The sneaker collecting game has grown exponentially over the past few decades, enlisting a huge number of new players, some of whom make actual careers out of their knowledge and ability to cop and trade coveted releases.
The tricky thing about sneaker releases, though, is that not everything goes to plan, no matter how well you know your footwear. Shoes forecast to fly off the shelves can remain sat on said shelves for years, gathering dust, while under-the-radar gems can turn into cult classics overnight.
With sneaker-fortune-telling on the mind, we headed over to premier sneakers and streetwear marketplace Stadium Goods to pick out 10 sneakers that we believe are bound for future classic status. Our selection spans silhouettes and colorways that went completely under the radar and the hyped-at-first drops that went somewhat amiss.
From recent Jordan and YEEZY colorways that were overshadowed right up to anniversary-edition Air Max, scroll on to see the sneaker icons of the future that we're placing our bets on.
Shop our list of future classic sneakers below.
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Court Purple 2.0”
With Travis Scott and Dior both adding their collab touches to the OG Jordan silhouette in recent months, it's no surprise that some new colorways of the AJ1 have gone slightly more unnoticed. Released in the year that the Laker's finally returned to NBA Championship glory and using a signature color of MJ's rivals — this could be one for the books.
New Balance 327
The Casablanca x New Balance 327 was the sneaker hit of the summer, and this is one that will inevitably hold value for decades. The 327's power lies not only in its collab spins, though. This colorway of the Manchester-designed silhouette proves so.
Nike Dunk High "Spartan Green"
2020 saw a full-blown return of the Nike Dunk, and, for that reason, it's surely a year that Swoosh fans will remember. Also following the color trend of the year, the "Spartan Green" dropped in September and took inspiration from the 1985 "Be True to Your School" pack.
ASICS GEL-Lyte III “Sean Wotherspoon x atmos”
Having reworked icons including the adidas Superstar and Nike Air Max 97, this three-way project marks the first time Wotherspoon collaborated with ASICS. With the designer's clout only set to get bigger, milestones like this are likely to draw big money in the future.
Nike SB Dunk “Doraemon”
Another name on the (very long) list of Dunk releases in 2020, the Nike SB Dunk High “Doraemon” is a homage to the time-traveling Japanese manga character. One for both anime fans and sneakerheads alike, this will no doubt hold its collectability for years and years to come.
adidas YEEZY Boost 380 "Pepper"
Like Jordan sneakers, the amount of new YEEZYs that drop throughout a given year means that not all of them get the same level of attention. Released this fall, and bearing particularly-fitting shades for the season, the YEEZY Boost 380 "Pepper" was one of the highlight colorways of recent YEEZY drops.
Converse Run Star Hike Hi
The Run Star Hike Hi first appeared as a result of JW Anderson's collaboration with Converse and his vision for merging the iconic silhouette with a runner sole. It proved so popular that Converse decided to run with it alone. The black and white iteration is a certain future classic.
Nike Air Max 1 Anniversary "Hunter Green"
Green Nike sneakers had a little bit of a moment this year, with drops like the Air Jordan 1 "Lucky Green" and "Green Strike" Dunks making waves. One you may have missed, though, was this "Hunter Green" Air Max 1 that dropped in the summer this year. A tribute to the Air Max 1’s 30th anniversary releases in 2017, the sneaker uses a color combo that always works, and has a real timeless feel.
Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro SE DNM “Fire Red”
Also released this summer, the Nike Air Jordan 3 "Fire Red" is an alternative take on the classic colorway of MJ's third signature shoe. Swapping leather for white denim gives this icon a totally new look and one that may just be remembered.
New Balance M992RE
New Balance has certainly had a year to remember, and there were plenty of general releases alongside the fire joint-effort projects that still deserve the limelight. This wild colorway will look even better through a nostalgic lens of the future.
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