The Best Sneaker Collaborations of 2021 (So Far)
The Best Sneaker Collaborations of 2021 (So Far) is presented by eBay.
After a tumultuous trip around the sun in 2020, the past six months have reaffirmed that the sneaker game’s most prominent collaborative forces are showing no signs of slowing down. We’ve seen no shortage of hyped drops in 2021 so far, with the Dunk continuing to dominate the scene, and the Jumpman still bounding over the rest of the competition.
Additionally, some of the sneakersphere’s most iconic boutiques have added to their storied compendium of projects – not without a little bit of a controversy, of course.
Here are our picks for the best sneaker collaborations of 2021 (so far). A combination of instant sell-outs and sleeper successes, you can also cop them right now with confidence via eBay.
BAPE x adidas Superstar
Sneakerheads went APE over this BAPE x adidas Superstar rendered in the Japanese label’s idiosyncratic ABC green camo, harking back to one of the earliest colabs between the two giants of the sneaker/streetwear worlds. The duo first collaborated on the Superstar back in 2003, conceiving one of the most important projects in BAPE’s storied ‘golden era’.
Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R ‘Water Be The Guide’
In another incredible year to date for New Balance, trailblazing designer Salehe Bembury has delivered an unforgettable follow-up to his 2002R ‘Peace Be The Journey’ collaboration. Sequels don’t often live up to the original, but Bembury exceeded expectations with the 2002R ‘Water Be The Guide’. Once again inspired by the Great Outdoors, Bembury looks to Havasu Falls in Arizona as the muse for his latest project, decking it out in a stream of green and blue tones.,
UNDEFEATED x Nike Air Force 1 ‘Ballistic’
Los Angeles icons UNDEFEATED applied their famed ‘Ballistic’ colourway to the Nike Air Force 1 as part of their ‘Dunk vs AF-1’ pack. A highlight of the crossover project remixing the retailer’s most famous collaborations throughout the years, this latest AF-1 is a nod to one of UNDEFEATED’s first sneaker collaborations: the UNDEFEATED x Nike Dunk High ‘Ballistic’ released in 2013.
Extra Butter x Happy Gilmore x adidas UltraBOOST
This is Shooter’s tour! New York City boutique Extra Butter teed it up with adidas to release a special edition UltraBOOST 1.0 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of hit 90s film Happy Gilmore. An unmistakable ode to the film’s coveted ‘Gold Jacket’ and villain Shooter McGavin, this colourway is one of the most memorable executions of the uber-popular runner we’ve seen in quite some time.
Bodega x New Balance 990v3 ‘Here To Stay’
They’re one of most prolific collaborative forces in the sneaker game, and Boston-based Bodega reunited with New Balance this year for a 15th anniversary celebration to remember. The 990v3 ‘Here to Stay’ pays tribute to the boutique’s impact on the sneaker scene, as well as their outlook moving forward.
As they put it: ‘Once you make your mark on that blank space, it doesn’t matter if you planned it from the start, or the opportunity was just there. It’s here to stay.’
Trophy Room x Air Jordan 1
Controversy aside, the highly anticipated Air Jordan 1 collaboration from Trophy Room will go down as one of 2021’s most coveted releases. Owned by Marcus Jordan, son of Michael, the boutique dropped a limited edition commemorative colourway that is inspired by none other than the famed ‘Chicago’ Air Jordan 1, which debuted in 1985.
Brain Dead x Reebok Zig Kinetica II
LA-based creative collective Brain Dead and Reebok rekindled their collaborative partnership, unveiling one of the more underrated collaborations in recent times. For their third collaboration together, they reworked the two colourways of the Zig Kinetica II. Inspired by Japanese Kaiju Vinyl Toys, the collection was unveiled in an out-of-this-world Sentai-style campaign.
Carpet Company x Nike SB Dunk High
The Carpet Company x Nike SB Dunk High is a prime execution of the in vogue tear-away sneaker. Whether you give the uppers a rip, or tear ’em away with your griptape, there’s a surprise underneath for those who wear their kicks! Prefer to tread lightly? Well, we can’t fault the un-torn look either.
A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 3
A Ma Maniére partnered with Jordan Brand to deliver an Air Jordan 3 collaboration as part of their ‘Raised By Women’ campaign. After delaying the release amid the verdict of the George Floyd trial, the Atlanta-based boutique went on to drop the luxurious colourway alongside a complementary apparel collection. Colabs don’t come much cleaner!
Shop for 2021’s best sneaker collaborations from eBay today!
