Delhi sneakerheads share their favourite sneaker of 2018. Let’s find out what they picked…
“One of my top fav of 2018 is PUMA RS-0, a modern classic sneaker design inspired from a1986 running shoe PUMA RS COMPUTE, which had a computer in the heel counter to register running data and then plug it in to a computer to read it, back in 80’s it was ahead of its time and at present RS-0 looks simple yet has deep character. Everything about this shoe is fresh, the color blocking, construction. These are a no-brainer for me.” @henryvinoth, Brand and Culture Manager at @vegnonveg and founder of @sneakernewsindia.
“The Pharrell Williams nmd is my favorite sneaker of the year. I picked up four Adidas Pharrell shoes this year and this one is my favorite colorways. This was part of the pharrell x BBC. The boost is very comfortable and the shoe has a very creative with unique lacing. Totally fell in love with the vibrant colors of this one.” @bharat_sharma132, Chef and Sneakerhead.
“The Harden Vol 2 is my favorite sneaker of the year. I actually planned a vacation abroad around its release dates and ran into the store and bought them all in my size the day I landed. I picked up 6 different Vol 2’s this year & this happens to be one of my favorite colorways. This was part of the “summer pack” that Adidas basketball released. It has a thick slab of boost, the most used in an Adidas Basketball shoe, that makes it very comfortable and it’s got a custom lacing system that lets me play around with the fit, I like to rock it unlaced.” @f17starscream, Sneakerhead and G-Shock collector.
“Asics Tiger x 24 Kilates Barcelona x 24 Kilates Bangkok Gel Lyte III “24 Kilates Express for three reasons: 1. The materials on this collab are absolutely crazy. The colors are vibrant yet not loud. The execution meets the standards 24 Kilates has set for itself over the years and what a 24 Kilates fan would always expect from them. 2. This is the first ever 24 Kilates Collaboration to be sold in India via the retail channel. They don’t ship to India from Barcelona or Bangkok so huge props go out to Asics Tiger India for bringing this shoe to our country. This is a first and so it is very special for all of us here. I hope we will get access to more of their collabs in the future. 3. Being an Asics head and a Gel Lyte III lover all the way, this is the epitome of craftsmanship on my favorite model from the brand and that too by one of my favorite Sneaker boutiques in the world.” Aman Parmar, Project Manager (Game Art Production) and Founder of @_thatshoeguy_
“Sneaker of the year is, after a tough choice, ‘the Sean Wotherspoon Nike Airmax 97/1’, the reason being the design is a hybrid of two iconic Nike silhouettes; the air max 1 and the air max 97. The shoe features the known 97 upper with the air max 1 midsole. The Vintage look and colors make it a perfect match designed by @sean_wotherspoon owner of Round 2, his sneaker concept was selected by the public from around the world who voted for him to win as part of the 2016 Nike Airmax day celebration!” @adityab27, Sneakerhead.
“For me, Dragon Ball Z X Adidas Original Yung 1 “Frieza” is easily the sneaker of the year. The sneaker takes inspiration from Frieza’s legendary final form. The white mesh base and the purple overlay gives it a very subtle look. Being a bulky dad shoe, Yung 1 is very comfortable with a sturdy sole with adequate cushioning. So for me, this was a must cop.” @sahil_singh74, Cybersecurity analyst and Sneakerhead.
“Loads of entertainers have their own sneaker collaboration these days. Some good some awful. When Travis Scott received his own Air Jordan IV this year following his Air Force 1 collaboration, it was like a dream come true for me, a fan of Scott and Jordan. Toss into the mix the fact that the shoe was inspired by the Houston Oilers, Scott’s O.G. hometown team, it made even more sense. Even without the backstory, the light blue, red, and black sneakers look great on their own. After owning the first Travis Scott Air Force 1 I just had to get my hands on these.” @Kanishk.s.lamba, Consulting Director at @anamivagoa and Head Creator at @clockwerk.in.
“People are going to say ‘the Yeezy 700 first released in 2017, how are they your sneaker of the year?’ Well because just like the Wotherspoon 97/1’s the official broad release was in 2018 and chances are if you got a pair it was this year. Encapsulated foam, Adidas’s revolutionary boost technology, a thick sole and layers of suede and mesh form Kanye West’s first full-on, chunky dad shoe. Reminiscent of 90’s running sneakers, this silhouette has gained immense popularity since its preview being the most requested Adidas sneaker of all time according to Kanye. Even with a steep $300 price tag, both color-ways the “wave runner” and “mauve” are definitely worth the money. I got both colorways the day they dropped and they are easily my favorite silhouette of the year and the only shoe I’ve doubled up on recently. With more than 50 sneakers in my cupboard, I find myself reaching for them way too often. With the current sneaker and fashion climate heading towards chunkier and baggier looks, the Yeezy 700 is essential for various fits.” @akshayganguly, Freelance Content Creator and Head Creator at @clockwerk.in.
