Awesome Shoes

With the massive success of Wicked, The Wizard of Oz is as relevant today as ever. Nike hops on the bandwagon to Oz with a pair of vibrant sneakers in a hypnotic hydro-dipped floral print, inspired by the scene in the field of poppies. There’s subtle “No Place Like Home” typography on the back. Drops 12.23.24 at 9 am ET in adult, little kid, and toddler sizes.

Brooklyn footwear designers Atoms outfitted the extra comfy, classic, versatile Model 001 sneaker with hidden tongue loops, stretch laces, odor resistance, and extra heel padding. Easy to wear without breaking in, it comes in essential colors, including our faves: black, black and white, white, bright white (limited edition), and the especially smart clove green.

Nike joins On and adidas in using 3D printing technology to manufacture shoes that combine sustainability with style. Unveiled at ComplexCon 2024, the Air Max 1000 combines the silhouette and airbag of the Air Max with a lightweight 3D printing material. It looks like a very early proof-of-concept, but it does seem mad comfortable.

The only time you can go wrong with Chuck Taylors is when it’s rainy. Not anymore. Converse has released a variant of the timeless sneakers that has a weatherproof Gore-Tex coating on the upper to help keep your feet dry. They also have improved OrthoLite cushioning. Available in dark grey, black, or light brown.

Chibson USA is known for designing quirky and humorous products for guitarists. While some of them are clearly fake, they do occasionally turn them into real products. Danny Jenkins couldn’t wait for them to make their Wah Slip-Ons wearable effects pedal, so he made his own with the help of a little tape.

In a year filled with comfy sandals and futuristic runners, Onitsuka Tiger wins our hearts with this utilitarian throwback. Part of the shoemaker’s 75th anniversary collection, the Wrestling A60 NM is modeled after the wrestling shoes that the company made for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Each pair is dyed and given a vintage treatment by hand.

Much like Run-D.M.C. and skaters, KoRn proved that you can be both counter-culture youth and dress like you’re already retired. adidas Originals celebrates the 30th anniversary of the nu-metal legends’ debut with a throwback collection filled with red, plaid, and edgy font. Highlights include a sequined tracksuit, Superstar sneakers, and a long-sleeve tee.

We love this earthy colorway of Puma’s Suede Trippy sneakers. Their suede upper combines smooth and fuzzy textures in organic shades of green and brown. They’re built for everyday comfort, and their rubber midsole and outsole provide cushioning and balance. Available in men’s and women’s sizes.

Trends come and go, but if we had to pick one that would stand the test of time in the current craze of sneaker moccasins, Mizuno’s take would be it. The Wave Prophecy Moc takes the company’s bouncy and eye-catching Wave Plate midsole and pairs it with an otherwise normal leather moccasin upper. They’re sold out but you might be able to find a pair on eBay.

One of the highlights of the collaboration between The North Face and Undercover. The SOUKUU Summit Offtrail TR are laceless trail running shoes. They use a BOA system to adjust the fit, a ripstop and rubber upper, and an integrated gaiter. Drops 10.30.24 for $430 and likely to sell out to folks who will never run a trail in their life.

French shoemaker Kleman has created what we can only describe as work boots with diacritics. The Courrier N Bio transforms the humble workwear into a derby that’s equally fire with streetwear as it is with semi-formal affairs. The shoes are made from eco-friendly nubuck leather that develops a patina over time. Available in brown or light brown.

Give your toes some time off in Combat Flip Flops’ Men’s RNR Slip-ons. Designed by military vets, they combine Combat’s StickyAF rubber, stitched outsoles, EVA mid-layers, and a padded heel. Available in grey or black. Comes with a lifetime warranty and supports wounded veterans through One More Wave, a non-profit helping vets heal through surfing.

Exclusive to .Swoosh members, the Nike Air Max 1 Low Poly is a throwback video game-inspired take on the original Air Max 1 colorway. The upper is rendered in the style of low polygon 3D games, resulting in a sweet color gradient pattern and a pixelated logo on the tongue. It also has a little ESRB-style surprise. N64 and PS1 colorways would be amazing.

The second basketball sneaker from rising shoe brand EQLZ. The 360 was designed for fast and fluid movement. But we can’t deny that it looks badass off the court as well. Its knitted upper is caged in a heat-molded leather overlay. The eyelets are on the overlay, making it easy to customize the shoe’s fit. Drops 11.2024 for $130.

Keep your toes toasty literally and figuratively with this awesome pair from Suicoke. The Pepper Trab Eco has a quilted and padded upper, 3M Thinsulate insulating fill, a biodegradable antibacterial footbed, and a Vibram outsole. It comes in either all-black or ivory and black. If you want even more protection, get the Bower Trab Eco boots.

Vietnam-based custom sneaker shop Bigassteam knocked it out of the park with their latest creation. They dressed up the Puma Speedcat as a racing shoe inspired by the iconic Le Mans livery of the legendary Porsche 917. Aside from the bright red upper, number 23, and retro logos, the shoe features a sick tread-patterned heel.