No doubt about it: 2020 has been a challenging year all over the world.
There have still been some bright spots though, and that’s no different in the sneaker business. Here we’ve compiled a non-exhaustive list of some of the fun releases we’ve seen at JD Sports in 2020.
January
This drop took the sneaker and streetwear worlds by storm. Beyonce released her first collab with the Three Stripes to critical acclaim, and they were gone before you could say “Formation.”
February
Another absolute banger for adidas, which dropped these exclusively in select Chicago locations on NBA All-Star Weekend. The hype was real.
March
To celebrate Air Max Day on 3/26, the Swoosh rolled out the latest in its venerable Air Max line. Taking design inspiration from the classic Air Max 90 and fusing it with modern style, the Air Max 2090 brought the model into the future.
April
Air Jordan 1 Retro ‘Court Purple’
It’s no secret that purple is the color of royalty. With Air Jordan Retro 1s being among royalty in the sneaker community, a royal purple colorway is only fitting. And as nice as they look in photographs, they look even better in hand.
May
Air Jordan 13 Retro ‘Flint Grey’
Hot on the heels (forgive the pun) of The Last Dance, this classic Jordan retro was the hottest ticket in town this summer and arguably one of the most highly anticipated Jumpman releases of 2020.
June
Champion x MTV apparel collection
The music videos, interviews and live performances on Yo! MTV Raps let the whole world see fresh fits on their fave rappers – and in turn, began a streetstyle revolution for those coveted styles. One iconic brand led the charge of that revolution: Champion. Its seamless transition from sportswear to streetwear made it a hot commodity nationwide. This funky collaboration paid tribute to that moment in hip-hop history.
July
adidas Originals Yeezy Boost 350 V2 ‘Zyon’
A must-have Yeezy that was perfect for summertime wear, the 350 V2 ‘Zyon’ dropped in a full size run so you could fit out the whole family. One of the best 350 colorways in recent memory, too.
August
Reebok Question Mid ‘OG Red Toe’
Reebok paid homage to the silver anniversary of the original Allen Iverson signature sneaker, the Question Mid, with the release of the Question Mid ‘O.G. Red Toe,’ which incorporated vibrant red highlights on a crisp all-white leather upper. The overlays on the toes are made from red suede, a throwback to the first 5,000 pairs of Iverson’s signature kick.
September
Nike Sustainability Recycled Canvas Pack
This year was a big one for the Swoosh in terms of unveiling product designed to lessen impact on the environment. We saw the futuristic Space Hippie line as well as the Air VaporMax 2020 Flyknit, which is made from at least 50 percent recycled materials in each shoe. You could also get your feet in a range of Nike classics made from at least 20 percent recycled materials, including Nike Air Force 1 ’07, Nike Air Max 90, Nike Air Max 95, Nike Daybreak-Type and Nike Cortez.
October
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ‘Black Mocha’
It couldn’t escape comparisons to Travis Scott’s 2019 Air Jordan 1 collaboration, which also utilized the Mocha tones, but this version is worthy of a spot in your collection in its own right. The materials are incredible.
November
adidas unleashed the first Yeezy BOOST 380 on the sneaker-buying world in December 2019, combining familiar design elements with a new silhouette to expand Kanye West’s signature footwear line. Its latest colorway, ‘Onyx,’ dropped in Men’s sizing in November.
December
If you’re looking for a pair of kicks that’ll make you scream “WOOOOOOOOOOO!” the Brand with the Three Stripes had you covered. In collaboration with 16-time world champion Ric Flair, the latest edition of Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard’s signature sneaker will practically transport you ringside.
