The Best New Sneakers of 2020

Top sneaker releases of the year. From the Yeezy Foam RNNR to the Nike LeBron 18, here are Complex's picks for best new sneakers of 2020.

Best New Sneakers 2020
Image via Complex Original
Best New Sneakers 2020

Hype, resale value, and visibility on social media inevitably come into play when thinking about the biggest sneakers of the year—and rightfully so. These elements typically compound to elevate interest in a shoe, keeping it in the hearts, minds, and wallets of the sneaker community. That's not to say those sneakers aren't deserving. Marketing plays into our perceptions, but a great sneaker is a great sneaker—just because a popular ice cream brand collaborates on one of the hottest silhouettes of the moment doesn't mean it didn't earn the praise it garnered. What it didn't do, however, was bring much new to the table. 

The point of this list is to celebrate sneakers that stood out in 2020 for offering something more, like innovative performance technology, advanced manufacturing techniques, or at the very least, a fresh take on a vintage aesthetic. It's important to recognize that great new designs are being created even if retro models still reign supreme in the sneaker world.

These might not have been the most popular shoes of the year, but deserve praise for being the best new sneakers of 2020. —Zac Dubasik

10. Nike ISPA Road Warrior

Nike ISPA Road Warrior

9. New Balance 2002R

New Balance 2002R

8. Nike ACG Mountain Fly

Nike ACG Mountain Fly

7. Nike LeBron 18

Nike LeBron 18

6. Nike Space Hippie 04

Nike Space Hippie 04

5. New Balance 327

New Balance 327

4. Adidas Yeezy QNTM

Adidas Yeezy QNTM

3. Air Jordan 35

Air Jordan 35

2. Air Zoom Alphafly Next%

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next Percent

1. Adidas Yeezy Foam RNNR

Adidas Yeezy Foam RNNR