The Top Sneakers and Shoes of 2018

At Gear Patrol, we’re especially fond of footwear as a review of our articles will readily show. This year, we published a wealth of pieces on shoes and sneakers, reporting on new styles, trends and brands.

While understated styles dominated the market, we did see a number of loud collaborations between heritage sneaker brands and retailers like J.Crew and Todd Snyder. The big shoe brands, like Nike, Adidas and New Balance, dominated the market, but we did see some new options offered by boot brands like Wolverine and Viberg.

If you’re a sneakerhead or you just want a survey of the year’s best styles, take a look back at the best shoe and sneaker releases of 2018.

Adidas Announces Shoes of the Future: Futurecraft 4D

Adidas continues to push the running world into the future with the launch of their newest shoe, the Futurecraft 4D.

Exclusive: J.Crew x New Balance Launch National Parks-Inspired Sneaker

Inspired by the landscapes of two National Parks — Crater Lake and Death Valley — J.Crew and New Balance announce the newly-designed release of their classic 998 sneaker.

These Rare Sneakers Commemorate the 60th Anniversary of NASA’s Project Mercury

Made from heat-resistant aluminized Nomex.

Yeezy Made a Simple Pair of Sneakers You Can Actually Wear Every Day

A suede upper, a classic silhouette and a crepe sole make this a great everyday sneaker.

Adidas’s Staff-Favorite Winter Running Shoe Now Comes in a Sneakerhead-Worthy Version

We still have three more weeks of winter, but don’t let that stop you from running. These shoes work in snow, sleet and rain.

A Street-Style Version of Nike’s Illusive 4% Shoe Is Finally Available

All black everything sneakers are always a good idea, especially when they’re an iteration of Nike’s fastest shoes.

Allbirds’ Latest Innovative Runners Are Made from Trees

Perfect for warmer weather, Allbirds’ new runners feature a breathable mesh knit upper.

Here’s Why This Extremely Limited New Balance Sneaker Only Costs $100

It’s a shame only 1,500 pairs are being made.

Nike Combines Two Popular Sneakers for A Totally New Model

The Nike Free is a favorite of runners, and the Metcon is a staple in the Crossfit community — now the two kingpins have combined to form the newest versatile training shoe, the Free x…

Adidas’s Most Classic Shoe Just Got an Upgrade

The popular soccer kicks are now better than ever.

Former Nike Designers Crafted the Coolest Kids Sneakers We’ve Seen

Built to help kids run, jump, skip — even fly.

These New Shoes Are Inspired by Rugged Hunting Moccasins

Featuring a Vibram Morflex 2060 outsole and memory foam sock-liner for comfort.

Under Armour’s Newest Gym Shoe is Perfect for CrossFitters — and It’s Just $100

Whether your goal is to max out on DB rows or increase your KB swing weight, these shoes will be there for you.

It’s Hard to Beat the Quality of This Newly-Released Dress Shoe

Featuring vegetable tanned Italian calfskin.

These Best-Selling Sneakers Now Give Back to Help Save the Ocean

Saving the ocean one plastic bottle at a time.

This Climbing-Inspired Shoe Is Cooler Than Your Converse All Stars

More proof that when vintage outdoor gear influences everyday apparel, the result is a win for all.

These Italian-Made, Japanese-Designed Shoes Are a Crazy Jumble, in a Good Way

The Japanese and Chinese designers behind Flower MOUNTAIN pull inspiration from nature in order to make streetwear-worthy shoes for the city.

Updating a Classic Sneaker Doesn’t Always Go Well. This Time it Did.

Vans made a pair of its two most iconic low-tops and they’re both affordable and reek of summer.

Nike’s Newest Sneaker Is on Fire, and These Just-Released Colors Are the Best Yet

Nike’s Air Max 270 Flyknit finally gets the love it so very much deserves.

These Are the Military-Inspired Shoes to Wear Every Day

Outdoor lifestyle brand Fronteer’s latest shoe draws inspiration from the combat boots worn by soldiers and park rangers as well as vintage rock climbing footwear to make a handsome boot that can be worn every…

Masion Margiela’s Replica Sneaker Just Got a Batch of New Colors

Maison Margiela’s instantly recognizable sneaker is gorgeous in many iterations, but these are the best yet.

These Military-Inspired Leather Boots Will Last Forever

Low service boots made with heavy-duty leather and lugged rubber soles were standard issue for the soldiers and airmen fighting in World War II. Triple Aught Design and White’s Boots have teamed up with a…

Nike’s Pride-Month Sneakers Are So, So Much Better Than Adidas’s

Nike nods to history, Adidas nods to… pastels.

Travel Shoes Should Look Good and Pack Light, Like This New Pair

What makes a good travel shoe? It’s hard to say, and the answer likely varies widely from person to person. The new Travel Derby from Huckberry and Nisolo strikes a balance between style, comfort and…

Ebay Just Announced the Biggest Sneaker “Drop” Ever

Set an alarm for June 27, 10 a.m. EST.

Adidas Breaks the Sole and Brings Back the 90s

The newest POD-s 3.1 shoes are here — and the sole is one of the most unusual we’ve seen.

The Latest Chuck Taylors Are Retro, Clean, Affordable and… Leather

Converse’s Chuck Taylor 70s line just got a summer refresh in the form of a small but handsome trio of low-tops.

Nike’s EXP-X14 Brings Running History to a Lifestyle Shoe

Nike weaves a bit of running history into the new EXP-X14.

Custom Yeezys for Cycling Are Unnecessary and Fantastic

Adidas’ Yeezy Boost 350 v2 just dropped in a new “butter” colorway, but we’re more interested in this aftermarket custom pair that adds clipless pedal technology for cyclists.

Puma Hired Jay-Z to Launch First Basketball Shoe in Decades — Unveiled Today

The last time Puma was in the basketball shoe game it had a rookie Vince Carter posterizing one Dikembe Mutumbo.

Todd Snyder Teams Up With New Balance to Make a Cocktail-Inspired Summer Sneaker

Made in the United States from high-end materials like Horween leather.

Adidas’s New Running Sneaker Isn’t Really for Running, But It’s Still Sick

An update to a classic style from the ’80s, the ZX500 RM claims it’s a running shoe. But like, don’t actually run in them.

Nike’s Brand New Outdoorsy Sneaker Is Sure to Sell Out

Nike’s latest sneaker is the ACG Air Revaderchi, a shoe originally designed with hiking, trail running, mountain biking and general adventuring in mind.

J.Crew’s Latest New Balance Collab Is a Walking Dad Joke

Made in the Skowhegan, Maine.

Nike’s Most Hyped Shoe of the Year Comes Out Tomorrow. Here’s Everything You Need to Know.

You’re about to see them everywhere.

Adidas’s New “Running” Shoe Isn’t Great for Running — But They’re Still Awesome

They look great and they’re not as egregious as the last release, but I still wouldn’t run in these.

Teva and Snow Peak Made the Summer’s Best Go-Anywhere Sandal

If this style resonates with you, don’t wait — sizes are selling fast.

Greats and Nick Wooster Just Dropped a Wild Sneaker Collaboration

Come for the suede low-tops, stay for the tiger-print clogs.

Paul Smith Made a Comfortable Leather Dress Shoe That’s Perfect for Traveling

Featuring a soft leather upper and a padded sole.

Converse’s New Take on the Classic Chuck Taylor Is Outdoor Inspired

Crafted with a durable canvas upper, high rubber siding, and an OrthoLite insole for extra cushioning, these shoes were made to take a beating.

These $560 Leather Travel Shoes Are Worth Every Penny

Division Supply’s edition version of Viberg’s comfortable leather travel slipper is the kind of shoe you’ll have for he rest of your life.

America’s Veteran Bootmaker Just Dropped its First Sneaker

A lightweight version on the brand’s classic boot.

J. Crew and New Balance’s Latest Sneaker Is Based on an Archival Design

Oh, and it just so happens that J. Crew is having a sweet sale right now.

AllBirds Just Dropped a Truly Sustainable Flip Flop

The new Sugar Zeffer sandals are made primarily from sugar cane, making them better for the environment.

This Year in Gear

Just like that, 2018 has come and gone. Take a look back at the best of what the past 365 days had to offer in This Year in Gear

Related Topics