I know I will get some stick for putting two pairs of Vans in the top 10 because to purists im sure they don't even come on your radar. That said they have had a huge year and I would not feel right not putting these in the top 10, they have everything, leather suede, a crazy aqua sole, patterns laser etching, the list goes on, these are still on my wish list.
The outdoors theme has influenced the industry hugely this year, and this is probably one reason we have seen the return of the ACG line this year with avengence. It was a very hard choice between these and the Lunar Macleay which is also pretty special but the Dunk is such a classic and year after year, reinvention after reinvention, its still here looks amazing.
One of the most exciting collections of this year was the Nike Gyakusou collection, bringing the highest quality technological materials, the inspiration of the Gyakasou runners and the cutting edge fashion design of the Undercover crew. The Spider TT+ is a great shoe, bursting with Nike technology and two great colorways I'm sure we havent seen the last of this model.
Along with the above Lava Dunks we have seen many hiking boot inspired designs. But ever the underdogs Vans I have to say just got it bang on with this model. Great rustic colorway,the d-ring lacing and round laces just set it off perfectly...
I was in DSM when I spotted these, the classic converse look with the perfection of build that only a true shoe maker can provide, flawless...
The All Court has had an unprecidented return to the spotlight in 2010, with collaborations with several high profile brands. Nikes long running relationship with Japanese Fragment brought us by far my favourite versions of the year early in 2010. The removal of the Nike Swoosh was the a genius manouvre as it gives the shoe a much cleaner look and the quality materials and two tone colorway hit the right spot for me
New Balance have had another huge year in 2010, with scores of great releases. The M1300 is argueably NB's best sillouette and the retro release of the Japanese original colorway is just great. The subtle combination of greys is inspired I still can't explain why but it just works so so well.
The Asics Gel Lyte III has been a phenomenen this year, with Ronnie Fieg bringing the heat with several colorways of note, Sneaker Freakers Alvins and Asics themselves bringing several of their own colorways. But my favourite colorway was Slam Jam Italys III's. The colorway works so well with the light grey suede and red fading sole, everything down to the subtle 3M and aqua accents just fits into place, a great shoe through and through.
Saucony have made a huge comeback during 2010, with Bodega at the helm of their Elite range the Shadow 5000 came with not only with exquisite materials but amazing colorways. My personal favoutire the teal/grey combination is just perfect, and they look even better on the feet.
Parra is already a legend in the game with several heavyweight colaborations under his belt. This years Air Max 1 was no different and easily deserves its place as the best release of the year, the colorway is unbelievable the burgundy upper in premium suede with white outsole and the aqua accents are just crazy, made me fall in love with the Air Max all over again. They truely turn heads and look so good on the feet, his next pair have a lot to live up to...
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