Top 5 Sneaker Collaborations Of 2023
This year was a best in show for sneaker collaborations and with good reason. Here are a few of our favorites:
05. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low Women’s “Olive”
This was one of the most hyped up releases of 2023. This women’s release features a mix of black suede, sail leather, and that signature oversized reverse Swoosh in an olive tone. Releasing late April, these of course sold out instantly and are fetching a pretty penny on the secondary market.
The Travis Scott Air Jordans stand out as highly acclaimed, sought-after releases in the world of sneakers. Travis Scott continues to make headlines for setting records on the SNKRS app, remaining the go-to collaborator for Jordan Brand and Nike to elevate a sneaker’s popularity. This particular shoe generated enormous hype, selling out instantly and commanding prices above retail on the secondary market — a testament to its enduring significance.
04. Jae Tips Saucony Grid Shadow 2 “What’s the Occasion”
Jae Tips and Saucony have a great thing going. The first drop the Saucony Azura 2000 “Remember Who Fronted” has become one of the best sneaker collabs of 2023. Now, they’re back in the same year with not one but two more sneakers.
The name of the pack? “What’s the Occasion?” The blue pair is know as the “Wear to a Date” and the brown pair is known as the “Wear to a Party” pair. Derived from a concept of multi-wear versatility, the “occasion” is featured on the insoles, inviting wearers to put them on for a date or a party.
Jae Tips’ Grid Shadow 2 pack enter around the idea of “getting dressed with the intention of brightening up [the] world,”
“Whether you’re going on a date or to a party, these Grid Shadow 2s are wearable stories that seamlessly merge art and style, allowing you to express the best version of yourself to accompany any occasion — forever,” Jae Tips said.
Although this sneaker released late in the year the sneaker community went crazy for them. Even yesterday Jae Tips had a popup for the sneaker in The Bronx, NY and a long line was present.
03. J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 “Medellín Sunset”
This Sneaker features gradient accents evoke the colors of a Medellín Sunset, popping against a Coconut Milk backdrop and Solar Flare detailing. J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 “Medellín Sunset” pays a heartfelt homage to Balvin’s hometown. This is the J Balvin sneaker that everyone is going to remember one reason being the price and another because this shoe is absolute fire.
This sneaker can be dressed up or down, iconic elephant print, soft suede and premium leather. It’s clean and simple with a pop of color on the midsole and heel tab.
This Sneaker also had an amazing rollout, it was first seen on J Balvin’s Feet at Formula 1 Grand Prix in Miami which lead to DJ Khald begging Balvin for a pair all over social media. People loved it when it was leaked and they loved it after the release.
J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 “Medellín Sunset” released September 23rd on Nike SNKRS and at select retailers for a retail price of 250 plus tax and shipping.
02. Jae Tips x Saucony Grid Azura 2000
Saucony was alaways a great brand but it had a hard time breaking in to mainstream popularity. But, with Jae Tips’ help they did just that.
Jae Tips personalized the Grid Azura 2000 to his preferences, resulting in one of the brand’s most vibrant creations. Diverse tones and patterns adorn this retro-futuristic sneaker, with pink dominating the “Grid”-branded midsoles and a semi-translucent finish extending to the outsole. Purple suede, zebra patterns, and floral prints intricately share space on the upper, forming a lively yet cohesive ensemble on Saucony’s turn-of-the-century design. The presence of co-branding throughout the shoe solidifies this project as a genuine collaboration.
For this release Jae Tips opened a special pop up shop here in NYC and did a first-come-first-serve release bringing back the old lifestyle of sneakerheads everywhere who had to line up for sneakers before online shopping was a thing.
01. Cactus Plant Flea Market x Nike Air Flea 2
Cactus Plant Flea Market (CPFM) and Nike once again teamed up to release another imaginative footwear collaboration that definitely has the sneaker community talking. The Cactus Plant Flea Market x Nike Air Flea 2 pack arrived in two different colorways done in “Black/Alabaster” and “Faded Spruce/Alabaster.”
Distinguished by its unique design, this sneaker stands out with several distinctive features, setting it apart from the rest. To begin with, the sneaker boasts double elastic straps that span across the entire forefoot and midfoot. Adding to its individuality, removable oversized Swooshes in white are strategically placed on the side panels. At the rear, you’ll discover dual black pull tabs on the heels, featuring branding that reads “Flea 2.” Further showcasing its uniqueness, the tongues are adorned with “Flea 2” branding, complemented by buckled accessories around the collar. The sneaker also has a robust, rubberized waffle outsole that extends from the toe to the heel.
This is my favorite sneaker that released this year. I love sneakers that are different from what we’e used to. Sneakers that push boundaries. And these do just that. This is definitely a Fashion forward sneaker that will turn heads every time.
