It’s been another blockbuster year for Nike when it comes to sneaker drops, with the sportswear powerhouse unleashing a bounty of instant classics, retro masterpieces and killer collaborations to get us queuing up for. Below we pick out our five favourite Nike shoes of 2020...
Nike Air Jordan 1 Satin Red
The red and black combination has been iconic now for 35 years, when the Jordan Nike Air Ships were actually banned by the NBA for being too colourful and eye-catching. However, Nike turned the sanction into a marketing masterstroke and of course people flocked to buy the outlawed sneaker.
Part of Nike’s Michael Jordan kingdom which has proved so popular for generation after generation - the brand enjoyed its first billion dollar quarter in 2019 - the kicks, boasting a smooth satin finish, were launched in August.
Price: £130
Nike x Ben & Jerry’s SB Chunky Dunky
If you’re into your quirky and niche sneakers, then 2020 was the year for you as there was a crazy range of innovative and out there collaborations launched.
Two billion dollar brands joined forces, sweet in their own different ways, as Nike and ice cream giant Ben & Jerry’s tastily teamed up for a really unique looking trainer. Vibrant blues and greens depicting the sky and fields were accompanied by a black and white Holstein cow pattern and dripping Nike swoosh while inside a tie-dyed pattern is embossed with the Ben & Jerry’s motto, “If it’s not fun, why do it?”
Price: £1,410
Nike Kobe 6 Protro ‘Grinch’
First things first, these serpent-looking sneakers actually came out on Christmas Eve, just in time for the big day and only a week before 2021 but they are still certainly one of the most interesting pairs of trainers to feature this year.
Another retro twist on a classic, the original Nike Kobe 6 was debuted by Bryant on Christmas Day 2010 and in keeping with the festive theme, came in a ‘Grinch’ colourway. A decade later, Nike have given the shoe a slicker shape as well as more responsive foam in the heel sole and an Air Zoom Turbo unit in the forefront that will turn your friends green with envy. There’d be absolutely no reason to be grouchy or grumpy if you were lucky enough to get these off Santa.
Price: £130
Nike Air Max Exosense
The Air Max Exosense makes tonnes of sense if you’re a trainer connoisseur. The Nike Air Max have been hugely popular for 33 years, oozing comfort and style. The Exosense is an amalgamation of old designs and new, but draws most inspiration from the 1998 Air Max Plus and features a bubble tongue and circular pull.
Coming in White, Racer Blue and Flash Crimson, these kicks look pretty futuristic and appear well ahead of the curve in shape and style. As well, they feature the instantly recognisable sole unit of flexible urethane pouch filled with pressurised gas to give you a lift.
Price: £110
Nike LeBron 8 Lakers
These Purple and University Gold kicks are absolutely synonymous with LeBron James and the LA Lakers; people will see you coming a mile off with these on your feet and know exactly who your favourite NBA team is in an instant.
The two-tone sneakers mark the launch of the model’s worldwide retro-cycle and come complete with LeBron’s signature on the heel for a little more authenticity. These are all out Lakers.
Price: £170
