2009 - BEST OF THE BEST SNEAKERS

BEST SNEAKERS 2009 CONTD.

At least SB had a few pops, with the Janowskis and Veloce adding firepower to their arsenal. Funnily enough, Jordan had probably their best year for a decade. The Toro Bravo and return of the True Blues was JB perfection personified, not to mention the cavalcade of quality J1 colors and the revered Space Jams.

Vans also had a year with so many highlights – Parra, DQM, Bad Brains, Kiss, Slayer, Supreme, Malcolm Maclaren, Robert Williams and Crumb. Taka Hayashi itched my eye and the Huf Old Skools proved that you can make a shoe as plain as Doris Day, but still look the goods. It was the myriad of subtle details that made this pack a stone cold classic.
 
It goes without saying that indies such as Gourmet and Clae also had solid years. What they lack in resources they make up in smarts. The challenge for all will be to create a staple model that sells and sells (just like Giselle) and stays in our consciousness and on our feet forever. Can they do it? I don’t see why not! But for now, most kids are digging ALL their shoes without having a standout to obsess over.