From groundbreaking collaborations to future-forward performance shoes, these are the 10 silhouettes that helped define 2025 in sneaker culture.
In 2025, the sneaker world witnessed yet another exhilarating wave of releases, reaffirming the industry’s relentless drive for innovation and boundary-pushing design. From bold new materials to futuristic silhouettes and groundbreaking collaborations, brands continued to redefine what a sneaker could look like, blending performance, style, and cultural significance in ways that captivate enthusiasts worldwide. This year proved that the evolution of footwear is far from slowing down because each drop felt like a statement and a glimpse into the future of sneaker culture.
Among the countless releases, a select few stood out for their design, impact, unique colorway, and overall hype. Ahead, we highlight our top 10 sneakers of 2025, showcasing the pairs that not only defined the year but also set new standards for creativity and craftsmanship in the world of footwear. From iconic reimaginings to daring new concepts, these 10 models represent the very best of what this year had to offer.
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Nigel Sylvester’s Jordan 4 “Brick by Brick”
The Jordan 4 “Brick by Brick,” designed by pro BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester, was easily the standout sneaker collaboration of 2025, and in my mind, it might just be Shoe of the Year. Yes, the Jordan 4 is getting plenty of love to close out the year, with high-profile makeovers from A Ma Maniére and J Balvin, but there’s something about Sylvester’s interpretation that rises above the rest. Maybe it was the storytelling. Maybe it was the marketing campaign that saw Sylvester rolling through New York City in a brick truck, stopping traffic and drawing crowds of fans, young and old, all chasing his latest Jordan collaboration. Or maybe it was the way the shoe perfectly captured his “Brick by Brick” ethos. Whatever it was, this one hit different. And if Jordan Brand happens to be reading this: I still don’t have a pair. I’ll be patiently awaiting mine in the mail. — Griffin Adams
Converse SHAI 001
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Converse for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s first signature sneaker, but it completely exceeded my expectations. It’s no surprise that the stylish SGA was deeply involved in the design process, resulting in a shoe that is both visually striking and fully performance-ready for the reigning NBA MVP. Its sleek silhouette and understated colorways offer a refreshing contrast to the louder, more eye-catching sneakers we’ve seen elsewhere, letting the shoe speak for itself, much like Shai does on and off the court with his game and style. This first SGA sneaker was a hit, and I’m curious to see how Converse follows it up with the second iteration next year. For a brand that hasn’t consistently dominated the signature shoe space in recent years, this is an impressive start. — Griffin Adams
Nike Ja 3
While SGA and Converse opted for a sleeker vibe, Ja Morant went in the opposite direction with his latest Nike release, the first Ja signature built entirely from scratch. Involved from Day 1, Morant challenged the Nike team to create a shoe that “speaks before I even lace it up,” pushing them to be daring with the design choice. Beyond the tech, this model feels unmistakably “Ja,” brimming with the energy and audacity fans expect from him on the court. It’ll be interesting to see whether Nike continues this bold trajectory in future releases or shifts back toward the subtler style of his first two models, which were solid, just not quite as audacious as the Ja 3. — Griffin Adams
Adidas Harden Vol. 9 & 10
I decided to group the Adidas Harden Vol. 9 and Vol. 10 together for a couple of reasons. First, the Vol. 9 technically lived in 2025, even though a few colorways trickled out toward the end of 2024. Second, Harden is clearly running the same play with the Vol. 10, teasing some absolutely fire colorways early, including a stunning maroon pair that popular streamer Ray got his hands on before just about anyone else (apparently even James Harden himself). Full stop: I usually lean Nike and Jordan when it comes to hoop shoes. That said, what Adidas has been cooking with Harden’s line lately has been nothing short of spectacular. The Vol. 9 delivered a standout run of colorways — Cyber Metallic, Pink Flamingo, and my personal favorite, the Hell Cat – and if those are any indication, the Vol. 10 is shaping up to be even better. I’m intrigued to see how Adidas continues to build on that momentum in 2025. — Griffin Adams
Nike LeBron XXIII
To celebrate the King’s 23rd season in the NBA, Nike dropped perhaps its most ambitious LeBron James sneaker and apparel collection yet. The Nike LeBron XXIII is emblematic of a decades-long career from one of the most prolific athletes of this generation. Ross Klein, Jarrett Man, Wil Green, and Libby Muir all worked alongside James to design footwear and clothing that commemorates every stop on the future Hall of Famer’s decorated resume: St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, the Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and the Lakers. The debut colorway, The Uncharted, recognizes James’ milestone of becoming the first NBA player to score more than 40,000 points. The second colorway, Miami Twice, recognizes the 40-year-old’s back-to-back NBA titles and Finals MVPs, while the third style, The Chosen One and the One Who Chose, is a family affair designed in honor of James and his son, Bronny, becoming the NBA’s first father-son duo to play for the same team on Oct. 22, 2024. — Vinciane Ngomsi
Nike Vomero Plus
Earlier this year, I participated in the Nike After Dark challenge and ran a half-marathon in Los Angeles. While I donned a pair of Nike Alphafly on actual race day, 100% of my training was done in the Nike Vomero Plus. While I was looking to increase my stride for the entire 13.1 miles, the months in the lead up was strictly focused on comfort. What the Vomero model boasts is durability (I tallied a good 150 miles before they started showing serious wear and tear), an advanced Zoom-X midsole more commonly seen on their lifestyle models and more expensive running silhouettes, and a lineup of colors that make it impossible to choose which pair to rock. Running 13.1 miles is already a daunting task, but thankfully, these made the experience just as enjoyable as crossing the finish line. — Vinciane Ngomsi
Adidas F50 Sparkfusion
Sure, this isn’t a sneaker in the traditional sense, but Adidas really set it off with the arrival of the F50 Sparkfusion. Designed for a woman’s foot by a team of women designers, the inaugural silhouette was fronted by Three Stripes athlete and Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman in such a playful campaign. Because female feet typically have a narrower heel, higher arches, and more volume around the midfoot area, the brand incorporated a new innovation called the FUSIONLAST. It benefits the feet by promising an improved fit in the heel, midfoot, and forefoot, providing better lockdown and increasing the chances of scoring or making a key defensive stop. Additional highlights included an updated heel structure and external heel counter that work in tandem to provide increased comfort, stability, and lockdown in the rearfoot. Right in time for next summer’s FIFA World Cup, be prepared to see these on the feet of several up and coming young female soccer players. — Vinciane Ngomsi
Adidas AE 2
To be honest, the AE 2 felt like a step down in Anthony Edwards’ signature line with Adidas, but that’s mostly because the AE 1 set such a high bar. From the design to the marketing, the first release was nearly impossible to top. That said, it’s hard to find a sneakerhead who wouldn’t bring up Ant’s shoes in conversation when discussing the best shoes of 2025. Yes, they’re a bit heavier than most, which might turn some people off, but the storytelling behind this line alone makes them worth a shot. With the charismatic Ant-Man leading the charge, Three Stripes is in a strong position to nail future iterations of the line. — Griffin Adams
New Balance Made in USA 990v6
If you’re not thoroughly impressed by the heat coming out of New Balance as of late, make it a New Year’s resolution to lock in come 2026. Not only are the sneakers insanely comfortable, but the quiet designs evoke a sense of unpretentiousness, and in this case, New Balance really knocked it out of the park with the Made in USA 990v6. Now, while the silhouette is familiar, the 990v6 fall drop arrived in three new hues: a pair in beige, cream, and navy; a more monochromatic iteration with cream and shades of brown; and finally, an olive and brown number that requires serious confidence to wear. Whether you’re into the “grandpa shoe” trend or not, you have to admit: New Balance refuses to be siloed when it comes to footwear competition. — Vinciane Ngomsi
Nike A’One
Reigning WNBA champion, Finals MVP, defensive player of the year, and league MVP, this year undoubtedly belonged to A’ja Wilson. I had the chance to ask the Las Vegas Aces star about her historic sneaker with Nike shortly before the news was made public in May 2024. So, I was personally already invested in what’s to come. But when the A’One finally dropped May 6 in the “Pink A’ura” colorway, it felt like a culmination of manifestation and a lesson in paying attention. The Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the design serve as tributes to her family, career, and trivia about Wilson herself. Since the debut colorway, we’ve seen the sneaker reimagined in a colorful tribute for her grandmother, her sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), and candy corn, one of her favorite treats. We waited a while for this moment, but Nike and Wilson ensured it was completely worth it. — Vinciane Ngomsi
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