As far as picking the best sneakers to cop for the festive season, there are some major considerations to take on-board; namely old-school versus new-school. Should you opt for a coveted new release or go for the tried and tested favourites? Putting your best foot forward can be hard, not to mention, risky.

The holiday period is a time for giving, to your friends, your family and most importantly, yourself. If you want to walk into the new year looking infinitely fresher than you did in 2020, it’s worth updating your sneaker game. Here are the top drops to cop this festive season.

It’s hard to go past a classic and the Jordan 1 Mid Chicago is about as iconic as it gets. The sneaker that started it all remains one of the highest-selling and most coveted releases of all time, despite not reeling in the same cash it once did. Nevertheless, the iconic Air Jordan 1 silhouette offers a mid-top cut that even the staunchest of steezy footwear fans can appreciate. Whether it’s 1984 or 2020, this is one pair of sneakers that never goes out of fashion.

One of Kanye’s best, the Yeezy 380 offers a renewed approach to the now-famous sneaker. Releasing in November 2019, the progressive design proved to be an instant hit with fans, despite its unusual form. This variation comes equipped with a higher cut midsole than its predecessor, the Yeezy 350 V2, but still houses Boost cushioning for all-day support.

When Jordan paired with Parisian fashion house Dior, we knew we were going to get something pretty special. With the Jordan 1 Retro High Dior, we saw the classic Air Jordan silhouette take a brand new approach, with a traditional Dior monogram print Swoosh. Made in Italy, the release was limited to 8,500 pairs, each individually numbered. With co-branded icy translucent soles, Dior branded tongue and Wings logo, and a silver “Air Dior” hangtag, there’s little wonder these were among the most sought-after sneakers of 2020.

The 12th colour variation of the popular 350 V2 model, these Carbon Yeezys are Kanye at his very best. The colourway’s dark-hued upper makes it one of the most versatile sneakers of 2020, which is not something you can usually say about Yeezys. Nevertheless, this model scores the breathable Primeknit solid black mesh with its signature side stripe, ribbed patterned off-white midsole, and classic Boost cushioning we come to love.

Aside from being one of the most hyped sneakers of 2020, the Travis Scott x Nike SB Dunk Low was also one of the most contentious. Sure, Scott is not a skateboard icon and the collaboration seems strange on the outside, you can’t deny these ones hit the mark visually. The unique aesthetic pays homage to the SBs of old with a few modern variations, like a tearaway upper and rope laces.

One pair of sneakers that we were most impressed by, Virgil Abloh’s Nike Rubber Dunk in University Blue was a revamped take on the classic Dunk. The new look seamlessly sports a conspicuous cable tie, re-imagined tongue tags and bold text graphics detailing the shoe’s Oregon origins. Even better, this edition covers the cutting-edge creation in futuristic shades of Metallic Silver.

A new wave of colour hit Yeezy this year and it was a contentious one. The Yeezy Arzareth 700 V3 branched out from neutral territory, offering a blue and grey Primeknit upper complimented by a traditional translucent glow-in-the-dark cage overlay. Chuck in the EVA foam midsole, toe cap and black lining and it’s safe to say this was one of the best sneakers to come out lockdown. Very cool Kanye!

If you don’t know Virgil Abloh, you’re probably in the w

The elevated take on the classic adidas Superstar was a major win for Prada this year and it’s not hard to see why. Taking the iconic look and revamping using Prada’s full-grain leather produced at the fashion house’s Italian factory was a work of art. Understated, classy and undeniably versatile, what more could you want?

If there was one pair of sneakers that captured our attention this year, it was the Ben & Jerry’s Nike SB Dunk Low, commonly referred to as the ‘Chunky Dunk’. Hypebeasts were all over them in droves, making them some of the hardest to find and most sought-after releases of 2020. The collaboration with ice cream legends Ben & Jerry’s proved to be pretty sweet aesthetically as well, with the crazy colourway looking ice cold. Throw in the rainbow tie-dye lining, faux fur overlays, and melting yellow Swoosh, and it’s hard to not love these ones.

If you’ve got your eyes on a fresh pair of kicks, the spending season is upon us and thanks to eBay, you can now shop with peace of mind. The new Authenticity Guarantee on sneakers ensures you and protected from frauds and fakes.