Sneaker history was made this year through style collaborations with drops ranging from vintage throwbacks to futuristic footwear. Major brands such as Adidas, Puma, Reebok and New Balance sneakers partnered with celebrities and fashion labels to release new shoes in 2020. Keep your style fresh by searching for any of these collaborations while shopping for sneakers for men online.
New Balance x Jaden Smith
Some of the year’s most innovative and futuristic sneakers have come from a collaboration between New Balance and Jaden Smith. The traditional brand of men’s and women’s sneakers has drawn inspiration from the son of actor Will Smith.
The first drop in this collaboration was the Vision Racer inspired by the New Balance X-Racer and the 1700 NB, which is said to be Smith’s favorite vintage style. A sunflower yellow colorway indicates an ongoing trend for brightly colored footwear.
Puma x Balmain
The Parisian fashion house Balmain collaborated with actress Cara Delevingne and sneaker brand Puma to release the Puma x Balmain Deva Leather Sneakers in November 2019. This boxing-inspired collaboration is just as fresh a year later.
The Puma x Balmain Deva is a platform leather lace-up sneaker with gold-tone hardware and a platform rubber sole. Another mid-height version of these sneakers features straps and metallic buttons. The lace-up style is also available as a mid-calf boot with metallic accents.
Reebok x Opening Ceremony
The fashion brand Opening Ceremony has released three capsules with Reebok, with the most recent being tartan plaid sneakers in a choice of yellow or green colorways. The Reebok x OC Instapump Fury OG features proprietary cushioning technology and a signature split sole.
Past collaboration capsules between these brands included patent leather versions of the Reebok Classic Leather, Ex-O-Fit-Hi and Workout Lo and a floral satin jacquard take on the Reebok Classic Leather in 2018. The Instapump Fury OG has also been restyled this year in a two-pair Fossil capsule released in a continuing collaboration with UK brand END.
adidas x Pharrell
The first collaboration between musician Pharrell Williams and adidas dates back to 2014. This year saw the release of several new colorways of the Pharrell x adidas NMB HU. These sneakers feature premium performance materials and lettered messages along the vamp.
In the past, Pharrell has remixed a variety of adidas Originals such as the 4D Runner, Campus, SC Premiere and Superstar. Most of these styles are made in collaboration with the Japanese fashion label Human Made.
New Balance x Casablanca
The label Casablanca partnered with New Balance on two seasonal release this year. The first 327 “Idealiste” with a bold orange and green colorway dropped on April 18. The second drop on September 12 is a subdued white and cream style with green and black detailing.
These are only five of the buzziest collaborations this year. A number of brands are continuing to release new sneakers during the holiday season. Just as the Puma x Balmain collection that dropped in late 2019 is still in style today, these shoes will be eye-catching and fashionable in the new year.
