The sneaker landscape, once unified under a single Nike pangea, has gradually fragmented over time. Now, each major brand stands apart as a distinct archipelago, with its unique, thriving ecosystem; its own culture, creations, and community.

With this year being the ruby anniversary of the Air Jordan 1 (and Jordan Brand at large), the archetypal silhouette naturally dominated the news cycle, with the “Bred” ’85s leading the parade. It’s arguably the landmark release of the year, considering its legacy.

Two sequels to two of the best releases of 2023 have finally arrived: the Yuto Horigome x Nike SB Dunk Low succeeds the original “Wolf Grey” colorway with “Matcha”; the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green” with “Summit White/Navy”.

adidas was initially playing the field with archival football and terrace silhouettes (essentially the Samba and Spezial), but discovered renewed elegance in ballerina-inspired, low-profile models, such as the adidas Ballerina and the Taekwondo Mei Ballet.

New Balance took to the stage with familiar collaborators, including Joe Freshgoods, KITH, and Action Bronson. As fecund as they’ve been in the last few years, Bronson and NB may have produced their best work to date with the 990v6 “Ainôzama”. Collabs aside, however, NB’s most popular release this year might be the revamped 1906 in the mold of the 1906L. “L” for Loafer, because clearly, the design has been a winner.

Lastly, ASICS is finding considerable success in uncovering hidden gems in disparate corners of the globe. They’ve been championing and collaborating with independent designers and their eponymous labels, as well as with independent brands and artists with cult followings. ASICS has been backing the right horses, their fellow dark horses. And that’s their Trojan horse into the insular world of fashion.

Despite the surrounding politics and current events, US tariffs and all, it nevertheless remains an interesting time for sneakers. Let’s run through the 10 that didn’t just paint the town “Bred”, but painted it “Matcha”, “Metallic Silver”, and many others.

Without further ado, in no particular order, here are the 10 of 2025’s best sneakers (so far):

Olympic gold medalist Yuto Horigome brings a refreshing, nature-inspired twist to the SB Dunk Low. Building on the success of his first signature, the new “Matcha” colorway presents a compelling comparison between “Matcha” and “Wolf Grey” for fans. It features earthy green suede and leather, accented by deep legion green and burnt sienna, for a look that’s both wearable and distinctive.

Designed for skaters, the pair features a padded collar, durable rubber outsole, and responsive cushioning, making it both functional and stylish. Subtle signature details nod to Horigome’s influence, and the sneaker has quickly become a favorite among skaters and collectors.

This “Summit White/Navy” Nike SB x Air Jordan 4, released in March, succeeds its “Pine Green” predecessor, arguably 2023’s Sneaker of the Year. The blueprint stays the same as far as their make (read: Nike SB x Jordan 4: “Pine Green” vs “Navy”), and yet it’s the same reason that made this pair one of the most anticipated releases of 2025.

But if neither is your cup of tea, a “Varsity Red” colorway is brewing and is expected to arrive at the tail end of this year. Stay tuned!

This collaboration is a clear standout, demonstrating how adidas’ Megaride can be dramatically reenvisioned. Under the guidance of AVAVAV, the Moonrubber boasts new tooling that truly makes it unique, creating the captivating illusion of stepping into a futuristic bubble.

Its unique translucent design smartly reveals the responsive adidas Bounce units housed within. Completed with a breathable mesh upper, TPU Three Stripes, durable metal D-ring lacing, and eye-catching bubble branding on the tongue, the AVAVAV Moonrubber is a testament to innovative design and a definite shoe-in for this list.

Action Bronson and New Balance have become a dream team for collectors with a penchant for color and character. The “Ainôzama” 990v6 is a riot of pink, blue, beige, and green—an unapologetically bold take on the classic silhouette. The materials, solid; the comfort, dialed in; and the overall aesthetic, Bronson-esque in the best way: maximalist, joyful, and unmistakably unique.

This pair isn’t for the faint of heart, but that’s exactly why it deserves this spot. In a world of safe colorways that “go with most outfits”, the “Ainôzama” dares you to stand out. Whether you’re a fan of Action Bronson or just want a sneaker that’s as expressive as you are, this 990v6 is a certified conversation starter.

ZUTOMAYO extends their creativity beyond the auditory senses and into the visual notes of their collaborative GEL-KAYANO 14. Blending the Japanese band’s vibrant aesthetic with ASICS’ sporty sophistication, the upper features vector branding reimagined with semi-translucent plastic for a sleek finish.

Another notable feature is the bungee lacing system that spans the entire shoe. Subtle touches, such as the “ZTMY” on the dubraes and footbed, plus a playful Nira character on the insole, ensure this isn’t just a sneaker, but a true reflection of ZUTOMAYO’s unique universe.

The return of the Nike Total 90 3 SP in “Metallic Silver” taps into nostalgia for the early 2000s football culture. This edition updates the classic with modern materials and tech, while retaining the bold aesthetics and comfort that made the T90 line a favorite among players and sneaker fans. Its versatility as a lifestyle and performance shoe has helped it find a new audience in 2025. 

The Adam, the archetype, the Michael Jordan of sneakers. Sui generis, ne plus ultra, nonpareil. All roads lead to the Air Jordan 1. The most famous shoe ever. No other shoe enjoys the reverence that the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” does—a legend in the flesh (or rather, leather).

Starting Jordan Brand’s milestone year on an AJ1 High note, the pair arrived at the turn of the year, setting the tone for the celebration. Unfortunately, Jordan Brand released only 23,000 pairs worldwide to meet the demands of millions. Despite the adoration, the most disappointing part about its arrival this year is the manufactured hype.

Perhaps the right way to celebrate the brand’s genesis would be to let as many people own a tangible part of their history. Just. This. Once.

No love lost for the “Bred” ’85s, just some for its maker.

The Bad Bunny x adidas Ballerina represents a bold fusion of contemporary style with adidas’s rich performance heritage. This model boasts a streamlined silhouette, elevated by luxurious premium suede overlays meticulously placed on the toe and heel, adding a touch of sophisticated texture.

Function meets fashion with innovative bungee-cord laces that not only secure the fit but also add a distinctive aesthetic. Further personalizing the design are unique “Benito” branding details subtly positioned near the signature Three Stripes, alongside a special sizing tag that serves as a thoughtful nod to past successful adidas collaborations.

Inspired by the German legacy brand’s Taekwondo model, and engineered initially for elite martial artists in the early 2000s, the Ballerina seamlessly merges athletic roots with Bad Bunny’s modern, artistic vision, creating a truly compelling and versatile sneaker.

The 1906L “Black Suede” takes the loafer-inspired 1906 and dials up the sophistication with a full black suede upper. This pair is all about understated luxury: the monochrome palette is versatile, while the premium materials signal that this isn’t your average lifestyle sneaker. The 1906L retains the technical DNA of its running roots, but the suede execution makes it a standout for the street or the office.

While it leans more “shoelike” in feel compared to other 1906 variants, the “Black Suede” offers a unique comfort and style proposition. It’s a sleeper hit for those who want their rotation to include something a little more refined, without sacrificing the comfort New Balance is known for.

This two-pack collaboration is a masterclass of the dazzling dance of high fashion and athletic performance, a truly unique vision. It perfectly blends Cecilie Bahnsen’s ethereal, feminine aesthetic with ASICS’ renowned technical expertise, resulting in a design that’s as enchanting as it is functional.

The GEL-KAYANO 20 is transformed with delicate floral motifs adorning the ripstop base, while charming flower-shaped attachments grace the shoelaces and upper. Cecilie Bahnsen-profiled straps further complement these whimsical details, before subtle co-branding on the insoles provides a refined finishing touch.

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So, there’s our top 10. Did your pick make it? As usual, creating a top ten listicle is never an easy feat (pun intended, of course). Regardless, every shoe has its inherent beauty, as we humans do. So like what you like, wear what you want.

While we may have only covered Nike, Jordan Brand, adidas, New Balance, and ASICS this time, there’s reason to be optimistic about appearances from PUMA and Reebok in the EOY Sneaker of the Year list.

PUMA has been the most audacious with its partnerships in the last year, giving creative carte blanche to its collaborators. The Salehe Bembury x PUMA basketball line, expected to arrive within the year, may even be as consequential as his work with Crocs. Reebok, on the other hand, has been taking chances with independent Asian brands like KANGHYUK, PROJECT G/R, and noir kei ninomiya, and it may see a payoff soon.

Expect more major releases from the Jumpman alone, there are the long-awaited fragment design x Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low “Sail/Military Blue” and the surprise return of the UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4 Retro “Deep Green”, marquee releases with a guaranteed spot in our SOTY list—which you should stay tuned for. We love playing Santa during the holiday season.

Till then, stay tuned to SNKRDUNK Magazine for the latest news in sneakers, streetwear, and TCG! To get started, read our picks from the brands mentioned above, below.

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More SNKRDUNK Features:
10 Best Nike Sneakers of 2025 (So Far)
10 Best Jordan Sneakers of 2025 (So Far)
10 Best adidas Sneakers of 2025 (So Far)
10 Best New Balance Sneakers of 2025 (So Far)
10 Best ASICS Sneakers of 2025 (So Far)