Nick Engvall's Top 10 Sneakers of 2012

ASICS has been getting crazy with the Noosa line for a few years now but this year they did what I have been waiting for, a black based version. This is the sneakerhead's version of Ignorant Shit, wild and crazy colors and graphics on a sneaker that's designed for competing in a triathlon. Thankfully, the comfort of these is on another level, even if your personal triathlon is like mine and consists of Tweeting, Instagramming and Facebooking.

I missed out on these but just because I'm salty doesn't mean I'm not giving credit where it's due. The Bushwacker Saucony Grid 9000 by Sneaker Freaker is a great colorway on an underrated sneaker. The materials were dope and if you haven't seen them in person, when you do, you will take note.

I thought the adidas Originals x Jeremy Scott JS Wings were crazy (in a "never in my life will I wear those" way) when the first colorways showed up a couple years ago. I'd have bet money that I would never have worn a pair. When I saw the denim versions for the first time, all that changed. It was like I had become a different person, what was happening to me?!? They're by far the most "extreme" sneaker I've ever bought or owned but the denim wings with the clear outsole are crazy dope to me.

Dennis Busenitz is one of the best street skaters of the time. I try to keep my eye on San Francisco skaters as it is, but the Busenitz Pro from adidas has helped make the whole world pay attention to Dennis' fancy footwork. This Bluebird colorway is a perfect mix of classic sneaker elements, great colors and performance proven by Dennis' accomplishments.

New Balance has always been a favorite to me because of the Made in the USA tradition. The original version features a Vibram sole and different mesh than is typically found on New Balance sneakers. These completely slipped under my radar and I missed out on them. Guess it's time to add that to the Signs You're A Lame Sneakerhead list. Damn.

I wrote a couple years ago that tennis sneakers would be making a comeback on the sneakerhead side. Since then, there have been special makeups for a number of tournaments and the incredibly limited Roger Federer RF287 version of the Vapor 9 Tour. With this Agassi themed colorway, Nike is bringing things full circle. Colors, heritage and comfort, trifecta.

I think Vans did an incredible job with the whole 20th Anniversary series of Half Cabs but the Dirty Donny version was special to me. My uncle used to talk about building a Dirty Donny inspired van before he passed away a few years back so to get a pair of these sent from Vans was very special. So much so, I grabbed a second pair in case I can take them up to my uncle when I check out.

The family budget hardly allowed brand names when I was a kid, let alone Nike with Air. My summer jobs never added up to enough to grab these back then, so purchasing a pair was a no brainer. Depending on the day, I think the Flight One is one of the greatest sneakers ever created, simply for its history. Two players with the greatest signature lines ever created that wore the same shoe? These are stories for generations to come in the form of footwear.

I've never been able to pick up a pair of the black and red Air Jordan IV before but this year I was able to buy a few pair to make up for lost time.

The Reebok Question is one of my favorite sneakers ever. What made the Packer Shoes "Practice" colorway so impressive to me is that it stayed true to Allen Iverson's Philadelphia 76ers colors. Considering how difficult it is to make non-original colorways of retro product, this stands out above most sneakers this year to me. Crossing my fingers the resale price drops a bit so I can buy a pair.