Dopest Drops: Top 10 Nike Releases Of The Last Decade

There are a LOT of sneakerheads out there. Some of you have been around for a long time, but many of you are new to the sneaker game. Kicks like the Yeezy 2′s, “Galaxy” Foamposites, and the LeBron 9 “South Beach” have created a monster. Kaine and I are here to give you our favorite Nike shoes of the last few years,  because we love shoes just as much as you.

-Jake

Air Yeezy 1

Release Date: April 4^th, 2009

Colorways: Zen Grey/Light Charcoal & Black/Pink

This was the first time that we saw Kanye completely change the sneaker game. These limited releases started out at a mere $215.00,;but after the first release date, prices quickly soared over $1,000. If there are any ladies out there that would like to know the key to my heart, look at the Zen Grey/Charcoals….

-Kaine

Release Date (the day that shall live in infamy): June 9th, 2012

Colorway: Black/Solar Red + Wolf Grey/ Platinum

Do we really need to say anything about these kicks? Not only did they create the most hyped shoe release of all time, but they were designed by my favorite artist [ and probably one of yours too ], Kanye West. The faux snakeskin back and glow in the dark sole are two of the highlights here, showcasing Mr. West’s creativity at it’s finest.

-Jake

Nike Air Mag “McFly”

Release Date: Limited Auction September 8, 2011 for Michael J. Fox Foundation

Colorways: Ummm… I don’t know how to describe spacely colors? Just look

 

The “Back To The Future” crazy kicks came to fruition last fall. In a fundraiser for Michael J. Fox’s foundation for Parkinson’s research, bids started out at $0.99, but soon reach higher than $3,000. These joints come stocked with a rechargeable battery pack and an electroluminescent out-sole. I’m jealous of the people that got their hands on them.- -Kaine

Release Date: November 19th, 2010

Colorway: Teal/Pink/Black

There was massive hype of the LeBron 9 “South Beach” colorway this year, but the previous South Beach version of King James’ shoe did more for me. The teal green coloring accompanied with bright pink laces is sure to turn heads in the best way.  Love or hate the NBA’s newest champion, but don’t hate these shoes.

-Jake

Air Jordan 11 “Concord”

Release Date: December 23, 2011

Colorway: White/Dark Concord-Black

These are my favorite Jordan’s of all time. I remember having these as a little kid. The Concords caused quite a ruckus, with fights breaking out all over the nation during its midnight release. They were more affordable, $180, than a lot of other highly anticipated releases. This is the only shoe in this list that I can say that I own fist pump.

-Kaine

Release Date: February 24th, 2012

Colorway: Obsidian/Anthracite Black/ MUTHA EFFING OUTERSPACE

All-Star Weekend in the NBA always brings the best out of Nike. This season, however, they REALLY outdid themselves. The “Galaxy” makeups of the Kobes, the LeBrons, and the KD’s were all fantastic and well received, but nothing (until the Yeezy 2′s) could top the Galaxy Foamposites. This shoe has inspired more customs than I’ve ever seen before, and with good reason. These kicks are NICE.

-Jake

Air Jordan Retro 1 (25^th Anniversary)

Release Date: Early 2009

Colorway: Grey/White/Metallic Silver

Yo… these come in a metal briefcase. I’m not sure what else to even say about the shoe to start all shoes. The very first Jordan release was very limited in the beginning of 2009, but those that got their hands on them also got the briefcase as an added bonus. I’m not sure if I could ever wear these out without blinding people.

-Kaine

Out of all the different Jordan silhouettes, I think that the seven might be my favorite. That would explain my placement of the Jordan VII “bin 23″ colorway on this list. The red, yellow, green, and black are perfect complements to the white base here, and the design towards the heel is incredibly dope. I wish I had been more of a sneakerhead when these had dropped, I know I would have paid heavy for them.

-Jake

KD is my favorite player in the league, and he has the shoes to match. The “Nerf” colorway of the KD IV is incredible, bringing back memories of childhood basketball games and Nerf-gunfights. On top of the crazy color splashes, the “Nerf” KD’s have the best packaging I’ve seen in a shoe. The box includes a miniature Nerf basketball and hoop.

 -Jake

“I’m a raging bull when the needle drops… for the record, I’ma wreck it, even if the record don’t pop…”  Kendrick Lamar’s raging bull words were immortalized on Game’s “The City,” just as Michael Jordan’s raging bull tendencies were immortalized with this specialized suede version of the Air Jordan V.  The red suede looks nice against my second favorite jordan silhouette.

-Jake

So, there you have it. What did you like? What did you hate? Did we miss something? JUST HOW DOPE IS OUR KICK GAME? Leave a comment below and let us know.

We’d also like to throw a special shout out to Kelso’s Kicks for their passion for sneakers and help with this piece.