The 15 Most Anticipated Sneaker Releases of 2012

Image via Complex Original

Expected release: Available

Complex says: Why not kick off the list with a pair that are already up for grabs as 2012 crept up on us? The Air Max line doesn't always get the props it deserves. Year in and year out they always come up with a new creative design and also stay true to the series by pushing the performance of the shoe. The 2012 concept utilizes an upper seemingly inspired by the Free Run+ 2 for one of the strongest Air Maxes in recent history. 

Expected release: Summer

Complex says: When these last dropped in 2006 at $115, they barely left the shelves. It's a new day son, you can expect these around the $160+ price range, and with retro Jordans causing mayhem at your local spot — don't sleep. 

Expected release: Summer

Complex says: Jeremy Scott's creativity is unmatched in the sneaker game right now. Some of his designs might not be for everyone, but anyone who has donned a pair will tell you his kicks break necks on the streets. The denim play on these are perfect and might be messing with Clark Kent's "James Dean" LeBron 8s for one of the dopest denim sneakers ever. 

Expected release: Spring

Complex says: We aren't sure about all the colorways that will drop, but you can expect these to take over 2012. Nike killed it in '93 when they first put these out for "Neon Deion" and almost 20 years later they still hold up as one of the illest trainers of all-time. 

Release: Unknown

Complex says: Happy New Year! Nah, not the U.S. one. When it comes to Nike shoes, its the Chinese New Year that gets us hype. As the Year of the Dragon approaches, so do Nike's genius concepts taking inspiration from the cultural movement and applying it to designs of your favorite kicks. Kevin Durant's fourth signature shoe hit hard with the Nerfs and the Weathermans already — but he's just getting started.

Expected release: April 21st

Complex says: The "Playoff" XIIs were a St. Valentine's Day Massacre retro drop in 2004 (which MJ actually debuted in the '98 All-Star Game in NYC) and make a return alongside the "Obsidian" joints later this spring. From the initial samples it looks like the materials and colors will be identical to the previous release. Not quite as iconic as the true playoff "Flu Games" but the black, white, and silver colorway might be the best of the XII lineup. 

Expected release: March

Complex says: Living every week like it's Shark Week — you need to be ready in March for the Quickstrike Kobe VIIs that recognize one of the most voracious predators known to man. *cue "Jaws" theme*

Expected realese: Spring/Summer

Complex says: Clothes getting weirder — an ASAP Rocky cosign on the Instinct Hi was a great debut for one of Jeremy Scott's next drops. The OG-style hightop stays true to the adidas Originals name and another banger with JS on the track.

Expected release: Available 

Complex says: You can already pre-order these now on certain sites, and after NB got momentum with its 1500 line last year you can expect more big things from the spring/summer release in '12. The classic runner was the brand's first sneaker to top a c-note, and with a good combination of material and colorway options it's still worth every bill.   

Expected release: Holiday

Complex says: You have seen what Jordan XI releases do to holiday cheer — pepper spray and nightsticks at your local mall. It has been 16 years since Mike rocked the "Columbia" XIs in the All-Star game and 11 years since the "Columbia" Jordans last released to the masses. We have a feeling people won't hesitate to kufi smack you to get a pair — protect ya neck. 

Expected release: February 4th

Complex says: Last year Nike did us a solid by dropping the OG Foams rocked by Penny and Mike Bibby in '97 along with other colorways. This winter they make up a dope red pair they has every dude dropping hints for the winter wifey to grab him a pair. 

Expected release: January

Complex says: After Mike wrapped up his greatest practical joke with the Birmingham Barons, he returned to the League in the Xs sporting the 4-5. A series of colorways represented the cities teams that inspired them so a pair of white/red/black "Chicago" joints were like a chick who doesn't give head, a no-brainer. Yeah, we're grabbing a few pairs too. 

Expected release: February 

Complex says: Nike laced Bron proper with the "Big Bang" 9s for the upcoming NBA All-Star Game. The glow in the dark soles and 3M material on those are king (no pun intended), and the max orange colorway is going to break necks and ankles alike. We aren't sure how tough these will be to get, but can't help but think a few people will get their feelings hurt missing out on these. 

Expected release: February 18th

Complex says: The III "Cements" last year ended up on nearly everyone's "best of" lists and there is no surprise the IVs are about to do the same. The cut is one of the most wearable off the court and the speckled grey midsole sets them off perfectly. It's pretty easy to understand why someone would start buggin' out over these. 

Expected release: March 23rd

Complex says: For real, did you expect anything else? Has any other sneaker had as much buzz as these hypebeasts' wet dream? You've seen Yeezy rock them in the wild all of 2011 and after the countdown on the @AirMag account people were already scheming to get a pair or deciding how much they were willing to cough up to a reseller. Grab a Coke and get your tent game on point — you'll be sleeping on the streets for a week plus for these and we'll be right there with you.