The Hypebae Best: The Top 10 Sneakers and Shoes of 2022
Presenting the hottest footwear moments of the year.
Footwear came back with a bang this year, not unlike in 2020 and 2021 — but this time, some of our favorite kicks came as a result of an impressive roster of designer collaborations and a number of unsuspecting brands finding their way back into our hearts.
Unsurprisingly, Nike dominated in sneakers this year, thanks to its countless collaborations with the likes of AMBUSH, Jacquemus and Martine Rose. New Balance followed closely behind with its 90/60 silhouettes, thanks to its Joe Freshgoods iteration and Mowalola fashion week collab, each of which makes up our list of the top five sneakers from 2022.
We’re also taking a moment to highlight the other footwear silhouettes that had everyone talking this year because, let’s face it, sneakers aren’t the only things we’re wearing on our feet anymore. Miu Miu‘s dainty ballet flats, for example, were the shoe of fashion week, followed by Prada‘s chunky loafers (which have reigned supreme since 2020) and designer Salehe Bembury‘s wavy Crocs. A surprising addition to our list is the Moon Boot, whose rise, in part, can be attributed to it-girls like Dua Lipa, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber.
Continue scrolling to see the top sneakers and footwear items of the year, and take a peep at the best fashion moments of 2022.
Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 90/60
New Balance
Joe Freshgoods had a pretty good year. The 90/60 marked the designer’s third collaboration with New Balance, comprising two pastel colorways dubbed “Penny Candy Pink” and “Baby Shower Blue.” The pink iteration featured a subtle, peach-toned panel laid over a sandy pink mesh upper. The upper sits atop a multi-color white and blue midsole and pink outsole for added definition.
The Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 90/60 is available from platforms like HBX, priced at approximately $400 USD.
AMBUSH x Nike Air Adjust Force
Nike
Rumors of the AMBUSH x Nike Adjust Air Force dropped in April this year and even then, it was clear that the demand was going to be high. The chunky silhouette first arrived in two color palettes: “White/Black” and “Black/Purple.” In true functional fashion, the hybrid sneaker features a removable strap, which offers the wearer three different looks, paired with vertical stripes and Swooshes on the toe box.
The AMBUSH x Nike Adjust Air Force retails for approximately $210 USD from AMBUSH.
Jacquemus x Nike Air Humara
Jacquemus
First launched in subtle beige and brown colorways, the Jacquemus x Nike Air Humara was teased back in June, as part of Jacquemus’ wider Nike collaboration. The shoe, now available in three colorways, boasts a subtle gum sole with a suede and leather upper, complete with the tiniest gold Nike Swoosh on the side and finished with accents of black and contrasting panels.
The Jacquemus x Nike Air Humara is available from HBX for $150 USD.
Martine Rose x Nike Shox MR4
Martine Rose
First teased on the Spring/Summer 2023 runway, Martine Rose and Nike’s collaboration officially landed in July. Offering an exaggerated take on the Shox MR4 silhouette, the collaborative sneaker features elevated pistons, a square-shaped toe and a mule upper. Available in two clean silhouettes of black and red, or white and silver, the shoe features an embroidered Swoosh and ridged sole.
The Martine Rose x Nike Shox MR4 is available from platforms like StockX, starting at $200 USD.
Mowalola x New Balance 90/60
Mowalola
Another enticing collaboration teased on the runway, the Mowalola x New Balance 90/60 first appeared at Paris Fashion Week in June and made its official release in November. The sneaker arrived in two colorways — the first featuring a black mesh base with teal accents, with the second featuring a deep purple shade on its upper. The sneaker is highlighted with silicone detailing on the “N” logo, in addition to a bright pink hue on the ABZORB midsole.
The Mowalola x New Balance 90/60 is available on Mowalola’s website, priced at $180 USD.
Miu Miu Ballerina Flats
Miu Miu
Miu Miu’s delicate ballet flats began to resurface in Spring/Summer 2022, giving rise to the Balletcore trend that followed. The pearly satin pumps feature a Miu Miu-branded elasticated strap and come complete with thin piping and bow, available in three classic colors — pink, black and white.
Miu Miu’s Satin Ballerinas are available from the brand’s website, priced at approximately $950 USD.
Dior x Birkenstock Tokio Mule
Dior
Transforming one of Birkenstock’s most classic models, Dior reimagined the signature shapes, dressing the silhouette’s felt and suede upper in trademark Dior gray. Designed to follow the anatomy and shape of the foot, the Dior x Birkenstock shoes feature a cork-latex footbed, complete with rubber detailing and industrial-style buckles.
The Dior x Birkenstock Tokio Mule is available from Dior’s website, priced at approx $1,000 USD.
Prada Brushed Leather Monolith Loafers
Prada
Prada’s chunky logo loafers remain a fashion favorite for 2022. Arriving in semi-gloss patent leather with an added platform sole, the classic penny loafers feature a stacked heel and a rounded toe. Prada’s signature triangle logo plaque sits proudly on the shoe’s vamp, adding a subtle edge to the otherwise preppy silhouette.
Prada’s Logo Loafers retail for $960 USD on Prada’s website.
Salehe Bembury x Crocs Classic Clog
Crocs
Shortly after exiting Versace to start his own namesake brand, Salehe Bembury reinvented the classic clog and it’s become a staple silhouette for fans of cozy footwear everywhere. The first iteration of the heavily textured silhouette dropped in mid-2021 and has continued to evolve through different colorways like “Crocodile,” “Stratus” and “Sasquatch.”
The Salehe Bembury Pollex Clog is available from platforms like StockX, beginning from $85 USD.
Moon Boot
Moon Boot
The Moon Boot is a silhouette that snuck its way into our hearts for 2022, seen on it-girls like Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber and eventually developed into designer iterations from Chanel, Fendi and Miu Miu. Available in low, high and rainproof offerings, the boot comes in a vast array of subtle and bright hues and features a stacked sole, lace-up closure and drawstring entry.
The Moon Boot is available from the brand’s website, beginning from $175 USD.
