Any true sneakerhead should be keeping an eye on all of the upcoming drops and, of course, compiling a wishlist.
We’ve produced a list of ten of the most anticipated pairs of sneakers in 2022. Naturally, there is some uncertainty surrounding releases owing to shipping delays, but that’s all part of the fun.
Though Aimé Leon Dore‘s legions of devoted followers were able to pre-order the brand’s forthcoming 650R collab with New Balance as early as July, the shoe isn’t actually planned to release until 2022, making it more than deserving of a position on our list
Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 650R
The 650R is a more robust and bulky version of Aimé Leon Dore’s enormously popular New Balance 550s.
Air Jordan 1 Hi ’85 ‘Georgetown’
This silhouette made its debut in January 2020 with much enthusiasm, with a ‘Varsity Red’ colourway and inclusion in the ‘New Beginnings’ bundle with the first-ever Air Ship retro.
It was then put on hold for nearly a year until its Neutral Grey colourway was released in February 2021. It was then put on hold for nearly a year until it’s Neutral Grey’ colourway was released in February 2021. Is the Hi ’85 a one-time release like the holiday Air Jordan 11 retro release? What we do know is that it is meant to be released in February 2022 in a ‘Georgetown’ colourway.
Air Jordan 5 ‘Green Bean’
This year, the Air Jordan 5 ‘Green Bean,’ Sneakers a Lifestyle classic from 2006, will make its first appearance in 16 years. It’s a welcomed throwback with its gleaming silver top and distinctive green accents.
The Basement x New Balance 2002R
After a tremendously successful Nike collaboration in 2019, creative community The Basement is back at it again, this time collaborating with New Balance, one of the hottest footwear brands on the market right now. The two have collaborated on two colourways of the famous 2002R silhouette. We can see why eagle-eyed footwear aficionados have been patiently waiting for them to materialize.
Union x Air Jordan 2
The Air Jordan 2 had the misfortune of being sandwiched between two of the finest Air Jordans of all time, according to many sneakerheads: the Air Jordan 1 and the Air Jordan 3. The model just does not have the same cultural cachet as the styles surrounding it. The Union x Air Jordan 2 is currently only available in mock-up form. We have no idea when they’ll be released, but we’re eager to find out.
Adidas Yeezy BOOST 350 V2 CMPCT
Kanye West has managed to turn the Yeezy BOOST 350 V2 into a cultural icon and a modern-day classic in just five years and the new Yeezy BOOST 350 V2 CMPCT is scheduled to give it a makeover in 2022. The CMPCT, which has only been shown in mock-ups so far, appears to be a simplified version of the 350 V2 and will usher in a new era for the Yeezy BOOST 350 series.
Air Jordan 1 High OG ‘Patent Bred’
This brand-new patent leather variation on the classic is inspired by the original 1985 Air Jordan 1 ‘Bred.’ While it’s not quite a Bred reissue, it’s the closest thing we’ll have for a while. They’re made of premium materials and even come in a limited-edition box.
New Balance 990v6 ‘Grey’
The New Balance 990 has long been a sneakerhead favourite, and the silhouette has only grown in popularity as New Balance has too. The New Balance 990v6 is the newest version of the 990, and it will be released in 2022, developed by the brand’s current creative director Teddy Santis (of Aime Leon Dore fame).
Yeezy 450 ‘Resin’
When the wild-looking 450 silhouette was first released, it caused shockwaves across the community, and now it’s slated to take on the ‘Resin’ colourway that we’ve seen on Yeezy Slides. Look no further if you’re searching for a controversial pair of sneakers to add some new flavour to your collection.
Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 Mid
Before the death of Virgil Abloh, Off-White™ reworked the Air Force 1 Mid silhouette. However, similarly to the Air Jordan 2, working on a shoe like a mid-cut Air Force 1 is a lot different from a style that everyone already loves like the Air Jordan 1, Air Presto, or Air Max 97.
SEE MORE: 2020’S RAREST SNEAKERS DROPS