So I had my arm twisted by my cousin to highlight the top 5 sneaker releases of 2008.  Selecting just 5 is a tough feat as I love a lot of sneakers in all sizes and shape.  In no particular order, below are my top 5 favorite releases for 2008.  Longtime Killahbeez readers will notice that I’ve expanded beyond the almighty Air Max 90.  Here goes…

In 2008 (and 07 too), Uptowns were being pushed out by Nike like hot cakes.  I’ve gave mention to pairs in canvas and Air Max inspired Uptowns.  But if I had to pick one pair that I’d rock in almost any season, it would be the Nike Air Force 1 “WP”.  Aside from the waterproofing feature, I just love the colorway combination of olive khaki, light brown and white.  Nowadays with my means of travel being my two feet, i walk a lot.  My interest was heightened with news that the “.44 Sticky Rubber” means I’ll decrease my chances of falling on my ass during inclement weather.

I first spotted the In4mation x Vans Half Cab on the Off The Wall Site Forum around summer time.  I mean just look at them.  Mate the most comfortable pair of Vans and add denim, gum houndstooth lining and laces.  Vans have broke my wallet on several occasions this year and these will be another reason why it’s still rather light these days.

My very first pair of ALIFE “Everybody” mids were courtesy of Dave.  I gave him the heads up that Wu Tang was doing a collabo tee and sneaker with this brand called ALIFE.  His nerd juices were overflowing with joy that he made haste and copped 2 pairs and 2 shirts.  Two years later, ALIFE is still making classy sneakers.  Although, there are more silhouettes to gawk at while paying a visit to Rivington Club or ALIFE NYC next door, the Everybody Mid still remains my all time favorite.  Just take a look at the tweed mids below.

Last winter, Y-3 opened its doors to its New York flagship shop.  To commemorate this moment, 50 pairs of the below denim meets leather high tops were sold.  $500 dollars may sound hard to swallow.  But at an extremely small run for such a graceful pair of footwear, it would’ve been “nice to met them” and copped them in a heartbeat.  On a side note, Y-3 shoes are extremely comfortable.  Don’t let the sole fool you.

Another big theme for the past few years with Nike were hybrids.  Remember the One Time Only’s circa September 2006?  Which then became two time only’s only to continue due to the popularity of mating the 360 sole with previous Air Maxes.  Years down the road, Nike killed it with hybrid this and fusion that.  Some were hits while others were complete misses. The below Nike Free Boot is part ACG Mowabb, looks to be part Considered, but definitely a hit in my book.

For those wondering where’s the love for the AM90’s??? I’ve actually considered putting up the History of Air AM90s, but do I really need to spotlight a shoe thats been retroed several times now? It’s in its own category of classic.  The above 5 are my tried and true pairs (in one way or another) for 2008.  Feel free to comment with your own top 5.

Just yesterday a fellow sneaker head and I were discussing how much we love black/grey/yellow as a colorway combination.  In her case, she gave mention to a pair of Nike SB’s and a recent pair of Half Cab where the sneaker is mostly black with yellow perforated leather heel.  My personal favorites happen to be the Uptown Supremes in black/grey/zest and a pair of Air Max 360/95 hybrids.  These “Bumblebee” Air Force 180’s will have to be added to that list of favorite sneakers in black/grey/yellow.  The amount of varsity maize gives a good balance to the otherwise overwhelming black durabuck leather.  The satin tongue also adds a touch of class.  No word was given on a release date, but I’m glad the Air Force 180’s are once again retroed.

Image Source: Sneaker Freaker

I’m a sucker for 3m on sneakers.  I also love Air Jordan sneakers.  These AJ5 inspired Uptown lows please both palates without question.  Though wishful thinking had me pondering about 3m on the toe box and a silver swoosh with speckles of paint splash.  As of now, these are available at select Nike accounts e.g. A.R.C..  I’d imagine urban accounts like Shoe City, Sports Zone and Downtown Locker Room will be carrying them as well.  Make the leap for more pictures.

Image Source: Kix and the City

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Available at Atmos are these mesh, leather and suede mid top AF1’s.  The colorway makes me believe these Forces will be offered around the same time the Neon Air Trainer 1’s come out.  That is if they ever come out stateside.  Sans the AT1’s neon swoosh, laces and patent leather treatment, I’d like to believe both shoes will be part of a “Neon” pack.  Why oh why does Nike tease us with these international releases?

Image Source: High Snobiety via Atmos