It’s that time of year again. Our bellies are full and our pockets are a little lighter. The year has ended, and it is time to reflect on the year. In the sneaker world, 2023 was an exciting one. We saw the Jordan 3 re-imagined and several hyped collaborations. Here are my top 5 sneakers of 2023.

5. MSCHF Reebok Pump

Silhouette: MSCHF x Pump Omni Zone IX ‘Sunbleached’

Colorway: Yellow/Blue/Orange

Style Code: MSCHF013-SB

Retail: $250

Release Date: September 27, 2023

Starting the list is the Brooklyn collective MSCHF Pump. MSCHF is known for its off-key designs such as the Big Red Boot and most recently the Baby Shoe. The Pump dropped in two colorways, but I was only able to secure the Sunbleached pair via draw. The MSCHF x Omni sports rough suede that wraps around the shoe. The ankle collar dons tumbled blue leather to match the blue leather accents throughout.

I liked the idea behind the with nine functional pumps, but the almost $300 price tag kept this from being higher on the list. Although the shoe is done well and the quality is good it is on the heavy side. Aftere wearing this for a few hours I could tell. These are heavier than my work boots.

If you are interested in this one check out Stockx or Goat. Depending on your size you can get this pair for under retail.

4. Air Force 1 Tinaj

Silhouette: Air Force 1 TINAJ (this is not a JPEG)

Colorway: Black/White/Royal Blue

Style Code: FQ2103-001

Release Date: 10/20/2033

Retail: $120

In 2022 Nike launched the digital space Dot Swoosh. Dot Swoosh is a digital community and home for Nike virtual creations. The first Dot Swoosh project was the virtual Air Force 1. Nike created digital version of Air Force 1s that consumers could purchase for a virtual space.

The TINAJ sneaker was an exclusive release for individuals that purchased digital boxes and revealed at least one. The TINAJ featured black and white leather with an icey bottom.

Typical Air Force 1 quality is mediocre at best but this shoe has good quality leather. It also sports royal accents throughout and Swoosh embossed dubraes.

3. Nike Terminator High

Silhouette: Nike Terminator High x Slim & Husky

Colorway: Phantom/Racer Blue/White/University Red

Style Code: FV2047-001

Retail: $150

Coming in at number 3 is the Nike x HBCU collaboration. Up until this release the Terminator High was one Nike Silhouette I had never owned. This one caught my attention because of the story.

Nike partnered with HBCU graduates to create a unique sneaker that captured the essence of Tennessee State University. It also told the story of of Slim and Husky’s pizza located near the TSU campus.

The unique combination of materials is an eye catcher. It features smooth leather overlays covered faux striped hair. The royal on the Swoosh and Tongue bring a bright contrast.

The overall look is all over the place, but it is done in a way that is pleasing to the eyes. My only reservation is the horse hair. I could see this easily getting messed up with everyday wear. Check out Nike as this one is still available. Stockx has them but with fees and shipping it may put you over Nike’s price.

Nike Mac Attack SP

Silhouette: Social Status x Nike Mac Attack ‘Social Currency’

Colorway: Ivory/Pine Green-Campfire Orange

Style Code DZ4636-102

Retail: $140

Sneakers are about a story. What did you do to get this pair or why is this pair a grail for you? My most coveted sneaker is the Jordan 11 Cool Grey. It was the first pair of Jordan I purchased from the money I earned while working at Frisch’s in high-school. Also I got in trouble for skipping to buy them. That is why my number two pick is the Nike Mac Attack x Social Status.

The Nike Mac Attack debuted in the 80’s and disappeared after that. It was not until ’23 that we got a retro release. The North Carolina streetwear brand was the first to collaborate with Nike.

Social Status released four different colorways in the Nike Mac Attack SP pack. I own three of the four, but the Social Currency pair are my favorite. The cracked suede and pine green accents really set this pair apart from the pack.

The Social Currency features co-branding on the tongue tags. The insoles list each Social Staus location like a grocery list. The pine green on the Swoosh and ankle collar reveal bright orange with wear and tear. If you like extras these pair come with two additional laces, a special bag, a coupon book, and are wrapped in a special paper.

These collaboration was slept on so you can still pick up the Split Visions pair on Social Status for $140. Any of the other three pair can be picked up from Goat, Stockx, or Ebay for at or below retail. I was able to pick up the Silver Linings pair of Ebay for $85.

1. Stray Rats x New Balance 580

Silhouette: Stray Rats x New Balance 580

Colorway: Dark Moss/Cosmic Grape

Style Code: MT580ST2

Retail: $159.99

Rounding out my list is the New Balance 580 x Stray Rats collaboration. This two silhouette pack released in October of ’22 and had another release in ’23. Strays Rats is a heavy graphic company that has partnered with New Balance before with the 574 pack.

The 580 made the top if this list because not only is the shoe stylish, it is comfortable. The 580 is a part of my rotation so much I picked up the 580 Levi’s. This particular New Balance 580 is bold with it pink laces and dark green color. It is always an eye catcher and conversation starter.

The Stray Rats x 580 sports rats branded lace dubraes and co-branding on the insole. The rollback technology makes this an easy all day wear. During holoday shopping and activities this was on my feet almost everyday.

The Stray Rats x New Balance 580 is available on New Balance in select sizes or check out Goat. These can be copped for under retail. The pair I picked were pre-owned but they were under $100.

There it is my 2023 wrapped up in five sneakers. Those are my top 5 sneakers of 2023. This list did not include any Jordan’s, Dunks, or hype collaborations like Travis Scott. It’s not that I do not like the sneakers. Hype to me does not mean it is a good shoe.

The Jordan 4 red cement almost made the cut, but I try to stay away from the cliche picks. For 2024 I will expand the list to seven or 10. Jordan would definitely make the cut. Until next time check out our Joe Freshgoods x New Balance review.

By : Jerome Chambers Tags: