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The life of a committed sneaker fan can get quite lonely at times. Hours spent in cold IRL queues, raffle-style drops, waking up early only to miss a sneaker they’ve been eyeing for months... the list goes on. Sneaker enthusisasts are so accustomed to the throes of disappointment that, sometimes, they can forget the good times.

If you are all too familiar with the L-littered life of a sneaker collector, through your other half or a friend, then consider this your call to action: now is your chance to bless them with the biggest W of the year.

Whether it’s a trailblazing new release, a limited collaboration, or a timeless classic, we curated a list of some of our favorite models of the year to gift a sneakerhead for the holidays.

Shop the Best Gifts for a Sneakerhead Below:

adidas Wales Bonner Japan

Just before taking the helm of Hermès menswear, London-based designer Wales Bonner reimagined the adidas Japan with lavender suede and deep burgundy leather accents. Everyone will enjoy this exquisite classic with a high-fashion flavor.

New Balance 1906L CR Black

One of the most striking sneaker-loafers on the market, the New Balance 1906L pairs the springy gait of a running shoe with the plush comfort of a slipper. This version is one of its wildest yet, featuring glossy black leather with a scaly croc effect.

ERL Camino Corduroy Mules

"California Dreaming," for your feet. ERL’s Camino is a sneaker-mule hybrid that channels that effortless LA cool.

Salomon XT-Quest Gore-Tex

This signature Salomon silhouette draws from the brand’s deep expertise in trail running and hiking, balancing a retro-inspired design with modern innovation. A water-repellent GORE-TEX upper offers extra toughness and durability, while the nacreous “almond milk” colorway keeps things looking polished.

Timberland Luxe Waterproof Boot

Though technically not a sneaker, the wheat-toned 6-inch Timberland work boot is a sight that every footwear fanatic holds dear. Now available in a quietly-launched premium leather upgrade, it's a gift that surprises and proves useful through the cold season.

Maison Margiela Tabi Low Sneaker

How about some split-toed goodness? Margiela might have not invented the Tabis, but it certainly turned them into the fashion icon that they’re today. If they’re not ready to go all-in with the Tabi boot, this sneaker version is a perfect way to get their toes wet.

New Balance 204L Pearl Grey

It’s not every day you can gift a shoe straight from the catwalk. But this low-profile, Miu Miu–flavored New Balance is about as close as it gets.

Birkenstock 1774 Uerzell

From Dior to Louis Vuitton, Thibo Denis has designed some of the most coveted shoes of recent years. His latest collaboration with Birkenstock transforms the famously divisive clog into a genuinely handsome sneaker. A Birkenstock gift that’s almost guaranteed to please.

Nike Vomero Plus

One of the biggest Nike running shoes ever, literally. This beefy sneaker is a guaranteed hitter, winning over both devoted runners and dad-shoe purists with its mammoth, high-cushioned comfort.

New Balance x Tokyo Design Studio MT10T

New Balance Tokyo Design StudioMT10T Raw Leather
$189
Buy at END.

If you know your giftee is drawn to minimalism, it doesn’t purer than this laceless New Balance climbing shoe, refined by Tokyo Design Studio. Smooth nubuk replaces the original nylon and mesh, giving it effortless sophistication. This ain't your grandma's slipper gift.

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  • Curated byNaina Kaul
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