In 2017 Stadium Goods was bigger and better than ever, and so was the sneaker game in general. Two words can pretty much sum up how significant the year was in the grand scheme of things: Off-White. There were plenty of major releases throughout 2017, but none compare to the monumental, hype-inducing phenomenon that was Virgil Abloh's epic ten-shoe collection in collaboration with Nike. The Air Jordan 1 was the crown jewel of Abloh's remodels of Nike classics (and the Converse Chuck Taylor), and it definitely overshadowed every other sneaker of the year. But like we said, there was plenty more to get excited about in 2017. In celebration of our 4th Anniversary, here are the four most significant sneaker releases that had the culture buzzing throughout the year and beyond.
Off-White x Air Jordan 1 "Chicago"
If there was ever a unanimous decision for "sneaker of the year" throughout sneaker culture for any given year, it was the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 in 2017. Everybody wanted it. Few got it. And two years later its status as one of the biggest grails in the game is already cemented for years to come.
Tom Sachs x Nike Mars Yard 2.0
Another 2017 release that's become extremely highly sought-after is the Nike Mars Yard 2.0 by Tom Sachs. The renowned artist's second iteration of his "sneaker for rocket scientists" concept shoe is in demand from sneaker and art collectors alike, and its value continues to skyrocket as pairs become more and more rare. Mini-sized versions of the design for toddlers and infants just released this year and also quickly disappeared, proving that the Mars Yard 2.0 is just as relevant today as it was two years ago.
adidas Yeezy Boost 700 "Wave Runner"
The "dad shoe" trend took over the sneaker world in 2017, thanks largely to Kanye West's chunky Yeezy Boost 700. The inaugural colorway of the silhouette dubbed "Wave Runner" stirs up ideas of summer days on your jet ski at the lake, but the instantly iconic colorway has proven to be great for any season or setting. The model itself has gone on to become the second most popular Yeezy, right behind the ubiquitous 350 Boost.
KAWS x Air Jordan 4
Along with Tom Sachs' Mars Yard 2.0, a second world-famous artist dominated sneaker culture in 2017. KAWS remodeled the beloved Air Jordan 4 in stunning fashion, featuring an all-grey-suede upper—that even extended down to the midsole—tonally embroidered with his artwork. His signature "XX" motif on the heels and a glow in the dark outsole completed the design that today still has many collectors in a frenzy to score a pair.
Honorable Mentions
Supreme x Nike Air More Uptempo
Aleali May x Air Jordan 1 High
