Shortlisting the best sneaker collaborations of 2019 is no easy feat. The year, after all, offered up an impressive array of sneaker collaborations – dominated by none other than Nike. The lineup of Air Force 1 collaborations rolled out this year alone could’ve easily filled up the list. But beyond the hype and the limited run of releases, we’ve carefully selected the sneakers that were really a level above the rest and looked at how much they’re priced now at resale. Ready? Here’s our list of top ten collaboration sneakers in 2019.
Nike x Sacai LDV Waffle
The LDV Waffle takes the nod over the Blazer Mid model on this list. While this may not have been the Japanese high-fashion label’s first tie up with Nike, it’s certainly proving to be the best. The collaboration served up an unprecedented hybrid design that doubles up on every feature of the shoe, including the laces, midsoles, Swooshes and even the tongues. Coupled with a range of covetable neutral and bright colorways, the Nike x Sacai LDV Waffle truly earns its place on our list. Looking to cop one of the best sneakers of this year? Then you’d be glad to know that these are going for quite a decent price on the secondary market. Resale prices start from $325 (approx. S$438) for the Pine Green colorway.
Where to buy:
Stockx
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out which artist had the hottest sneaker this year. Without a doubt, Travis Scott’s Air Jordan 1 collaboration will be talked about for years to come. The sneaker is simple in every way, but the sauce from this one hits differently, with an intriguing reverse Swoosh and dark mocha colorway seamlessly paired with premium suede and tumbled leather uppers. If you’re a sneakerhead and a massive La Flame fan, then shelling out $730 (approx. S$985) at the minimum for a grail surely isn’t too much.
Where to buy:
StockX
Matthew M Williams x Nike Free TR 3
With Nike, Matthew M Williams took sneaker collaborations to the next level – one that accentuates his highly technical approach in all aspects of design. The head of fashion label 1017 Alyx 9SM is a modern innovator in the world of fashion, often creating pieces that are clean, functional and futuristic, yet incredibly wearable. The original silhouette he created with Nike presents a unique sneaker with removable vibram soles, which has been a hit among sneakerheads, who pair the hardy soles with their grails for added protection. The futuristic design of the MMW x Nike Free TR 3 definitely makes it wearable for years to come – not least due to its rugged construction. Call it an investment if you like, and it won’t break the bank either. You can snap these up for just above retail at $370 (approx. S$499).
Where to buy:
StockX
G-Dragon x Nike Air Force 1
Fresh from completing his military service, G-Dragon wasted no time in signalling his comeback with a largely unexpected sneaker collaboration. The K-pop phenomenon delivered mad details with his spin on the classic Nike Air Force 1 and the response from fans and sneakerheads alike was equally mad. Beyond the lace-hole pins, flower tongue label, and black uppers, the underlying layer holds the unrelenting creativity of a multi-talented individual. This wear-to-reveal sneaker design has grown popular in recent times and G-Dragon truly made it highly covetable with his personal artwork gracing the underlying uppers. The pair proved elusive to cop at retail with popular sizes US8 and US9 going for at least $600 (approx. S$810) and $535 (approx. S$720) respectively.
Where to buy:
StockX
SBTG x Staple Pigeon Fury
While it’s not an official collaboration with Nike, the sudden nature of this partnership between two respected tastemakers, in SBTG and Staple Pigeon, caught the sneaker world by surprise. And it’s the sneaker no one thought they’d need this year. Once again, the Nike Air Force 1s were the canvas for this work of art, featuring a combination of Staple Pigeon’s signature color-scheme with the intricate handcrafted design and details by SBTG. Only 30 pairs exist in the world and you’ll need at least $24,999 (approx. S$33,723) to own a pair of these.
Where to buy:
StockX
Ambush x Converse Chuck Taylor
You don’t mess with classics. Not unless you make it ten times better. And Japanese label Ambush did just that, taking on the iconic Chuck Taylor and reworking it to perfection with a robust military-style outlook. Dressed in a cream white colorway with platformed soles and reinforced rubber uppers, this is one sneaker with a personality you should have in your rotation. And it’s not too late to cop a pair with resale prices starting from $270 (approx. S$364).
Where to buy:
StockX
Air Jordan 1 Mid x Melody Ehsani
One of the best sneaker collaborations of 2019 has got to be Melody Ehsani’s maiden collaboration with Jordan Brand. Nothing short of time-stopping, the Air Jordan 1 Mid features a rendition remixed with the iconic Chicago, Shattered Backboard, and Royal colorways, among others, all in one sneaker. Launched as part of the “Fearless” collection, the designer completely revamped the sneaker to the theme with an audacious addition of two watch faces on the base of the laces. It’s a gem of a sneaker, no doubt, and it will certainly cost you quite a bit on the secondary market with prices starting from $672 (approx. S$906).
Where to buy:
StockX
Reebok x Adidas Instapump Fury Boost
Not many would have dared to dream of a collaboration between Reebok and Adidas. But this year, both brands have blessed the sneaker world with a combination of their two icons to bring about the Instapump Fury Boost. While the commercial response has been subpar compared to the other sneakers on this list, this collaboration is one for the history books – and surely for sneakerheads with a penchant for nostalgia. The Reebok x Adidas Instapump Fury Boost is probably the only sneaker on this list you can still cop at retail.
Where to buy:
END and Footpatrol
Chemist Creations x Asics Gel Kayano 5
The Asics Gel Kayano 5 OG announced its arrival with a bang in 2019 through a slew of covetable collaborations. But Chemist Creations’ spin on the chunky silhouette was perhaps the most minimal yet the most captivating of the lot. The earth-toned sneakers left it all in the details, packing nubuck and mesh uppers and transparent overlays with a window to the ripped-off texts on the side panels. The defining feature nonetheless stems from the set of eye-catching green laces – a perfect contrast to the minimal sneaker. Definitely one of the best Asics releases of the year, with a reasonable resale price that starts from $242 (approx. S$326)
Where to buy:
StockX
Bape x Adidas Ultraboost
Bape went all in with a Superbowl collaboration collection with Adidas that included a mouthwatering camo-infused rendition of the Ultraboost. The drop may have only briefly brought back the sneaker from the dead. But for OG fans of the Ultraboost, it probably felt like a fitting curtain call for the once highly-sought after silhouette. Perhaps one last Ultraboost to cop before the end of the decade? The collaboration sneaker is currently reselling at $320 (approx. S$430) minimum for sizes US8 and above.
Where to buy:
StockX
Which one takes the crown among these highly coveted sneaker collaborations of 2019? Let us know your pick in the comments below.