Before we dive headfirst into 2025 like Michael Phelps at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, let’s take a moment to look back at the best sneakers of the year.
2024 was jam-packed. With the rise of Adidas AE1, the return of some beloved Jordan Retro’s, and some new up-and-comers, sneakerheads definitely had their hands full. But choosing the best sneakers of 2024 is not an easy task. After crunching the data, running the numbers, and performing a series of tests at an undisclosed off-site location with experts, our team narrowed it down to a top ten we’re confident in.
Obviously, no list is perfect, but this one is pretty darn close. Enough talk — here’s a look at StockX’s top sneaker drops of 2024.
10. Puma Speedcat OG
Coming in at No. 10, the Puma Speedcat OG is one of the hottest drops of the year. Originally a fireproof footwear option for Formula 1® drivers, what started out as a racing culture favorite has evolved into a must-have for every wardrobe.
The Speedcat OG’s are slick, like guys with greased hair wearing leather jackets. These feature a leather upper wrapped in soft suede with a durable rubber outsole. The classic Puma Formstrip really stands out on this silhouette, nearly stretching the shoe’s full midsole.
It’s great to see Puma embrace their logo. The Puma Speedcat OG has the embroidered PUMA Cat logo prominently on the toe, which really sets it apart from the rest of their catalog. Overall, it’s a near-perfect blend of function and style. These relaunched in June but again late November, just in time for the holidays.
9. Air Jordan 4 RM SP Nigel Sylvester Grandma’s Driveway
At No. 9, the Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4 RM “Grandma’s Driveway” offers the BMX star’s unique spin on a classic Jordan silhouette. It’s the same AJ4 we all know and love, but a bit softer and more laid-back, designed more for everyday wear than performance on the court.
The shoe’s upper is wrapped in a buttery Pro Green suede, complemented by a black-and-white midsole. There’s an embossed Bike Air logo on the heel tab, matching the Bike Air by Jordan branding on the tongue. It’s familiar, reminiscent of the Air Jordan 4, but that Pro Green colorway, mini swoosh on the toe, and Bike Air branding make these undeniably unique. These make the list nine times out of 10 so it’s only fitting they’re slotted at the No. 9 spot.
8. Adidas AE1 With Love
Anthony Edwards and Adidas dominated the sneaker world in 2024 with Edwards’ first signature shoe, the AE1. With a player this exciting, you need a shoe to match, and the AE1 was a slam dunk.
Everything Anthony Edwards does is highlight-worthy, and his shoes are no exception. The Adidas AE1 “With Love” stays true to Edwards’ roots, with a Georgia peach-inspired upper. A distinct black knit textile surrounds the shoe, with an Acid Orange TPU cage for added reinforcement. Adidas’ 3-Stripes logo sits on the heel and Edwards’ initials are stamped prominently on the tongue. Although these technically dropped on Dec. 16, 2023, the AE1’s momentum carried over well into 2024.
7. Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 Jae Tips’ To Do List Tan
It’s not every year you see Saucony on the best sneakers of the year list. But, Saucony did just that in 2024 with the help of Bronx-born designer Jae Tips.
Jae Tips used practically every color in the crayon box on his Saucony Progrid Omni 9 “To Do List” collaboration. He incorporated hits of pink, red, purple, shades of blue, green, and a perfectly balanced brown, all into one shoe. Call them what you want, but you can’t call them boring. Cutting through the hype of Jordans, SBs, and other giants in the sneaker game takes skill — and Jae Tips continues to deliver.
What makes this shoe truly fun and memorable are the Jae Tips easter eggs scattered throughout. Jae Tips’ signature flower marking rests on the shoe’s quarter-heel panel, with ‘You should make a to-do list today’ and ‘Comfortable shoes’ imprinted on the insoles. Although they dropped late in the year, on September 20, 2024, they garnered enough attention from sneakerheads to earn a spot on the list.
6. Nike Kobe 5 Protro X-Ray
The Nike Kobe 5 Protro X-Ray is masterfully done. Inspired by the legendary “Broken not beaten” tee shirt that features Kobe Bryant’s hand adorned with five championship rings, these Kobe 5s released Oct. 17, 2024, but are undeniably the best of the Kobe releases in 2024.
Just look at that X-ray graphic resembling the bones of the foot. Now forget about it. Why? Awesome graphics aside, this shoe is still beautiful. An eye-catching blend of deep royal, baltic and glacier blue. The fact that the X-ray graphic is there is really just bonus points. Oh, and the X-ray graphic glows in the dark too, along with the blue see-through rubber outsole? Chef’s kiss.
5. New Balance 1906R Action Bronson Rosewater
The New Balance 1906R Action Bronson Rosewater is as vibrant and detailed as Action Bronson’s rap metaphors.
Bronson’s 1906R features a white mesh upper, lime green rope-style laces and a dual toned “N” logo. A splash of pink decorates the side panel, which complements the slightly darker fuschia tongue and heel cage. An orange midsole rounds everything out and sits atop a multicolored rubber outsole. A really nice touch is the “Baklava” branding on the tongue, which stays true to Bronson’s IG handle.
These released on May 31, 2024, and were well-received by sneakerheads and fitness bros alike.
4. Nike Dunk High Wu-Tang (2024)
From the streets of Staten Island to your closet, the Nike Dunk High Wu-Tang (2024) revisits a classic, taking it all the way back to 1999. At the peak of Wu Tang clan’s fame, Nike transformed an original “Be True to Your School” colorway into a special edition for the Wu Tang Clan.
The ‘Killa Beez’ color blocking features a black leather upper with Goldenrod overlays and a matching swoosh. The distinctive “W” logo sits on the tongue and outer heel. These released September 28, 2024. Both a cultural artifact and a sneaker, the Nike Dunk High Wu-Tang was easily one of the most anticipated releases of 2024.
3. Asics GT-2160 Kith Marvel Villains Spider-Man/Venom Battle Spectra Pack
In 2024, Asics united sneakerheads and comic book lovers. With the help of Kith and Marvel, Asics released the GT-2160 “Supervillains” collection, each pair paying homage to iconic Marvel villains. The Spider-Man and Venom pack features two GT-2160 silhouettes, one inspired by Spider-Man and the other by Venom.
Both pairs showcase a gradient mesh upper with synthetic leather overlays. The Spider-Man pair sports a bold red, blue, black, and cream colorway, while the Venom pair features a purple and blue gradient. This drop also came with an exclusive Marvel | Kith Comic Book.
This pack released August 9, 2024. Both nostalgic and fresh, this release brings the best of both worlds to the sneaker scene. All in all, a must-have drop in 2024.
2. Nike SB Dunk Low Futura Laboratories Bleached Aqua
The Nike SB Dunk Low Futura Laboratories “Bleached Aqua” is easily one of the best Nike SBs to drop in recent years. Anytime Futura and Nike collaborate, something good happens. This time around, it’s no different.
This special edition dunk utilizes a white mesh upper, two-tone laces, and eye-catching multi-colored canvas overlays. Leonard McGurr aka Futura’s signature sits on the lateral side of the shoe, and the Futura Laboratories FL logo appears on the other side. A white midsole and icy outsole round out the shoe. These beauties dropped on May 18, 2024, and are easily one of the best releases of the year.
1. Jordan 4 Retro Bred Reimagined
The Jordan 4 Retro Bred Reimagined — a nuanced take on a classic Jordan silhouette. It’s the same Bred colorway sneakerheads know and love, but with a fresh twist.
The 2024 version keeps the signature grey eyelets and quarter panel netting, but swaps the usual nubuck for a sleek black leather upper. The Nike Air branding on the heel tab is reminiscent of the OG design.
A perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation —these AJ4’s stay true to the sneaker’s roots while adding fresh updates. These dropped on February 17, 2024, and with the colorway and silhouettes legendary status, they’ve earned the No. 1 spot on this year’s top sneaker releases.
