Our 10 Favorite Sneakers of 2015

Our 10 Favorite Sneakers of 2015
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By Jake Woolf for GQ.

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(photos: Matt Martin and Nick Sultana)

2015 was a straight-up epic when it came to sneaker releases. From the dawn of the Yeezy Boosts era to a historical slew of retro Air Jordans that hit shelves, more fresh kicks were released this year than maybe any before. But these are the 10 that we'll be thinking about next year (and a few more after that).

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Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Suede
Though the Chuck Taylor All-Star II--a revamped version of the original--made the most noise in 2015, the suede version of the original Chuck was our favorite Converse sneaker of the year. Who doesn't love a classic done up in a luxurious fabric and beautiful burgundy colorway?

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Yeezy Boost 350 "Moonrock"
Of all of the Yeezys to drop this year, our favorite has to be the low-top 350 Boost "Moonrock." The 750s, while completely futuristic and new, aren't exactly the most wearable shoes ever. But the moonrocks, with their soft, green-gray hue, are perfectly representative of Kanye's earthy color palette as a designer. Now, if just more people could get their hands on a pair, and Mr. West's plans to take over the world of fashion would be in fully set in motion.

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Vans x North Face Sk-8 Hi
Since they first hit the skate scene in the 1970s, the Vans Sk-8 Hi has been a universal symbol of chilled-out style. But in the Northeast, where things can get a little too chill, these waterproof versions made alongside the outdoor experts at The North Face meant finally Sk-8 His could be a year-round sneaker.

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Nike x Acronym Lunar Force 1
Errolson Hugh, designer of Acronym, made his best Nike ACG collection yet in 2015, but the most hyped-up collab between the two labels came in the form of a re-worked Nike Lunarforce 1. Thanks to a patent leather heel and some well-placed zippers, Hugh took the sneaker from its 1980s roots and propelled into the (very stylish) future.

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Adidas Stan Smith Primeknit
The Adidas Stan Smith is one of the most universally beloved sneakers of all-time, but it wasn't until this year that it became the undisputed shoe of summer. Thanks to a super breathtable Primeknit upper, the Primeknit Stan Smith keeps all of the classic elements of the sneaker in take (and actually improves upon the shape), while also being the perfect contender for men who love to go sockless, and also those who refuse to wear flip-flops anywhere but the beach.

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Nike Air Max 95 Jacquard
To celebrate 20 years of the Air Max 95--probably the coolest clunky running sneaker of all-time--Nike showed off just how many cool things they can do with a Flyknit fabric. An insanely intricate weaving pattern makes up the upper of this 95, while some bright-as-hell colorways made it a true standout this year.

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Adidas Ultra Boost
The Adidas Ultra Boost is the best sneaker of 2015 period. Not only is it the most comfortable shoe of the year, it also looks more like a 2015 sneaker than anything else on this list. Though Kanye's Yeezys grabbed the most headlines, the Ultra Boost is a better sneaker in almost every category (sorry, Yeezy). Plus, even though Kanye's preferred white-on-white colorway sold out with each and every re-stock, for the most part the Ultra Boost was always available for purchase to any customers that wanted a pair.

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Nike SFB Chukka
For years, Nike Flyknit technology has been the standard of athletic shoe comfort and innovation. This year, it got a mossy green colorway and a water-resistant Flyknit, making it the perfect transitional sneakerboot for fall.

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Common Projects x Dover Street Market Achilles
A modern classic sneaker--the Common Projects Achilles--got a playful makeover thanks to the out-there gang at Comme des Garçons-owned Dover Street Market.

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Pusha T x Adidas EQT Running Guidance 93 "Black Market"
Though this was the second EQT Running Guidance 93 collab between Adidas and Pusha, the murdered-out version of the vintage 3-stripe sneaker is probably the most detailed and beautiful constructed mass-market sneaker of the year. Between the supple leather, fishscale detail, and pure hype surrounding its release, this sneaker is totally representative of the cultural impact Adidas made this year in sneakers.

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