10 Awesome Sneakers You Should Be Wearing in 2015

Buy it now: $180

Boost technology is now the anchor for the sneaker that adidas claims is “the greatest running shoe ever.” The all-new adidas Ultra Boost combines key innovations to deliver a performance runner that takes comfort to another level. Its lightweight Primeknit upper promotes breathability, while the Boost cushioning system at the midsole delivers unparalleled energy return with every step. It’s certainly the Ultra Boost’s technology that drives the sneaker, but its sleek silhouette shouldn’t be overlooked either. Its streamlined design makes it the ideal casual sneaker that could be a staple footwear piece for just about any activity that doesn’t actually require tons of running.

Buy it now: Coming soon

The adidas Originals Tubular Moc Runner gets a winter-ready upgrade with a moccasin-style design. While the base silhouette, which actually borrows from several existing adidas sneakers, officially debuted in November, the German sportswear brand wasted no time in the new year growing the Tubular model. Designed as part-runner, part-moccasin, the sneaker is an alternative to the traditional SneakerBoot silhouette. The moccasin aesthetic was incorporated seamlessly and doesn’t compromise the integrity of the Tubular Runner’s athletic roots, making it an ideal go-to sneaker year-round.

Buy it now: $130

If you’re not quite familiar with the Diadora N.9000, we hardly blame you. The vintage sneaker, which hails from the early ’90s, had a huge comeback run in 2014, but if you reside in the U.S., you probably didn’t realize it. Stateside product launches from the Italian footwear company were extremely limited. Running enthusiasts had to resort to purchasing from international stores—no easy feat, considering in-store-only release procedures. For 2015, we can only hope for a wider distribution because the N.9000 and its heritage design is one that running purists have been waiting for.

Buy it now: $113

The KangaROOS brand has seen a bit of resurgence the past two years. While ROOS is no newcomer to the footwear industry, it’s not exactly a mainstay among sneakerheads and the lifestyle market. That all started to change when ROOS began collaborating with numerous premier retailers. Last year, the company partnered with three German sneaker boutiques—Overkill, SUPPA, and Afew—resulting in a bevy of locally made sneakers, including the Coil R1, which was produced in extremely limited quantities. One colorway between ROOS and Overkill was only produced in a run of 10 pairs. The Coil R1 is gradually becoming the go-to silhouette for ROOS collaborations, and we hope stateside sneakerheads give the runner the attention it deserves.

Buy it now: $110

Kyrie Irving is destined to be the future of Nike Basketball. While Swoosh superstars LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant are already deep into their signature collections, Irving’s first sneaker with the sportswear giant just made its debut in December. Equipped with lightweight Hyperfuse material that covers nearly the entire upper and a Zoom unit for outsole support, the Kyrie 1 is infused with the latest and greatest in Nike innovation. Paired with a sleek silhouette and a heel counter made of aggressive geometric shapes, the star point guard’s signature sneaker is one that could transition seamlessly from the hardwood to the streets.

Buy it now: $140

Nike designer Nathan VanHook will always be associated with the Air Yeezy II. Recall that VanHook was the creative who connected with Kanye West to deliver one of the most hyped sneakers ever. But he’s brought more to the table than just that.As the design director for the Nike Training category, it’s been on VanHook’s shoulders to make performance trainers more wearable, and he’s accomplished exactly that with the Nike Zoom HyperCross. The sneaker is an early adopter of Nike’s all-new hexagonal cushioning, and places an emphasis on forefoot support to enhance bursts of activity. The low-profile silhouette also makes it the perfect sneaker for casual wear, serving as a go-to for the “athleisure” market that’s been all the rage lately.

Buy it now: Coming soon

There’s been a growing focus on runners in the past couple of years, and we don’t expect that trend to change one bit. For 2015, ’heads might just be able to add another runner to their rotation thanks to the return of the Nike Sock Dart. The model, which debuted more than a decade ago in 2004, was certainly ahead of its time. It was the first-ever sneaker constructed by a knitting technique that was fully computerized. Given Nike’s reputation for bringing back sneakers from its archives and the huge popularity of its Flyknit-based models, 2015 might prove to be a huge comeback year for the Sock Dart. The silhouette was reissued late last year by renowned Japanese label Fragment Design, but it was only available in a single colorway. Could this just be the start? Perhaps. Considering Nike’s track record, running enthusiasts might be blessed with a slew of inline colorways in the coming months.

Buy it now: $100

Much of Brooks’ longevity in the footwear industry can be attributed to its performance sneakers. The American company celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, having established itself as the go-to style for serious runners. While Brooks’ target market has long been marathoners and track athletes, it attempted to expand its reach in 2014, going after sneakerheads for the first time. With the retro release of the Chariot, a trainer from the early ’80s, Brooks not only launched bold inline colorways, but also collaborated with Concepts, BAIT and Ubiq—three leading sneaker retailers in the game. Heritage runners have become increasingly sought-after and the likes of New Balance and ASICS have certainly met the demand. The return of the Brooks Chariot comes at a perfect time and gives sneakerheads more options in awesome running styles.

Buy it now: $159

All consumers want quality products, and sneakerheads are no different. The issue when it comes to quality is usually price point—naturally, a higher-quality product commands a higher price. But Greats is out to change that. The Brooklyn-based footwear company, which has taken the industry by storm with its vertically integrated approach to selling sneakers, is providing handcrafted designer footwear at a fraction of the standard cost. Its collection of sneakers is made in Italy and one of its key styles is The Royale, a model highlighted by its premium tumbled leather and clean silhouette. As more sneakerheads become conscious of their entire outfit and pay greater attention to quality and construction, The Royale is positioned as the perfect sneaker for them to experience designer footwear without having to break the bank.

Buy it now: $250

Filling Pieces stands in the middle between sneakerheads and menswear bros. The Amsterdam-based label is no stranger to quality, producing handmade footwear in Portugal from only the most premium materials. From quilted details to exotic python panels and full-grain leather, the Filling Pieces collection always brings something refreshingly different to the table. And while it has kept a tight rotation of signature styles, including the popular Low Top and Mid Top silhouettes, a brand new sneaker was recently added to its catalog in the form of a high-end trainer. If you’re making it a point this year to expand your collection and step it up on the fashion side, look no further than Filling Pieces.