As 2024 approaches, it's time to reflect on an exciting year of standout sneaker releases. Our team curated their top picks, highlighting innovative designs and vibrant colorways that made an impression. See through the blog to explore our staff’s favourite sneaker releases of the year.

(*The arrangement of the list does not indicate any preference or ranking.)

1. New Balance Made in USA U993PG & U993GW
In 2024, New Balance released several stunning pairs and models that cater to a variety of tastes. One standout item we considered adding to our list is the U990GR6 "Castlerock," which is part of the new 990 series and features a classic New Balance grey colour. Reflecting on the beginning of the year, we found that both U993PG and U993GW are exceptional pairs. They evoke the early 2000s era of New Balance, reminding fans of those classic times. Therefore, we decided to include both models from the 993 series on our list.

2. Minted NY X Saucony Progrid Triumph 4
This year, Minted NY has established a robust collaboration with Saucony, showcasing a commitment to innovation in both streetwear and athletic footwear. In the summer, they partnered to design a stunning version of the Progrid Triumph 4, a running shoe known for its comfort and performance. The design embraces a minimalist aesthetic, which resonates deeply with Minted’s philosophy of blending style and functionality in urban fashion.

Moreover, Minted NY and Saucony invested significant effort into the packaging, creating eye-catching box art that adds a unique touch to the overall presentation.

3. HIDDEN.NY x Asics Gel-NYC
Don’t underestimate HIDDEN.NY; it has the potential to become a leading collaboration brand. Over the past year, it has shown remarkable activity and innovation in the sneaker and fashion industries.

Starting as a creative Instagram mood board, HIDDEN.NY has evolved into a recognized brand with a loyal following. Their collaborations, including a striking sneaker with Asics featuring a sleek white and silver design and signature green accents, have garnered significant acclaim.

As HIDDEN.NY continues to grow, it’s a brand to watch as it pushes the boundaries in fashion and footwear collaborations.

4. P_Andrade x Asics Gel-Kayano 14 "Gradation Green"
This collaboration between the Brazilian fashion brand P_Andrade and the sportswear company Asics marks a significant first. The unique color design comes from the small Amazon forest beetle, called Lamprocyphus Augustus. This choice shows a strong appreciation for Brazil's rich biodiversity and highlights the creativity of designers Pedro Andrade and Paula Kim. By using elements from the country's wildlife in the sneaker design, P_Andrade emphasizes the beauty of the Amazon's ecosystem while providing a distinctive footwear option. This partnership blends high fashion with environmental awareness, setting a new standard in sneaker design.

5. ARIES x PUMA Mostro AC
In 2024, Puma is establishing itself as a formidable competitor in the sneaker market, gaining ground against established brands. The classic Speedcat silhouette continues to be a popular choice in Korea and around the world.

This spring, Puma is expanding its footprint in the sneaker market by partnering with the streetwear label "ARIES" to launch the Mostro AC. This sneaker blends ARIES' unique style with influences from surfing and track and field. It features a black mesh and premium suede upper for breathability and comfort, enhanced with leather accents for a touch of sophistication. This collaboration highlights Puma's commitment to innovation and reflects a shift toward more fashionable designs that resonate with modern sneaker culture.

 6. Above the Clouds x Asics GT-2160 "Cream Chocolate"
This year, Asics Gel-Kayano 14 and GT-2160 sneakers are major players in the sneaker market, gaining a lot of attention and sales. One of the standout collaborations for 2024 is the Above the Clouds x Asics GT-2160 "Cream Chocolate." This sneaker features a unique transparent upper that makes it different from others.

The shoe blends rich chocolate brown and soft cream colours, creating a vintage and harmonious look. This colour scheme complements earth-toned outfits and vintage styles, which are becoming more popular in 2024. The "Cream Chocolate" colourway is a versatile choice that can enhance many outfits. Overall, this collaboration showcases Above the Cloud and Asics' creative approach while connecting with current fashion trends.

7. StarCow x Saucony ProGrid Omni 9
This year, Saucony has emerged as another prominent brand in the sneaker market, making headlines with a series of exciting collaborations. One of the standout releases is the highly anticipated ProGrid Omni shoes, brought to life in partnership with the renowned Parisian boutique, StarCow. This collaboration is a true representation of creativity and innovation, merging StarCow's unique aesthetic sensibility with the performance-oriented design of the ProGrid Omni.

The design of these shoes is particularly striking, featuring a vivid colour palette dominated by vibrant green and elegant gold accents, which create a stunning visual appeal. In addition to these bold hues, the shoes incorporate StarCow's signature orange, adding an extra layer of distinctiveness to the overall look. Enthusiasts and collectors alike have eagerly awaited this release, making it one of the most talked-about sneakers of 2024.

8. Jae Tips x Saucony Progrid Omni 9 "To Do List"
The Jae Tips x Saucony Progrid Omni 9 "To Do List" collaboration represents a remarkable milestone in the sneaker landscape for 2024, showcasing Saucony and Jae Tips' significant role in the industry in the future. This project features two distinct colorways: vibrant pink and a tan hue, each thoughtfully designed to appeal to sneaker devotees.

Both pairs of the Progrid Omni 9 are infused with Jae Tips’ signature vibrant colour palette, which adds flair and reflects the designer’s artistic vision. The shoes are adorned with significant details that enhance their aesthetic appeal, including the lining and thoughtfully designed insoles that ensure comfort and style.

The "To Do List" concept (themed around running errands and meeting goals) behind this collaboration reflects Jae Tips' passion for creating unique designs and future investment in the sneaker industry. With their standout design elements, these shoes are poised to become essential pieces for any serious sneaker collection, offering both style and substance for wearers.

9. New Balance 1906 Loafer U1906LAE "Metallic Silver"
In the fall/winter 2024 season, a noteworthy trend in the fashion industry is the rise of formal streetwear, which is increasingly becoming a staple in contemporary wardrobes. New Balance has embraced this trend by launching the 1906 Loafer, a shoe that combines traditional formal styles with modern street looks.

The shoe made its debut during Paris Fashion Week for menswear in early 2024. In September, New Balance released the 1906 Loafer in "Metallic Silver." This colour not only complements the formal streetwear vibe but also fits well with the popular sneaker colour palettes of 2024. Furthermore, the 1906 Loafer is a great alternative to expensive leather loafers, providing enhanced comfort without compromising on style.

10. PLEASURES x Clarks TorHill Pack
Besides the New Balance 1906 Loafer, PLEASURES x Clarks is an alternative standout option within formal streetwear. This collaboration seamlessly fuses traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, creating a refreshing and innovative take on a classic footwear style. The design features a rich palette of vibrant colours that add not only visual appeal but also reflect modern fashion trends.

Additionally, PLEASURES has incorporated impressive graphic elements into the shoe's design, elevating its overall aesthetic. Clarks has expertly highlighted these graphics through meticulous, high-quality embroidery, ensuring that every detail is sharp and bold. This attention to craftsmanship enhances the shoe's visual impact and showcases the brand's commitment to quality and innovation in the footwear market. These shoes are perfect for enthusiasts seeking both detail and trendiness in their footwear.

(*The arrangement of the list does not indicate any preference or ranking.)

Here are our staff’s top picks for the "Best Sneaker" releases of the year! We’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to share your favourite sneaker drop of 2024 in the comments on our Instagram post!

This year has showcased an impressive variety of sneakers, each featuring unique styles and innovations. As we are looking forward to the new sneaker releases in 2025 for all sneaker enthusiasts, we can't help but feel excited about the potential for even more outstanding models.

Thank you for being part of our community, and we wish everyone a joyful and memorable holiday season filled with warmth and cheer!