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Without a shadow of a doubt, 2022 has been one of the best years for sneakers. From limited edition Air Jordan 1s to hotly-anticipated Dunk Low collaborations, the past twelve months have been filled with some of the hottest kicks that we've ever seen. As the year comes to a close, we've highlighted some of the most hyped pairs that released, and at the end of this article, we'll be holding a competition as a massive thank you to the Ox Street community, so make sure you read on to find out everything that you need to know.
Paying homage to the first Air Jordan 1 ever made, the Air Jordan 1 High OG "Lost & Found" took us back to 1985 when Michael Jordan first signed with Nike. Inspired by the original "Chicago" colorway that took the world completely by storm, it's still considered by many sneakerheads to be one of the most iconic pairs ever made even after almost four decades. For this rendition, Jumpman has given it a pre-distressed and pre-worn aesthetic that looks like it's been taken straight from the archives. It even comes in a pre-aged box complete with original paperwork for that vintage touch that we can definitely appreciate.
Concepts made many sneakerheads' wishes come true this season with the Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low "Orange Lobster." The latest entry in the legendary Lobster Dunk collection, the shellfish-inspired colorway is painted in a vibrant orange hue and is crafted from a textured suede and leather construction. The iconic picnic mat sockliner can be found here, and just like how you might find an elastic band wrapped around a lobster's claws in your local seafood market, this Dunk came with one around the toebox.
Regarded by many of you as La Flame's best collaboration of all time, the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG "Reverse Mocha" took 2019's "Dark Mocha" and completely inverted it, resulting in a crazy clean sneaker that's sure to turn heads wherever you go. Boasting a leather-on-suede construction that's as premium as it gets, Cactus Jack branding is finely stitched across the tongue and heel in a fiery red hue. Of course, you can't talk about these Jordans without mentioning the creamy reverse Swoosh that shoots through the lateral wall. One of Scott's signature details, this is a true holy grail.
After taking on the Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan 2, and Air Jordan 3, Atlanta's A Ma Maniere set its sights on Michael Jordan's fourth signature silhouette this year with the coveted A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 4 "Violet Ore." Arguably one of the most luxurious colorways that the AJ 4 has ever seen, it's outfitted in a beautiful dark purple leather construction with plenty of cool details throughout to speak of. From the branded button detailing to the inspirational messages around the heel badges, you can't talk about this shoe without mentioning the quilted sockliner that's as opulent as it gets.
Concepts absolutely killed it with the collaborations this year. While the brand's SB Dunk stole all of the headlines in 2022, we really can't go on without bringing up the Concepts x Nike Air Max 1 SP "Far Out." Originally released as part of a three-shoe collection, this one was, by far, the most limited of the trio. Celebrating the AM1's 35th birthday, it's dressed in denim and canvas and is decorated with a wide array of patterns and motifs. An intricate Fair Isle design adorns the collar while a purple paisley print surrounds the mudguards, resulting in one of the most eye-catching collabs that we've ever seen.
If you can only cop one pair of New Balances, make it the JJJJound x New Balance 990v3 "Olive." Even though Justin Saunders teamed up with pretty much everyone this year, this NB is, hands down, his best sneaker yet. Marking the 990's 40th anniversary, it's crafted from a chalky green suede that's as premium as it gets, and sits on top of a crisp ABZORB midsole for unrivaled comfort and cushioning. The iconic "N" logo adorns the lateral and medial sides in a luxe leather, while the social media moodboard-turned-global fashion platform's serif logo is printed around the back, finalizing the classic design.
Zion Williamson put a spell on us this year. Alongside his own signature shoe with Jordan Brand, the New Orleans Pelicans power forward also collaborated on an AJ 1 for the Zion Williamson x Air Jordan 1 Low OG "Voodoo," and it very quickly became one of the most hyped sneakers of 2022. With mismatched paneling, decorative stitching, and plenty of premium materials to speak of, you honestly need to see these in person to realize how amazing they are.
To celebrate the Air Max 1's 35th birthday, La Flame also unleashed his spin on the classic silhouette with the Travis Scott x Nike Air Max 1 "Baroque Brown." While hype surrounding this release certainly wasn't at the level of his Jordan Brand collaborations, this still deserves a spot in this list. Boasting an earthy color palette that's sure to turn heads, it's filled with Boy Scout's inspired detailings throughout, including patterned ribbons around the heel and a never-before-seen flag graphic. Of course, you can't talk about this shoe without mentioning the signature reverse Swoosh that shoots through the laterals.
Back in 1989, Michael Jordan revealed his fourth signature shoe with Nike in the form of the Air Jordan 4. Of the original colorways, the "Military Blue" remains as one of the most legendary to date. If you didn't manage to secure your size back in the day, 2022's Air Jordan 4 "Military Black" is the ultimate alternative. Featuring the same design and materials, all it has done is switch out the blue hues for black accents, resulting in a monochromatic masterpiece that will work with any of your fits. In fact, a part of us even things that this pair is even better than the OG. Do you agree?
And last but not least, we have the Union LA x Nike Dunk Low "Purple." Chris Gibbs' take on the '80s basketball shoe saw quite a few colorways this year, but this pair is definitely the best of the bunch. Released as part of the coveted "Passport Pack" which inspires sneakerheads to travel far and wide, it features a premium leather construction and is covered in ripstop for a rugged look and feel. ULA's iconic tags hit the lateral panel, while the Los Angeles-based boutique's legendary Frontman character can be found around the heel.
The time has come for a new king to be crowned as Ox Street's Sneaker of the Year 2022. As a massive thank you from Ox Street for your love in 2022, we want to release promo codes for the top 3 sneakers that you think deserve a place on the podium.
$80 off - Number 1 Sneaker of the year x 10 vouchers
$50 off - Number 2 Sneaker of the year x 15 vouchers
$30 off - Number 3 Sneaker of the year x 30 vouchers
1. Follow @OxStreet, like, and tag 3 friends below the sneaker that you think should be the Sneaker of the Year
2. Share the sneaker of the year you've voted for on Instagram Story
3. The top 3 sneaker posts with the highest engagement (cumulative likes, shares, and comments) will progress to the next round
4. We will announce the top 3 sneakers on December 30th at 8pm
5. Codes are unique and are valid for one customer per shipping address. It’ll be a case of the fastest fingers first to transact the shoes
6. We will void your transaction if we notice that you've placed multiple orders
Good luck, and we'll see you in the new year!
