St Nicholas`Day. Photo: drsabrinacercelovic (Getty).
With Christmas right around the corner, everyone is making sure they’re doing all they can to stay on Santa’s nice list. There’s hope for everyone to land on that list — well, except maybe this idiot or this lady. Still, it’s a good idea to be on your best behavior and write up that wishlist.
As with every year, gear of all kinds is a heavily desired gift, especially for sneakerheads. And what better way to make that special sneakerhead in your life happy than by gifting them some of the freshest sneakers on the market? Short answer: there’s NO better way.
The Best Shoes To Get As Christmas Gifts
Shoe companies are notorious for releasing the year’s hottest sneakers around the holiday season. This year is no different, and there are unique and straight fire emoji pairs being dropped just ahead of Christmas. From casual pairs for everyday use to ones fit to wear while hooping, models have dropped (or soon will) that would be jewels to add to the closet. Let’s take a look at what you should buy me the list, shall we?
Nike Lunar Force 1 Duckboot “Winter White”
The “Winter White” collection dropped earlier this season by Nike is built for the cold. Whatever snowfall you experience this year, Nike came out with this line so you can stomp around without a worry. While there are various models in this collection, the Lunar Force 1 Duckboots stand out at as hot footwear for cold days and nights.
Nike PG 1 Bright Violet/Black/White-Total Orange
Oklahoma City Thunder stud Paul George’s signature shoe by Nike is a low-top basketball sneaker that brings as much fire in a casual setting as it does on the court. The “Bright Violet” pair seen here might not be your sneakerhead’s favorite shade, but it comes in other colorways that might suit them better with its fresh design.
The black/white Nike Kyrie 4
All-star point guard Kyrie Irving’s move to the Boston Celtics was the hottest news of this past NBA offseason. His sneakers didn’t make as many headlines, but they sure are noteworthy. The black/white Nike Kyrie 4 dropped this month, and have a unique design on the sole, making them stand out among the newest releases this holiday season.
Air Jordan 11 Retro GG Heiress
The Air Jordan 11, arguably the greatest pair of Jordans ever released, have a new colorway in the “Heiress.” I know what you’re thinking — “Heiress” implies it’s geared towards women. Well, you’re right. This shoe is only targeted for the ladies, which is kind of a bummer for guys like me who now wish their feet were half the size. Still, this is something you can cop for your girlfriend to ensure she’s geared up properly.
Under Armour Curry 4 “More Dimes”
Under Armour hasn’t been doing all that great with their shoe line, seemingly losing money with every pair they release. But the Curry 4 is a different beast and, hot damn, the design of these things makes them the best pair of sneakers the brand has ever dropped. NBA champion Stephen Curry rocks these on the court as his signature shoe, and you’d be gifting a definite diamond in the rough with this pair. What a step up from the dad shoes they made for Curry a while back.
Air Jordan 11 Retro “Win Like 82”
Unlike the “Heiress,” the Jordan 11 “Win Like 82” line isn’t just for the lady sneakerheads; it’s for the fellas, too! Cop a pair of these fine retro releases and your sneakerhead can pay homage to Michael Jordan’s 1982 NCAA title win from when he played for the University of North Carolina. If you recall, he hit the game-winning jumper in that game and propelled himself into GOAT status. It’s fitting they would pair that idea with the GOAT shoe.
Air Jordan 6 Retro “Gatorade”
Oh look, another pair of Jordans. Something tells me there’s a theme here. Or maybe Jordans are just at the top of the food chain in terms of hot sneakers. Yup, that’s it. The Jordan 6 Retro “Gatorade” model is an ode to old energy drink commercials from Jordan’s heyday when they sang, “I wanna be like Mike” as a means to get you to buy Gatorade. Your favorite sneakerhead can be like Mike with these kicks — not, like, the basketball equivalent or anything, but keep working on that jump shot, buddy.
Nike Air More Uptempo City Pack
Another all-time great shoe gets a retro release with the Nike Air More Uptempo. This time, Nike ditched it’s famous “AIR” branding on the side of the shoe in favor of some of the biggest American cities. New York (NYC), Chicago (CHI) and Atlanta (ATL) each have their own edition. If your sneakerhead doesn’t live in those areas, these are still great sneakers to add to their collection, but I understand if they want to wait for that pair of Fargo, North Dakota Uptempos. Don’t hold your breath, though.