The year 2024 was eventful in the world of sneakers. Brands like PUMA, ASICS, and New Balance were more popular than ever, and adidas and Nike also made waves with their retro designs. Among all the releases—and there were many—there were a few that stood out to us here at Sneakerjagers.
In this Sneakerjagers Wrapped, we look back at the best releases and trends of 2024 and take a look ahead at the sneakers that are likely to become big successes in 2025.
Best releases of 2024
It's difficult, almost impossible, to sum up the year 2024 in just five releases, but we’ve given it a try. The five sneakers shown below were the most popular according to Sneakerjagers' statistics.
1. adidas Handball Spezial 'Earth Strata'
One of the best-selling sneakers of 2024: the adidas Handball Spezial in the 'Earth Strata' colorway. Following the success of the adidas Samba in 2023, the Handball Spezial became the big successor this year. The 'Earth Strata' was posted by influencer Molly Mae, who may have played a role in the success of this colorway.
2. Patta x Nike Air Max 1 'Chlorophyll'
Perhaps the most famous release of the year: the Patta x Nike Air Max 1 'Chlorophyll'. This sneaker is a retro of the Air Max 1 originally released in 2009 to celebrate Patta's 5th anniversary. As with previous Patta collaborations, thousands of people lined up at the Zeedijk for this release as well.
3. Nike Air 180 'Ultramarine'
One sneaker that made its long-awaited comeback this year was the Nike Air 180. The model dropped this spring in the 'Ultramarine' colorway, which was highly popular among many of you. The OG colorway was quickly followed by other colorways such as the 'Concord' and 'Dusty Cactus,' but it’s the 'Ultramarine' that truly stands out.
4. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG 'Medium Olive'
Travis Scott's releases were also highly sought after this year. From the launch of the Air Jordan Jumpman Jack, Travis' own silhouette, to the Air Jordan 1 Low colorways, Travis Scott was irreplaceable in 2024 as well. One release that, according to you, was definitely the favorite: the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG 'Medium Olive' (and we understand why).
5. New Balance 1906L 'Metallic Silver'
Finally, the New Balance 1906L 'Metallic Silver'. After the hybrid silhouette was showcased during Paris Fashion Week in collaboration with Junya Watanabe, it dropped in the 'Metallic Silver' colorway in the fall. The sneaker-loafer sold out in no time, and we’re fans too!
Popular silhouettes in 2024
There were also some models that were highly favored in 2024. Drop after drop, colorway after colorway – these silhouettes were the most popular according to Sneakerjagers' statistics!
1. New Balance 9060
New Balance had a strong year. The Made in USA line, curated by Aimé Leon Dore founder Teddy Santis, performed very well, but the collaborations with names like Action Bronson and Joe Freshgoods also did great.
The general releases were strong this year as well, with one silhouette standing out: the New Balance 9060, especially the 'Castlerock' colorway.
2. Nike P-6000
The Nike P-6000 was impossible to miss on the streets this year. The silhouette was brought to life in 2019 and immediately stood out with its sleek design and dynamic overlays.
Colorways like the 'Metallic Silver', 'Flat Pewter', and 'Pure Platinum' were very popular this year, but the Nike P-6000 Premium 'Black' took the crown and was bought in large numbers.
3. adidas Handball SPZL
The success of the adidas Handball Spezial extended beyond the release of the 'Earth Strata' colorway mentioned above. Colorways like 'Aluminum', 'Core Black, and 'Pebble' were highly sought after. The 'Night Indigo' also gained popularity with its deep blue colorway. The Handball SPZL is definitely a model we can expect to see more of next year.
4. PUMA Speedcat
The PUMA Speedcat made an unexpected comeback this year. Originally designed for motorsport, the silhouette was embraced by the sneaker community in 2024, partly due to A$AP Rocky's involvement in bringing the model back. One colorway that was bought in large numbers was the 'Haut Coffee'.
5. Nike Air Max 1
A sneaker that absolutely deserves a spot on this list is the Air Max 1. With popular releases like those mentioned above and colorways such as the Escape', 'Olympic', and 'Hydrangeas (to name just a few), the Air Max 1 was once again highly beloved.
A release that stood out this year was the Nike Air Max 1 '87 WMNS 'Leopard'.
What to expect in 2025
After an eventful 2024, we can't wait to see what the coming year will bring. While we can’t predict the future, some releases have already been announced that we can look forward to in 2025. Sneakerjagers believes the following models will be in high demand next year.
1. Nike Air Max 95
One sneaker that will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year is the Nike Air Max 95. A silhouette that is particularly popular in the United Kingdom (with its nickname the '110'), it seems set to gain global recognition in 2025.
While it's not yet clear which colorways we can expect, Nike has already confirmed the OG 'Neon' colorway, and a 'Jade Jewel' release is also on the way.
2. New Balance 1906L
A silhouette that we’ll see more of in 2025 is the New Balance 1906L. The sneaker, or rather loafer, already made a big impact this year, and it looks like we’ll see a lot more of the model next year.
Recently, the first images of two suede variants were released, and shortly after, New Balance unveiled the official images of the 'Juniper' colorway. We’re fans!
3. Air Jordan 1 High
Finally, it seems Nike has big plans for the Air Jordan 1 High, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025. In recent months, images of several upcoming releases have already leaked, including the 'Black Toe' Reimagined', Fragment Design x Union LA x Air Jordan 1 High OG, and the 'Shattered Backboard'.
It also looks like the Off-White collaboration will be making a return, much to the delight of many.
