As much as we have seen some great general release colourways from the big brands in 2022, collabs seem to get bigger and better every year as brands look for fresh names to link up with, and collaborators try to separate themselves from the collabs that came before them.Ā
Letās get into some of our favourite link ups of 2022.
New Balance 9060 Joe Freshgoods Inside Voices Baby Shower Blue
Chicago based creative Joe Freshgoods has put New Balance on his back over the last couple of years (ok thatās an exaggeration, but his influence on NB is undeniable), with a heap of noteworthy collaborations on different silhouettes converting even the staunchest swoosh fans into NB wearers.Ā
The New Balance 9060 Joe Freshgoods Inside Voices Baby Shower Blue released mid year to much acclaim – not just for the colour palette, but because it was the first glimpse of the new 9060 silhouette. The shoe features a pale yellow mesh construction with Baby Shower Blue suede overlays and gold New Balance logos. At the heel, subtle “Inside Voices” embroidery is prominent in a monotone style. From there, hits of pink on the sockliner and sculptural sole add the finishing touch.
Jordan 2 Retro A Ma ManiƩre Airness
Put your hand up if you didnāt know about A Ma ManiĆ©re two years ago. The Atlanta based retailers followed their Jordan 1 collab in 2021 with this take on the Jordan 2. Constructed of a chalky, cream leather with a cracked finish and dark brown detailing, the Air Jordan 2 A Ma ManiĆ©re nods to the 2021 Air Jordan 1 A Ma ManiĆ©re and its luxe, vintage-inspired look. At the heel, TPU heel caps are featured in their original shape, but with a semi-translucent styling. From there, a snakeskin-patterned midsole references the Swooshes found on the two companies’ collaborative AJ1.
Nike Dunk Low size? Dark Driftwood
Surprise! I snuck in an under-the-radar collab here just because I like it. The Nike Dunk Low size? Dark Driftwood features a textured brown suede upper, overlaid with a smooth brown leather. The blue swoosh has a stitched effect, while a green heel panel continues the contrasty, pop-of-colour theme. The tongue of this shoe is super unique as well, with an off-centre stitched tag reminiscent of an Off-White collab which gives the shoe a special look. A white midsole and sock liner keep the shoe looking light and bright.
adidas Forum Buckle Low Bad Bunny Blue Tint
Bad Bunny cannot miss. Eschewing the popular path of a Jordan collaboration (not that thereās anything wrong with that), the Puerto Rican Prince has found repeated success with adidas and the Forum Low.Ā
Following on from his incredibly successful Forum Buckle Low Bad Bunny in 2021 (aka the brown one), the Blue Tint colourway came out in late April 2022 and has been wildly popular. The Forum Buckle Low features (wait for it) a buckle on the top of the shoe, adding some extra bulk and a great differentiator from other classic silhouettes. It also features a toggle strap on the back of the shoe.
Nike Air Max 2013 Stussy Pink
I never said this was going to be a vanilla list, did I? The Nike Air Max 2013 Stussy Pink is a rebirth of the Nike Air Max 2013, and released in August. Stussy and Nike actually released both white and black colourways at the same time, but for me the pink is the move. Thereās just something about the pink and black contrast, set off by the full length air unit in the midfoot.Ā
The shoe also features a reverse swoosh, and Stussy branding on the tongue, and was part of a wider collection release that also featured apparel.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 JJJJound Silver Black
If youāre a shoe brand in 2022 thereās a guaranteed path to success – knock on JJJJoundās door, ask for their logo files, and get designinā. For their first project together, Asics and JJJJound have used the Kayano 14 as a base, and wrapped it in sliver and black. Sitting on a fat slab of GEL in the midsole, the shoe features a white mesh upper with significant silver and black metallic overlays.Ā
JJJJound branding adorns the lateral heel and the right sock liner.
