Sneaker Trends to Pay Attention to in 2014

We're not even a full month into 2014 yet, but already certain types of sneakers are building huge buzz. Retro models are still going to be strong, but chances are, you're gonna be seeing more than just Nikes and Air Jordans on people's feet this year. So with that in mind, here's a brief look into some types of sneakers you should try looking into in 2014.

Retro Runners

The New Balance "Barber Shop" Pack. Expected to drop in Spring.

Retro running shoes have enjoyed a cult following in recent years, but I'm expecting more widespread attention directed towards this sneaker niche in 2014 thanks to a host of strong releases last year and the consistent heat offered by guys like Ronnie Fieg. As a matter of fact, I know some people who have declared they were swearing off Jordans to really pursue collecting runners instead. I don't know if they're really gonna follow through, but that's a pretty strong testament towards how collection-worthy runners are now. It doesn't hurt that they're much easier to wear in a casual setting than most basketball shoes, especially with pin-rolled denim or "joggers"coming from brands like Publish and Kith.

The "Fiery Red" Asics Gel Lyte V - not an original colorway, but a good look nonetheless.

Expect New Balance and Asics to be leaders of this category with a number of strong releases looking to drop within the year. Adidas releases will also be worth paying attention to, while I hope this growing interest in retro runners spurs brands like Puma and Saucony to dig deeper into their archives and drop some more heat on local shores. I don't really have to say a lot about Nike in this segment, because really, when is Nike never not relevant?

Tennis 

Aside from runners, heritage tennis shoes are going to be big this year too. No other model is going to have a bigger year than the Adidas Stan Smith. The original white and green version has already re-released locally, with a lot of strong colorways poised to follow. Personally, the all-black version is the strongest one so far, even with a slew of more limited releases set to drop this year. Hopefully, the Stan Smith serves as the tipping point for Adidas to re-release some of their other classic tennis shoes this year like the Nastase. Now that was a killer model.

Hot Lava. Hopefully a Sole Academy release? 

Looking to provide some stiff competition is Nike's re-release of the Air Tech Challenge II, an iconic sneaker once worn by the great Andre Agassi. I followed tennis early on just because of Andre Agassi when I was young, and I figured if I couldn't play like him, I could at least grow my hair and wear his shoes. Another blog that expressed excitement over the shoe's re-release called the Air Tech Challenge II the Air Jordans of prep school kids with hyphens in their last names. I couldn't have said it any better myself. Now if brands like Reebok could bring back the Michael Chang Pumps, we'd have a free for all!

There's a lot of other shoes that will be building buzz as the year goes on. Check back soon for more reports!