Our Favorite 5 Sneakers of the Year | The Complex Sneakers Podcast

The Complex Sneakers Podcast is co-hosted by Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty. This week, the trio reflects on the year in sneaker releases and runs down their personal favorite sneakers of the year. They also spend some time discussing the consensus sneaker of the year picks from Complex and how that list is determined. From the Stray Rats x New Balance MT580 to Up There’s New Balance projects to the “Lost and Found” Air Jordan 1, these are their choice for best sneakers of the year.
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00:00 - 16:32: Intros, Getting in the Holiday Spirit, Adidas Samba Hype
16:33 - 26:00: Ebay Weekly Sneaker Giveaway. Top Non-Collab Sneaker, What’s on Feet?
26:01 - 40:05: CSP Favorite 5 Sneakers of the Year - #5
40:06 - 45:26: CSP Favorite 5 Sneakers of the Year - #4
45:27 - 51:16: CSP Favorite 5 Sneakers of the Year - #3
51:17 - 57:18: CSP Favorite 5 Sneakers of the Year - #2
57:19 -1:05:14: CSP Favorite 5 Sneakers of the Year - #1
1:05:15 - 1:14:11: Honorary Mentions, Worst Sneakers of the Year, Tribute to Edwin “Eddy” Ortiz
SOLE COLLECTOR APP SKU'S:
Levi's x New Balance 992 "Grey Denim" (eBay giveaway): m992lv
Air Jordan 1 High "Lost & Found": dz5485 612
Adidas Samba: b75806
L'art de L'automobile x Salomon ACS Pro Advanced "Green/Red": L41717300
Stray Rats x New Balance MT580 "Tribute to 2007": mt580st2
Beams x Paperboy Paris x New Balance 920 "Ice boy": m920ppb
Commes Des Garçons x Nike Air Sunder Max: do8095 101
LQQK Studios x Reebok Classic Leather: gy7109
Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low "Triple Black": 1a9v black low
Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low "White/Gym Green": 1a9v white green |
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COMPLEX is a community of creators and curators, armed with the Internet, committed to surfacing and sharing the voices and conversations that define our new America. Our videos exemplify convergence culture, exploring topics that include music, sneakers, style, sports, and pop culture through original shows and Complex News segments. Featuring your favorite celebrities, authoritative commentary, and a unique voice, our videos make culture pop.

[@Complex]

What’s your favorite sneaker of the year?

[@carloV1nci]

A MA MANIERE 4s

[@Gg-ij7li]

Jesus loves you all! Remember that He died and rose up again for you to be in heaven with Him! Believe on His name and repent of your sins and be saved! Have an amazing day ❤️😊

[@217supermoto]

Those cement 3’s that haven’t dropped yet lol

[@austinfair2258]

L&F

[@paulamapp-misscncpts4884]

Cncpts Heavy

[@jonathanlu813]

I usually listen to the podcast in the car, and sometimes my 6-year-old would be in the car while I play it, but I never knew she was listening. Today I played this episode on TV, and she came and went “Is this the complex sneaker podcast?” I went “yeah” and then she went “Which one is Welty?” 😂 Welty you just got a 6 year old fan!

[@jonathanlu813]

Okay now she’s doing complex sneakers podcast trivia to me: “Who’s the one on the left?” “Who’s the one went to Miami for the exhibition?” “Who’s the one always says you’re listening you’re watching the complex sneakers podcast?” 🤦‍♂️

[@relentlesseducator]

Kids hear and see EVERYTHING

[@ignignokt-6050]

starting them young i see. kudos! May god have mercy on your bank account in ten years good sir.

[@jamesk9174]

I was hit by a car and injured badly, so I have been laid up for almost 6 months, this podcast and FSR have been a source of joy and stimulation for me. Thanks y'all. (Now go harder on botters and scalpers)

[@brendandunnecomplex]

I do this for my fellow people who got hit by a car six months ago.

[@DR.DisInfect]

Lol

[@boptalks]

I agree w Welty… prolly 10 better new balances this year than the stray rats.

[@TheAxis1275]

What a wholesome show. Love the energy on stage and watching JLP and Brendan’s face react to whatever craziness Welty is saying haha Love you guys! Keep making content

[@christopherbrown9573]

17:08 Welty: “These ones, very rare…” JLP: (skeptically) “Are they…?” Welty and Brendan proceed to pile on just how rare they are. Lol - love these exchanges. Reminds me of moments between me and my friends, and is a perfect example of why this pod is so good. ❤

[@TheDoknoh]

Rest In Peace, Eddy. Thank you for dedicating that time to him, gentlemen.

[@magnussmith9733]

Welty always has the best opinions no matter how hard Dunn and Joe tries to make him sound insane

[@iWasBetterOffDead]

RIP Eddie, nice story Welty you made a grown man cry and feel like I knew em..thanks for all that you guys do. Blessings to you all ❤️‍🔥🙏🏼

[@6lakGesus]

I can't binge any episodes because I haven't missed any😮‍💨

[@chrisscanlan8819]

Welty trying to tell Dunne what can be on his personal top 5 is wild

[@DanielGarcia-pg8tn]

thought it was just me.

[@ashwindesai7021]

I couldn’t stop laughing when Brendan mentioned the method to shorten the samba tongue cause that was literally the first thing I did once my pair came in. Love them

[@venkymarg]

my most heard & favorite podcast of the year. thank you guys for curating the best sneaker podcast. i wouldn't know anything about the culture if it wasn't for your detailed insights and discussions.

[@TyCoreas]

JLP is too funny, dude is the real reason why you gotta watch over listening 😭

[@rozcokicks]

JLP’s “AB-SO--LUTELY” was legendary 😂 20:10

[@Mr.PaulyP]

YES. COME TO AUSTRALIA! WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU ALL.

[@jben11]

Matt Welty claims to not be a gatekeeper while gatekeeping like it's nothing 🤣 "objectively better" Keep up the good work boys!

[@peterrossini6345]

The fact they don’t know Christmas vacation is wild

[@mindoffashion6550]

Jlp with who's kirby?

[@jonnymids]

🚩

[@marcuswright4787]

It’s INSANE

[@christopherbrown9573]

Lol - classic moment. Brendan tried to redeem with the movie metaphor on the Sambas and Welty wasn’t having it. 🤣

[@drparham]

Jlp always been a lame

[@Papa_O.A.M]

What a Year! Thanks to all 3 of you for a great learning experience and growing experience for me. I cant get enough of this show, and all the others that you all do. I'll be patiently waiting for this to start back up again next year and cant wait to see what comes with it... Great job to all 3 of you and Happy/Safe Holidays!

[@michaelcarrig627]

Beams x Paperboy 920s, Bodega 9060s, all the JFGs and other 990v3s are better than that Stray Rats shoe.

[@ericlonzo2247]

I enjoy the knowledge and information this group provides. And on there individual or separate shows.

[@ryanmart4525]

New balance absolutely killed it this year

[@JHillNC]

Happy New Year Matt, Joe and Brendan. Thanks for a great podcast. I always have to watch the video version on YT over the audio-only version. Looking forward to new episodes in 2023.

[@pinkyy1989]

i agree with welty, mt580 stray rats isn’t even a top 10 new balance of the year.. i can name 10 nb’s easily that were better

[@miggles4406]

Shout out to Welty from Melbourne, Australia!

[@metronome4152]

Happy to see Dunne’s Australian accent make an appearance.

[@mariorodriguez9924]

One of the beat shows of the year. Thanks for a year of great content. By the way I like Welty list the best. Reason why list reachable if you really want.

[@meeksshoes8621]

The subtle “that’s cap” that Joe said in response to Matt not hating on shoes this year 🤣

[@enzojesse7607]

JORDAN 1S LOST IN FOUND 💯🔥, HAPPY HOLIDAYS GUYS SORRY FOR YOUR LOST GUYS,GOD 🙏 YOU GUYS AND LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU GUYS NEXT YEAR 2023🙏🙏

[@supreme1cam]

Great season. Y’all stay keeping me entertained especially when I won the Brooklyn off white AF1s😂

[@gabrielorsini9722]

JUST LOVE NB BODEGA 9060😍😍😍

[@richlavigne1505]

New listener, first time commenter… love this episode. Love the banter and love the memories of your friend at the end.

[@macgwrvlog]

This is the best vlog I have seen you put out yet! I love getting to know everyone! Tom sachs gps shoe of the year for me! Having the gps drop in kohl’s was sneaker moment of the year

[@downtownmb26]

I wish Welty would tell me what my personal favorites are.

[@thomasharper2931]

best episode ever, love seeing yalls picks

[@tedztlee]

brendan with the bar 54:34 i have more nike sneakers than you 😂

[@hoebangin1]

Wanted to say sorry for your loss!!!! Sounds like a amazing family member!!! But I wanted to say, I appreciate everyone on screen and behind the screen. I love shoes, don't have alot. But you guys inspire me to think out side the box. I honestly think the shoe game has grown so much because of the team at complex!!! Much love from Ohio!!! Shout out to Dad !!! Would of loved to see you one here!!! Till the next episode guys !!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@ManCave1972]

Great episode and a great finale for the year. We can all agree it was the year of New Balance, I grabbed a pair of the NB 2002R in the Marblehead colour and they are such a great shoe. Merry Christmas everyone 🎄

[@on10toes]

From GRs to collabs 2002rs had the best year out of any silhouette.

[@justinortiz8838]

So I was just listening to the pod on Spotify. Had to switch to the video as soon as I got to 54:33 LOL truly a goated response

[@aCrowsfeet]

The 2002r protection pack .. the pink and artic grey purple are my favorite GR pairs for the year

[@whotfislei]

I came back from watching the Sneaker of the Year video and honestly, their personal top 5 are better than the complex top 10.

[@benschwartz7447]

These episodes with intense debate are the best!

[@vincenttyler4667]

Joe I totally agree.I was hating on the lost and found and when you compare it to the other versions they are like the best combination of the OG with the storytelling

[@Frankthecollextor]

Nah joe la budden looking ahh boi 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 , great episode as always 🙏🏽🔥

[@jaykim223]

thanks for this year, guys!

[@joelthomas4255]

Worst take dunne not knowing they were talking about JFG new balances

[@ronniemanning1157]

best podcast period. going to miss it during the break. 3 goats

[@turradi1126]

Merry Christmas guys. Wishing you all the best!

[@The1SwagDad]

Great episode! I really enjoy hearing all of your opinions on your year in review. My questions for your guys: In the upcoming year of 23 will we see New Balance keep bring the heat and really start to challenge Nike/Jordan for the Top Spot in a year they should dominate? Happy holiday fellas and thanks for bringing great information and entertainment throughout the year!

[@bundzofsteel4152]

Proud to be that guy that loves both the Travis Scott collabs and recent Samba collabs (Jonah Hill ones are amazing)

[@itsjeveryday]

I dont think the SOTY can be something SO limited. I haven't seen a single non-celeb wearing OW x LV - AF1. The shoe is great. Virgil is great, but I think this is forced to honor Virgil. The shoe is not SOTY. It came and went and nobody is talking about it anymore.

[@angelovigil18]

This boy joe got Victor Sweets fit at the end of ‘Four Brothers’ when he fights Bobby on the ice

[@radeczek8272]

Merry Christmas to Complex&whole FSRmy from Poland 🇵🇱👍💪🔥

[@radeczek8272]

Should I give my adress,or what?Im suprised🤯😁

[@BBR_Jeen]

This is way better than the actual complex SOTY panel

[@kuzmanator]

Welty referencing the Nintendo 64 kids when Joe announced his #1.. now you can know one of those kids watches all the complex sneakers content. I’d definitely recreate the reaction if I got a pair too.. Shoutout 🎅🏼🎁

[@671oneblood]

Brendan! How dare you say you've never seen Christmas Vacation! 🤦🏽‍♂️😂

[@emoba_8381]

Welty just named my favourite GRs of the year in order

[@kyleelliott512]

Sorry for your guys loss. Going to miss the show, happy holidays!

[@benjimarshallbra]

Zion Jordan one is a elite sneaker. Materials different and theme are really good.

[@itsjeveryday]

I think the SOTY should be the CNCPTS x Air Max 1 "Heavy" It was back in March and by now we've all forgotten the massive play that shoe got. The design is amazing. The quality is amazing. The release reached the PEOPLE. It was one of the best community moments in sneakers this year. It's not even my favorite. I dont even have them. I just feel based on observation of impact, that one did its thing and checks all the boxes.

[@senorfish2503]

jlp looking like he been up for 48 hrs straight! Get some sleep son

[@TundeEszlari]

Perfect content.

[@BAP32]

My sister recently got those white and red kith sambas that released over the summer. those were pretty clean tbh

[@snailcage]

I want a full 15 minute UFC segment at the beginning of every episode with an angle of Dunne in the corner the whole time.

[@damienb3162]

You lads need to come to Melbourne, Australia. Home of Upthere store and other great sneaker stores. Organise it! A live podcast somewhere, would be awesome.

[@marios23apoel]

Totally with Joe and Brendan on the Stray Rats 580 but i prefer the other cw

[@nicknewman9926]

I got the supreme Nike shox in red and white and I love em

[@kushsauce1406]

Joe will rock a white beanie and hoodie combo, but scoff at pair of white kicks🤣

[@michaelallison1757]

I caught the black on black 3m human race sambas at an outlet…. Fire!!!

[@Aiyukkkkenn]

The samba is popular rn because it’s soccer (football) season rn and I always see players wear fresh sambas. Factor in the World Cup and you have a reason why they’re sold out

[@TheSnkrPimp]

The Samba will always be more popular at the same time as a World Cup ⚽️

[@tiffanygirado-kelley115]

Cooked shoes are sentimental shoes, and I keep my sons Nikes💙 he’s 4 and would love to get him basketball shoes next, but kids shoes are a different world 🗺️

[@tumbus9117]

Lol I work in sneakers and I was the only person at my workplace who knew what the scarab TNs were, had to grab a pair I'm likely to double up while they're so cheap

[@frankbombaci4977]

I like the CPFM sorry but if they are gonna talk about “neck breakers” - also idk if I’m going to do it but I saw someone cut them and they look pretty dope trimmed

[@cuel5427]

@Complex where can we submit questions for a chance for these great gentlemen to answer ?

[@mindoffashion6550]

Shout out Welty for not being afraid to say Merry Christmas.

[@jamesburows4199]

The disrespect from them not knowing national lampoons

[@jay5ive883]

For me will be Jordan 2 my favorite J’s have to go with lost an found 1’s never had a pair of 1’s an I hit 💯

[@Afropickn]

Brendan Dunne should get worst take for forgetting who JFG is 😂

[@_KMAC_]

Surprised no one had the Nike Air Force 1 Low Green Brooklyn pair. Also, think the Zion's should've at least got an honorable mention. Joe had the best top 5 list. Pretty similar to mines.

[@Benny905]

is it possible to just turn on youtube notifications on for the podcast itself?

[@evinsims5869]

Great show! I agree with Matt on the Stray Rats. That color way and model of NB isn't top tier. When we are talking about sneakers of the year; colorway, history(certain shoes), popularity, and sales should be the criteria. Most people will leave the stray rats on shelves, just not a easy or likeable shoe.

[@lachooo4883]

Nice vid

[@jakob3812]

Lets make the Christmas Special happen pls!!!

[@victorb2989]

We need a Bad Bunny Samba 🎉 You heard it here First 🎉😂😂

[@JoshHoodSucks]

You could do an ad with kids trying to catch a glimpse of Santa and he's stuck in the chimney with the lost and founds on holding him up with his bag over his shoulder

[@Bisisiwe056]

What do yall think about the jaden smith new balance

[@ObeeyDanny1]

@JLP Forzen Lake from Bath and body works is the best smelling candle

[@bobschweichesterengen]

Lost and foundz of course

[@karenk3458]

If I could LV those LV AF1s it would be black Joe is right best one. NB 9060 for me Bodega and JFG Chicago exclusive babyshower

[@GeekyGalore]

I agree with Matt, I love stray rats but there were 10 NB shoes that were better this year

[@dfrnt_hues]

New Balance has grown on me. I have 2 pairs but I think it’s crazy that folks pretend all they don’t look the same. NB has like 4 silhouettes folks into sneakers are buying but it’s technically 70 because if all the little 👌🏾 tweaks

[@milkydud]

Q: What brand Eva cushion system for you guys prefer? Me ... Adidas boost is comfy and responsive like firm reebok classics.

[@walterroux291]

What's with the red square flash @32:23 ?? I had to playback on 0.25 speed to see if you guys were trying subliminally messaging.

[@jakefoden3036]

The world cup definitely helped the samba risen

[@kevincollins8620]

56:54 Shots fired

[@realessayog6947]

This year in sneakers was wack.

[@vincenttyler4667]

Fire 🔥 red Aj3

[@g_holter_1052]

Voodoo Jordan 1 lows being one of the worst of the year? No shottttt. Those are one of my favorite Jordan's this year. Big Travis vibes and the color blocking is really nice

[@bananaclipper7692]

Gino Iannucci had a Samba pro model just come out as well