Smoovest sneakers of the 2023.

The year of 2023 has been a year for sneakers. We have seen a shift within what brand really holds the top spot and its been a joy to see the audience gravitate to sneakers that are actually good for our feet and bones.

In this piece, I will be writing about sneakers that were my personal favorite of 2023. In no particular order, just to specify for my corporate friends reading this. Please take no offense.

Jae Tips x Saucony Grid Azura 2000: Remember Who Fronted (May 2023)

This year I got to experience in live time one of the biggest sneaker releases to the world. I was worried about this release because I didnt end up making it until 4:30pm and there was no line, there was no crowd, there was nothing in the lower east side besides the homies hanging out outside of Joy's Flower Shop in May.

I went in and walked into the coolest environment ever. The air was fresh, the colors were bright and vibrant, the family was in the space. I was personally assisted by Jae Tips mom which made my experience worth my while. Jae had stepped out the second I got there, he did welcome me in though. I got to sit and try on my sneakers as they didnt have 6.5 or a 7 in stock but I grabbed the 7.5 with zero hesitation. Being able to grab this sneaker WEEKS in advance before the world got access had me HYPE.

A few weeks had passed and I was able to attend a mindfulness event at AtMOS which featured Jae Tips as a speaker and I was then able to ask him a few questions about his experience. Which Jae later told me that when he went to the Saucony office, the staff said they loved this video.

Loved everything about the sneaker. I loved watching the entire world gravitate to them. I enjoyed the outfits. I loved watching the outcome of Jae Tips year due to this first release. Blessings to Jae and the rest of his team. Never forget who fronted and always remember to smell the flowers.

Tips did go onto releasing two more pairs in 2023 but these right here will never be forgotten.

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UNHEARDOF x ADIDAS: Grandma's Couch. (November 2023)

I was introduced to Phil and UNHEARDOF via my big sister, Kixie Jixie in October of this year. She was so happy and excited when she talked about Phil's creation. Kept highlighting the devotion the sneaker was to women. I could not wait to see the final product.

When it was time to release, I was far from disappointed or underwhelmed. The storytelling that came with these sneakers was nothing shy of touching. The details that were incorporated to highlight women in general but specifically Phil's grandmother had me teary. The color purple being utilized as a remembrance of his grandmother wearing to family gatherings, celebrations, and church. The floral couch being a common and safe space for Phil and his skateboard friends. Specific flowers being drawn due to them being his granny's favorite flowers Having "Always be a good boy" being stitched into the sneakers as it was something grandma always said to Phil before they departed.The insoles of Phil's shoes featured a watercolor painting, painted by and gifted from Grandpa to Grandma on Mother's Day. The list continues on as I learned via watching Kari Daniels's (@SneakerPhetish) Instagram post displaying these details, stitch by stitch.

I have chatted with Phil a few times via IG dm's about sneakers and I am just so happy for him. This one was a really big one for the sneaker game in general. Blessings and love are always sent to Phil. Rest in peace to our beloved Grandma.

3. Fat Joe - Terror Squad x Air Force 1. (September 2023)

Now this release holds a spot so near and dear to my heart. Being Puerto Rican, Fat Joe and Big Pun flow through my bloodstream. My father was thee biggest Joey Crack and Terror Squad fan. As years have taken place, I have experienced so many full circle moments that have to do with Fat Joe. This year alone, I have been able to meet members of Joe's family via UPNYC and build a great relationship with all of them. Meeting Ruby has been beyond a delight. He invited me to be apart of both Terror Squad x Air Force 1 releases this September.

Now the second I saw the icy bleu pair in Eli Manning's hands, I already knew I was going to get my pair. Zero questions asked. Everyone I spoke to, told me that they wanted the black pair so I knew I was lucky to get mine. Ruby from UPNYC contacted me and told me he wanted me to help be a part of the shock drop so to pull up the day before. I got mine and kept them on ice until my birthday in January of 2024.

Now when it comes to the black pair, I was able to grab those also no issues. ATMOS had called me a few days prior to the drop to tell me they were releasing a few days earlier than public, so I slid over there and grabbed my pair IMMEDIATELY.

Now I've only ever worn both my forces once. They are something I wouldn't want to crease or run to the ground due to history and just overall sentimental value. But they are so comfy and fly, I wish I could wear them weekly. I will always be on the hunt for the friends and family, pink version. Joe if you see this, I'm a 7 in kids!

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Now that 2023 is over, there is room for so many new sneakers, stories, and campaigns. I am beyond excited to see it all, especially now that I live in New York. Just seeing the shock drops, the long lines, the creatives around me having their own collabs with these big brands, pop ups..etc. So inspirational. So much fun. So fulfilling. I am excited to see how much fun this year is going to be. I am looking forward to the ladies taking the lead, to the more comfier companies taking over like Saucony and Asics. I am hopeful to be involved in some campaigns this year. But, we shall see.