Solereapers' Top 5 Shoes of 2012
2012 was a big year for sneakers, the KD line blew up (way out of proportion), the Kobe series was placed in the backseat and Adidas made giant leaps towards making the perfect basketball shoe. A lot of old styles came back as well but it was the newcomers that really changed the landscape of the traditional sneaker scene. If you don't know what the Roshe Run is, then you must have been hiding under your Vans slip-on collection. Check out our top 5 list for 2012 and let us know what you think.
Nike Kobe 8 System
The Kobe 8 System picked up where the Kobe VI left off. Yeah, the Kobe VII failed to continue the high-end performance tradition that started with the Huarache 2K4. The Kobe 8, however, more than made up for it with its ridiculously lightweight package and the lockdown fit. It doesn't hurt that they're using this Engineered Mesh that not only looks sophisticated but also takes on the edgy nature of Kobe's kicks. So far, the reviews have been stellar and as expected, the Kobe line is once again on top. Please take note that this is not an easy feat with the Lebron X pushing boundaries and the KD5 stepping up.
Adidas Adizero Crazy Light 2
The Crazy Light 2 pushed the envelope even further by being .2 ounces lighter than the first Crazy Light. That's good to hear but what's amazing is that they've drastically improved the fit, stability and support. Imagine a shoe, light as a feather, but is actually there hugging your foot and providing you with everything you need to perform at a high level. They certainly need to improve on some things but that doesn't take away from what Adidas is trying to accomplish.
Jordan XI "Playoff / Bred" Retro
This shoe does not need any introduction whatsoever. If you're wondering if you should get them if you still have the 2008 CDP release, you should. The quality on these are on par with last year's Concord release. Granted, they will never be as good as the 2001 and OG release, this is still a very solid release. Nothing will be as classic as these. Literally hundreds of shoes have been patterned after the Jordan XI Playoff and they've finally been released properly after 11 years. Is Jordan Brand playing us by letting us wait 11 years for the release of this Jordan 11? Maybe, but they've also ensured that most of us will get them by making these one of the most produced shoes ever.
Nike LeBron X
This is a shoe that broke a barrier. Zoom Air is for guards and Air Max is for big men, the LeBron X fused (pun intended) them together to create an experience most players can enjoy. If you're waiting for a description, nothing will prepare you for the LeBron X and the only way to know is to buy it. This is one of the lightest Brons ever while providing full length cushioning and amazing breathability. Dynamic Flywire is used as well to complete this technology behemoth. Hyperfuse, next-generation Flywire with a freakish cushioning setup. LeBron James could not have been more blessed with his 10th shoe.
Nike Roshe Run
Inspired by Zen and simplicity, this shoe definitely changed the shoe game as we know it. It's rare these days that a shoe can create so much impact without being under Jordan Brand. The Roshe Run made so much hype, it transcended every single kind of sneakerhead. It unified the culture by bringing us back to what we really loved, a nice looking shoe that's comfortable. In addition, the price point of $70 (Php 2,995) is a huge plus in today's market of overpriced sneakers. If you've ever owned one, you know that the price you paid for is not enough for the experience that you got. If you want a sneaker that you can use everyday, without the hype and at a reasonable price point, this is it.
