Call Us Hasty, but We’ve Already Found the Sneaker of the Year 2026

It’s officially 2026, and while 2025 gave us some monumental rotations and absolute heaters, the calendar ahead looks even more ridiculous. We’ve sifted through the leaks, the rumours, and the early looks to bring you a list of the most anticipated drops for the new year. In fact, we’ve already picked our winner for Sneaker of the Year. Too early? Have a look at these and tell us we’re wrong.

Grab a coffee, settle in, and make sure you’ve downloaded The Sole Supplier app; 2026 is about to be massive.

La Flame continues his absolute stranglehold on the culture with the “Muslin Shy Pink.” Serving as the flagship for this year’s “Pink Pack,” this AJ1 Low looks set to keep the Jordan 1 obsession burning bright. The design pairs a soft pink base with a striking red reverse Swoosh on the side, injecting a sharp hit of colour. Off white leather covers the rest of the upper, echoing the palette of the legendary “Reverse Mocha.” Cactus Jack branding hits the tongue and medial side, while the heel features the signature smiley face on the left and the Wings logo on the right. An Air unit tucked in the heel handles the impact protection, sitting atop a sturdy rubber cupsole. Each pair comes in a special box with extra laces for those who like to swap things up.

Releasing: 31st July

After Jordan Brand spent 2025 celebrating four decades of greatness, the momentum carries straight into 2026 with the return of the "Banned" colourway. This black and red heavy hitter represents the ultimate origin story. Nike crafted this version with high grade leather and an oversized Swoosh that mirrors the 1985 original. The nylon tongue carries the classic branding, while the heel hides an Air unit for all day comfort. The pivot point rubber sole ensures you aren't slipping when things get hectic on the street. The "X" on the heel serves as a cheeky nod to the NBA’s attempt to fine MJ $5,000 per game for wearing his black and red trainers. Nike famously paid the bill and turned the controversy into the biggest marketing win in history.

Releasing: 17th July

The Air Jordan 4 “Bred” stands as a permanent fixture on every collector’s wishlist. According to the latest intel, this heavyweight returns for Holiday 2026. While the 2024 “Reimagined” version used tumbled leather, sneaker purists demanded the return of the original feel. Jordan Brand listened. This 2026 retro brings back the nubuck upper in that unmistakable Black, Fire Red, and Cement Grey palette. You’ll find the “Nike Air” branding exactly where it belongs on the heel, satisfying the fans who want the 1989 specs. It’s a heavyweight release that will undoubtedly dominate the end of year conversation. If you missed the 2019 drop, this is your chance to right that wrong.

Releasing: 15th December

If you need a pair that works with every outfit in the wardrobe, the “Medium Olive” is the answer. Jordan Brand leads the Spring ‘26 collection with this low top, which features the coveted 1985 cut. The upper combines crisp white leather with olive green nubuck overlays that show off a unique patina. A large black Swoosh cuts across the side, a detail that always gets the nod from longtime heads. The sail midsole provides that aged look right out of the box, mimicking the aesthetic of the "Reimagined" series. With an Air unit in the heel and a reliable rubber sole, this pair balances premium materials with daily wearability. It’s a masterclass in understated design.

Releasing: 31st January

Pharrell Williams and adidas took the world by storm last year with the Jellyfish, and the 2026 "Red" looks to be its most unique colourway to date. Pharrell reimagines the Adistar Cushion with a maximalist, Y2K inspired energy. The upper uses a mix of materials in various red tones, supported by bluish grey TPU overlays that mimic the look of jellyfish tentacles. Black 3 Stripes anchor the midfoot, while synthetic layers on the toe and eyestays add some serious muscle to the silhouette. The collar features thick padding for a plush feel around the ankle. Look for "Virginia" branding on the tongue as a shout out to Pharrell’s roots, while the chunky midsole provides height and stability through a midfoot shank plate.

Releasing: TBC

After the scavenger hunt for the 30th anniversary pair in 2025, Nike is finally opening the gates with a broader drop that refuses to compromise on the DNA of this undisputed heavyweight. The Nike Air Max 95 OG Neon is Sergio Lozano’s anatomy inspired masterpiece arriving in its truest form, featuring those signature layered suede panels and the unmistakable volt hits on the lace loops and tongue badge. This is the "110" exactly as it should be. The "Big Bubble" tooling makes another appearance here, recreating the 1995 specs with visible forefoot Air units and the specific PSI cushioning that originally broke the mould. Grey gradients ripple across the upper, held together by contrast stitching that highlights the muscular lines of the design. A solid black midsole anchors the look, while the tech heavy tread on the outsole finishes off what remains the most era defining silhouette in the Air Max family.

Releasing: 5th March

For those who find the Red version a bit loud or difficult to style, the "Triple Black" Jellyfish offers a more stealthy alternative. This futuristic build swaps the bright hues for an all black mesh and synthetic upper, broken only by contrasting black and white laces. The rubberised "tentacle" overlays provide structural support while maintaining that aggressive, oversized shape. Just like with the other colours of this silhouette, adidas includes "Virginia" and "Badge of Sport" branding to link the shoe to Pharrell’s home and the brand’s running heritage. Underneath, the midsole combines adiPRENE+ in the front and standard adiPRENE in the back, ensuring the comfort matches the monotone design. This pair is expected to arrive in an exclusive box, making the unboxing feel as premium as the shoe itself.

Releasing: TBC

Clint419 and the Corteiz crew are back to disrupt the status quo. The Shox R419 “Metallic Silver” leads a new pack that completely reclaims the Shox silhouette for the London streets. Dressed in high shine silver with deep black panels and sharp red accents, the design feels like a relic from a 2000s tech frenzy. Corteiz adds dual branding throughout, while the vibrant red Shox columns in the heel provide that unmistakable mechanical bounce. This isn't a shoe for everyone, and that's exactly why it works. It’s aggressive, unapologetic, and further proof that Corteiz is the most authentic partner in the Nike stable right now. We also expect the full apparel drop to cause chaos this Autumn.

Releasing: 31st October

The “Flight Club” Air Jordan 4 is a direct love letter to the fan clubs of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Dressed in the iconic Chicago Bulls colours, this release feels like a vintage find from a time capsule. The upper uses sail coloured leather for an antique look, contrasted by black TPU panels and a black midsole. Traditional netting on the sides covers breathable mesh, keeping things airy during the summer months. Red Jumpman logos pop on the tongue and heel, reminding everyone of the shoe’s hardwood DNA. The polyurethane frame houses a visible Air unit in the back, while the herringbone rubber sole provides the traction needed for quick pivots; whether you're on the court or just running for the bus.

Releasing: 24th January

Melbourne’s own Finesse boutique makes its ASICS debut with a project titled "Desert Rose." Using the archival Gel-Cumulus 16, the collaboration pays tribute to the Australian flower that survives the harshest droughts. The "Beige Black" colourway mixes sand toned mesh with black patent leather overlays, creating a look that sits comfortably between high fashion and trail ready tech. Silver Tiger Stripes flash on the sides, while soft pink accents hit the branding. Finesse even added a custom "Desert Rose" carabiner to the laces for a bit of utility. Underneath, the blacked out EVA foam hides ASICS’ legendary GEL inserts, ensuring these feel as good as they look on a long day in the city.

Releasing: 1st March

And there it is, our Sneaker of the Year. The “London Black” Air Jordan 4 is a tribute to the UK capital and the rare moments MJ himself graced our soil. This piece of local history will feature a dark upper made from premium nubuck, paired with a hairy suede mudguard that feels incredibly high end. Jordan Brand has opted for scuffed textures on the midsole and support wings, giving the pair a "well loved" look from day one. The standout detail is the “Nike LDN” tag on the heel and hangtag, a rare nod to the London community. With a visible Air bubble in the heel and a special edition box, this pair will definitely revive the interest in the iconic Air Jordan 4 silhouette.

Releasing: 15th October

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