Readers re-ranked the editors' mid-year list - and the results were spicy. From disputed picks to surprise frontrunners, the community has spoken. Now it's your turn: who takes Sneaker of the Year?
Complex StaffNike
Founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman, Nike began as a distributor for Japanese running shoes before becoming one of the most influential athletic brands in the world. Officially renamed Nike in 1971, the company introduced innovative performance footwear while building a powerful identity around sports, competition, and culture. Nike’s rise was fueled by partnerships with legendary athletes like Michael Jordan, whose Air Jordan line transformed sneaker culture forever. For sneakerheads, Nike represents more than footwear—it symbolizes storytelling, exclusivity, and design evolution. From iconic silhouettes like the Air Force 1, Dunk, and Air Max to limited collaborations with artists, designers, and athletes, Nike has continuously shaped trends in both fashion and sports. Its influence on sneaker collecting and streetwear culture remains unmatched across generations.
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