2025 is coming to a close. That means the year-end lists are upon us.
Though Sneaker of the Year lists are prone to cause controversy, they are a necessary evil in the world of sneakers. Just like the ‘Greatest NBA Player of All Time’ debates are ultimately inconsequential, they are a huge part of the root popularity of the game of basketball. The same can be said for your favorite publications’ SOTY list.
This year, we reached out to the biggest names in sneakers and asked them to weigh in on the ‘Shoe of the Year’ conversation. The results yielded some interesting results. More than anything, though, they showed how seemingly aligned the sneaker community is in 2025.
The creatives were asked to choose a sneaker that they did NOT work on this year- and the question led to some great responses indicative of a positive direction in sneakers.
Below, you can find the responses to the question: If you had to pick a shoe of the year for 2025- other than a project you worked on- what would it be?
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Jae Tips- Infinite Archives x Air Jordan 14
Jae and Saucony continued their strong relationship this year. The partnership celebrated its third year by releasing a set of ProGrid Triumph 4. Four colorways were released in a pack that delivered some of the best colorblocking Saucony had to offer this year. Per usual, Jae Tips and Saucony delivered a campaign full of thought and energy towards the community that saw him grow.
Jae’s selection is no surprise. Infinite Archives spent the beginning of 2025 celebrating the often underappreciated legacy of the Air Jordan 17. Their honest storytelling and frankly great colorway execution led to one of the most beloved Jordan releases of 2025. That is saying a lot when you consider the model of choice was the oftentimes overlooked Air Jordan 17
Olajuwon Ajanaku- Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4 ‘Brick by Brick’
Olajuwon and Eastside Golf continued their strong relationship with Nike by releasing a capsule centered around the Air Max Plus Golf and the Nike Victory Tour 4. Eastside’s signature touch on the iconic Air Max Plus was another great example of the imprint tastefully blending streetwear and the game of Golf. In 2025, golfwear continued to rise in popularity across brand outerwear. It was an encouraging sight to see one of the brands at the center of that movement release another quality offering with the Swoosh.
Olajuwon, understandably, named the ‘Brick by Brick’ Four his sneaker of the year. At this point, Nigel is the most beloved tastemaker within Jordan Brand. Creatives and fans alike are drawn to Sylvester’s ability to tell the stories of his early life through sneakers.
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Vandy The Pink- Awake NY x Air Jordan 5 ‘Bubble Gum’
If there were an award for ‘breakout star’ in the world of sneakers, Vandy would certainly have won it in 2025. Vandy’s playful design language, which made him so beloved in streetwear circles, grabbed the attention of sneaker heads this year. Vandy’s first-ever collaboration with Asics was among the brand’s strongest offerings in 2025. It encapsulated Vandy’s love of storytelling through food, with a playful mix of materials. Vandy built on the success of that collaboration by releasing a burger-themed collaboration with Puma on the Puma Suede.
Vandy’s pick, the Awake NY Five, is a great one. “From roll out to colorway…everything was inspirational,” shared Vandy when explaining his pick.
Angelo Baque- Levi’s x Nike Air Max 95
Speaking of Awake NY, their founder, Angelo Baque, found himself as one of the hottest names in sneakers this year. The Awake NY x Air Jordan 5 collaboration was a playful twist on iconic Air Jordan 5 colorways. The result was an instantly beloved capsule that authentically represented Awake NY.
Angelo’s pick, the Levi’s Air Max 95, is no shocker. The sneaker, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025, found itself as a focal point in collaborations across the Nike umbrella. The denim usage on the Air Max 95 side panels feels like a match made in heaven and creates a sneaker that will surely be coveted for a long time.
Steven Smith- Saucony ProGrid Omni 9
Our list was graced with sneaker royalty. Smith’s storied career began in 1986 with New Balance. Since the mid-80’s, Smith has contributed to some of the most iconic footwear pieces come to life. Today, Smith is the Head of Creative Design over at Crocs. The storied designer is now at the cusp of once again leaving his mark on the world of footwear.
Smith’s choice was the benchmark, which is the Progrid Omni 9. The sneaker has become the best example of in-line Saucony sneakers to follow. It has the classic tech-runner look that everyone is falling over; all the while, it is a great canvas for Saucony’s storytelling.
Westside Gunn- Westside Gunn x Saucony ProGrid Triumph 4 ‘Super Flygod’
Someone did not understand the assignment.
The Griselda icon finally launched his debut collaboration with Saucony. The Buffalo rapper has spent the better part of the 2020s dominating the underground rap scene. Now, it looks like he is ready to mirror that dominance in the world of sneakers.
Daniel Buezo- Undefeated x Air Jordan 4
Kids of Immigrants took the world by storm with their collaboration on the Nike Air Sunder. The ‘Sun Down’ colorway, to this day, is one of the most coveted Nike collaborations of this decade. The sneaker world was at a pause when a third colorway surfaced. That pair, it turns out, ended up releasing through a “For Service” Nomination Raffle. This release method tapped into the real sneaker culture. The connective tissues that remind us all why we love the sneaker community were highlighted through this launch.
Buezo, who shouted out several sneakers, ultimately selected the UNDFTD 4. The choice is clear- people were finally able to purchase one of the biggest sneaker grails of all time.
Philip Lipschutz- Rukus x NB Numeric 480
Philip spent 2025 honoring the city of Cincinnati with some of the best adidas Originals had to offer. From celebrating the city’s transit to hyping up their MLS franchise ahead of an MLS Playoff run, UnheardOf delivered some heartwarming love letters to Lipshutz’s home city.
Rukus’ Numeric 480 was the latest sneaker to release from the list. It’s mention, though, is warranted. Much like Philip’s collaborations tend to be a love letter to his home, Rukus’ second project on the 480 was a love letter to Louisiana sport. A message that obviously resonated with Philip, and sneaker heads as well.
Eric Koston- Awake NY x Air Jordan 5 ‘Bubble Gum’
Speaking of sneaker royalty, Eric Koston has spent the last few years aiding in Nike SB’s crossover projects. After Nike’s Skateboarding imprint successfully began a crossover on the Air Jordan 4, the brand took on the challenge of the Air Max 95. The result was an ever-comfortable update to the iconic Air Max sneaker. Koston even put his signature touch on an exclusive colorway of the Nike SB x Air Max 95 that launched in November.
The Awake NY Five once again made an appearance. Angelo Baque’s execution not only stood out to Vandy the Pink but was also the sneaker of the year for one of the biggest names in sneakers. From streetwear fans to skateboarders, the Awake Five found a very broad audience, and that is one of the many reasons for the shoe to be a SOTY contender.
