10 Must Have Sneakers of 2018…So Far
By Hsaio Kuan Chu
Although 2018 is not yet quite over, it’s never too early to look at some of the most lit sneakers of 2018 up to now. There are still many hyped sneakers left to drop in 2018, but below is a list of sneakers that could be in contention for receiving “The Best Sneaker of the Year.”
This list is not in any specific order; sneakers are in the eye of the sneakerhead, therefore it would not be just to put an order on these grails. If you happen to like any of the sneakers on the list, I have also provided a link to Stockx, a website where sneakerheads are able to purchase sneakers at resell prices.
1. Nike Blazer Mid Off-White All Hallow's Eve
Resell Price: $650
https://stockx.com/nike-blazer-mid-off-white-all-hallows-eve
Virgil Abloh continues to give the shoe game a nightmare with the Nike Blazer Mid Off-White All Hallow’s Eve. This pumpkin inspired half of the “Spooky Pack” comes with a pale vanilla upper, total orange “Swoosh”, and pale vanilla sole.
2. Jordan 1 Retro High Court Purple
Resell Price: $475
https://stockx.com/air-jordan-1-retro-high-court-purple
What screams both royalty and NBA’s rookie of the year in 1985? The Air Jordan 1 Retro High Court Purple. Showcasing a magical splash of color, these shoes have a leather upper in black, sail, and court purple. Showing similarities with the “Bred Toe”, the Air Jordan 1 Retro has a black “Swoosh” with a white midsole and court purple sole.
3. Jordan 4 Retro Travis Scott Cactus Jack
Resell Price: $375
https://stockx.com/air-jordan-4-retro-travis-scott-cactus-jack
The only way to describe the Travis Scott Air Jordan 4 Retros properly would be to use the rappers own adlib: la flame. These Jordan 4s were made in collaboration with rapper, Travis Scott, and nicknamed the “Cactus Jack” edition. Similar in design to the infamous Eminem pair, they feature a lighter shade of blue suede on the upper. Black accents, a red liner, paint splatter detailing, a white midsole and “Cactus Jack” branding on the back-heel tab to finish things off for this pair.
4. Air Presto Off-White Black (2018)
Resell Price: $775
https://stockx.com/nike-air-presto-off-white-black-2018
After an absolute frenzy over Virgil Abloh's first iteration, the Nike Air Presto Off-White is back—in black. In a Richard Lewis-approved colorway (word to LD), this shoe is dressed in a monochromatic black. In addition, it features a white Nike Swoosh sewn onto the lateral side. Finally, "AIR" is written in classic Virgil fashion on the side heel, completing this deconstructed, utilitarian #vibe.
5. Air Max 1 Parra (2018)
Resell Price: $325
https://stockx.com/nike-air-max-1-parra-2018
Legendary Dutch artist Parra and Nike have once again teamed up for their first collaboration in over a decade! Parra previously worked on legendary pairs of Air Max 1s, including the "Cherrywood" and "Amsterdam" colorways—staples amongst collectors. This Nike Air Max 1 takes abstract interpretations of cityscape and landscape imagery, applying it to the Air Max's iconic silhouette. Using his traditional color palette of white, light blue, red, grey, and pink, this pair is sure to turn heads with its unique and vibrant style.
6. Air VaporMax Off-White Black
Resell Price: $625
https://stockx.com/nike-air-vapormax-off-white-black
Following up from “The Ten” collection in 2017, the Nike VaporMax Off-White Black are certainly “popular.” Designed by Virgil Abloh, these shoes are an extension of the original VaporMaxs featured in “The Ten” drop, the main difference being a black tongue and a Swoosh atop the clear outsole.
7. Nike React Element 87 Sail Light Bone
Resell Price: $500
https://stockx.com/nike-react-element-87-sail-light-bone
Live like the King—LeBron, that is—with these Sail Nike Epic React 87s. Featuring Nike’s revolutionary new React foam technology, the upper makes use of a translucent shell, exterior taping on the heel, an exposed lace collar, with trail-running style laces. This colorway features a lighter sail-based style with light bone and rush orange to make it pop.
8. Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon
Resell Price: $625
https://stockx.com/nike-air-max-1-97-sean-wotherspoon-na
The Air Max 97/1 Sean Wotherspoon is a perfect example of what Kevin Garnett was talking about when he yelled that “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLEEE!” This ultra-special Nike Air Max 97/1s was originally part of a Nike design contest that Sean entered and ended up winning. Reportedly inspired by Sean’s love for vintage Nike hats from the 1980s, this shoe features both the upper of the Air Max 97 and the sole unit of the Air Max 1, a killer combo. The shoe also has a unique colorful corduroy upper with frayed edges, a truly one-of-a-kind look, with velour from toe to heel.
9. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Hi Off-White
Resell Price: $1200
https://stockx.com/converse-chuck-taylor-all-star-hi-off-white
The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Hi also made its way into "The 10" Collection. Made in collaboration with Virgil Abloh's Off-White and Nike, this series brought together all three brands for an exciting new rendition of the classic Converse Chuck Taylor. A part of the "Ghosting" Series, this pair comes in a white, cone and ice-blue colorway, sporting a reconstructed translucent upper, and featuring a semi-revealing material to tie-in with the theme. Various materials are found throughout the design, as well as a red zip-tie, black branding and an icy blue translucent sole.
10. Jordan 4 Retro Levi's Denim
Resell Price: $550
https://stockx.com/air-jordan-4-retro-levis-denim
Combining two of the most recognizable brands in the world, Jordan and Levi's came together to execute this beautiful Jordan 4 Retro Levi’s Denim. The first release in the collection, this pair is draped in denim on the upper, waxed laces, and a gum bottom. In addition, the shoe features a red Levi's tag on the lateral side and a brown leather patch with a red Jumpman logo on the tongue.
