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We know 2026 is still fully in swing, but we couldn’t help but do The Sole Supplier Sneaker of the Year (so far). After another exciting year in footwear that we’ve been having, we thought why not make a SOTY list to mark the half way mark. So yes, we might be a little early compared to our last sneaker of the year list, but that doesn't make the team's picks any less fun.
You’ll find releases like the Palace 110s, some new adidas tech and even a few FiveFingers have made it on to people’s lists, but I’ll leave it there and let you check for yourselves. Have a look to see which great, or not-so-great picks the team made, it’s only taste after all!
The gradients on these are cold. Nice to see a collaboration that feels quite experimental, and not just rely on the name of the collaborator.
£159.66
Brings back memories from the golden days of Brazil at the World Cup. Nostalgia might be carrying this pair but I do like the yellow and blue colour blocking as well.
£180.00
The patent works well with the simple colour blocking. It's such a wearable shoe and deffo nikes best take on a patent AF1.
£337.00
It's an Air Rift summer ofc. They've been absolutely everywhere and I'm not mad about it – long live the tabi!
My god I HATED these...why do I love them now. Twisted sneaker psychology 101.
These are a staple for a reason. Semi overrated now but still a solid shoe.
These shoes are what Marie Antoinette would wear if she went boxing.
£125.00
These are the most interesting sneakers I’ve seen in a long time – I love the raw denim and the asymmetrical lacing.
A snake-print football boot? Say less. Also, the silver with the brown is really pretty. It’s the first time I’ve considered wearing cleats.
£300.00
I avoided black leather shoes for so long since leaving school but this pair hooked me back in. Sleek, simple to wear and extremely minimal, this was a must-cop.
£159.99
Didn't think a C.P. Company collab would be on my list but here we are. I'm a big fan of the 360 GEL tech unit but the upper on this release just works perfectly, only thing I didn't like was the price tag.
£195.00
I've been looking for a trainer that was a little more utilitarian in style but still low profile and easy to wear. The Keen Jasper really grew on me and the hairy suede and deep brown of this pair really helped elevate the silhouette for me.
£129.00
I was a massive fan of Ultraboosts during their peak, but never really felt they hit the mark untill the Hyperboost silhouette came out. They feel more stable than the Evo SL & I was personally part of the global announcement where I got to go to Los Angeles for the first time in my life.
£170.00
I hate flat profile shoes and espadrilles never really felt they belonged on my feet. However, the way these are built with its insane insole, the way these have moulded to my feet has really changed my perception. I've done a full 180 on the low profile build I'd normally avoid.
£130.00
£78.00
Ever since the London store opened, I always find myself heading back trying to catch the next drop. This silhouette is exclusive to Kith, plus I just really mess with the colour blocking and the roll out of the campaign.
£140.00
I saw Amaria BB wearing them and she professed her love for how comfortable they were, so I was sold. Plus they look like they arrived striaght from outerspace!
£184.30
I love a kind-of-ugly-but-girly shoe, and Skims having their more clean-girl take on them is chef's kiss!
£144.99
I LOVE SPIDERMAN. Need I say more? (p.s I hope Spiderman loves me). The colourway, the detail...all of it is right down my alley.
Meeting Phil and learning about the stories behind these made this pair a no brainer. Not to mention the whole reconstruction of the adidas Control 5 means these look unreal on foot.
£185.00
I dont even own this pair and I'm all over it. The woven Footscape is one of my favourite silhouettes and these are the extra step up that they've been needing after all these years. The dual purpose is a huge plus, but the overall construction is amazing - collaborators take note.
£154.99
Now I didn't think this was going to be a big deal for me, I didnt expect to love the Liquid Max as much as I do and have since picking them up. It has become a daily rotation banger. Plus, the amount of heads that still dont know they exists makes them a true head turner.
£199.00
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