Ranking the Best Sneakers of 2023 So Far | The Complex Sneakers Podcast

[@Complex]

What do you think is the best sneaker of 2023 so far?

[@BobbyShneaker]

Agree to disagree with olive..but makes sense that is why I reached back for Phantom 1 AND passed on 0live

[@Boredbutnotreally]

I’m sad no mentions of a “just missed the list” list. Mizuno Sky Medal Ceizer were cool. Maybe a Welty shoe.

[@adamneustaedter4666]

Baklava

[@perc9-4]

On court the ja1 off court a ma mairere 12s

[@alexruiz6595]

green stripe 8th St Samba - only one on the list that is a proper 3 way collab, had a pre order component which Brendan said people ask for every release, 2023 is year / return of the samba, and this will go down as a classic and look better over time. #10 is crazy

[@FiscalJackHmmr]

Normally I am a watcher/listener at 1.5 speed. But for this episode I'm watching normal and the boys all sound absolutely hammered

[@supwithit]

I'm taking your advice to listen in that speed. Can't thank you enough.

[@blackguysleepy]

😂! I been on that speed!

[@eric36518708]

Man I didn’t know people did that 😂😂😂 I’m doing it at 1.25 lol

[@PaladioBlaze]

Genius lol

[@imMATTure]

😂 If you wanna be laughing even harder, watch the Rich the Kid FSR episode at 2x 💀

[@kyleelliott512]

Such a fun episode, love the banter and giving Welty a hard time about him being right 17% of the time on 'big (insert name) shoe' lol

[@oggaspack7971]

What makes a podcast good is if they can talk about anything. I would listen to these 3 just go over the daily news and give their opinions. Love this show!

[@SliddyXD]

My personal top 3 1. Jordan 3 Reimagined ( as a 90s kid my dad raised me on baby jordans and he has an OG pair of cement 3s when i was younger and to be able to purchase myself and him a new pair was awesome!) 2. Jordan 4 SB's ( not a skater by any means but the fact that the shape and materials were changed means i can finally wear a Jordan 4 and it actually feel comfortable, I love these) 3. Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 ( what else can I say, theyre beautiful)

[@nniivekkappo7544]

hey man did you go true to size for jordan 4s? they said j4s are uncomfy and you should up half a size up especially if you are slightly wide footed

[@leep_uq]

@@nniivekkappo7544 that's correct, for the Nike SB Jordan 4's Pine Green, when I went true to size, it was a little bit snug to my liking, so I say go up half a size.

[@sporfrog1]

I mean...you're not wrong.

[@dannya8300]

Overall this is a pretty solid list, I get why all of these were chosen. That said, here were a couple of pairs that I personally loved and wish they got a spot: 1. Adidas Mr. Bailey Ozmorphis - one of the coolest new shoes out there but I feel like it came and went real fast. Honestly nothing looks quite like it, and they're pretty comfy. 2. Air max '86 Big Bubble - the return of the 4 bubble air unit was big, in the OG colorway, and was reasonably accessible to buy. 3. Asics Gel-1130/Gel Kayano 14, maybe the Kith or HAL studios pairs. Not so much for their individual hype, but more to reflect the silver runner trend that's also found in the P-6000 and 1906R

[@sporfrog1]

That's fair!

[@lowkeybredhead8083]

1. Wc3s 2. Baklava 990 lapis lazuli 3. Corteiz am95 4. Born x raised dunk (RIP) 5. Kith 993 spring 101 6. Nike sb 4s 7. Jarritos dunk 8. Stone island 576 legacy 9. Hal studios asics gel 1130 10. Jae tips Saucony

[@podpiper002]

I agree with this list 💯 I feel like this year; unlike previous years where Nike bombarded us with random AJ1's and collabs, has allowed spotlight for some really great and unique releases to shine.

[@jerrickwright5879]

Thank you Brendan Dunne for your WC3 take. I had the exact same sentiments!

[@spaceman.nasa9484]

Skating is the biggest influence in fashion today, proven with the #1 spot on this list 🙏🏻

[@boptalks]

Black white gum orange label sb dunks w white laces, sneaker of the year. Accessible and clean.

[@armando1611]

I’ve never owned a pair of Jordans and kind of feel like I could never own/wear Jordans but those sb 4s are so tempting

[@dylanpulver2444]

Welty’s White Cement AJ3 comments resonated with me. Classics for sure, but not the most remarkable sneaker to wear. Also, my personal five favorites thus far (no order): Corteiz AM95 (all colors) Bagel Dunk Silver/Bronze and Spruce/Maroon Air Humaras White/Grey Air Ship and despite my comment above, White Cement AJ3

[@whaiyun]

Can't be mad at this list (for once), it's a solid list

[@BADMANJIG]

Wealty is spot on with the Tiffany AF1. Had they released as the “official” follow up to the og tiffany dunks soon after or even make an official dunk model with Tiffany would have been much better. Back then brand collabs had more pull.

[@kay_jay_em]

Old Bay x Goldfish: Best collab of 2023 so far

[@chrisasuncion2992]

This is a great list, I feel the same way about the WC3 (Thank you BD for that take) a shoe that was always on my list but couldn't afford and now its very attainable, CLASSIC! I'm curious to see how the second half will look like. Very excited to see how this list will change and what it will look like come December!

[@92tasham]

These guys definitely know they can talk and extend content

[@_Daim_]

Top 5 (so far this year): 1) AJ3 WC3 Reimagined 2) Asics X HAL 1130 3) Adidas X KITH Samba 4) NB X AB 990v6 5) NB X FLW 998 I dont think I can list 10 sneakers from this year yet since some sneakers in the 2nd half of the year are looking to take spots and even shuffle this around. Honerable mention to the Big Bubble AM1, love the shoe but it just didnt make the cut for me.

[@Chief1887]

Not mad at this list at all… y’all got #1 & #2 right no matter what anybody says!!! 👏🏽

[@casekicks1]

Y'all should do a show where you bring in your Top 20 shoes that you're donating/getting rid of..Just so the viewers can see some of you guys' rotations..

[@christopherbrown9573]

Probably one of the lists I’ve most agreed with over the last few years! SB Jordan 4 is definitely the best so far - hopefully SOTY at the end of the year. I agree with Dunne & Welty on the Tiffany, but that aside, I agree with so much of what was said here: just a great and fun year so far. New brands and models, and the SB 4 is near perfection. My only hot take on the year so far: Jarritos dunks are overrated! I don’t get the hype!

[@topnotch710]

I agree, the RTJ SBs are better than the jarritos to me

[@chrisgonzvlogz9952]

Honestly can’t even be mad at this list. It’s pretty spot on

[@Sneakahead555]

Kick game properrrrr ! Straight into it ! The black & pink is for sure the best pair Couldn’t wait for this one ! It’s been a great year Joe hit it on the money with NB conversation ! I like this list with the exception of the Tiffany’s, not a sneaker I care much for #2 is definitely in the right spot if not #1 Because the SB 4’s are beyond beautiful Great job guys ! Amazing episode !

[@rjayesperon2924]

Agreed on the Pine Green SB 4 being #1 so far. I don’t think the newer/younger crowd understands how great of a collab it is and you guys hit all the right arguments for it. Definitely think it’ll still be sneaker of the year at the end of 2023. I really wanna love and want the white cements but the quality control makes me so mad. Mismatched elephant print and that’s not even where the midsole gets yellowed if you really think about it. The Corteiz AM95 isn’t for me since Im not too big of AM’s but I appreciate the feeling it brought back. Absolutely do not like the colorway/blocking of that particular Travis 1. Not mad at all at the Tiffany AF1, not too sure why there’s so much hate lol Great, GREAT episode guys. Enjoyed listening to sneaker nerds talk about sneakers like this 🤓

[@richardmbradley4816]

Their GREATEST collective talk of ALL time, Serena 97 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽🔥🔥🔥

[@isaacbarnette7381]

Off season vlog should just be you guys sorting and going through your shoes all together.

[@on10toes]

I appreciate JLP being more comfortable lately. He usually gives corporate shrill vibes but that “be careful” line when Brendan was talking about white lines had me weak 🤣

[@BobbyShneaker]

This is a solid list...balance culture/history/hype. Don't agree 100%, you nailed it for gen pop

[@BobbyShneaker]

My first green Jordan lol

[@briannewson8395]

Superb explanation on the Jordan 3 Brendan!

[@tippylosojos]

I like the list besides the Tiffany AF1. One of my favorite releases of the year is the Adidas Superstar ‘Conchas’

[@AnthonyWilliams_83]

Nike x Jarriots SB Dunk and Jordan 4 SB are probably the 2 best sneakers so far. Personally I would put the LeBron 7 FAMU "green" up there too.

[@maricuchisdelafuente]

Are jordan 13 playoffs out of the loop 🔁 off great sneakers?

[@cwp716]

would love to see a GR list and a seperate collab list

[@mavydavisjr]

22:52 Perfect comedic timing by Welty

[@TheCNSR]

Should be 'Ranking Complex's Favourite Sneakers of the Year'*, because a lot of these are not top 10 material, it's like some are forced in for participation trophies 😅 the White Cement 3 should be 8th at highest. I don't have a top 10 myself because I'm semi-retired from new stuff 😅 Separately, AJ4's aren't an actual skate shoe, so the SB logo on the back doesn't make it any more of a shoe for skaters than the Navy Cement 4's.

[@apcaw]

Always entertaining watching this show. ❤ Love that the Jordan 3 reimagined and J4 SB are the top 2.

[@killuminativ0118]

Nice list but with dunne’s story about the 3, I 110% agree. That being said I think the 3’s should be number 1. The sb 4’s at 2nd. The 3’s are a special (most comfortable) iconic shoe. Especially with the white cement Nike air heel. Quality control issues aside.

[@seanzooky]

Could be recency bias, but I think the Mac Attack deserves a spot. I would rework the list slightly, but honestly not a lot of misfires here. How I’d rank them: 1. Jordan 4 SB 2. Saucony Grid Azura Jae Tips 3. New Balance 990v6 Action Bronson 4. Jordan 3 White Cement Reimagined 5. Nike Air Max 95 Cortiez 6. Nike SB Dunk Low Jarritos 7. Nike Air Force 1 Tiffany 8. Adidas Samba Kith/Clarks 9. Nike Vomero 5 Doernbecher 10. Nike Mac Attack Yep, took the Travis Scott’s off. Fight me

[@TheMancunianCandidate]

Top 3 is right on the money, Action Bronson NB's #4. WC3s were my most wanted shoe of the year, can't complain I got x2 pairs but missed out on the SB4s and I'm still bitter about it.

[@kennethclarke6106]

i think the air ship deserved a spot,,, regardless of CW, either the everygames, tech grey or sylvester collab,,, they have been killing it with those

[@sporfrog1]

Agree on the Every Game's. That shoe is so underrated.

[@ryanmart4525]

Corteiz 95s are my favorite so far I had to grab all 3. Also both action Bronsons shoes. Somehow hit on NB this morning 😊

[@boptalks]

How’d you hit ? What was your what time?

[@lushawn5948]

1st, agree with Joe that those Tiffany AF1s gotta be there at top 5; 2nd, the best Travis jordan clab this year is those black J1 lows with contrast stitchings.

[@BookerT69]

Used to rock the white/black burst in 08-09 think it had a little orange on the tongue. They ruled matched everything

[@michaelbacani7814]

Love the top 3. Thanks guys. Love the podcast. Keep up the great work.

[@Jabdimus]

Y'all leaking the info on Jae Tips Omni 9s was hilarious, can't wait to see what they look like 🤣🔥

[@dkuhn24]

excited for welty to try this dip dye and bring em in. love the pod, but cool to do something a little different.

[@chandlerdoerr6493]

Do we think hype collabs like the Nike x Supreme “Rammellzee” will rank higher than sneakers with those unique beginnings like Corteiz, Action Bronson or Jae Tips by the end of year discussion?

[@jialian93]

Im surprised you said people didnt go for the jarritos. They were SUPER SUPER hard to get. The resale is high too

[@sporfrog1]

Agreed. The shoe is so fire. That said. I'm getting close to breaking down and paying the tax. Must have for this year.

[@maricuchisdelafuente]

1 Vergil paris Af1 2 Jordan sb 4s 3 addidas og samba 4 saucony Jae tips 5 macattack gray color 6 wolf gray 🐺 350 and 500 Yeezy 7 the run the jewels dunk 8 air max big bubble red 9 Nike air foamposites pe 😊 10 Jordan 13 playoffs . ❤

[@roywarrenjr3873]

Mac attack are trash 🗑️😂😂

[@hectormarquezjr18]

15:54 Brendan got that “AIR DUNNE” touch by Virgil on those 97s?!

[@willworkfortatts]

The Jae Tips Saucony's are my favorite kicks I've owned in a minnnnnute. They look amazing and are insanely comfortable.

[@PankeXavier]

Yalls list isn't my list but I do like and respect it. (I dont feel like everyone's list should be the same anyway). My current top 10 is: 1. Jordan 4 x Nike SB Pine Green 2. Lacoste L003 Neo Trainers ‘White/Black’ 3. AJ1 Low OG x Travis Scott 'Olive' 4. AJ1 Zoom CMFT 2.0 Teyana Taylor ‘A Rose From Harlem’ 5. Spider-Man Next Chapter 6. AJ1 OG Low Year of the Rabbit 7. Jordan 3 White Cement Reimagined 8. ALD x NB 860V2 ‘Green’ 9. NB x ALD 1906R Jade 10. New Balance 990v6 MiUSA Action Bronson Lapis Lazuli

[@SirCharlesBX]

This list is solid

[@anthonynguyen6057]

Is there a way to buy the inter Milan 97 in the United States?

[@remymartin2948]

Great list, I personally would've had Jarrito's higher than the Tiffany Af1, but that's all about personal preference. Bravo!

[@nathanmonsefan4708]

These go great with the Bass pro shop shirt you just dropped.

[@dustinwhiles8428]

So happy u guys put the white cement 3s over the Travis Scott 1Lows

[@aiiightcoolsafe]

Just trying to imagine the Complexcon panel of Jim Jones, Jadakiss etc discussing those NBs and Sauconys haha.

[@ayekaloji]

very cool to see more variety on this year’s list (thus far) 🤌🤌!! [thought the Saucony and the Bronson’s shoulda been way higher up.]

[@codyddd3634]

saying "if you put out a terrible coloway it wont make the list" after putting those sauconys and nb on the list is hilarous

[@PLC11]

I’m trying to get into sneakers more but the biggest thing that keeps me from becoming a “sneaker person” is that it always seems like it’s Nike and or Jordan’s and then “the rest” and I’m the type of person that prefers Adidas and Puma to Nike. I also don’t understand all the history, the connections of shoes, the reasons why some are popular or not, the cultural stuff etc. I would love to see an episode (unless there already is one) that is gear towards people who are getting into sneakers in 2023. What shoes, why those specific ones etc. at the end of the day I ask myself 2 questions when buying shoes. 1) does it look good to me? And 2) are they comfortable to wear?

[@Onairuk]

Buy what you personally like, and you can’t go wrong. I’m not into “must cops”, and every sneaker head needs, a specific shoe in his, or her collection. Cause it’s currently hyped, has history, or the brand has created a story/ gimmick to sell the shoe. Wearability, and comfort should be priority when buying sneakers. unless you’re a collector, that’s happy to have pairs sitting in boxes, and display cases.

[@manuelcoimbra6334]

Solid list!! Even tho we still want YOUR list! The JLP, Welty & Dunne Top10. We don't care bout anyone else. Travis 1 lows are just another color way so nothing exciting anymore. Tiffany 1s are uninspired. Put the HAL Studios Asics and the blue Air Ship Every Game on instead. Baklavas at 4!

[@JaimeErivez433]

Being a shoe head not drawn offsides with hype shoes I can agree with most of your list. Jae tips would have been lower on my list. I AM NOT a Travis Scott fan. I would have swamped for the Run the Jewels High. Would have squeezed in the New Balance Bricks and Wood 9060 Nothing changed but the address as well. Stopped wearing Jordan when Jordan stopped hopping the second time round. I will say the SB Pine Jordan is pretty nasty. I just would have as number one. I still think the Jae Tip is so smooth and such an under rated collabo.

[@AlejandroSaavedra-s2s]

Personally, I dont like the SBs 4 but the response behind it and all the effort, I get why it's number 1. I get the response thing behind the travis lows and the tiffany forces but I would personally move up the Action Bronson's over both of them. I like them better and I think the response was crazy over such a limited shoe. I am still mad that they sold out as I was checking out.

[@DavidChinh]

Jordan SB IV's. Special for me because I got EA on the re-release because I bought all green Ishod SB's the month before... I fully intend to rock 'em on my OneWheel.

[@davetaylor5926]

Welty brining out the top ten to free up some apartment space. 👏🏻

[@mattkaminski1832]

This list was better than the actual list

[@latneyblunk3643]

Ten, nine and eight were so bad I couldn't finish listening. Appreciate the content tho, nothing else like this to pass the time at work for a head like me.

[@F4GRAPHICS]

43:00 This is so true from Welty. It's the niche/obscure names and labels who are making by far the most interesting collabs rn. Some labels, like Supreme, like Travis, like Tiffany, get so big that to the consumer they almost start to seem as mainstream as the giant brand they're collabing with, which just doesn't feel as special or unique. In this way, I think Nike is a victim of its own success. It can't be alternative and counter-culture because it is the culture, and to me there's always something slightly disengenuous and forced anout some of Nike's attempts to break into this niche in the market, that is being so dominated by Asics, NB, Saucony etc.

[@rogermujica9400]

Welty, would you consider selling or donating any of those old shoes to an educator on the west coast?

[@sinethembagwebu1244]

Those blue Tns are nice😩

[@gg_2315]

Solid list not mad at it. But personally the Jarritos feels way to high I’d swap them with the Tiffany AF1

[@willcrawford8216]

I really hope the playoff 8s will make this years list

[@mattnking]

Great discussion as always. Definitely can appreciate the stories behind certain sneakers especially when the collaborators come on the show. That said, cant help but think the mention of homer-ism applies to those Saucony's. Those shoes are doo-doo and if that means I fronted, then so be it. Since Welty wants us to sub in our own list so he can argue, clap back and/or poo poo our own list, put the Air Max Big Bubble or the Bad Bunny x Adidas Campus or a pair of Salomons in there. Any of those would qualify as "having a moment " (to paraphrase Dunnes comments about Saucony) more then this shoe.

[@blaowskiton]

Those Jae Tip Saucony's I see more here in NYC then the Air Max 1 Big Bubble and the Bad Bunny Adidas. Salomon been hot since 2 years ago here in NYC, which is why I believe they did not make this list.

[@thebolgeez1981]

My favorite 3 this year from your list are... Action Bronson NB (Both)*Sneaker of the year imo... Sacouny J Tips Jordan 4s

[@adolfovillota7646]

22:50 Welty 😭😭🤣🤣🤣

[@Caponethadon5]

Man.... Literally praying🙏🏾 for a "life" problem like having too many shoes. Hardee's pay isn't cutting it & anxiety says "MFA, yo a$$ can't do $hit but stick with it" thinking bout boppin someone over the head and TAKING what I want. Seems like Trying to do right & being a decent human being is overrated 🤷🏽‍♂️ But ANOTHER dope episode from the Boyz💯

[@BaseMaryland]

I would put Bronson 990 v6 as number 1 but I’m not mad at the current number 1

[@davidarmstrong2469]

Great list!

[@carlosh2050]

Crazy Air Max 1 big bubble isn’t mentioned, also On deserves some mention too, they blew up so much this year. Slam Jam AF1 most underrated collab of the year easily

[@sjeverton]

Flop of a shoe

[@drewbarrett1802]

Agree with most of the comments and most of the list, but for me personally the J Tips shoe isn't that wearable. Fully appreciate the story etc, and also don't know what I would replace it with but it just doesn't belong on the list in my opinion. My White Cement 3s are fine QC wise, and as somebody who has REALLY wanted WV3s and 4s for years, I am overjoyed that I got a pair. It's a MUST double up, just like the L&F 1s. I'd say the Action 990 v6s are great, but personally prefer the other colorway just due to wearability. Don't thing the TS1 Lows deserve the 4 spot, and disagree with the Tiffany AF1s being so high, but I understand the ranks they received.

[@will088]

I agree with the list, aside the Tiffanys, I'd add the Sean wotherspoon Orketras, the pink colour way is fire

[@JoshKoby]

Love all three of you on the pod. Brendan, please stop cutting off Joe and Welty when they are about to start a new sentence or topic.

[@TheHilltopperNation]

I agree with Welty. This list having such commercial Nike Dunk/AF1 collabs so high on the list is kinda an insult to how good of a sneaker year this was

[@andymalcom7110]

top 3, no order: Vans x Alltimers Zahba, Vans x Mastermind Sk8-hi Bolt, Big Bubble Air Max 1

[@bryanbastias3891]

Really good list. I would put the Tiffany's like 6,7 or 8. And put the Baklavas at 5. I don't love the Olive Travis but they're nice and pretty fair at 4

[@anth2290]

The list is great actually and I love the Tiffany af1 but it is basic but I think that’s what is needs. The diamond dunk is obviously perfect but they can’t just re do that. I think the simplicity of the Tiffany just works for it. I’m not a 95 fan but I agree completely with those up there that shoe was big random splash much deserving

[@snkrsandbeats]

Personally; 1st: SB J4, 2nd: Air Max 1 '86 og, 3rd: J3 Reimagined (imho)

[@Bev-ish]

Honestly, so many sneakers get washed out doing the best sneaker podcasts at the half-year point. Even if it’s not an official list, it would be cool if y’all did a best sneakers pod every quarter as a supplementary pod.

[@caleb.horowitz]

22:53 this was so random coming from Welty 😂

[@dkuhn24]

the sound that joe makes at 1:07:15😭😂

[@peterrossini6345]

we need welty on what not ! the storage unit thing woukd be sick though

[@hman9488]

I reckon the born x raised should've been in here somewhere, even over the jarritos. Would've put yuto's at number 10 for a clean shoe as well.

[@p1trickcdn]

I had my 05' infrareds AM90 crumble on me at the office. I heard squeaking all day long and thought nothing of it. Until one of my coworkers mentioned by shoes looked funny on the heels. I had to tape them up so I could at least get to my car parked 15mins away. Once I got in, my carpet was a mess

[@chrisbolton3950]

🥱🥱🥱. July is my birthday month and Jordan brand has been disappointing me since the summer of 1999, when the black cement 3s dropped. I’ll just hold out for the low top 1’s at the end of the month 😢

[@Shoem999]

I agree with the top 2 (number 1 being the 4's SB). But I do miss the Yeezy foam RNR in the top 10. And I would put Jarrito's in the top 5 (potentially top 3).

[@DeezIlluminated]

Love the vid as always. I don’t love this pair. I think it’s a good pair, but I can’t see getting this and the Cherry 12. Maybe if you’re just getting into the game, or don’t have any 4’s.

[@jordanbranchflower5973]

I think the undefeated air forces with the slime green midsole should have made the list. Pretty sure those were released this year and I like them way more than the tiffanys. We don’t get a lot of patent leather sneakers nowadays, got me feelin like Pharrell

[@joshhutton9534]

Great shoe. Tough to put it on this list when it feels like it was a big miss with the sneaker culture as a whole.

[@jonathanmclean2928]

Solid top 3