Fashion Odds – Hottest Sneaker of 2016

Admit it, you have a shoe fetish. Judging by the number of people who camp outside of retail stores when a new and hyped-up sneaker drops, you are not alone.

This is set to be a pretty good year when it comes to trendy shoes, and sneakers will still get most of the attention. Whether it’s a new retro Jordan or a pop star collaboration, people will drop some serious coin to be able to wear the newest and freshest kicks. Ha, did I say “wear”? I mean put on once, take a picture for social media, and then hideaway in the closet lest they get scuffed! And with the prices attached to some of these sneakers, I can’t say I’d blame you for turning your shoe rack into a museum.

Just what will be the trendiest of the trendy in 2016? I drop the odds on ten sneakers that could be the hot item for shoe addicts. (Remember, the first step is admitting you have a problem; the second step is drowning your sorrows in shoelaces and that new leather smell.)

Odds to be the hottest sneaker of 2016

Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 “Chocolate”: 3/1

First off, good luck getting a pair of Adidas Yeezy unless you’re prepared to promise your first born, camp outside a shoe store, or pay crazy resale prices. But that’s why it makes this list. The new Kanye West/Adidas Collaboration was rumored to be coming out last March, but according to the interweb, the shoe will be released in the summer of 2016. The gum-soled Yeezys have been shown in chocolate brown in pictures online, but Kanye has been sporting a Grey/Gum Yeezy 750 which could also drop this summer. (See featuredimage.)

Nike Air Jordan 3 OG 88 True Blue: 4/1

A version of this sneaker was released back in 2011 but it never got the full retro treatment with the Nike Air branding on the heel. Back in 2014, Nike stated that they were putting the Jordan 3 silhouette in the vault. But apparently that was shortshort lived because it appears we are going to get these uber popular kicks again in November 2016. Most collectors will tell you that the Air Jordan 3 is a sine qua non of any serious shoe collection.

Nike HyperAdapt 1.0: 17/3

Finally we’re catching up to Back to the Future 2 with Nike’s new self-lacing tech in the HyperAdapt 1.0. If you remember, Michael J Fox and Nike teamed up on Back To The Future Day last October. Now we’re starting to see what the future holds, and these shoes look (Marty Mc)fly! As soon as you put your feet into these futuristic beauties, they immediately tighten up and you can adjust them with one click of a button.

The HyperAdapt 1.0 is here to stay, and it’s the beginning of a new Nike platform that could see other styles get the self-lacing treatment. But their odds are long-ish because they won’t come out until Christmas 2016. Great Scott!

Hender Scheme MIP-10 (all black): 9/1

Back in 2014, Japanese sneaker artisans Hender Scheme made waves when they dropped the Manual Industrial Products 10, which was a fancy rework of the Air Jordan 4. In 2016, the brand is bringing back the MIP 10, but this time the tribute Air Jordan 4 will be blacked out. Like the previous MIPs, these all-black kicks will be made with natural leather uppers and housed on a stacked sole unit. These are made for showing off and not for the basketball court.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II: 11/1

The best thing about Chuckies is that they can be worn by men, women, kids, and aliens alike. For years, there really wasn’t any reason for Converse to change up their iconic shoe that much. With the release of the Chuck Taylor All Star II, Converse takes the classic Chuck silhouette we know and love and tweaks it for the demands of the “on the go” lifestyle. The Chuck II comes in some very vibrant and fun classic colors, and features a Nike Lunarlon insole cushioning, padded non-slip tongue, and super comfy micro-suede lining. You know you want some of these premium canvas kicks.

Rihanna X Puma Fenty Trainer: 12/1

This one goes out to the ladies. Puma and Grammy Award-winning artist Rihanna have collaborated on their first original sneaker design. With its super high-top look, this is a comfortable athletic leisure shoe. It’s coming out in three different colors: “Blackout,” “Whiteout,” and “Red Alert.” Sure it might not have laces, but the overall construction of the show has a pretty futuristic and stylish look, with an over-extended heel and tongue pieces. This shoe came out back in February and people haven’t stopped talking about it. Unfortunately it’s sold out, but keep your eyes out for more.

Nike Mayfly Woven: 15/1

Nike is always putting out great kicks, but 2016 could be the year of the Mayfly Wove,n which is set to release in the late spring (potentially early summer). Right now, you can see preview images of its minimalist silhouette in nine different colors. Personally, I’m a fan of the murdered-out triple black. These shoes also have a Phylite foam sole and an all-suede upper.

Adidas Albrecht Mid Leather: 19/1

One thing I love about fancy sneakers is that they can also moonlight as dress shoes. The Albrecht Mid has developed a cult following and creative consultant Gary Aspden is back at, updating the 1970s Freizeit, which is what the Albrecht collection is based on. This mid chukka boot is covered in brown suede and has a branded leather tongue, metal trefoil decal on the lateral panel, tonal lace set, and a gum sole. These are classy and hip, so don’t hesitate to pair it with dress pants, ripped jeans, or no pants at all (because people will only notice your shoes anyway).

New Balance ML2016 (Tokyo Design Studio): 49/1

The ML2016 is inspired by the classic New Balance 1600 upper. Like the Albrecht Mid, they wouldn’t look out of place at a business meeting. They have a slick, completely seamless toe and the New Balance logo is almost non-existent. (The “N” logo blends with the upper.) New Balance has always made a premium running shoe, but they are starting to make some inroads in the lifestyle market.

Reebok Club C: 65/1

Retro shoes are all the rage. So many people focus on Adidas and Nike, but Reebok deserves a little love for bringing back their Club C court shoe. These are available for both men and women who either want to play a game of pick-up or just chillax while watching others play a game of pick-up. The nostalgic kicks are made with soft leather uppers that make this traditional court shoe something you will never want to take off your feet. That might get weird though.

Photo Credit: Robdollabeatz Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJhdF-Ecsnw)