We’re just past the halfway mark for 2025, but there has already been an incredible run of sneaker collabs to hit the market. From Nigel Sylvester’s beautiful suede Jordan 4 shoes to Unheardof’s perfectly pink piggy-inspired adidas sneakers and everything in between. Sure, there are plenty (and we mean plenty) of collaborations still planned to roll out for the remainder of the year, but we thought we’d offer a mid-year roundup of all the best released sneakers currently in the running for collab of the year.
Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4 “Brick by Brick”
BMX star Nigel Sylvester had already won over plenty of sneakerheads with his thoughtful takes on the Jordan 4RM silhouette last year. Still, this year, he really “built” on the momentum with his “Brick by Brick” Jordan 4 collab. From the beautiful orange suede uppers to the well-executed texture on the mudguard, which nods to the theme, there’s nothing on this shoe that we would change. It’s already regarded as one of the best collabs of 2025. So this is the sneaker collab to beat in 2025.
Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Protro “Frobe”
This sneaker design is part nostalgia, part innovation. The colour scheme and laces are inspired by an image of an injured Kobe practising in his check pyjamas, with an “8” overlay on the back to represent his jersey number. But the design also enhances the AF1 model with performance details like drop-in ReactX foam and encapsulated Air cushioning. This is the way to do a tribute sneaker.
Union x Air Jordan 1 “Chicago/Shadow”
Sneakerheads have been swooning over Union’s Frankenstein Jordan 1 mashup since 2018, so there’s no reason a fresh colourway wouldn’t be equally popular. This time, they combined the “Chicago” and “Shadow” styles, incorporating all of the signature elements (zig-zag stitching, yellow Union tabs, frayed collars, and exposed foam) that fans have been raving about. And, well, it worked again.
Haven x Asics Gel-Nimbus 10.1
Canadian menswear retailer Haven proved that you can create a collab as coveted as any with a simple black and grey colour scheme. The shoe layers mesh, carbon fibre-esque material, and a touch of tumbled leather for a texturally rich look. But the brand also added a split colour-blocking effect on the upper for an extra wow factor.
VandythePink x atmos x ASICS GEL-Nimbus 10.1 “Banana Split” Pack
VANDYTHEPINK served up a chunky helping of dessert with their “Banana Split” ASICS. The design comes in strawberry (pink) and banana (yellow) styles, featuring the titular colour on the base. It’s also topped with shiny silver overlays and fluffy cream laces. But the cherry on top (or inside) is an ice cream graphic on the insole. Add these to the many unforgettable ice cream-inspired collabs that serve up sweet sneaker design.
Nike Air Max 95 x Corteiz “Honey Black”
Corteiz landed another hit on the Nike Air Max 95 with their fresh “Honey Black” colourway. The sneaker keeps all the signature details that made their previous collab so popular—think crisscross mesh, toggle laces, and Corteiz branding—but changes things up with an all-black base and subtle yellow highlights. Batman would approve of these beauties.
Unheardof x adidas Adistar Cushion 3 “Piggy Runners”
I wasn’t expecting one of 2025’s best collab sneakers (so far) to be inspired by a pig, but Unheardof’s Adistar “Piggy Runners” are definitely one of a kind. They have a cartoony look, with embroidered eyes on the heel and a piggy image on the tongue and insole. But there’s also a cutesy aspect to them, thanks to the pink and red colourway and heart-shaped hang tags. The look is anything but safe, and that’s what people love about ’em.
Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 “Untitled”
Action Bronson’s New Balance collaborations are always big on colour. While his latest New Balance 990v6 release doesn’t skimp on vibrant hues, it also balances the look with a clean white mesh base and matching leather mudguard. It’s definitely the best of his New Balance 990v6 sneakers for this year, and maybe even our favourite of all his 990v6 collabs.
Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 992 “Aged Well”
Joe Freshgood’s latest New Balance collaboration is the perfect love letter to the duo’s five-year partnership. The upper is made of rust orange, dusty pink, sand brown, and taupe suede set over a beige mesh base. But our favourite detail on this look is the touches of leather on the tongue. So luxe.
Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Navy”
Nike SB and Jordan Brand brought a new colourway to their skateboarding Jordan 4s this year. Sneakerheads have been just as hyped about this white and navy combo as they were about the Pine Greens (best sneakers of 2023, btw), but whether they will top the running for collab of the year remains to be seen.
