The 10 Most Anticipated Sneaker Releases Of 2018

The year in sneakers is over as we’ve counted down the ten best in several categories that keep the heartbeat of sneaker culture going at a healthy pace. 2018 promises a lot of innovative new shoes and much-awaited re-issues of classics, and while what’s been revealed thus far is just the tip of the iceberg, next year is shaping up to be even better than 2017 was. Here’s a rundown of the 10 most anticipated sneaker drops of 2018 (that we know about).

10. More adidas Yeezy Boost 700 Wave Runners 
Despite being met with lukewarm reception upon its release, the “Wave Runner” Yeezys have since gained traction as one of the most sought-after shoes of 2017. There’s no questioning that Kanye’s sub-label with the stripes is going heavier with the 700 as well as other chiseled running-inspired shoes.

9. adidas Crazy BYW LVL 1 
adidas is reviving its “Feet You Wear” basketball collection from the 1990’s with the implementation of the always popular Boost technology. This retro-looking silhouette has already been featured in-game on the feet of Three Stripes athletes Nick Young, and Brandon Ingram. The “Boost You Wear” LVL 1 will arrive at select stores on January 27th with a global release soon to follow on February 15th.

8. Nike LeBron 16 
LeBron’s shoes have always been on the forefront of the Swoosh’s newest innovations, so the LeBron 16 is likely to come equipped with some state-of-the-art tooling for 2018. The sneaker is expected make its debut toward the ends of the year when the 2018-19 NBA season is firing up.

7. BAPE x adidas Dame 4 
adidas has plans to pair two unlikely entities during the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend – BAPE and the Dame 4. While no actual images have surfaced, it is expected the two offerings will be adorned in BAPE’s customary camouflage as well as other brand decals. On paper, this collaboration seems strange, but the early renderings show promise.

6. adidas Boost POD 
We’re not at liberty to share a photo, but adidas Originals has a brand new shoe coming out in 2018 that blends the NMD aesthetic with a completely redesigned midsole. Yes, it has Boost.

5. adidas Futurecraft 4D 
adidas initially confirmed a public release of the “4D” printed shoes for December, but it’s confirmed that this highly-anticipated drop won’t touch down until next year. Just when it happens is still unknown, but it’s unquestionably on the radar of adidas fanatics worldwide.

4. Off White x Nike 
Nike’s SNKRS release of the entire OFF WHITE “The Ten” collection took the sneaker industry hostage for hours as thousands of eager consumers constantly loaded and re-loaded their pages with the hopes of securing a pair. While most people took L after L at retail, OFF WHITE designer Virgil Abloh isn’t stopping there as Nike has plans to scale this partnership in 2018. Expect more releases, but getting a pair will be just as difficult.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Nike signature shoe 
Nike won the bidding war for the Greek Freak’s services, and it looks like the brand is planning to release his first signature shoe in 2018. Is this the new blood that can re-energize the basketball shoe business?

2. Air Jordan 3 “Black/Cement” 
The most significant detail regarding the re-release of the Black Cement 3 is the return of the original Nike Air branding on its heel tab. While the sneaker’s last release in 2011 was much appreciated by fans of the Jordan Brand, the sneaker’s return to its original form is sure to send the sneaker community into a frenzy on February 17th. Those who just can;t let go of their 2001 Retros can now ease their grips just a little.

1. Air Jordan 11 “Concord” 

Some may argue that the Concord 11 is the single greatest sneaker ever made. It hasn’t seen the light of day since the re-released in 2011, and with the true-to-form tooling as well as the possibility of “45” being featured on the heel, next year’s rumored October release has Jordan fanatics patiently waiting its return.
 
 
 
 
 
Honorable mentions: Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Shadow”, Russell Westbrook’s signature shoe, Air Jordan 33