John Kim 
Stefan Janoski’s Nike Skateboarding shoe is one of the most successful signature sneakers ever released. In an age when superstar athletes routinely command multiple models for each passing year, the Janoski’s timeless style has proven among the most popular. It did so well right out of the gate in 2009 that Nike SB introduced a midtop the following year. There have also been the occasional velcro pairs and the new Free Run-inspired Max edition, but over the nearly five years since its debut, the original low has been the go-to.
The number of colorways isn’t too far from triple-digits by this point, which means that there are plenty to pick from when selecting your favorite. They range from the low-key styles that become the anchors of our everyday rotations to some of the more expressive designs that have become more frequent of late. Here are some of the highlights of what might be considered the greatest pro model skate shoe ever released:
‘Gardner Tenth’ by Michael Lau (October 2009)
Commemorating the tenth anniversary of his Gardner vinyl figurines, Michael Lau revisited the woodgrain theme with his third Nike SB collab, Janoski’s first. Offering a lighter counterpart to the darker Dunks he’d done three years earlier, Lau’s Janoskis came in a matching special edition box with a pink figurine in mini SBs.
Velcro (August 2011)
Stefan Janoski’s personal style has an undeniable ‘dad swag’ to it. He’s one of the influencers who helped to guide a trend in recent years of reaching back for grandpa’s cardigan and boat shoes. Further connecting with his playful approach is the lace-free Janoski SB with the hook-and-loop fasteners commonly associated with folks at either extreme of their lifespan. Looking at the shoe’s traditional lines through a childlike beginner’s mind, the velcro is one of Janoski’s personal favorites even if the concept went over many people’s heads.
8FIVE2 (April 2012)
Hong Kong skate shop 8Five2 authored the first of two Janoski collabs so far, about two years ago. This olive and black Quickstrike is one of a select few colorways with the blacked out vulcanized sole.
‘Wino’ (June 2012)
The Sneaker News team noshed on some tasty treats while we chatted with Stefan Janoski over an NYC-inspired iD and a bottle of his father’s California wine. This ‘stained’ colorway was a tribute to Stefan’s roots and America’s wine capital, while hinting at a sense of tradition and sophistication that is evident in the traditional boat shoe silhouette.
‘Digi-Floral’ (2013)
The Janoski extended its graphic repertoire in 2013. One of the most significant additions was the digi-floral print that appeared on three different pairs spread across the year. There was also a more traditional ‘Floral’ colorway as well but the three-pronged pixelated digital approach won the year.
fragment design ( 2013)
Along with Eric Koston’s first Nike signature, Stefan Janoski’s was treated to a trio of colorways crafted for Hiroshi Fujiwara’s first SB efforts. Sporting fragment’s double-lightning bolt logo, these (color)/white styles kept it clean with tonal Swoosh embroidery and white contrast stitching matching the classic striped vulc soles.
Doernbecher Freestyle X (November 2013)
Nike SB released its second Doernbecher Children’s Hospital collaboration in 2013. Following the Dunk High debut the year before, the selection for last November gave the Janoski lowtop an unprecedented shot of energy. The embroidery details on Ross Hathaway’s design haven’t been duplicated before or since and prove that there are still so many new options we haven’t even considered yet.
‘Lemon Twist by ‘Three Squares Studio (August 2013)
Stefan Janoski is an influencer, from embracing traditional menswear and the boat shoe silhouette, right down to his personal grooming. Mr. Janoski is partial to Three Squares Studio on West 17th for his barbershop needs, and the ‘Lemon Twist’ colorway with their logo on the insoles is one of his most attention-grabbing releases yet.
Pendleton x NIKEiD (November 2013)
Part of Pendleton Woolen Mills’ most expansive Nike collaboration to date brought a selection of their warm and cozy woven patterns to the Janoski as one of four NIKEiD offerings.
‘Tiger Stripe Pack’ (February 2014)
Keeping the pattern trend going strong for the new year was this recent drop with two tiger-striped Janoski lowtops. One rocked a rainbow base layer and the other settled into that greyscale space that is so great for a skate shoe because it’s easy to wear and ages so gracefully.
