The Best New Sneaker Designs of 2021
Stop right there. Hold your complaints, please. Before you become incensed at this list, at least take a moment to understand what it is. You made it past the headline—great job. Now listen for just a second. This is not a list breaking down the best sneakers of the year so far—that’s coming soon. This is a more exclusive list focusing strictly on the best new sneaker designs of 2021 so far, the silhouettes and models that released for the first time this year.Get more news about
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No, your favorite Jordan collaboration isn’t on here—that’s because it’s based on a model from 1988. No, that Nike SB Dunk you really liked is not on here—that’s because Nike SB Dunks have been out for almost 20 years.
As sneaker hobbyists, we are so often focused on the old rather than the new. Rarely do genuinely new models pierce the din of retro hype in an interesting way that creates sustained conversation. And so, the ones that do should be celebrated. Thank you for reading. These are the best new sneaker designs of 2021 so far.
By far the most controversial pick among staff, the Reebok Zig 3D Storm Hydro is polarizing, but that’s part of what makes it good. It’s not another knitted shoe or a reimagining of a ‘70s nylon runner. It doesn’t have a high-profile collaboration and it’s not reselling for much over retail. And truth be told, none of those factors really matter here. What the Zig 3D Storm Hydro does right is zag when the others zig. It’s so different from everything our brains are trained to think is “hot” that it works without going too far off the rails and completely losing the plot. It makes for an impressive achievement from Reebok, which has been consistently delivering strong releases but stalled a bit on innovation as Adidas preps the brand for sale. The Zig 3D Storm Hydro is proof that Reebok is still doing interesting things and is worthy of attention outside of its familiar classics. —Riley Jones
It would be understandable to write off the Waffle One as simply being Nike’s attempt at a Sacai LD Waffle for the masses—its resemblance to the highly successful collab is surely no coincidence. But for context, Nike’s Waffle Trainer and Racer, the models that both of these updated silhouettes rely heavily on for inspiration, came out in the 1970s—so it’s not like either is an entirely original design. It would also discount the fact that the Waffle One is noteworthy in its own right. In fact, its streamlined proportions and more subtle branding make it arguably the more wearable of the duo. It was James Whitner’s The Whitaker Group x Nike Waffle One that provided the model with a true standout moment in 2021, courtesy of a collaborative sneaker that featured a premium look, was limited to 500 pairs, and helped raise money for people affected by Houston’s devastating winter storm this past February. —Zac Dubasik
One of the biggest New Balance stories of 2020, aside from the brand riding a string of successful collaborations, was the creation of the 327 sneaker, an all-new shoe that garnered mainstream success as well as limited collaborations with the likes of Casablanca. New Balance is known to rest on its laurels when it comes to lifestyle design somewhat, only making slight variations to its grey running shoes as the years go on. This year, though, the brand decided to strike while the iron was hot and release the 57/40, a brand-new take on the 574 that doesn’t look identical to its predecessor. The upper bears a resemblance, but the chunky midsole is day and night from the 574, which was originally a takedown version of the 576 designed by Steven Smith. The 57/40 gained attention through a collaboration with Los Angeles streetwear brand Bricks & Wood, which gave the shoe a buttery green upper, white midsole, and pink outsole. The color combination hit and the shoes sold out instantly. Not a bad start. —Matt Welty
Ten years ago, performance basketball was in a much different place than it is now. The way that people lust for Travis Scott’s latest collabs or new Dunk colorways today is how people were treating KDs, LeBrons, and Kobes. And few were as popular in 2011 as Kevin Durant’s KD 4s. Two teams, one decade, and two Finals championships later, Durant is still with Nike and still one of the best players on the planet. For the KD 14, it seems like Nike wanted to channel the line’s heyday.
