10 game-changing sneakers to own in 2018

New year, new kicks. That’s how the saying goes right? Well, even if it’s not, there are a bunch of sneakers dropping that you’ll want to cop. These are the ones you’ll want to keep on your radar so if you have to line up, well, at least you’ll be prepared. In this list are a range of styles, from the super futuristic to the classic silhouettes. Brands include the traditional sportswear labels such as adidas and Nike, as well as high-fashion brands that have infiltrated the sneaker market—namely, Gucci and Balenciaga. 

Listed in no particular order, these are the styles you need in your your sneaker rotation for 2018:

Balenciaga Triple S Trainer

The Balenciaga Triple S trainer was a standout sneaker this year, selling out almost instantly after every restock. The undeniably chunky shoe features an almost comically big sole, serving as the platform for a mesh and nubuck-constructed upper. The shoe has been dominating the streetstyle circuit this year, so if you can—get your hands on a pair. For 2018, the Demna Gvasalia-designed sneaker should be re-releasing in a slew of new colorways including a red/grey/cream/white rendition. 

Balenciaga Speed Trainer

Demna Gvasalia has been winning the sneaker game, and his first big W was the Speed Trainer. If you’re hoping to get your hands on a pair, you’ll have to waitlist for sure. The sneaker features a bold white sole, juxtaposed against a sleek and simple knitted sock upper. It’s comfortable and functional but still packs a punch on the style meter. If you don’t have a pair yet, make sure to cop a pair before the Triple S (above) takes its limelight. 

adidas Futurecraft 4D

Sneakers are usually either extremely fashionable, or extremely technologically advanced (well, they are intended for sports). In the case of adidas’s Futurecraft 4D, it’s a perfect harmony of both. The futuristic-looking sneakers have a sole that’s actually 3D printed using light and oxygen— it’s a process called Digital Light Synthesis, developed by Carbon. It’s not just “3D-printed,” but the technology utilises light projection, oxygen-permeable optics and liquid resins to develop the highly technologically-advanced sole that’s functional as well. adidas will be rolling out more of these sneakers this year, including the ones above and a special collaborative pair with Taiwanese streetwear stalwart Invincible. 

YEEZY Powerphase

The YEEZY Boosts always get more attention, but Kanye West’s other sneaker designs are not to be overlooked either. The Powerphase is a more toned-down, demure design, reminiscent of old school sneakers. It’s classic, and way easier to get your hands on. It’s come out in a crisp white and gray colourway (seen above). In 2018 the shoe is rumored to be releasing in black. Keep your eyes peeled. 

YEEZY Boost 350 V2 “Sesame”

Any sneaker round-up would be amiss without the ubiquitous YEEZY Boost 350. Well, after the trifecta we got at the end of the year with three different colourways releasing, the shoe will be hitting 2018 with a neutral, beige “sesame” iteration. It features all the usual design elements—the Primeknit upper and sole. This time around, the sole features a bold brown stripe down the middle. Stay tuned for more information. 

Gucci Ace Sneaker

With high fashion brands breaking into the sneaker game in full force, one that really took to the streets were the Gucci Ace sneaker. You’ve definitely seen these around – a classic white trainer featuring Gucci’s recognizable green and red colors down the side. The Italian fashion house has since released the shoe in a myriad of different designs, some with patches, prints, texturesf—one pair even featured a fur-lining. So head to your nearest Gucci store and pick up a pair, they’ll go with everything you own. 

Nike Zoom Vapor Street

This was one of Nike’s newest silhouettes (that isn’t a re-release or an OG reissue), and definitely made heads turn. The sleek silhouette was first available in a triple black colourway, featuring a curved sole and a big Swoosh on the side that extends onto the sole. The shoe is inspired by the Vaporfly Elite, but the only difference is that this pair doesn’t have Nike’s ZoomX cushioning. It boasts a pitch black Flyknit upper and will ensure that you look cool and collected no matter what all-black outfit you rock. 

Nike Zoom Fly SP

Another one of Nike’s more recent silhouettes, this particular shoe is a NikeLab rendition of the Zoom Vaporfly 4%, which was worn by Eliud Kipchoge when he nearly broke the two-hour marathon mark last year. Featuring a translucent, stretch-woven upper, the shoe features a digital clock graphic on the heel that pays homage to that two-hour marathon mark while also taking cues from the Nike Zoom Mayfly. Originally available in a red and white design, 2018 sees a new colourway emerge with a “Sepia” rendition. 

OFF-WHITE Industrial Tape Sneaker

Virgil Abloh’s OFF-WHITE dominated the sneaker game with its Nike collaboration “The Ten.” Well, if you missed out on that, OFF-WHITE actually releases its own range of sneakers that feature very similar design elements. This particular pair from the brand is a high-top featuring the signature zip tie closure on its laces, with the brand’s outrageously popular industrial belt circling the top. With these on, no one will doubt that you love OFF-WHITE.

Converse x Tyler, the Creator GOLF le FLEUR*

Tyler, the Creator is the epitome of modern multi-hyphenate. The rapper, producer and director teamed up with Converse last year to release his own GOLF le FLEUR* silhouette. GOLF is Tyler’s own brand, and the sneaker is a classic tennis style shoe that features a vulcanised white sole with a suede upper, available in a range of bright colours. The latest release in 2018 is a cute pink—and with millennial pink still the colour of the era, we’re sure this one’s going to go fast.