Important products aren’t always good or bad. Often, they fall somewhere in-between, all the while offering perspective on where a particular industry has found itself … and where it might be going.
This is the spirit driving the 12th annual GP100, Gear Patrol‘s mighty, end-of-year roundup collecting the year’s most relevant releases from tech, motoring, style and watches, outdoors and more.
Our team spent months filtering through thousands of new products, going hands-on whenever we could, to identify the innovations and updates that left the biggest marks on their respective industries. And no, not always to a better, let alone conclusive, end.
This year, we also decided to do something we’ve never done in more than a decade of publishing the GP100: rank our winners.
Admittedly, the process wasn’t scientific, or even always fair. That said, our editors were indeed guided by a few basic tenets, including novelty, popularity and impact on culture at large.
You might not agree with our selections. You definitely won’t agree with the order. But maybe, just maybe, you might agree with us on this: products have never been so dynamic, exciting and downright important to our lives.
Below, find our top style releases, ranging from the a Goldilocks pair of chinos to Red Wing’s new kings of versatility. To see the winners from other categories, check out the full list.
13. Artisanal boots rebuilt around go-anywhere versatility
Red Wing ShoesGP100 Winner
Red Wing Beckman
Specs
| Construction | Goodyear leather welt |
| Last | 224 |
| Leather | Excalibur full-grain |
Back in the early aughts, Charles Beckman, Red Wing’s founder, sought out boots that were durable enough to go tromping through mud but looked good enough to wear in the office.
As he couldn’t find anything that fit his needs, he had his company make them. Only a few years later, the brand inexplicably and quietly phased them out in 2018.
Then, this year, those same boots — the Red Wing Beckman — made a triumphant return. Except they weren’t the same ones the company discontinued; they were better.
This new iteration comes with outsoles originally made for Red Wing in the 1920s. Called Gro-Cord, they’re constructed from tire cord and hold the crown as the first non-leather outsole.
They also feature a more anatomical toe box shape and Poron foam pad in the heel, increasing their comfort and wearability. Yet their iconic style, marked by a full-grain Excalibur leather upper and a trio of smart color options (Black, Black Cherry and Cigar), remains.
12. Iconic sneakers reimagined as lightweight hiking shoes
KEENGP100 Winner
Keen Jasper Zionic
Specs
| Insole | Resilient foam with arch support |
| Lining | Mesh with Eco Anti-Odor |
| Outsole | High-traction rubber with 4mm multi-directional lugs |
| Upper | LWG-certified premium leather |
Keen’s Jasper, originally released in 2008, is one of the brand’s most enduring designs. Despite its outward appearance, marked by a rugged toe cap and tongue-to-toe laces, it’s actually a casual shoe.
The Keen Zionic, by contrast, is one of the brand’s newer, more cutting-edge outdoor offerings. It boasts a contoured fit, grippy all-terrain outsole and a stability shank.
So, what happens when you combine them? You get the Keen Jasper Zionic — a veritable best of both worlds.
This hybrid gets its upper silhouette from the Jasper, including the tongue-to-toe lacing and reinforced toe box. But it borrows its high-traction rubber outsole with 4mm multi-directional lugs, lightweight shank and contoured fit from the Zionic.
It’s a smart, stylish, experimental redevelopment that speaks to Keen’s overall strengths, the brand’s signature style, and the company’s future potential as it continues to evolve.
11. A stylish, minimalist redesign of legendary tennies
MUJIGP100 WINNER
Muji x Reebok Court Sneakers
Specs
| Base Sneaker | Reebok Club C 85 |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Upper | Synthetic leather |
| Weight | 6.3 ounces |
It probably sounds absurd, but one of the best sneakers of this year was actually a product of a home goods brand. Okay, so that’s only a half-truth, but the point remains.
Crafted in collaboration with Reebok, the Muji Court Sneakers were an utter surprise to fashion moguls and sneakerheads everywhere. But even a cursory glance offers a very clear explanation: they look spectacular.
They’re not flashy or experimental in the way of high fashion. In fact, they’re quite the opposite. These ultra-minimalist sneakers are bereft of all unnecessary style flourishes. They don’t even have a logo (a signature of Muji’s design language).
But that’s just part of what makes them so great. A closer look elicits some carefully considered details, like an offset heel loop and DMX cushioning (a returning Reebok tech from the ’90s). Even the silhouette, based on Reebok’s Club C 85 tennis shoes from the 1980s, has a special historical significance.
Perhaps the most significant detail is just how accessible these sneakers were. While they’ve long since sold out, they were priced at just $80 and required no special process to obtain them. That’s unusual in a world where sneaker releases increasingly require waiting list sign-ups and raffles.
10. Chinos that wear just right
J.CrewGP100 Winner
J.Crew Broken-in Straight Chino Pant
Specs
| Cut | Straight leg |
| Fly | Zipper |
| Material | 100 percent cotton |
When you think about your favorite, most comfortable pair of pants, you’re likely not thinking of what they were like brand-new. New pants tend to be stiff and rigid, which is why the best bottoms are usually the ones that have the most wear.
The J.Crew Broken-in Straight Chino Pant, however, is about as close as you can get to a true middle ground.
With their 16-inch leg opening, the fit of these pants sits somewhere between the brand’s newer 770s and its Classic chinos. But what really sets these apart is their material makeup.
J.CrewThe newer 770s are made with elastane, offering immediate stretch at the cost of overall durability, while the broken-in chinos are made entirely with 8.5-ounce, 100-percent cotton twill.
But it gets even better: these pants come pre-washed, so they lack the stiffness of other brand-spanking-new pants and wear out of the store like a pair you’ve already spent time breaking in — hence the name.
Pair that with the timeless straight-leg cut, and J.Crew has done a masterful job of bringing back a classic. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say they’ve made a classic even better.
9. Ultralight packing cubes with hidden EDC utility
Peak DesignGP100 Winner
Peak Design Ultralight Packing Cube
Specs
| Capacity | 0.8 – 10 liters |
| Material | Terra Shell 40D |
| Weight | 20 – 44 grams |
Packing cubes are hugely beneficial for travel purposes. They help keep your stuff organized and can even make better utilize of your suitcase’s capacity. However, they aren’t very useful outside of that.
Peak Design is looking to change that with its Ultralight Packing Cubes. And the way the brand has managed it is as simple as it is genius.
While they can function as normal packing cubes, their design includes strap tethers that can turn them into minimalist EDC slings (crossbody bags or fanny packs), increasing their utility twofold. Furthermore, each cube boasts two external carry strap pass-throughs to mount onto other luggage.
While that design addition alone makes these cubes worthy of major kudos, it’s just one of many. The bags are also available in two fabrics — a weatherproof and tear-resistant Terra Shell 50D and a stretchy mesh ideal for overpackers.
Plus, each bag weighs under 1.6 ounces (the lightest is only 0.7 oz), and they can be rolled up super small to store them better when they’re not in use.
8. Menswear’s puppet master steps in front of the curtain
Aaron LevineGP100 Winner
Aaron Levine Jump Pants
Even if you’ve never heard the name Aaron Levine, you know style. You might even own some of his designs.
For years, the Ralph Lauren alumnus has held the top creative post at numerous brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Madewell and Club Monaco. At long last, he’s decided to go it alone.
His eponymous fashion label, simply called Aaron Levine, launched at the end of this year with all the hallmarks of the designer’s vision for what makes an exceptional piece of menswear.
Take the Jump Pant, for example, an amalgamation of various military references, collected into a casual, easy-going pant made from best-in-class fabric sourced from Japan. It has a light sheen that helps it “wear dressier than you might expect,” the product page reads.
Like much of Levine’s career, it’s excellence might fly under the radar. You might not even notice it if you passed it on the street. But look closely, and you might spot something rather extraordinary hidden in the details.
7. A surprisingly accessible luxury suit made for all body types
BonobosGP100 Winner
Bonobos Empire Super 150s Suit
Specs
| Blazer Fits | Slim, athletic, standard |
| Colors | Navy, light gray, Glen plaid |
| Fabric | Super 150s wool from Fratelli Tallia di Delfino Mill in Italy |
| Pants Fits | Tailored, slim, athletic |
We’ve long viewed Bonobos as an excellent resource for dress shirts, pants, and blazers, mainly because of the brand’s approachable price points and emphasis on fit choice.
The brand’s new Empire Super 150s Suit is self-described by the brand as the finest suit it’s ever made, yet it still costs just $1,200.
This superlative stems from the suit’s premium Italian wool, described in tailoring as Super 150s. The number is a measure of fabric quality. It refers to a measure of a wool’s fineness in microns as graded within an established industry scale. The higher the number, the finer the thread. And the finer the thread, the softer, lighter, and more luxurious a fabric generally feels.
Anyone who knows anything about suiting fabrics is guaranteed to mention that this measure of fineness should never be viewed as a stamp of quality alone. Where a fabric is milled will always matter immensely, too. Yet it’s also safe to say that Super 150s – especially those sourced from European mills, like the kind found on this suit, are widely viewed as the fabric of choice for anyone looking for a mixture of durability, comfort, and luxury.
Though there are already a few similar off-the-rack suits available made from Super 150s in this price range, including some that allow buyers to customize a wide range of design details, the Empire’s availability in slim, athletic, and standard fit stands out.
Like most Bonobos garments, men of all body types will likely find a size that fits them well and demands only minor alterations for a truly tailored look.
6. The remix that stormed the sneaker scene
NikeGP100 Winner
Air Jordan 4 RM
Specs
| Colors | Varies |
| Gender | Men's and women's |
| Style | Low top |
How can a brand vibe with youth culture when its identity is fused with a 61-year-old athlete who hasn’t played basketball in over 20 years?
This is a question that likely haunts Jordan Brand’s leadership, and yet, for decades now, the wholly owned subsidiary of Nike continues to figure it out.
Over the summer, Nike revealed that the Jordan brand was the strongest performer of the footwear giant’s divisions. Sales increased by 6%, generating a whopping 7 billion in revenue.
Of course, some of this success is a testament to Jordan’s legendary reputation as the basketball G.O.A.T. The brand is also still well aligned with modern-day basketball superstars, including Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum, whom ESPN ranked as two of the NBA’s top 10 players in 2024, and the WNBA’s Satou Sabally. Still, logo recognition means nothing without compelling products to back it up.
The Air Jordan 4 RM is a new sneaker with many disparate goals. First, it’s a celebration. The letters RM stand for remixed, in a nod to the shoe’s visual echoes of one of the most famous basketball and streetwear footwear icons of all time, the Air Jordan 4, which launched 35 years ago.
It’s also a brand olive branch to different consumers and subcultures. Unlike its predecessor, the 4RM launched in both men’s and women’s specific versions. Since it’s a low top made with walking comfort in mind, it’s also easier to wear for a broader range of people. The first edition of the shoe was also a collab with an established friend of the brand outside of the sport of basketball, American pro BMXer Nigel Sylvester.
The cherry on top is that the 4 RM costs $150, significantly below the $215 asking price of many Air Jordan 4 Retros.
In short, it’s one of the most compelling sneakers of 2024 that could also transition into a rare fresh staple in the 40-year-old brand’s influential sneaker lineup.
5. An ultra-comfy, stylish shirt jacket made from … seaweed
OuterknownGP100 Winner
Outerknown Kelsun Universal Blanket Shirt
Specs
| Traditional Fabric | 70 percent regenerative organic cotton |
| Innovative Fabric | 30 percent Kelsun alginate fiber |
| Fit | Classic/relaxed |
For years, Outerknown’s Blanket Shirt has dominated the shirt-jacket market. That may be due to its timeless flannel-like styling, or perhaps its unbeatable comfort has kept it relevant. Either way, it has earned a spot in the annals of men’s fashion history.
But Kelly Slater’s apparel brand isn’t content to rest on its laurels. It’s always looking for ways to push the envelope, even regarding its catalog’s long-time staples.
To that end, the brand gave its most iconic piece a major sustainability and innovation upgrade with the Outerknown Kelsun Universal Blanket Shirt.
OuterknownWithout sacrificing the shirt jacket’s comfort, fit or styling, the brand swapped out its typical cotton twill fabric for a blend of cotton and seaweed—yes, really.
Usually, this kind of change requires sacrifice; some facet of the product inevitably suffers. But Outerknown has managed to skirt that pitfall entirely, producing yet another exceptional style piece that remains true to the original.
We can only hope they continue to apply this approach to innovation in the months and years to come.
4. Rolling luggage that stays put when needed
AerGP100 Winner
Aer Carry-On
Specs
| Dimensions | 22.7" x 15" x 9" |
| Volume | 48L |
| Weight | 8.4lbs |
Founded in 2014, Aer quickly became a fan favorite among style-savvy commuters and travelers for its collection of well-appointed, minimalist bags. However, it wasn’t merely their sleek exteriors that stood apart; it was how well they functioned, especially regarding organization.
Unfortunately, since its launch, the brand has only traded in soft-sided bags. That is, until the launch of its aptly named Aer Carry-On.
Finally, the brand offers its signature sleek style in a more rugged hardshell package, ideal for the rigors of air travel (and the carelessness of other travelers and TSA employees alike). However, as is the case with everything Aer makes, looks aren’t all it has to offer.
AerThe bag’s polycarbonate shell sits atop a quartet of Hinomoto Miraclent ball-bearing wheels. A brake system connects those wheels, allowing you to halt their rotation with the push of a discreet button on the handle.
That means whenever you stop in a busy airport, on a tram, in a train car or wherever else, your suitcase will stop with you and stay securely by your side.
Furthermore, it’s equipped with a recycled Cordura liner, a quick-action Fidlock magnetic compression system and a hidden pocket for an AirTag or other smart tracker. With Aer, it’s always all about the hidden details.
3. The king of collaboration keeps showing the world how its done
Georgio ArmaniGP100 Winner
Kith x Armani
It’s easy to feel numb about brand collaborations these days, especially in fashion. What was once an innovative vehicle for product experimentation and marketing buzz a decade ago now feels like brand strategy 101.
Yet occasionally, a partnership of epic proportions can still break through the increasing noise.
Kith – the elite retailer-turned famed house brand of footwear and clothing designer, Ronnie Fieg, deserves plenty of credit for pioneering this playbook. Over the years, the label has partnered with seemingly every major footwear brand including Nike, Adidas, ASICS and New Balance, in addition to major brands further afield including Coca-Cola, BMW, Taylor-Made Golf and yes, even Sesame Street.
However, this year’s collaboration with Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian luxury brand and suitmaker, is arguably Fieg’s crown jewel to date. That’s partially because, surprisingly, it’s Armani’s first collaborative menswear collection ever.
Georgio ArmaniThe marketing campaign behind the partnership was also a celebrity-packed tour de force that even the most established fashion houses would struggle to imitate.
Designed around four professional archetypes of The Artist, The Entertainer, The Traveler, and The Entrepreneur, each of the four personas was modeled by Martin Scorsese, Pierce Brosnan, LaKeith Stanfield, and Fieg himself.
As for the clothes, Fieg announced on X this summer that after four years working on suits of his own, collaborating with Armani in the space would represent a dream come to fruition. And things clearly snowballed from there.
Georgio ArmaniThe final line includes four different blazers and matching pants, ten jackets, at least five mid-layers, and various other accessories, ranging from hiking boots, gloves, and ties to leather woven rucksacks, bucket hats, and bandannas. Refreshingly, most offerings also appear understated and wearable, prioritizing class and luxury over brash displays of exclusivity and cache.
And though the line’s premium price points were bound to hinder its mass appeal, the influence of this work goes beyond sales figures. Once again, the Kith team has raised the standard for creative brand partnerships, further cementing Fieg’s legacy as the king of collaboration.
2. Everyday sneakers have never felt so good
VansGP100 Winner
Vans Premium Authentic 44
Specs
| Canvas Weight | 8 ounces |
| Collar Lining | Full grain leather |
When it comes to an iconic product — like, say, the Vans Authentic — there will always be an opportunity to iterate upon design while staying true to the original. But the overlap is small and easy to miss.
Otw by VansFortunately, Vans threaded it wonderfully with the release of it Premium Classics, which remaster the brand’s most iconic silhouettes with improved materials like heavy-weight canvas and full-grain leather. Think of it as the Vans’s answer to the Chuck 70, replacing the Vault collection of yesteryear.
VansThe kicker: a new antifatigue insole hidden in each model, resulting in a pair of elevated classics that don’t just look good but feel it, too.
1. A humble T-shirt with industry-shifting potential
WalmartGP100 Winner
American Giant Made in America T-Shirt
Specs
| Colors: | Classic Red, Harvest Blue, Heather Gray |
| Logo Application: | Screen printed |
| Material(s): | 100 percent USA Cotton |
This seemingly generic garment was born from a partnership between American Giant and Walmart. The retail giant was searching for ways to begin deploying the $350 billion investment it had publicly committed to US manufacturing in early 2021.
The company connected with American Giant to discuss the possibility of creating an exclusive made-in-America t-shirt it could sell in more than 4,600 US retail locations.
The hurdle, as has always been the case with made-in-America garments, was price. The challenge was making a t-shirt that, while pricier than others on the shelves at Walmart, still needed to cost dramatically less than any other made-in-America t-shirt.
WalmartThe key unlock was Walmart’s scale and willingness to make the financial commitments necessary to bolster American Giant’s fledgling supply chain. The prospect of making t-shirts at the volume of Walmart’s needs incentivized all parties involved to invest in efficiency improvements, which helped drive costs down. American Giant also implemented less labor-intensive sewing methods and swapped in less expensive yarn to lower costs further.
The result is a t-shirt made in America from 100 percent American-grown cotton that costs $12.98, or roughly 70 percent less than any made-in-America t-shirt offered by American Giant before.
Between the price and Walmart’s retail presence, it’s better positioned than arguably any other garment before it to help rebuild and grow domestic clothing manufacturing.
You’ve reached the end of this portion of the GP100, a countdown of the year’s most significant releases. Check out the collection page to see what else made the list or browse last year’s winners.