Written by Menswear Style in Essentials on the 28th April 2020

Considering the huge number of popular sneaker releases that already came out this year, it can be pretty difficult to keep track of the most exclusive ones. Usually very unique collaborations are taking the lead, but there are also some iterations that are mesmerising the masses because of their role in sneaker history. Let’s take a look at the 7 most exclusive sneaker releases in 2020 so far. 

Nike Air Force 1 Tear Away 

Could you imagine consciously wanting your sneakers to wear out? Usually, worn out shoes are the worst case possible for sneakerheads and make their hearts bleed, but in case of the Air Force 1 Tear Away it is actually something desirable. If you begin to wear them, the Air Force 1s will have a completely white and clean look. But as soon as they are exposed to some daily usage, the special layers on the sneaker slowly start to peel off and reveal the fancy colours underneath. Of course you can speed up the process artificially and rip the layers off all by yourself. Although we have already seen such a feature in the past, this unique Nike Air Force 1 is as popular as ever before and sold out immediately in the two versions that were available.

Nike SB Dunk High Reverse Skunk 420 

Speaking about unique sneaker releases, the Nike SB Dunk High Skunk 420 is probably the wildest one so far. The colourway obviously refers to the stoner scene and does absolutely everything to visually communicate that fact. The sneaker is equipped with a pretty big amount of hairy suede and catches the eye with some crazy colours like green and purple. To match the name of the special CW, a large skunk graphic is printed on the insole of the shoe. This unique sneaker obviously cannot miss a small pocket behind the tongue. You should decide for yourself, what is the actual purpose of that specific pocket. Although we already saw a colour-reversed release ten years ago, the very limited Nike SB Dunk High Reverse Skunk 420 sold out within seconds and is on resale for insanely high prices.

Nike Air Jordan 1 High 85 Varsity Red 

As we told you before, some iterations are not coveted because they were produced within the boundaries of a collaboration, but because of the impact they already had on the sneaker game in the past. The Nike Air Jordan 1 High 85 Varsity Red is probably the perfect example for a case like that. Michael Jordan himself made the Varsity Red colourway immensely popular during his time with the Chicago Bulls. Hardly any other sneaker left such a mark. The iteration convinces with its iconic pattern comprised of black leather and university-red overlays. The slip-proof white outsole is also indispensable and ensures the very recognisable look. The relaunch in February obviously generated a lot of hype and unfortunately did not make the sneaker less exclusive.

adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Cinder 

How could anyone provide a sneaker list without mentioning at least one Yeezy. Iteration after iteration, the very coveted sneaker sells out immediately on release date, no matter how controversial the newest colourway may be. The adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Cinder is no different and definitely belongs to the most popular CWs this year. The earthy look of the upper is completed by a dark gum sole and fits pretty well into the typical style concept of Kanye West. Some may not consider Yeezy’s to be that exclusive anymore, but that definitely does not mean they are less popular.

Travis Scott x Nike SB Dunk Low 

The Nike SB Dunk Low is receiving a lot of attention this year and sneakerheads all over the world seem to have found a new favourite in the game. Thus, it was definitely no surprise that a collaboration between Travis Scott and Nike would produce an even bigger hype with the newest SB Dunk Low. The sneaker is dominated by blue and brown colours, while a very eye-catching pattern covers the entire shoe. Further, the overlays are combining a paisley print and a chequered pattern on the sides. The collaboration sold out immediately and is now on resale for relatively high prices.

Off-White x Air Jordan 5 

Referring to the necessity of mentioning Yeezy’s, one definitely has to mention another very important sneaker line. We are talking about the Off-White x Air Jordan 5 in particular, which is again a very coveted creation by Virgil Abloh. The unique sneaker released on the NBA All-Star Weekend this year and convinces with special details like a fully reflective tongue. In addition, the AJ5 got equipped with transparent inserts at the sides and with the classic number 23 at the heel. Of course, the very characteristic Off-White features have to be present somewhere on the shoe, making it easily recognisable for every sneakerhead on the globe. As with any other Off-White model, the AJ5 instantly sold out.

We feature Nike Air Force 1 Tear Away, Off-White x Air Jordan 5, and adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Cinder in this guide to The 7 Most Exclusive Sneaker Releases in 2020.