7 HOTTEST SNEAKERS IN 2024

When art, music, and sport join forces, the result is a cultural explosion you can’t look away from. This year, we’ve seen stars breaking boundaries, not just in the studio or on the field but also in the sneaker game.

 

It’s been a year of heat for sneakerheads, with some of the dopest sneaker brands coming through with designs that hit differently. These sneakers tell stories rooted in culture, identity, and the streets they were born from.

 Our choices? They’re not just hype; they’re the brands you need to know, the ones too fresh to be ignored, and the ones that make a statement on the African scene.

And here’s the catch: These designers aren’t just riding the wave—they are the wave. From the basketball courts to the concert hall, these collaborations are blurring the lines between sport, fashion, and music, pushing boundaries and proving that style is just as important as skill in this game. 

Here are the hottest sneakers in 2024:

 

Adidas LT Sambas 

There’s just something about the Adidas Sambas that keeps people coming back. It all started last spring when Adidas joined forces with London’s Wales Bonner to drop those iconic foldover Sambas that had the sneaker world in a chokehold.

These kicks were so hot that they flew off the shelves, and now, you’ll only find them on resale sites if you’re lucky. A few collections have passed since then, but the hype is still real. If you missed out on those WB Sambas, Adidas has your back— they’ve made the silhouette a permanent fixture. And trust me, the Adidas Sambas LT is still one of the hardest sneakers out here in 2024.

 

Giannis Freak 6

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek-Nigerian powerhouse, came through heavy in June with the Freak 6, a sneaker designed to match his sheer dominance on the court.

This isn’t your average shoe—it’s made for athletes chasing greatness. With a forefoot Air Zoom unit, next-level Cushlon 2.0 foam, and that new Freakprint outsole gripping the floor like no other, the Freak 6 is built for explosive play. 

The mono mesh upper keeps things light, and the TPU midsole is all about unlocking that power in every move.

But here’s where it gets personal: the Naija colorway pays tribute to his Nigerian heritage, and the Roses edition honors his late father. It’s not just a sneaker; it’s a cultural statement.

 

For me, kicks like these hit differently. They carry that cross-continental blend, fusing cultures and values into something special. That’s why the Freak 6 is hands down one of the hardest sneakers to hit the streets this year.

 

Bad Bunny x Adidas – Indoor Gazelle

Bad Bunny is keeping things cool and laid-back with his latest collab with Adidas. The Indoor Gazelle sneakers go for that low-key vibe, showing that sometimes, simple is better.

 We’re still waiting for his ballerina sneakers to drop, but for now, these timeless kicks are already making waves.

 

Jordan x Nina Chanel – Green Air Jordan

Nina Chanel Abney’s collab with Jordan is all about low-key creativity. Her green Jordans catch your eye right away, but it’s the little details that shine once you take a closer look. The American contemporary artist put her spin on the Jordan 3 with fuzzy branding and a cool mix of materials—textured suede paired with rugged canvas. And just to spice things up, there’s a pop of orange that ties it all together perfectly.

 

Davido x PUMA 

A few weeks back, Davido dropped his first-ever sneaker collab with PUMA, and the question is: should this even make the list? Nah, not yet! Why? It’s still fresh on the market and hasn’t gone through the gauntlet of critics, sneakerheads, and time to test its durability, style, and overall impact. You can’t compare it to brands that have been through it all and still hold the crown.

But here’s the twist—Davido’s sneaker is like a hit song that doesn’t need validation to pop. Even though other brands dropped their hits earlier, a new banger always finds its way to shine. The sky is big enough for everyone to win. For me, this collab is a big win for the Nigerian fashion scene, showing that Naija’s creative spirit is taking over the globe, just like Afrobeats has.

Skepta X PUMA

 

One thing about Skepta and PUMA is when, they link, the result brings about a boundary-breaking style to a whole new terrain. The Skope Forever Mid sneaker leads the charge, a throwback from the early 2000s that’s ruggedly put in place for today. With a durable leather upper, rope laces, and reinforced stays, it’s built tough yet tailored for city life — Skepta’s stamp of style meeting PUMA’s sports heritage.

The collection dives deeper with outerwear designed to battle the elements. Pertex-equipped puffers and textured 3D-Knitted Scuba Longsleeves blend warmth with Skepta’s love for tactile detail, turning each piece into a fashion statement ready for the wild. And it’s all topped off with accessories like the Grip Bag, 5-Panel Cap, and Boonie Hat, making sure you’re geared for adventure without missing a beat in style.

To me, this drop goes beyond mere apparel. It’s Skepta’s vision of streetwear pushing limits, merging style with function against rugged landscapes. The collection hits PUMA and select retailers, primed for those who live and breathe this balance of bold fashion and pure performance.

 

New Balance 9060

The New Balance 9060 didn’t hold back when it came to our cushioning.

With some of the thickest padding we’ve ever seen, this sneaker stands out as the ultimate chunky shoe in the game and one of the hottest in 2024.

The midsole was a special kind of magic—it had that soft cloud-like feel, but still resisted twisting like a champ.

The numbers don’t lie. According to RunRepeat, the sneaker clocked in at NB 9060 at 37.3 mm thick in the heel and 26.0 mm in the forefoot. That’s a massive jump from the average sneaker thickness of 31.3 mm and 20.0 mm, respectively. 

The report further revealed that the shoes were put through the wringer, manually twisting and bending them in the lab to test their toughness. 

The result? A well-earned 4 out of 5 for torsional rigidity. But don’t get it twisted (literally), even with that kind of resilience, the comfort was next-level. It concluded that the durometer gave the softness a score of 19.4, a huge leap from the usual 30.9 average.

Without any doubt, It’s clear that 2024 has been a defining year for sneaker culture. 

The blend of fashion, art, and sport continues to grow, with each release showcasing innovation, creativity, and cultural significance. 

Whether you’re a die-hard sneakerhead or just someone looking to make a tell your presence with your footwear, these designs should be in your wardrobe this year!