You’d be hard pressed to find a guy’s closet that didn’t house a pair of decent sneakers. No matter how well they dress or whether they trend casual or formal, most men still count sneakers as a staple. And some, of course, make a hobby out of footwear and care a great deal about their sneakers –– which make these shoes ideal for gift-giving!

Whether you’re choosing a gift for the man in your life, looking for last-minute minute holiday inspiration for an avid sneakerhead, or just seeking out the best trends to kick off the New Year with, here are some of the best shoes to consider.

Jordan 4 Retro University Blue Sneaker

For the retro sneaker fan, these shoes are well worth considering. Featuring a University Blue suede upper and a mesh netting quarter panel and tongue, the Jordan 4 Retro University Blue strongly resembles the very rare Nike Air Jordan 4 UNC PE –– the player exclusive pairs received by players at Jordan’s own University of North Carolina. Similar to past colorways, the black heel, eyelets, and areas of the midsole are contrasted with a speckled cement grey. Most important of all though? These are new Jordans! That’s all a lot of sneaker enthusiasts need to know to be on board.

Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 650R

The much-anticipated Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 650R basketball shoes are already available for pre-order –– and unsurprisingly, they’re in high demand. Since the inception of this popular collaboration back in 2019, this will be the ninth drop from the Aimé Leon Dore and New Balance partnership. The 650R is set to be released in Spring 2022 with a bulkier silhouette than that of the New Balance 550s, but the same attention to detail. It will be available in three different colorways (green, grey, and black) with co-branding on the tongue tags. But if you’re interested in this high-top version of the 550, you’ll have to be quick to secure a pair.

Nike Air Max Penny 1 “Orlando”

There seems to be huge focus on retro re-releases at Nike HQ right now. Accordingly, the Nike Air Max Penny 1s are making a comeback for 2022. Designed for Penny Hardaway back in 1995, these sneakers maintain their reputation as some of the most iconic basketball shoes of the time –– period. They’ll be launching in two colorways: classic black and a brand new whited-out “home” design. The Penny 1 design does look a little dated in 2021, but trust us: If you’re looking for something to give to a true sneakerhead, you can’t do much better than a pair of these.

Gucci Screener

It’s been a few years since we highlighted Gucci’s custom patches on sneakers, and since then the brand’s casual footwear has only gotten more interesting. With influences from the ‘70s, the Gucci Screener is establishing itself as an ideal pair of sneakers for those looking for a stylish-but-casual look. These tasteful shoes are carefully distressed to achieve that ever-popular vintage look, crafted in white leather with the original GG canvas and trademark metal double G logo. Featuring the classic green-and-orange Web stripe and vintage Gucci logo, these make for another sound sneaker investment.

Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 Mid

It shouldn’t come as a shock that there are multiple pairs of Nikes on our list –– particularly considering there have been more than 2,000 versions of the Air Force 1 alone. This iconic Nike sneaker’s history dates back to 1982, making 2022 a 40th anniversary (!). Ready and waiting to join the extensive AF-1 list is the Nike Air Force 1 Mid in collaboration with Off-White. This redesign is certainly a work of art, and is actually a far cry from the early ‘80s look. Soon to be available in two colorways (white/clear-white and black/clear- black) with spiked outsoles and a unique lacing system, these on-point designs are fitting additions to a storied history. The Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 Mid’s will be tricky to pin down as well though, so if these make your list, pre-order now for the spring 2022 launch.

We hope this guide gives you a few interesting items to think about for the sneakerhead on your list. Happy searching!

FASHIONADO