The Sole Supplier Community Weighs In On Shoe Of The Year

Sneaker Culture doesn't exist in a vaccum, it needs community for it to really count. That's why we had to tap in with a few friends and family from The Sole Supplier community to find out what were their top three picks for 2025.

The following people are a great representation of the UK sneaker scene, each having earned their own unique and well-respected opinion when it comes to footwear. Within the line-up you will find a mixture of hype, general release bangers and niche collaborations, a selection that reveals the level of taste here in the UK!

Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4 “Brick by Brick”: For me, this is number one and it’s not even close. The story behind it really resonates with my own life — nothing happens overnight. On top of that, it’s easily one of the most premium Jordan 4s to drop this year. The mix of materials on the upper, the contrast when you throw in white laces, and even the box coming in that traditional brick packaging… this crep is going to be remembered for years to come.

Air Jordan 5 “Metallic Reimagined”: My second pick for 2025. We haven’t seen this shoe since 2016, so it was great to have it return — but this time with upgrades. The 3M reflective details, the bright white laces (the same lace swap MJ wore), smooth nubuck, and that icy semi-translucent sole all come together to create an elevated version of a true classic.

Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 “Honey Black”: At first glance, it might look like just a black and yellow shoe — but there’s way more to it. Stealthy smooth leather, diamond-textured mesh on the upper, and those bright yellow accents really tie everything together. This shoe is so versatile; you can wear it in any season. And let’s not forget the pop-ups and marketing that came with it — top tier.

Infinite Archives x Air Jordan 17 Low SP "Beach": The layered storytelling on this collab is unmatched. From paying homage to OG AJ17 colourways on the outsole, to Easy Otabor’s fellow Chicago mentors Virgil Abloh and Don C on the sail colourway, to the AJ17’s designer Wilson Smith III on the box - all in an elevated and classic combination of materials, packaging, and roll out… 10/10.

LAAMS x Nike Air Force 1: This felt like a project straight out of 2005. LAAMS is the shop in NYC which most accurately, authentically and loudly preserves that OG New York street / sneaker culture alive in the LES. The AF1 perfectly matched that - full of details, homages, and taste without doing too much or trying too hard. Only 2,000 pairs, short rollout, campout release in cold NYC winter, vintage box, classic colourway - if you know, you know.

AWAKE NY x Air Jordan 5 "Pink": How to reinvent a classic AJ5 and make it unequivocally your own. The pink flip on the Fire Red 5s colourway works so well with the red and black accents, and the A-logo across the medial mesh panel fits right in. A monumental detail and placement considering how protective Jordan Brand is of its OG silhouettes. The roll out and activations were dope and Awake NY is holding it down as the representative of true NY streetwear culture among the bigger mainstream space.

Nigel Sylvester x Jordan 4 “Brick by Brick’: When I think of everything I want for a sneaker in terms of story, design, execution, materials, silhouette, and rollout - Nigel’s "Brick by Brick" ticked every box. A relatable narrative that we can all resonate with, speaking to the tenacity needed to succeed and build something of note. In addition the tonal nature of the shoe, with varying textures, attention to detail in terms of box presentation - all felt intentional and special. As a cherry on top, the rollout events across multiple countries showed the importance of engaging the community directly and this was the key to creating the narrative that this was not only a SOTY, but a future Grail.

Undefeated x Jordan 4: So much of our modern sneaker culture stems from that original idea of the ‘Collaboration’. In fact, the majority of any SOTY lists in the last ten years have been mostly made up of collaborations, but there has to be a first. In my opinion, the original Jordan collaboration with Undefeated was a thing of legend, even folklore - the idea that a shoe could be so coveted it was worth close to fifty thousand dollars ... and now in 2025 it’s available for purchase and not only that, certain man actually got early access. I refused to believe it was true until it was a reality and it actually happened, a literal grail came back from the dust in 2025. I hope it never comes out again.

Lorenz.OG x New Balance 860v2 "Dusk": This one is close to home because certain shoes you enter raffles for, some you go to the shop to cop, but some you run the streets for in the pursuit of elusive Golden ‘Willy Wonka’ style tickets in the coldest January known to man. Only certain designers have the relevance, the talent and cultural cache to make the man dem come out early Saturday morning to fight tooth and nail to cop a New Balance (respectfully). Lorenzo put respect on the unknown 860v2, and when he calls the culture comes running G. Limited drop, old-school sneaker hang out vibes with a new-school silhouette. I loved every moment of it and since copping that kick it’s been my most worn in 2025!

Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble "OG Neon": Absolute pure nostalgia, collecting these in person hugely elevated the experience. As a 1995 girlie and a long-time AM95 lover, this silhouette will always be my number one. The return of the iconic design with the oversized Air unit just reinforces why the 95 will always be timeless. I also remember how buzzing the whole community was when they dropped, it brought some sick energy to the sneaker scene.

Nike Air Max 95000 "Black Volt": These made my top 3 because they honestly feel like an extension of my personality. The black and volt combo gives straight Shego energy which is a bit of me. I love how the materials and layered textures give the shoe some depth, while the shape feels proper futuristic.

CLOT x A BATHING APE x adidas Superstar "White Olive": The layered construction and hidden details mean the more time you spend looking at the shoe, the more you notice. It just keeps revealing itself which I find proper exciting. Three super iconic brands with their own strong independent identities coming together and actually getting it bang on the mark!

Lorenz.OG x New Balance 860v2 "Dusk": My SOTY for the moment and memories this shoe reminds me of, aswell as how it is both bold yet still very wearable.

Lorenz.OG x Nike Air Max 95 "Levis": Such a good execution, loved every colourway and the rollout. Amazing shoe.

KITH x Nike Air Max 95 "Anthricite": A perfect Air Max 95. Reminds me of the MITA prototype pair with the black lining and tongue. Hopefully we see a release in adult sizes.

Undefeated x Jordan 4: The Air Jordan 4 Undefeated isn’t just a sneaker to me it’s a symbol of how far my journey as a collector has come. When I first started, this pair felt untouchable, almost mythical. With its extremely limited release and deep-rooted story, it lived in the realm of “only seen online”, usually on grainy videos from OG collectors who were there from the beginning. Owning or even acknowledging this pair represents respect for the history of the sneaker game. It’s proof that what once felt impossible can eventually become part of your reality through patience and passion.

Nigel Sylvester x Jordan 4 “Brick by Brick’: These were a no-brainer the moment they surfaced. From the rollout to the execution, everything was intentional. Nigel Sylvester’s storytelling hits deeper than just design, it’s about building something from nothing, one brick at a time. This pair represents the reality of struggle, consistency and belief in your own vision. It resonates not only with sneakerheads but with anyone chasing goals against the odds. It’s a reminder that success isn’t instant , it’s constructed.

adidas Jellyfish "Virginia Orange": The adidas Jellyfish caught me completely off guard in the best way. Taking a classic adidas silhouette and upgrading it with modern execution, then layering Pharrell Williams’ creative energy on top, made this release feel refreshing and thoughtful. It honestly feels like the beginning of adidas finding its voice again. Knowing this pair was developed over several years before release shows a level of care and discipline that’s been missing for a while. Limited numbers, refined vision and patience, this is how ideas should be brought to life.

Whilst we are in a time full of product and releases, it’s undeniable that there really isn’t the same shared energy, resonance and excitement towards releases as there once was, or has the passion for it become more niche again?

Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble "Triple Black Leather": Extremely reminiscent of the Air Total Max 95 SC from 1996, but also fused with the essence of a poor man’s version of the Made in Italy Air max 95 Lux from 2001. A shoe that was later retro’d by Supreme 18 years later. I didn’t want to pay the near £500 for a re-release, so being able to own a full leather Air max 95 with similar detailing to the Lux is why this for me might be the best Air Max 95 in recent years.

New Balance Fuel Cell Rebel V5: Going into my fifth year of running, this shoe is the epitome of balance for me. Extremely comfortable and allowing you to run faster without the overly-aggressive carbon plate, it was a big part of my training program leading up to my race day this year. It’s the first time in a long time where I’d say the shoe is comfy whether you’re walking or running, short or long distance. To top it off, it looks sick as a running shoe with all the asymmetrical design cues and colourways.

Lorenz.OG x New Balance 860v2 “Dusk”: Last but not least, my number 1 this year has to be this New Balance by Lorenzo.OG. It’s the second time I was part of the team behind the public release, although this time round we had enough time to really make sure that we learnt from all the flaws that took place from the “Air in colour” release for the 110s.

Whether it was the campaign footage, preview party, the craziness in Soho, the Custom wrapped Toyota Celica, the Tony’s chocolate collaboration, the Jason Markk collaboration or even just the shoes themselves, I bet you can’t name another shoe release this year that had the same level of synergy that allowed the artist to tell their story. That’s what makes a release special. That is what made this the shoe of the year for me.

Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4 "Brick by Brick": My first pick would have to be the Nigel Sylvester because lets be honest, it was the best drop this year. Not just the shoe itself but because of the story, his story. Not to mention the shoe is fire.

Offspring x Nike Air Max Sunder "Gym Red": My second pick would have to be the Offspring Nike SNDR. To do a collaborative community shoe and only charge £60 is insane. At that price it feels like they gave it away!

Avirex x adidas Superstar: Finally, I rep the brand Avirex so I have to give mention to the adidas collaboration that previewed this year. Although it was only released in New York at our special pop-up, I’ll give you guys an exclusive - the Avirex Superstar is releasing worldwide in 2026 alongside something special ...

Footpatrol x Hiking Patrol x Reebok: It’s rare that a retailer gets to rework the construction of a shoe. Usually it’s a material play or colourway, so to be able to remove the Pump completely is a rare sight.

norda 005: The 005 is a true showcase of subtle innovation, it is the most durable and lightest trail running shoe on the market. Its simplicity in design shows what can be done without having to make a song and dance.

Hartcopy x adidas Evo SL “Polka dot”: The Evo SL is undoubtedly one of the most successful product launches of the year. Adidas paved a way into what affordable tech can look like without the need of a namesake person to endorse it. Hartcopy’s version just made running shoes fun again taking inspiration from the KOM cycling jersey.