We’ve been talking about sneakers since Sidewalk Hustle first launched back in 2008, so it seems almost fitting that our last and final gift guide of the season focuses on some of the sweetest kicks you can find right now.
Available on all corners of the globe, just a flight or some expedited shipping away, these aren’t your average choices, though we have covered most of the price points and brands here. They might take a little extra elbow grease to track down, but every serious sneaker head knows, it’s all in the chase.
Flip through twelve of our top picks we think any sneaker head would get a major kick out of below.
1. Buscemi 100MM Rose Gold, $1245
For the ultimate baller on your holiday list,these Buscemi’s are quite literally golden Handcrafted in Civitanove, Italy with engineered metallic leather, hand painted edges, vachetta leather insoles, and 18k gold-plated hardware. There’s no sneaker on this list more luxe than the Buscemi 100mm’s in rose gold.
2. Melody Ehsani x Reebok Classics The Pump, $200
Reebok teams up with LA designer Melody Ehsani for a classic fun, yet festive pump. Inspired by the galleries, hotels and museums Ehsani has been studying, these Pumps combine a python print base with a confetti style dying technique, and laces to match.
3. Nike KD VII Lifestyle QS White, Ice Blue, $160
The seasonally appropriate option on the list, their’s no sneaker head that wouldn’t love to get these kicks, unless of course they already have them. So get to snooping because these leather Python KD’s come with legit bragging rights.
4. New Balance 574 90S Outdoor, $80 USD
Yet another seasonally appropriate option on the list, these New Balance 574’s combine blue suede uppers, black mesh toe and tongue, orange and pink accents and a speckled white sole and laces. Pair these with some Jason Markk products for cleaning and protecting and you’ll pretty much be the recipients hero.
5. adidas Y-3 Qasa Low II Black & White, $450
Striking, minimal, and hard to find in North America, these monochrome adidas Y-3 Qasa Low II’s are absolutely gorgeous. For the fashion forward sneaker head on your list, Yohji Yamamoto re-imagines his Qasa silhouette with a white sole and knitted toe area that takes this super popular silhouette to the next level, it’s no wonder it’s sold out everywhere in Canada and the US. Two words of advice: express shipping.
6. Solefly x Asics Gel Lyte III Night Haven, $225
Miami sneaker shop Solefly collaborates with Asics on a pair of Gel Lyte III’s near perfect for a warm summer stroll by the beach. Incase you weren’t at Art Basel in Miami earlier this month, you might have to let go of giving these dream shoes to that special someone on your list. I know that sounds like a tease, but if you’re resourceful enough, I’m sure you’ll be able to find them online somewhere 😉
7. Puma x Solange XT-2, Honey Peach & Marshmallow, $180
Since Solange’s epicly pretty wedding earlier month we all pretty much want to be her, and this new collaboration with Puma brings us one step closer. The XT-2’s combine burlap and tonal leather with touches of muted metallic for a luxuriously neutral shoe.
8. Missoni x Converse Chuck 1970 Zip Hi, Cashew, $220
This new Missoni collaborative shoe from Converse is pretty demure, and it should be since it’s their ninth collaborative collection with the brand. This time around you’ll have to look closer than the premium materials for those Missoni finishes. A knitted sheering inner provides both warmth and that extra touch of elegance as you slip these chucks on.
9. BAPE Road STA 1st Camo Collection, $261 US
These Air Max inspired Road Sta’s are the ultimate gift for the BAPE enthusiast. They have everything from the iconic 1st Camo pattern across the upper, contrasting red soles, and the classic star logo in a crisp white. If there’s someone on your list that loves BAPE, then these are sure to stun!
10. Nike Kobe IX High EXT Snakeskin QS, Black, $320
Because this list wouldn’t be complete without a high top, we decided to feature these Nike Kobe IX’s made from faux black mamba snakeskin and featuring leather and metallic detailing and waxed rope laces. At first glance these may seem ultra exclusive but these are actually pretty widely available (aka a solid last-minute option).
11. adidas Consortium Tubular Runner, Pure White, $130
adidas launched their new tubular runner earlier this year and it was pretty major. That’s why this list would not be complete without these absolutely gorgeous adidas Consortium version in all white with touches of snake-embossed leather, neoprene liner, a one-piece midsole/outsole, and speckled laces. A whole new kind of next level ish that any sneaker lover would totally dig.
12. ETQ Mid 2 Black Croc Embossed Sneakers, €255
The last and final sneaker of our list is by Amsterdam shoe brand ETQ. You might be somewhat unfamiliar with them, but get acquainted, because these shoe makers have just released an incredible capsule collection that features luxurious details including embossed crocodile nappa leather, a calfskin lining, and waxed laces. As if that wasn’t enough to see you on them they also come with a spare set of waxed laces.