words // Zack Schlemmer
Our celebration of the Sole Decade continues with a countdown of the ten best sneaker releases of 2005. Looking back, the year was a bit of an odd time in the sneaker world. With only a handful noteworthy new performance models, ’05 will go down as the year Nike retro models took over. Dunks and Forces released at a staggering pace, and the silhouettes gained favor with a wider group of consumers thanks to the growth of Nike’s SB program and a dizzying array of color and material schemes for the Uptown. Add in Nike’s celebration of the Air Max with the History of Air collection, and the retro sneaker craze was bigger than ever. 2005 practically birthed sneaker collecting as we know it today: limited releases, camp outs, an insurgence of retro models, and more hype and reselling than ever before. A down year for performance models, yes, but a very important year for sneaker collectors everywhere.
Check out our picks for the top ten shoes of Sole Collector's third year, and let us know if we missed anything.
10. Nike Air Force 1 Low Premium “Ueno”
This very limited Japanese exclusive Air Force 1 is still one of the most sought-after Forces of all time. With its blend of the highest quality materials, laser-etched cherry blossoms, and premium laser-etched wood box, it’s easy to see why.
9. Sole Collector x Nike Dunk “Cowboy”
One of Sole Collector’s very own clocks in at #9. One of our first and still loudest collabs to date, the “Cowboy” Dunk Low made for the New York City event took colors and materials to the extreme—every panel on the shoe is different.
8. Air Jordan Melo 5.5
All these years later, the Melo 5.5 is still arguably Carmelo Anthony’s coolest signature shoe. Who is ready to see these come back in Knicks colorways?
7. Nike SB Dunk Low “Rayguns” (Away)
Nike SB’s Dunk phenomenon was still in full-force in 2005, and few colorways were better than the "Rayguns" Away version. Who knew that a skate shoe inspired by a fictional ABA team could be so great?
6. Nike Air Force 1 “Chamber of Fear” Collection
Even though no single shoe in LeBron’s Chamber of Fear Air Force 1 collection is that amazing, the whole pack is pretty significant due to the scope - and the hype - of releasing six different shoes in six different cities. The collection was certainly a pioneering effort, and one that has influenced release strategies ever since.
5. Air Jordan XIV White / Chartreuse / Black
In 2005, the Air Jordan XIV was retroed for the first time. One highlight was the production of this lovely colorway. Though similar to the OG “Oxidized Green” colorway, this Retro Plus was just different enough and remains one of the best looks ever for the XIV.
4. Nike SB Dunk Low “Pigeon”
This shoe caused mass-hysteria upon its release in New York City. All hype and news coverage aside, Jeff Staple’s design is still one of the smoothest looks for the SB Dunk. It is so memorable that Staple has near enough spun a sub-brand from its legacy.
3. Nike Zoom LeBron III
It was quite a task to follow up the LeBron II, but Nike did it successfully with the LeBron III. If you don’t list the II or VII as your favorite LeBron model, chances are it’s the III. It may also be the last great basketball shoe constructed with a full leather upper.
2. Nike SB Dunk Low “Tiffany”
When you think “Nike SB”, it’s very probable that the first shoe that comes to mind will be the Tiffany Dunk Low. This colorway designed by Nick from Diamond Supply Co. represents the epitome of all the hype garnered by the SB Dunk in the mid 2000’s. It’s so good that they’re bringing the exact same colorway back as a High…and nobody seems to mind.
1. Air Jordan XX
The Air Jordan XX is perhaps the most perfect blend of technical innovation and storytelling that Jordan Brand and Tinker Hatfield have ever offered. The innovation comes with IPS cushioning system and a detached – yet highly supportive - collar leash system, and the lasered cross-strap designed by Mark Smith featuring various icons from MJ’s career takes care of the story. While it’s definitely a love-it-or-hate-it shoe, its importance is undeniable.
