10 Reasons The Sneaker Hype Won't Die Down in 2013

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Sneaker Technology  

Technology is a great thing and while sneakers are getting lighter, faster, and smarter the designs aren't being compromised in the process. The verdict might still be out on the new Air Jordans, but people seem to be a huge fan of the performance and materials and also Nike incorporating Nike+ in shoes. Nothing better than looking fresh to death in kicks that remind you that you have a nine-inch vertical when taking it to the rim. 

Reebok Is Really Back 

We know this has been the tagline for a minute on all things Reebok, but it really does seem like Swizz has a handle on things. If the recent run of Iverson and Emmitt Smith retros are any indication that there is interest in what the brand had/has to offer, lets just see how crazy people go over the Kamikazes (Kemps) and Shaqs since they have been begging for them for years. 

adidas Collaborations 

adidas has been steadily working with artists of all types over the past few years to bring outside-the-box type creations to The Three Stripes, and it has paid off. From the recent release with Big Sean and their ongoing celebrated series with Jeremy Scott, few brands really push the boundaries of design like adidas. Don't expect things to slow down with a preview of their work with JS and also signing lifestyle deals with some of the worlds biggest pop stars. 

Cater To The Ladies 

Women have become a huge piece of the sneaker game — not only are they buying and flipping kicks we want and admiring the heat we rock, they are starting to get the attention of companies and get sneakers specifically for them more and more. adidas announcing they are working with Teyana Taylor to release her own lifestyle shoe is a step in the right direction for the female movement.

We Can't Stop Talking About It 

Between sneaker blogs, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media there are endless lanes where sneakers are being talked about and as much as you hate to admit that anyone or anything influences you — well, it happens to the best of us. And with all the cross-communication, that just means everyone is getting more well-informed and talking about it all that much better. Just try and avoid rocking the kilt with the Yeezy IIs in 2013. 

It's A Lifestyle 

Sneaker culture is real, however you choose to define it is up to you, but when you have brands skillfully trying to make sure we are laced in upscale non-performance $150 - $200 kicks that will easily confuse our boss, a judge, or even pastor as more than just a "sneaker," you know that things are on a completely different level in terms of lifestyle kicks. It's not just about Dunks and Jordans anymore.

Nike Foamposites Won't Die 

Who thought when The Swoosh brought these back a few years ago the trend of Foams would spiral out of control so fast (damn you, Wale). It started off as a trend on the streets and now with top-tier NBA players rocking them on the court every night (damn you, Rondo) you can expect hypebeasts to keep stalking websites for the latest news even with them dropping at over $200 a pair in 2013 (damn you, Nike). Why do we think that whole "Galaxy" phenomenon was just the beginning?

There Are Retros We Still Need To See 

The retro game is endless, there are still literally hundreds of shoes you could make an argument for to re-release next year (Nike Air Up and we'll go away) and we'd be lucky to see a dozen. By the time they all make their rounds it will be time to start the cycle again — sneaker companies are good, real good. 

Signature Sneakers Keep Evolving 

Signature kicks keep getting stronger — this has been the best run as far as solid product and competitiveness of models and players since the mid-'90s, especially the NBA. For a minute it looked like Bron-Bron had things on lock, now D. Rose has emerged as one of the favorites, and Durantula has quickly caught pace with the people as well. Between the incredible innovation, standout colorways, and concepts — even if you don't dig signature performance sneakers, they are going to be tough to pass on in '13. Throw official customization options into the mix, and the possibilities are quite literally endless.

Jordan Retros: Can't Stop, Won't Stop  

The reason people who made one lay-up in junior high league during the '90s or anyone who wants 100 likes on Instagram are obsessed with a new release every weekend — retro Air Jordans. You're not alone if you had to take up another job just to stay steady with the amount of quality drops by JB in 2012 and hopefully you got a little raise because 2013 is already shaping up to be just as brutal. And if IIIs drop with Nike Air on the back? Call Vince Carter, because it's over.