The Definitive YEAR-END SLEEPER HIT Shopping Guide

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Photography:
Tatsuro Nishimura

Each and every year, there’s a handful of great sneaker releases that fly relatively under the general public’s radar. Be it not-ideal timing or general lack of awareness, these “slept on” shoes don’t typically enjoy the reach they may deserve, but then grow to become true icons. Face it: we’ve all made the regrettable decision to sleep on or pass up on some drops that we wound up seeing in a different light later.. It’s part of the game, but it’s time to get ahead of it before these once overlooked pairs become elusive classics.

In our Definitive YEAR-END SLEEPER HIT Shopping Guide, we’ve compiled a selection of nine underrated sneakers of 2018 — all of which are available on eBay now — and split them among three unique categories. While it is indeed true that some of these have sold out upon its release date, they managed to do through a lukewarm level of hype. Check out this curated list of kicks that you certainly won’t regret adding to your rotation before they start commanding real high dollars.

There were plenty of great sleeper sneakers that didn’t get the accolades they deserved in 2018. It all starts with the Air Jordan 3 “Mocha”, perhaps the most infamously “slept on” sneaker of the 2000s. This colorway went on deep discount when it first released way back in 2001, but the fanfare around them is certainly a bit higher this time around. It’s not just classic Jordans that don’t always receive the proper amount of acclaim either: Nike’s revitalized ACG line was lead back into the market by the Dog Mountain, a low-top hiker that boasted bright retro colors and rugged detailing. And it’s hard to believe that the ultra-popular Air Jordan 1 could ever be unheeded, but this summer’s “Blue Moon” AJ1s from the four-shoe “Best Hand In The Game” pack was a true-blue sleeper hit with its OG-style color scheme.

Air Jordan 3 Retro Mocha
Nike ACG Dog Mountain Emerald Rise
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Blue Moon

A great sneaker collaboration ties the aesthetics of both partners together in a tasteful way while still maintaining the ethos of what makes them both so special, and there was a plentiful helping of unheeded collabs this year. Kith and nonnative’s New Balance 997 brought attention back to the Boston-based brand’s products with its premium materials/standout colors, and is available for close to retail now. ACRONYM had a second go-around with the Nike Presto, and shockingly enough the shoes dipped below retail price. And last but not least, Supreme revived the long-dormant Nike Zoom Streak Spectrum runner, which in a few years may skyrocket in value.

New Balance 997S KITH + nonnative
Nike Presto ACRONYM
Nike Zoom Streak Spectrum Plus Supreme

Many classic shoes on the market today boast deep roots in the game of basketball. As time goes on, these kicks originally designed for the court move to the streets and establish a new role as lifestyle favorites. LA-based brand Brain Dead’s unique take on the classic high-top Converse Chuck Taylor was deemed to be one of the best of the year, yet the after-market prices don’t seem to dictate that just yet. Supreme’s Nike Air Force 1 Mid decked out in team logos may have been “bricks” upon its release, but we’re now finding out that the gaudy style is beginning to match the evolving trends of streetwear. Finally, Nike SB’s “White Widow” Dunks by Todd Bratrud lit up the under-appreciated SB Dunk Mid with shaggy suede and a cheeky inspiration in a year that saw SBs regain a great deal of popularity.