The Sneakerhead's Holiday Gift Guide

Image via Complex Original

New Balance dropped its Made in US 993 runner back in 2012, creating an instant classic. Today, the 993 comes in two colorways—black and gray or white and gray—and boasts a classic running silhouette that still resonates with sneakerheads. They may not fit as a stocking stuffer, but there should be plenty of room for a pair under your tree. 

Purchase New Balance’s Made in US 993 sneakers here.

Adidas’ NMD sneaker merges one of the brand’s signature runner shapes with advanced technology, including Boost cushioning. Couple that with creative input from Pharrell Williams and NIGO®’s Human Made label, and the HU NMD Human Made makes for one unique sneaker. Available in a cloud white and scarlet red colorway only, this shoe has more than enough love to spread around this holiday season.

Purchase adidas' Pharrell Williams HU NMD Human Made Shoes here.

Nike’s latest Air Max release brings Jun Takahashi’s artistry to life with a blend of vibrant colors and 360 degrees of cushion lining its outer sole. The Japanese designer’s name is printed on the heel while his tagline, "We make noise not clothes," appears along the outsole of each shoe. Occupying the midpoint between balance and chaos, the 720 bright citron colorway is sure to add some spice to your holiday this year.

Purchase Nike’s Air Max 720 Undercover Bright Citron sneakers here.

New York fashion brand Aimé Leon Dore gave New Balance’s “Life in the Balance” campaign a big boost when it added its 990v2 runner to that lineup this November. After a frenzy at its exclusive in-store release in SoHo, this shoe hasn’t been easy to find. With only select sizes still available at resale, you’ll be the real MVP if you secure a pair of these for someone with just days left before the holidays start.

Purchase New Balance’s 990v2 Aimé Leon Dore “Life in the Balance” sneakers here.

This year, Reebok worked with Peter Sidlauskas and Patrick Murray of Queens skate crew Bronze 56K to revitalize its classic 1985 Club C court shoe. The result is this sleek leather trainer that boasts a sticky, skateable sole and custom-etched upper bearing both companies' names. In black, purple, and green or white, gray, and cobalt colorways, the Bronze 56K Club C Revenge is a holiday must-cop for sneakerheads and skaters alike.

Purchase Reebok's Bronze 56K Club C Revenge sneakers here.

To help make 2020 the “year of the swoosh,” Nike recently dropped its Air Max 90 NRG “Desert Sand” to worldwide acclaim. With nods to Nike’s ACG line, the NRG features a rubber sole and Air Max cushioning for durability and comfort. To help someone kick off the New Year right, grab them a pair without delay.

Purchase Nike Sportswear's Air Max 90 NRG sneakers here.

A collaboration between New Balance and England’s Aries Arise lifestyle brand, the New Balance Made in UK 991 is a vibrant sneaker that packs plenty of comfort into a high-visibility package. It comes complete with a suede-and-mesh upper, Aries 991 branding on its heal, and a printed insole. So go ahead and brighten up someone’s Christmas with these vivid kicks from all the way across the pond.

Purchase New Balance x Aries Arise's Made in UK 991 sneakers here. 

Adidas recently teamed with Danish brand Norse Projects to create these kicks celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Torsion Technology System. This collaboration reimagines Adidas’ definitive ’90s runners in a muted colorway that blends style with function, while giving a nod to classic shoes of the past. Join the celebration and add your own spin to Torsion Technology’s legacy by scooping a pair to put under someone’s Christmas tree now.

Purchase adidas' Consortium x Norse Projects Torsion TRDC sneakers here. 

Before being sidelined by injuries, Kyrie Irving was tearing it up on the court this season. But unlike its namesake, nothing can slow down the hype surrounding Irving’s new signature shoe, the Kyrie 6. This jet-black high top is all about comfort, control, and energy return: three things the Brooklyn Nets’ shooting guard requires from his footwear. With foam support and cushioning that allow one of the NBA’s best players to glide across the court effortlessly, the Kyrie 6 should be more than enough gift for anyone on your holiday shopping list.

Purchase Nike's Kyrie 6 sneakers here.

The Air Jordan 1 “Top 3” colorway dropped during 2016 and has since gone on to become one of the brand’s signature models. Combininging old and new, the “Top 3” comes in a four-color construction highlighted by silver Jumpman-printed insoles and official brand logos on the outer ankles of each shoe. A holiday must-have for Jordan fans, this is one rare sneaker that you’d better buy before it's gone for good. 

Purchase Air Jordan's 1 Mid “Top 3" sneakers here. 

The Future Rider is a reincarnation of PUMA’s most comfortable ’80s running shoe: the Fast Rider. This revamped runner features a classic silhouette enhanced by modern construction techniques and cushioning, including a colorblocked upper and ultra-comfortable Rider Foam midsole. Buy a pair now so you don’t get called out for being the only one without a pair of PUMA’s throwback kicks at this year’s holiday party.

Purchase PUMA's Future Rider OG sneakers here.

Right now, LeBron James and his Lakers sit atop the Western Conference. But that’s only a piece of the success King James has seen this year, as his partnership with Nike continues to be fruitful and creative. For proof, look no further than these LeBron James x John Elliott Icon Fuschia sneakers, which debuted just before the start of the 2019 NBA season. With these, you can ball hard on the court before seamlessly transitioning to a meeting or night out for drinks. After all, ‘tis the season to do it all.

Purchase Nike's LeBron x John Elliott sneakers here.