The Community Edit: 2020’s Most-Wanted Sneaker Collabs
Five friends of GOAT and GREATEST share their favorite collab sneakers of the year—and the pairs on their wishlists.
In a year of challenging isolation, in the sneaker industry creative cross-pollination emerged as the biggest narrative of 2020. From fashion-focused collabs like the Aime Leon Dore x New Balance 550 and Dior x Air Jordan 1 to the community-conscious Union LA x Air Jordan 4’s “Spread Love” campaign featuring independent Black-owned businesses, the sneaker community has responded to an unprecedented year with creativity and partnership.
Here, we’ve tapped five friends of GOAT and GREATEST to share their favorite sneaker collaborations of the year—and the pairs on their wishlists.
Alexandra ‘MiniSwoosh’ Hackett
“I think it would be the Nike x Stussy Air Zoom Kukini. (I have the Black/White/Volt colorway). I’m a big Spiri [Nike Spiridon] and Kukini fan so combining both was a winner in my eyes. Not to mention every trainer I have with Zoom cushioning are the most comfortable pairs I own. I also think the Kukini is so underrated so I’m glad it made a comeback this year! One sneaker on my wishlist is definitely the CPFM Swarovski Dunks. I’m obsessed with all the Nike x Swarovski releases—I’ve always said I want to get married in a pair of Swarovski-encrusted Nike TNs. I was all ready to enter the raffle on the CPFM website and then saw it was US shipping only. Fingers crossed for a worldwide release sometime soon.“
Dianne Garcia
“The Nike x Ambush Dunk High in black and white. Boring isn’t the word, but I'm quite traditional in my preferences for sneakers. I’m never too excited about new models or renditions of old models, but I thought this Dunk Hi has high wearability from the silhouette and the colorway. I love shoes with a white base—they just feel cleaner and easier to wear. It’s a refreshing update to a classic model without doing too much. I love that. The Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 550 in every color. New Balance, please jump in my inbox.”
Alex James of PLEASURES
“My favorite sneaker of the year is the Vivienne Westwood x Gel Kayano 26. Majority of the sneaker is covered in a thick mesh netting—this was a direct ode to the punk rock roots of Vivienne. It’s a really unique concept with flawless execution matched with comfort. Not to mention, this is a slip on as well. The Reebok Classic Nylon x JJJJound are on my wishlist. Clean, simple and to the point. Really wish I came up on these.”
Daniëlle Cathari
"My favorite sneaker of the year is the Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 550 'Grey.' I love the whole vintage aesthetic of this shoe with its pre-yellowed sole, the perforated detailing and the crackled and puffed 'N' logo—It keeps it authentic and gives me nostalgic feels. One sneaker on my wishlist is the JJJJound x 992 Made in USA 'Mossy Green.'”
Axel Toupane
“My favorite sneaker of 2020 was the StrangeLove x Dunk Low SBs by far! It’s a no brainer for me. First of all the shoe looks like candy you want to eat—the combination of pink and red is something really rare and definitely catches your attention and that’s without talking about the velvet material. When I heard of why this collab happened, as a real romantic French man, releasing on Valentine's Day, I just felt like this shoe was made for me. Unfortunately this past year I had no Valentines, but you can be sure she will see me wearing these next Valentine’s Day. The 2020 sneaker on my wishlist is the Kobe 5 Protro 'Alternate Bruce Lee'. 2020 has been a very difficult year for everybody. Losing Kobe who has been a role model for me definitely has been very tough. I wear Kobes all year long and this Bruce Lee edition is a testimony to stay relentless and keep pushing forward!”
WRITER: ART DERECHO