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As sneakerheads we tend to find an excuse to buy a pair of sneakers way more frequently than we ever find excuse to not buy a pair of sneakers. It's a blessing and a curse, as the saying goes. Aside from finding excuses to add another sneaker to our collection, we also overlook a lot of things that a "normal" person probably wouldn't. Some of the greatest sneakers in our closets have problems that we turn a blind eye towards just because, well, we wouldn't want them any other way. Check out 10 Annoying Things About 10 Awesome Sneakers.
Air Jordan Retro XI
Problem: Squeeeeeeak
The Air Jordan XI is hands-down one of the greatest sneakers ever created, which is how it can wind up on this list twice. The chaos that has become an annual holiday tradition is a reminder of just how many people like the patent leather and translucent sole of the XI. However, nothing is worse than getting that fresh pair just in time for New Year's, slipping them on and hearing an annoying squeak after just a few steps. There are theories all over the Net on what causes the squeak, ranging from moisture to manufacturing defects, but the cause isn't really the problem—the solution is what everyone is looking for. We've found wearing them is the best solution for any sneaker annoyance.
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star
Problem: Cushioning, or lack thereof
Converse Chuck Taylors transcend cultures in a way no other sneaker has ever been able to. They've become accepted by nearly all backgrounds, ethnicities, musical preferences and even politicians, which is ironic because no matter how classic they are, we have a hard time accepting the lack of comfort they provide. Granted, they are comfortable, as long as you're not doing anything active. Try wearing them for a few days in a row and you'll find yourself missing the technological advances of sneaker cushioning and, you know, arch supports. But hey, you can't put a price on the cost of cool, that's why everyone's closet is still filled with Chucks.
New Balance 1500
Problem: Slip of the tongue
Running sneakers have come on strong this year but if you've been stashing former performance beasts in the closet because of their incomparable comfort, you are probably familiar with the 1500 that was introduced in 1988. The New Balance 1500 is one of those shoes that once you wear a pair, you have an uncontrollable urge to add more of them to your collection. The tongue is one of the most important elements as it, often times, displays the "Made in England" that makes the 1500 a sneakerhead favorite. However, the tongue of the 1500 slips and slides all over the place like an '80s Wham-O invention.
Vans Half Cab
Problem: Flat toebox
The best skate shoe of all time? Most would say the Vans Half Cab, or they would say something else and then slip on a pair of Half Cabs to skate in anyway. Steve Caballero's signature kicks are great for grindin' and kick flips but they have one awesome flaw. The toebox on the Half Cab is flatter than our country's unemployment rate, at times making wearing these classics uncomfortably numb.
Air Force 1 High
Problem: Dragging straps
The Air Force 1 High is a legendary sneaker and one that many would say is the greatest sneaker of all time. There are just a couple of very minor things that get under our...um...heel. Yep, if you get caught slippin', the ankle strap can end up dragging and dirtied and shredded before you even notice. Since wearing your Highs with the ankle strap actually strapped is about as out of style as Scott Storch, we'll deal with it. Besides, if Sheed can play in the NBA wearing the Air Force 1 with the strap loose, we can do the same playing video games.
ASICS GEL Lyte III
Problem: Splitting tongues
ASICS took things to another level in the '90s with the innovative split-tongue design of the ASICS GEL Lyte III. The split-tongue design is also the one annoying thing about the GEL Lyte III—there's a reason the normal sneaker tongue has remained virtually unchanged for so long. The GEL Lyte's split tongue seems to never sit just right for very long before overlapping. And we're perfectionists (at least when it comes to taking Instagram pics and adding the #ComplexKicks hashtag to them), otherwise, the GEL Lyte III is dope.
Air Jordan Retro IV
Problem: Heel tab rub
The Air Jordan IV is a fan favorite of many sneakerheads. Rightfully so, as it's one of Tinker's best and was on the feet of MJ as he put up some of the best numbers of his young career. The iconic Air Jordan IV has lived on for nearly 25 years through retro models but it has just one minor annoyance. If you're not wearing high enough socks to stay protected, the heel tab somehow turns into an enemy of your Achilles tendon. Guess that would make the heel tab the Achilles heel of the Jordan IV.
Nike Dunk
Problem: Toebox creasing
This is one of the most debatable things amongst sneakerheads—toebox creases. The Nike Dunk is one of the biggest offenders, followed closely by the AF1, Air Max 1 and many others. On one hand, the old school 'heads will say that creases in the toebox are natural and just add "character" to a pair of kicks. On the other hand, we all love rockin' a fresh pair of sneakers straight out of the box (hopefully that means no creases). Character is great and all, but when the toebox on a pair of sneakers looks vintage after just one wear, that's the sh*t I don't like. Now let me UN-DS another pair so I have something to complain about tomorrow.
Reebok Court Victory Pump
Problem: Gene Simmons tongue
Reebok Pumps have been there for many of our sports memories over the years, especially if you're a tennis fan. The Court Victory Pump that Michael Chang wore back in the day is indeed a classic, but every time we slip a pair on, we're reminded just how over-exaggerated that tennis-ball equipped tongue is. Nonetheless they are perfect for poppin' or easily tuck away beneath some denim.
Air Jordan XI "Space Jam"
Problem: Yellowing outsoles
The Air Jordan XI features one of the most incredible design elements of all sneakers. The icy clear translucent sole, especially on the Space Jams, is damn near a piece of art on its own without even considering its being attached to one of the greatest sneakers ever. The down side is, like art, you don't want to mess it up. We all know the moment those soles hit the ground, they begin transforming into a yellowish color that is better suited for Bumblebee than it is for sneakerheads. I digress, I love the "character" that comes after wearing sneakers but for real, it would be nice to have that crystal-clear outsole every time you pull them out of the box, wouldn't it?