It’s that time of the year again. People keep on reviewing their choices, their achievements, their Ws and their Ls. Sneakerheads do that as well – in another kind of way though. We SEE our good and bad decisions right in front of our eyes: in our shoe cabinet! Bargain shopping at the mall gone wrong or best cop ever? Either way, 2017 has been full of collecting kicks and an always empty pocket. While others start contemplating about their New Year resolutions, we start figuring out which sneakers to buy next year. There will be bargains, investments, too fast purchases and bad buys again, but we will keep on expanding our collection, no matter what.
2017 was the best year in sneakers in a long time. Each week, dozens of sneakers hit the market, but quite a high number of releases went viral and were some of the most coveted drops in years. While adidas overrun Nike in 2016, the Swoosh came back stronger and answered with hot collaborations and a refreshed hype surrounding the brand from Portland. The Supreme x Nike Air More Uptempo drop in April made a triumphant return for the retro basketball silhouette of the Uptempo possible while the NikeCraft x Tom Sachs Mars Yard Shoe 2.0 introduced a 2.0 version of one of the most sought-after sneakers by Sachs. The collaboration of Undefeated x Nike Air Max 97 and the Silver Bullet hit home as well, adding to the hyped appreciation of the AM97 this year. 2017 was moreover the year of the Force: No other sneaker has had that many great collections, especially the “AF100” pack, featuring collabs with Travis Scott, Off White, Roc-A-Fella, Acronym and Just Don.
The Jordan Brand had a pretty strong year as well. They teamed up with Brian Donnelly, better known as the graffiti artist KAWS, and released the KAWS x Air Jordan IV – an instant icon and very, very limited. The Air Jordan 1 “Igloo” and “Rust Pink” (which went viral thanks to Nigel Sylvester in the last weeks of 2017) were kinda impossible to get – at least for those, who didn’t live in Miami and tried their luck at the Art Basel. The shiny Air Jordan Top Three in black and gold, releasing in limited numbers in late November, were another stroke of genius of the Jumpman, perfectly rounding off the Air Jordan I trend this year with the iconic New Love, the beloved Royal, the underrated All-Star Weekend colorway and many more.
adidas and their brand ambassador Kanye West did not sleep either. Dozens of Yeezy Boost 350 v2 colorways, the adidas Yeezy Powerphase and the Yeezy Boost 700 Wave Runner were seen as the holy grail for hypebeasts worldwide. The NMD celebrated a revival with dozens of powerful collaborations with The Invincible x Neighborhood, Chanel x Pharrell and N*E*R*D. Releasing the adidas Futurecraft 4D, The Three Stripes have introduced an innovative design and a footwear technology that has been way ahead of its time. We are excited to see what this innovation will offer next year!
Luxury fashion brands such as Gucci and Balenciaga entered the sneaker scene and competed with the big ones in the sneaker world, being spotted on rappers, Hollywood stars, athletes and sneakerheads alike.
The unchallenged winner of the sneaker year was Virgil Abloh and his “The Ten” collection with Nike, though. The pack, consisting of highlights such as the Air Jordan 1 in the ‘Chicago’ colorway and other iconic silhouettes of Nike, Jordan and Converse were reworked and deconstructed. No other sneakers have been talked, thought and dreamed about that much this year. If you were lucky and got a W, you were part of something big.
In honor of the sneaker year 2017, we decided to start a photo competition. Competition might be the wrong choice of words, though. Of course, we just don’t want to show off our kicks. We would rather like to create an interactive experience. Share your own favorite sneaker rotation with us! Believe us, it is actually quite difficult to decide which sneakers were your favorite shoes of 2017.
COMPETITION
This year, we’ll spoil you with gift vouchers from KICKZ.com. To win 1x 150€ or 2x 50€ vouchers, all you have to do is:
1. Follow us on Instagram @kickz93
2. Post a picture of your favorite four sneakers of 2017 on Instagram
3. Use the hashtag #fav4kickz and tag @kickz93
4. Also tag 3 of your friends and challenge them in order to see who has the freshest kicks
The winners will be selected by us. The criteria we pay attention to the most are originality and execution (Btw, we love basketball – be as creative as Allen Iverson was on the court!). In addition to the first prize (150€ KICKZ.com voucher), we will also select 2 runners-up who’ll each receive a 50€ gift voucher. The winners will be announced on Instagram @kickz93 and contacted through direct message. The jury’s decision is final, there is no legal recourse. The competition is not supported, sponsored or organized by Instagram. Last chance to participate is Wednesday, January 3rd, 2017, 11:59 AM.
UPDATE
Thank y’all for participating!
THE KICKZ CREW’S FAVORITE SNEAKERS OF 2017
DUSTIN (E-Commerce)
Nike Air Zoom Generation
My absolute favorite from this year! My fascination for basketball started with Michael Jordan and Space Jam but i was only old enough to understand and follow the NBA just around the time LeBron was being hyped as the definite number 1 pick in 2003. That was also the first time i got into sneakers and specifically signature basketball Kickz – when i first had this shoe i was 12 years old and it was around 2 sizes too big as it started with a EU 38 😀
Converse One Star x Golf Le Fleur
Really nice materials and colorways on these Tyler, The Creator Collaboration One Star’s, so i got two of them this year. You can wear these anytime anywhere (while being a little careful of course).
Air Max 97 Premium Particle Beige
The 97 was definitely overpaced by Nike this year: too many colorways, too much stock and too many very important influencers wearing them for the gram. Yet it is a very nice silhouette and i’m glad it’s back so i had to get one this year and it was this PRM in particle beige and i have to say: it receives a lot of looks in the city.
Nike Flyknit Racer Multicolor / Rainbow 3.0
Just a great Flyknit model and i was lucky to receive a pair which is very different on the individual sides. They did kind of ruin the first versions value but this one – in my opinion – looks even better!
PHILIP (Insta Guru)
It’s been quite tough to make a decision on that matter…
Air Jordan 1 “Top 3“
Combines the Chicago, the Bred and the Royal… Flawless!
Nike SB Dunk “Black Pigeon“
What a follow up to the original Staple Pigeon Dunks. The colorway and the premium materials make these the perfect everyday shoes for me. #FlockWithUs
Nike Air Foamposite One XX “Dark Neon Royal“
These are my grails. The greatest shoe I’ve ever seen. Will never forget the first time Penny rocked them. True Love.
Reebok Supreme Ventilator “Killa Cam“
DIPSET! Oh Boy, these were a must-have for me… KILLA! Pink suede with pink camouflage laces and a translucent pink outsole: Too Much Sauce!
Those three right here almost made the cut: All-White AF1 Lows, Nike Air Zoom Generation & Nike SB Dunk Low “Soulland“.
SOPHIA (Content Marketing)
adidas UltraBoost 3.0 ‘Triple White’
Damn, those UltraBoosts. These are the most comfortable shoes I have in my sneaker collection. I wore them on the KICKZ x adidas AS1 Court in Berlin and on the beach in Barcelona for the adidas Crazy Explosive Launch Event – sweet memories with this one!
Nike Air Force 1 ‘All Over Logo’ Pack
This Nike Air Force 1 is a dream come true for Nike-heads. The small Swoosh logos all over the iconic silhouette make this pair one of the boldest & loudest AF-1 this year. Nikes on my feet keep my cypher complete!
Air Jordan 1 ‘Royal’
This AJ1 is my favorite sneaker of 2017 and I absolutely slept on these. I was in Greece in late summer and came across a Jordan Retro sneaker shop when I eventually fell in love with this beauty. Better late than never, I’ve been wearing them ever since!
Converse One Star x Golf Le Fleur*
I have to be honest, I have a huge crush on Tyler, The Creator. Therefore, it’s been a must-have to cop a pair of his awesome collab with Converse. The Converse One Star x Golf le Fleur* in the sunflower colorway is a true eye-catcher and I love everything about it – the super soft suede, the beige flower instead of the One Star and the white/orange flower details on the sole. Where this flower blooms…
DENNIS (Marketing/Sponsoring)
Air Jordan 3 Retro ‘Infrared 23’
My favorite pair of Js in my shoe shelf… as you can tell by the rather used look.
I love the fit, the look and how they combine basketball and style on a whole other level for years!
The good thing is: a couple of hot Jordan 3s will drop next year! (‘Katrina’ and ‘Black-Cement’ here I come)
The bad thing is: a couple of hot Jordan 3s will drop next year! (Money… there you go)
Adidas NMD_R1 OG
Although adidas pretty much exploited the NMD styles with too many colorways and variations (don’t judge me for my opinion) the OG has kept it’s fame. The super comfy primeknit upper and boost sole make this one the perfect all-day every-day sneaker!
Air Jordan 6 Retro ‘Wheat’
Stunning wheat-colored styles came out this year namely the Uptempo and Jordan 1 besides many other Nike models. But my favourite one in the golden harvest color was the Jordan 6 Retro. The perfect sneaker for the fall and winter season – plus I couldn’t miss out on the ‘1991’ embroidery on the inside.
Adidas Adilette
My summer must have for laid-back BBBQs (the third ‚B‘ stands for ‚Beer‘) and relaxed days with the boys at a lake or a pool. Can’t wait for the summer to come back!
EVA (Product & Allocation Manager)
Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Lv8 Suede/Gum
It has been love at first sight with these beauties in rose. The super soft suede in my favorite color – rose – and the gum sole round off the classic AF-1 perfectly. The Force is Female!
adidas Iniki Runner
Even if the combination of blue and rose is rather odd most of the time, this adidas Iniki makes it work. The comfy Boost sole was my savior in my New York trip last summer, being super soft and feminine all at once.
Nike Air Force 1 White/Gum
Another one. AF1s have probably been my favorite model of 2017. This crispy white version with a Basketball-like texture is the perfect sneaker not only for tanned legs on summer days but fun nights in clubs. Just one wipe and the leather is clean again.
Adilette
The best slipper for the summer. No more words needed!
ROMAN (Photographer)
Air Jordan 1
I just can not get enough of the Air Jordan 1 Retro. Timeless and classy.
Karhu Fusion
The Karhu Fusion 2.0 „Mount Saana“ is one of my favorite sleepers. Top shape and a great color way.
adidas Campus
The Adidas Campus is my sneaker for occasional skating and messy party nights. A beater but still in good condition.
ROBBIN (Editor-in-Chief)
adidas Ultraboost Uncaged
When it comes to shoes I’m not exactly an early adopter. I usually stick to what works for me. When I came across the Ultraboost Uncaged it had been out for awhile and I didn’t think much of it. However when I first slipped my foot inside that changed forever and I did not want to take it off again. Hands down the most comfortable shoe I own.
Nike Air Force 1 Flyknit
I’m a big fan of Flyknit so when Nike came out with the AF1 Flyknit I had to cop a pair. It’s one of the most classic sneaker silhouettes on the market and what I like most is the reduced weight. The normal AF1 has always been a bit too heavy for my taste. The AF1 Flyknit is – due to its breathable upper and low weight – the perfect summer shoe.
Nike Air Trainer SC2 QS NFL Vikings
In the NFL I like the Rams and the Broncos. I am not a Vikings fan whatsoever. BUT I am a huge Lakers fan and it so happens that this Vikings colorway looks A LOT like a Lakers shoe. There is no Vikings or NFL logo visible, so I thought what the heck. It’s a Lakers shoe for me. Wore this when I interviewed Kobe. Purple & Gold 4 ever, baby!
Nike Air Trainer 1 PRM QS Pro Bowl
What the All-Star Game is for the NBA the Pro Bowl is for the NFL. However it’s played every year at the same location: Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. So in honor of the Pro Bowl Nike brought out the Air Trainer 1 with super soft premium leather and an Hawaian floral print. They are so fresh, I only wear these when weather foreacast says ABSOLUTELY ZERO chance of rain.
FRANZI (Merchandise Manager Retail)
Air Jordan 11 ‘Space Jam’
Just a great shoe with an even greater story to it. Space Jam is my favorite cartoon movie and the 2016 version of the 11 Space Jam therefore was a must-buy for me!
Vans Oldskool ‘Peanuts’
The whole Vans x Peanuts collaboration was just cute and it was a hard decision in the end, but I just couldn’t resist Snoopy’s puppy dog eyes.
Air Jordan 1 ‘Bred’
The 1s are my favorite Jordans: a comfy fit, an awesome and timeless look and always in perfect colorways fitting to all my outfits.
It was a close call between the AJ1 Bred and the AJ1 Royal, but the Bred was my main-choice for 2017!
Reebok Club C 85 FBT Womens
A clean look, the nice cut and its awesome color made the Reebok Club C85 my favorite everyday/ every situation sneaker in 2017! Can’t wait to see what Reebok has up it’s sleeves for the upcoming year!
KATRIN (Product Manager Buying)
Nike Air Presto ‘Safari Pack’
A perfect fit for my favorite all-black-outfit. I also love them because of their unusual design, awesome color-combination, comfortable fit, and longlasting cushioning and materials.
Nike Air Force 1 Low
My favorite sneaker for my early and late fall-styles. The nice mat tone on them gives them a nice touch and seperates them from the regular black and white versions seen everywhere.
Nike Air Force 1 High
The comfortable and secure fit, super-light but still persistant materials and upper, and the allways fresh white/white colorway made this pair my favourite one for 2017. Rocked them on the christmas-eve too!
Nike LunarCharge
Others might say ‘what the f is that’, but that’s the reason I like them! An underdog that can’t be found in the streets too often.
SANDRA (Teamlead Buying Operations & SCM)
Nike Mayfly Woven
The Nike Mayfly Woven was my perfect choice for the hot days of 2017. Super comfy and super lightweight – the perfect retro runner for the summer.
Nike Air Force 1 Low
This one is my favorite sneaker of 2017. Every day, every season, every opportunity – this Nike Air Force 1 Low was my perfect companion!
Nike Cortez ‘Look of the City’
The Nike Cortez has always been an iconic sneaker. The mystic green colorway with the metallic Swoosh, part of the ‘Look of the City’ pack, was love at first sight and is the spot of color for every all-black/ all-white outfit. The perforated debossed circular pattern, as a nod to the “Rings” motif of the Olympics, is the cherry on the icing.
Nike Air Force 1 Ultra Flyknit
This Flyknit version of the Nike Air Force 1 is not only one of my most comfortable shoes but perfect for Fall and Spring. You are always well dressed with this black & white beauty!
MARVIN (Teamlead Buying)
Nike Lebron XV ‘Ghost’
The battle knit makes it quite appealing and also the first shoes I bought being with KICKZ.
Nike Air VaporMax
Unique look and comfy as hell.
adidas Yeezy Boost 350
Becoming a father is something I look forward to. My son should have the best shoes available.
Nike Air Force 1 Upstep
First collab with Nike when I was with Zalando. These shoes are my wifes favorites and the color is refreshing.