WORDS BY SUZIE BAKOS
If you’re shopping for a sneakerhead this season, you’ll need some expert advice. Enter Zack Schlemmer, content manager at iconic sneaker store Stadium Goods: ‘I’ve been into sneakers since I first saw the Air Jordan 6 in 1991 when I was seven years old,’ he says. ‘Ever since then, sneakers have been a big part of my life.’ Here, he reveals the very best gifts for sneaker connoisseurs — whether they’re a dedicated collector, a cult curator or a minimalist lover, these are the ultimate pairs to surprise them with, including 450s by adidas Yeezy, the “White Oreo” Air Jordan 4s, Sacai’s LDWaffle and many more.
Best sneakers for old-school fans
'Originally released in 2013, the “Oreo” colorway of the Air Jordan 5 has become a classic look throughout the years. The versatile black-and-white colorway returned in September this year for another run, and it’s looking just as good as ever. These are great for old-school design fans because the Jordan 5 is as classic as it gets, and these are a clean and simple colorway that you can wear with anything.’
'The new “White Oreo” Air Jordan 4 flips the original “Oreo” model colorway. The hues may be new, but it’s simple, and similar enough to the original “White Cement” Jordan 4 that any old-school sneaker fan should approve of it.’
'The New Balance 992 is about as classic as it gets for vintage 90s running shoes. The brand is having a big year in 2021, so don’t get caught without a pair of these chunky “dad shoes” any longer. Old-school and new-school sneaker fans alike are all about New Balance right now.’
Best sneakers for serious collectors
'One of the hottest sneakers of the year is undoubtedly the three-way collaboration from Hirsohi Fujiwara’s Fragment Design, Travis Scott and Jordan for this edition of Scott’s Air Jordan 1 High. Simply put: every other sneaker collector is after a pair, so you should be too.’
'One of 2020’s most-hyped sneakers, these should be in any serious collector’s closet. Of course I’m talking about the delicious collaboration from Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and Nike SB is one of the most unforgettable Dunks in years, and its value will only continue to go up. Check out this Nike SB sizing and fit guide before you make your purchase.’
'Off-White’s insanely large collection of 50 different Dunk Low colorways this year was a little overwhelming, especially since, admittedly, many of them almost looked the same. The colorway that stands out the most, and therefore will be most remembered over time, was #50 in black and silver. If you want to collect any of these Dunks in the hope that its value will grow over time, make it this one.’
Best sneakers for skaters
'If you consider yourself to be a skater, or have skater style, and don’t own a pair of Vans Slip-Ons, then I don’t even know what to tell you.’
'Released for Valentine’s Day 2020, this velvety Nike SB Dunk by StrangeLove Skateboards is a legit sneaker by a legit skateboard brand, so what’s not to love?’
'This Dunk Low from 2020 takes inspiration from the classic “Safari” Nike Air Max 1 by Japanese boutique Atmos, and it couldn't have been executed any better. People are apparently sleeping on these because you can still get a pair for a decent price relative to many SB Dunks on the market right now. But with a shoe that looks this good, would you dare skate in a pair?’
Best sneakers for minimalists
'Sacai’s LDWaffle by itself isn’t very minimal, but Fragment Design did go in that direction on this three-way collaboration, which outfits the silhouette in clean and simple grey suede with white accents. Anybody who dresses in a minimal style can put these on for added flair thanks to the doubled up design without going too crazy, thanks to the colorway. Check out the Sacai sizing and fit guide before making your purchase.’
'You can’t get much more classic than the adidas Gazelle. The low-profile sneaker goes with just about anybody’s style thanks to its timeless design.’
'It goes without saying that anybody into the minimalist aesthetic needs the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star. We recommend the most premium and comfortable version of the shoe on the market: the Chuck 70. Just don't forget to go half a size down. Here’s the Converse sizing and fit guide for more information.’
Best sneakers for cult curators
'Apart from the Foam Runner, the most avant-garde of all adidas Yeezy designs is the 450. This stealthy black colorway adds an ominous look to the futuristic silhouette. Because this model is so out there, many more mainstream Yeezy fans have been passing on their own pairs so far. Stay ahead of the curve and grab a pair, because people are eventually going to regret that they slept on the 450. Check out the adidas Yeezy 450 and the Yeezy Foam Runner sizing and fit guides before making your purchase.’
'One of the most wild sneakers Nike has put out in recent years is the MMW 4, compliments of designer Matthew M. Williams. It looks like it came from the future and/or outer space.’
'These are notable both for AMBUSH’s awesome redesign of the silhouette and the blazing neon colorway. Not everybody is daring enough to wear a pair of these, so they get extra respect in my book.’