Although the sneaker community loves a good debate, and oftentimes a strong complaint, there was plenty of good that happened in 2024 — and 2025 also seems promising.
What Adidas was able to accomplish with NBA star Anthony Edwards and his AE 1 signature shoe was one reason sneakerheads were excited in 2024, as well as the expert-level storytelling that was provided by captivating collaborations (for instance, Unheardof’s “Building Bridges” Adidas Rivalry Low) and the wins that were racked up by smaller brands (such as Saucony Originals’ work with Jae Tips).
For 2025, the strongest personalities in sneakers are eager to see how Adidas will follow-up with Edwards, and are expecting deeper, richer stories to be told through collaboration. Also, the 40th anniversary of Jordan Brand has sneakerheads talking.
Here, seven of the leading voices in sneakers revealed what they’re most excited for in 2025.
“With innovation leading the forefront in 2024, I’m thrilled to see more of this in 2025, specifically within the basketball category. There’s no debating that the aforementioned wasn’t mentioned all throughout this past year in footwear. At the helm of this movement was undoubtedly Adidas. Whether it was Antman [Anthony Edwards] in his debut signature AE 1 that made us believers in that notion, Dame Dolla [Dame Lillard] and Spida [Donovan Mitchell] arguably dropping their best models yet, or even the lifestyle line (IIInfinity series) reinterpreting classics with a modern day lens, Three Stripes seemingly figured out a cheat code because they simply couldn’t miss. Like many others who were enamored by the aura of AE, I’m most excited for his sophomore album — marketing, future posters, colorways and everything encompassing, 2025 should be in good hands courtesy of Ant.”
“What I’m looking forward to the most in sneakers in 2025 is continuing to watch the underdogs get their time in the spotlight. That’s not to take away from the amazing things I know everyone’s favorite brands are going to drop, but its been nice to see other brands get some shine. I’m also hoping brands start to listen more to their consumers and audience about that we’re asking for out of them.”
“I’m looking forward to see what Jordan Brand does for its 40th anniversary. I’m also looking forward to seeing Nike redeem themselves with product and the consumer that loves it because they have got a lot of heat lately for not performing as they usually have in the past. I’m also looking forward to seeing what new sneaker will be the ‘It Girl’ since the Panda [Nike Dunks] came in, with New Balances kind of dying as far as they’re GR models that had took over, also like the Samba and things like that. I just want to know which brand will have the shoe that basically takes over mainstream-wise. I also am looking forward to seeing how the sneaker community shows up in 2025. They had a lot of attention toward the end of the year, especially with the [Complex] Sneaker of the Year panel and all the other panels that were hosted by other organizations, so I am looking forward to seeing if they’re same, if people are going to have the same energy throughout the year or just wait till the end of 2025 to do the same thing. As far as product, I’m looking forward to seeing how the [Nike] Peg Premium will be received by the consumer because I do like how the shoe looks and Pegasus usually performs well. I’m also looking forward to collaborator Veneda Carter and what she has cooking up at Nike. I’m also looking forward to the Galaxy Foamposite returning because apparently it’s supposed to be one-to-one like the last release.”
“I’m most excited for the amplification of storytelling within sneakers in 2025. As the wave of superficiality continues to cool in the industry, brands across the board are now faced with the unique challenge of reconnecting with their customer in a new way that digs a little deeper. Within this, the runway is clear for many of these brands to tap into their ability to tell compelling stories that not only inspire, but drive sales as well. Jordan Brand’s 40-Year anniversary of its origin will prove to have some incredible storytelling behind their releases, not to mention other collaborations with artists, creatives and retailers alike, all of whom will be tasked with telling thought-provoking stories that truly move the people. I can’t wait to feel something again.”
“There’s a couple of things I’m excited for in 2025 when it comes to sneakers. The first thing being what Adidas has to offer. There’s no denying what they’ve been doing between their collaborators like Wales Bonner and Philip Lipschutz, they have been nothing but amazing. Also, when you talk basketball, Adidas is killing it. As a lover of the AE 1, I’m excited, yet nervous, about the AE 2. If it isn’t good, people aren’t going to let it go. Concerning Nike, they said they will be going back to storytelling. I’m super excited about that because I feel that’s one of the things that lacked. Nike and Jordan Brand will always be the blueprint, but brands like Saucony, New Balance, Asics has me looking forward to how they will continue to elevate and be in the conversations among sneakerheads.”
“I’m most looking forward to how the new generation will take to the onslaught of Jordan Brand retros coming during this big anniversary year. I think there’s an opportunity for a new generation of sneakerheads to be birthed from the old love that their parents were raised on.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing if the running category can continue to be red hot, and whether or not Nike can correct their trajectory with some impressive new product — not retros. [Nike CEO] Elliott Hill’s new regime will be bountiful, but I’m excited to see how quickly the tides can change by like Q2 2025.”
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
