Both longtime market-leading brands and rising stars alike delivered hit after hit in 2024, tapping talent that included music megastars, influential retailers, high fashion standouts and more to provide newness to the marketplace.

The list, which was selected by FN’s sneaker editors, was curated with execution, storytelling and reception in mind. Several of the looks either instantly sold out at retail or had a price premium on the resale market.

With the year coming to a close, in no order, here are 26 of the hottest sneaker collaborations — 24 for 2024 and a couple more for good measure.

The Nike Air Force 1 Low “Roses” and “White Roses” both feature embossed roses throughout their uppers. As a result of the embellishment, the well-established paneling of the AF1 Low ends becoming slightly warped. And with only leaked images to work with at the moment, it also appears that the panels hosting roses make use of different material than leather so as to let the flowers burst forward.

Available in either all-white or all-red, these Valentine’s Day Air Force 1 Lows otherwise maintain business as usual. And as is natural any time a sneaker pops entirely in red, the latter edition will likely draw comparisons to the famous “Red October” Nike Air Yeezy 2.

The Air Force 1 Low is a fixture of Nike’s Valentine’s Day celebrations, this year having taken on three different colorways, including one with a Swoosh filled with heart- and flower-shaped glitter flowing freely.

Release dates haven’t yet been set in stone for the Nike Air Force 1 Low “Roses” and “White Roses,” but Valentine’s Day does give a good window of when to expect the sneakers to release through the Snkrs app. Pricing hasn’t been confirmed either, and Footwear News will keep you abreast of any updates.

Nike Air Force 1 Low “Roses” (HF2016-600)

Nike Air Force 1 Low “White Roses” (HF2016-100)

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The Air Jordan 4 RM “Chrome” arrives with a trendy metallic polish on its synthetic leather and TPU overlays. When combined with the grid pattern on the lateral material, the effect ends up feeling particularly futuristic. A white base for the upper, as well as the midsole, allows the “Chrome” elements to stand out, and off-white laces provide a slight contrast. The outsole then arrives in a faint green.

Jordan Brand made the Air Jordan 4 RM at a lower price point than its antecedent model, and the upper has been entirely transformed with more uniform paneling. The intent was to reimagine the Air Jordan 4 for BMX, even before Nigel Sylvester had joined Jordan Brand and signed on as a collaborator, although the brand hasn’t pushed that angle much in its pitches to consumer. Down low, the sole unit remains unchanged from that that debuted 35 years ago.

With how popular metallic silver detailing has become in sneakers, particular on retro runners, the Air Jordan 4 RM “Chrome” appears due for a warm reception in 2025. It’ll be joined in anticipation by the “Pine Green” colorway, a close lookalike to the hit Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 from 2023.

The Air Jordan 4 RM “Chrome” will release in spring 2025 exclusively in women’s sizing. A more firm drop date is still to confirmed, and pricing is set at $150.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

More than 10 players with a signature shoe will take part in the NBA’s 2024 slate of Christmas Day games, so the annual tradition of special-edition sneakers won’t lack for reasons to look down at the feet of the league’s big stars.

It isn’t just the blockbuster brands that’ll be taking part either. Aside from the usual suspects in Nike, Jordan Brand and Adidas, a number of smaller brands will have something to contribute to the festivities. Anta has its biggest hit yet in Kyrie Irving’s first model for the brand, 361 Degrees just launched Nikola Jokic’s debut shoe and Jaylen Brown just got his own, the 741 Rover, by launching a brand himself.

Below, you’ll find all the Christmas Day sneakers expected to be worn this year. Those confirmed come by way of leaks, which still leave a good deal of surprise for the shoes that have been kept locked down. Footwear News will keep you up to date on any new information, and you can also find the history of NBA Christmas sneakers by clicking through the link.

LeBron James: Nike LeBron 22 “Xmas”

Release Date: December 26
Price: $180
SKU: HV5148-600
LeBron James will extend his record for most Christmas Day games by playing in his 19th this year, and he’ll do so with a pair of mismatched Nike LeBron 22s that pays homage to his most iconic sneaker of all. The colors are borrowed from James’ famous Nike LeBron 8 “South Beach,” while fuzzy white shoe laces invoke snow alongside snowflake graphics.

Anthony Edwards: Adidas AE 1 Low “Christmas”

Release Date: TBD
Price: TBD
Leaks haven’t offered a concrete promise of what Anthony Edwards will wear for Christmas this year, as a SKU that surfaced earlier was used for both the “Nick’s Gift” edition released last week and an even bluer pair (pictured here) with not much more info. The young superstar could wear either shoe — or opt for something entirely different as a surprise.

Kevin Durant: Nike KD 17 “Christmas”

Release Date: December 26
Price: $150
SKU: FZ1525-400
Ice is the theme for Kevin Durant’s Christmas sneaker this year, as the blue and white KD 17 features a cracking graphic around the Swoosh to break up the otherwise calm look.

Nike Ja 2 “Christmas”

Release Date: December 19
Price: $130
SKU: FV6070-002
Nike has played a lot with texture in the short life of Ja Morant’s second signature sneaker, including a debossed tree print on the upper with gold detailing invoking tree toppers.

Devin Booker: Nike Book 1 “Nightmare Before Christmas”

Release Date: December 19
Price: $140
SKU: FJ4249-102
Consider it an alternative Christmas for Devin Booker, whose first sneaker for the holiday invokes Halloween and the Tim Burton classic.

Austin Reaves: Rigorer AR 2 “Snowman”

Release Date: December 21
Price: $100
Austin Reaves’ second signature sneaker just launched this month, and for Christmas he’ll wear a “Snowman” edition in an icy blue and white colorway with a fuzzy Rigorer scope logo on the heel invoking snow.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

An NYPD officer escorting the suspected killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was wearing the Off-White x Air Jordan 5 “Muslin” — a bizarrely hip choice for one of the most high-profile perp walks in recent memory.

Released early in 2020, Off-White’s Air Jordan 5 made it the second Air Jordan model to be reimagined by Virgil Abloh after several colorways of his Air Jordan 1. Abloh was inspired by the first Air Jordan he’d ever worn, the Air Jordan 5 “Black Metallic,” and his flourishes on the sneaker included a new textile mesh upper, signature text hit cut off in the window cage and faux-aged translucent outsole. The most publicized feature was the the series of translucent holes appearing throughout, which Abloh intended for consumers to cut out themselves.

After retailing for $225, the Off-White x Air Jordan 5 has sold for as much as $1,000 this month on StockX. Resale prices recently bottom out around the $500 mark.

The officer, one of two guiding Mangione by hand, paired his eye-raising sneaker choice with faded jeans, a grey hoodie and NYPD-issued jacket and hat. Save for the last two items, the outfit is something you might expect to see on an undercover cop — although, perhaps, with a lower budget for sneakers.

Mangione made his first federal court appearance Thursday to face charges of murder through use of a firearm, two stalking charges and a firearms offense.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

The Nike Book 1 “Sedona’ has been done up to resemble the red sandstone formations that surround the city. The colors of the rock faces are replicated by the shoe’s pinkish-red canvas upper, which is embroidered with the pattern of a topographical map. This same color is used along with a sanndy white for the striped outsole to invoke the sedimentary layers, and a colorful rock formation cutting the sky appears on the special tongue tags.

Detailing doesn’t end there, as the heels take on the words “No Service” and “Sedona” on the left and right shoe, respectively. On the inner side of the tongue tag, another special text graphic calls out “Sedona Red Rocks.”

Booker is known for his love of hiking, a suitable hobby for someone playing for the Phoenix Suns, and often takes his dog Haven along for the journey. Another Book 1 colorway was named for Haven and took on the colors of the Cane Corso.

Given that the Book 1 got a limited lunch last December before its first global release in February, the Book 2 could be on its way quite soon.

The Nike Book 1 “Sedona” will release January 1 through Nike’s website and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $140.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

The Swarovski x Nike Ja 2 will release during NBA All-Star Weekend with just 1,999 pairs made to commemorate the year Morant was born. Nike’s Swoosh gives way to torn stripes inlaid with crystals on the Ja 2’s suede upper and continuing onto the midsole with a tonal print. The sneaker is rendered entirely in black, leaving room for the crystals to dance, and an inner tongue tag denotes the shoe as an edition of 1,999. “12:AM” marks on the heels are rendered in black on the right shoe and white on the left.

In-hand images have been leaked by the collector Briant Tom (@prm.cotd on Instagram).

A tag warns wearers not to wear the sneakers for “active play or vigorous activity,” less the crystals fall off, which means we’re unlikely to ever see Morant wear his dazzling kicks on the court.

It comes after Nike released two versions of the Air Max Plus adorned with Swarovski crystals this month, followed shortly after a Converse Run Star Trainer with the crystal treatment. Rumors of a Swarovski x Air Jordan 1 High and Low have also circulated for 2025, and Morant’s Ja 1 was made with crystals in 2023 as well.

The Swarovski x Nike Ja 2 will release February 14, the first day of NBA All-Star Weekend and, of course, Valentine’s Day. Pricing has not yet been confirmed, but the Swarovski x Nike Ja 1 fetched $400.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

James Harden and Adidas are moving quickly on with Harden Vol. 9, as they’ve announced release dates for the first six colorways just days after the sneaker made its on-court debut.

The Adidas Harden Vol. 9 will kick off this month with a China-exclusive release for a “Year of the Snake” edition before the sneaker launches next month globally in “Cyber Metallic,” the edition worn by Harden Monday night. New drops will then follow once a month through May, when a new crop is likely to follow.

“Year of the Snake,” which hadn’t been seen prior, takes on the appearance of blue snakeskin for the upper’s sleek, single piece overlay. Its then matched by a blue sole unit, while the mesh beneath sits in black.

The two-tone arrangement with a black base carries over to three of the five remaining variants, including the “Pearlized White” edition coming in February and March’s “Metamorphosis Green.”

“Hell Cat,” which releases in April, deviates by rendering most of the sneaker black, with the exception of the red mesh that can be seen in the tear drop-shaped cut-outs that form alien-like Three Stripes. The final sneaker of the lot, “Ice Metallic,” makes the greatest deviation with a translucent blue overlay and a white base. It’s also the only version in which five vertical stripes, possibly support bands, can be seen in the swooping windows.

Each sneaker then features a pop of a third color on the outsole.

Even with official confirmation of six release dates, Adidas is still keeping its lips tight on the specifications of the Harden Vol. 9. What is abundantly clear, however, that the more daring approach of the Harden Vol. 8, as well as the AE 1 (or Anthony Edwards 1), isn’t going anywhere.

The Adidas Harden Vol. 9 “Year of the Snake” will release December 26 exclusively in China, followed by “Cyber Metallic” January 25, “Pearlized” February 22, “Metamorphosis” March 15, “Hell Cat” April 5 and “Ice Metallic” May 10. Although not formally announced, pricing is expected to be set at $190.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

The Jordan Zion 4 has surfaced through a Chinese card, possibly intended for retailers, featuring an image of the sneaker and leaked by the Instagram user @bbb_ceo. The shoe’s upper is simplified compared to its predecessor and takes on a metallic silver synthetic leather that’s proven quite trendy in sneakers, particularly for retro runners but also rearing its head on the debut colorway for James Harden’s Adidas Harden Vol. 9.

“Air Zoom” tips off one of the technological features of the Zion 4, but more information in that regard should prove hard to come by until Jordan Brand begins the promotional cycle.

The continuation of Williamson’s signature line, which began in 2021, may come as a surprise for some given the early difficulties. While still flashing the athletic prowess that made him one of the most promising prospects to enter in the NBA in many years, Williamson has repeatedly missed large chunks of time because of injuries — most recently seeing his debut appearance in the NBA Play-In Tournament cut short this year.

Still, after averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 70 games last season, Williamson is putting up similar numbers in the six games he’s played in the current season before succumbing again to an injury. And with his fourth signature sneaker on the way, Jordan Brand still appears to believe in the promise his play contains.

In addition to the Zoom Air unit at the forefoot, the Zion 3 makes use of a full-length Formula 23 drop-in midsole. The upper’s splatter pattern is intended to signifying Williamson “making it out of the mud,” and the herringbone outsole pattern features “Zs” for his name.

Release information has yet to be revealed for the Jordan Zion 4, but you can expect to see the sneaker hit stores some time in 2025. Footwear News will keep you abreast of any updates.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

A first look at the Puma MB.05 has been revealed by the Hong Kong-based leaker @sneakerhighway23. Seven total colorways were shown in the photo, and the standout feature for Ball’s forthcoming sneaker is a set of straps that intersect over the tongue, extend well back toward the heel and stick out into the air. Two distinct shapes can be seen across the seven colorways, as the straps take the form of either wings or flame tips.

And as should come as no surprise at this point, there’s no shortage of vibrancy among the colorways, as the lot includes two pink variants along with one in cotton candy blue and purple and another dominated by highlighter yellow.

Ball’s current signature sneaker, the MB.04, just launched launched in September and is defined by a complex “5D printed” upper intended to suggest alien tentacles. It boasts a nitrogen-infused foam midsole and a number of flourishes for Ball that include the phrases, “Not From Here,” “To Be Melo Is to Be Yourself, “Lover” and “One of One.”

Still just 23 years old, Ball has seen Gen Z take strongly to his signature line. Allison Giorgio, Puma vice president of marketing for North America, told Footwear News in March that Ball’s three models that had released at the time had been among the brand’s best sellers. StockX also reported the MB.02 as the third top-selling basketball sneaker on the platform, behind only the Nike Ja 1 and Nike LeBron 20.

“We’re very lucky to work with [Ball]. He’s an incredibly powerful player for Gen Z, mostly because he’s got this dynamic play on-court and a unique sense of personal style and leverage of fashion off-court,” Giorgio said.

The MB.05 is still some time away from releasing, with a likely launch date to come in early fall 2025. Footwear News will keep you abreast of any updates.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.