Brick" edition stood out with its unique texture and storytelling.

Air Jordan 1 High '85 "Bred"

You can't talk about sneakers without mentioning the "Bred" 1. The '85 cut offers that truly authentic vintage feel, and this release delivered on all fronts, cementing its place as an instant classic (again).

Puma Speedcat Ballet

Proving that sleek and unexpected designs can still make a splash, the Puma Speedcat Ballet brought a refined, almost delicate aesthetic to the sneaker world. It's a testament to how brands are pushing boundaries beyond traditional athletic silhouettes.

New Balance 990v6 “Action Bronson - Untitled/Ainôzama”

Action Bronson's collaborations always bring a distinct flavor, and he returned to New Balance’s 990v6 as his canvas. Whether you prefer the Untitled or the Ainôzama (or their alternative pre-release nicknames, Citizens of the World and Amazonia, respectively) is a personal choice, and we feel you can’t go wrong with either one.

New Balance 2000 “Baby Blue”

The New Balance 2000 has emerged as one of the most exciting new silhouettes of the year. The "Baby Blue" colorway is a breath of fresh air, offering a clean and versatile option that quickly became a go-to for everyday wear. We can’t wait to see what collabs and colorways New Balance cooks up with this fresh style in 2025.

Nike A’One

It was about time Nike gave the three-time WNBA MVP and two-time WNBA Champ, A’ja Wilson, her own signature sneaker. The “Pink A’ura” colorway was an instant hit and was followed up by other standout colorways like the “Blue Fury/Indigo Girl” and “Pearl.” Expect to see this model all WNBA season long and into the NBA season as well.

Adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet WMNS

Another surprising entry, the Adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet WMNS tapped into the growing trend of minimalist, dance-inspired footwear. Its elegant silhouette and comfortable construction resonated with those looking for something different from the usual chunky trainers.

Samba OG WMNS “Leopard Pack”

Just when you thought Samba-fatigue might be creeping in, Adidas dropped the “Leopard” pack that landed as an undeniable smash. The Leopard pack brought an eye-catching pattern to the classic silhouette.

ASICS Gel Kayano 14 “JJJJound - White/Blue”

2025 saw Justin Saunders return to the Gel Kayano 14. JJJJound kept it clean once again, but this time added icy blue and pale yellow accents to the midsoles respectively. These are perfect for the summer and could find a place on some year-end lists.

Air Max 95 “Corteiz - Honey Black” / “Pink Foam” / “Neon”

Nike has gone all out for the 30th Anniversary of the Air Max 95. In addition to bringing back the "Neon" colorway in its OG fashion, Nike tapped Corteiz for a fourth "Honey Black" colorway in their ongoing collaboration. Nike followed up with the women's exclusive "Pink Foam" colorway and, most recently, the fan-favorite "Bright Mandarin" colorway."

As we head into the second half of 2025, the bar has been set incredibly high. These sneakers represent just a snapshot of the innovation, nostalgia, and sheer style that have graced the market so far.