This story is part of our end-of-year series This Year in Gear rounding up the most notable releases of 2020. For more stories like this, click here.
In 2020, people stayed at home much more than ever before and we saw many new shoes, boots and sandals that prioritized comfort. But we also saw footwear that was highly functional — built well and made for a purpose. There were countless eye-catching releases, but these are the most important footwear drops of the year.
Celine "Z" Trainer CT-01 Sneaker
Hedi Slimane's first complete sneaker collection with Celine — the "Z" Trainers — are a thing of beauty. Made from 100 percent calfskin, they feature a classic hightop silhouette, bold side trims and the Celine logo at the heel and tongue.
Price: $790
Vans x Anderson .Paak Old Skool
Anderson .Paak and Vans are infusing a bit of color into your wardrobe with its latest release. Made up of bucket hats, sneakers, a chore coat and a backpack, the collection ranges in price from $45 to $150 (and includes kids sizes).
Price: $90
Organiclab.zip x Salomon Advanced XA-PRO 1
Outdoor-centric Instagram page Organiclab.zip released a collab with Salomon this week. According to a post, "From its 2001 release, the XA-PRO became the vehicle for outdoor sporting lives and one perennial link to nature. Now selected as the medium for the Organiclab.zip and Salomon collaboration, its timely arrival offers access to symbiotic propositions in a world of diverse biomes." If you missed the December 10 pre-release, it will be available December 15 at Salomon and other retailers.
Price: $220
Post Malone x Crocs Duet Max Clog II
The fifth collab between Crocs and Post Malone is already sold out. The Duet Max Clog II came in both pink and black colors, and featured a chunky outsole, pivotable backstrap and Post Malone-branded rivets and lanyard clips.
Price: Sold Out
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit A.I.R. Chaz Bundick
The creative force behind Toro y Moi released his first collection with Nike, complete with shorts, shirts, shoes and a hat emblazoned with the Bundick's immediately recognizable graphic art.
Price: $170
Aime Leon Dore x Clarks Originals Wallabees
With a co-sign from Nas, these smackin' stompers will have your fit nailed down (if you're quick enough to get them before they sell out).
Price: $260
Roark x Danner Ridge Boot
A black-suede version of a tried-and-true classic.
Price: $380
Nike ACG Mountain Fly Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Sneaker
Waterproof kicks designed for extremely rocky terrain.
Price: $220
Blackstock and Weber Ellis Loafer
The next 'it' shoe of New York ain't a sneaker.
Price: $295
White's Perry Boot
The moc-toe boot to end all others. Read our full review here.
Price: $270
Brain Dead x Reebok Beatnik
The much-loved L.A. streetwear brand iterates on a '90s classic sandal.
Price: $120
Paraboot Chimey
Approved by both Gear Patrol editors and your steezy grandpa.
Price: ~ $503
Everlane Forever Sneaker
Everlane's latest sneaker is evergreen in more ways than one.
Price: $58
Red Wing Boots From the Vault
Red Wing is reaching back into its archives to release a boot every week. For the kickoff (had to do it), it's an original pair of Pecos boots from 1977. Yee haw.
Snow Peak Hita Sandal
Is this it? The end-all home shoes we’ve been looking for?
Price: $79
Filson Roper Boots
This Western boot style is made with thick, oiled leather and has a 10-inch shaft for protection in the field. For traction on uneven terrain, the boot has a Vibram Kletterlift outsole with EVA cushioning for added comfort.
Price: $398
Nike x Sacai LDWaffle Sneakers
Nike’s continued collaboration with avant-garde Japanese brand Sacai is one of the hardest sneakers to get. If you’re reading this, it’s too late (unless you go to StockX).
Price: $160
Stampd Ugg Lace Up
This après-snow boot features the cozy warmth you'd expect from Ugg with some technical upgrades. The boot is made with water-repellent materials, includes two removable rubber shoe guards and a lace-up, down-insulated upper.
Price: $300
Ground Cover 8-Eye Work Boot
Ground Cover proves you don’t have to sacrifice style for lifestyle. Its 8-Eye Work Boot is free from animal products and a far cry from the vegan boots of yesteryear. Its textured pineapple- based upper performs similarly to heavyweight canvas. Designed to be rebuilt, the Goodyear-welted style features a lug sole, microfiber liner, cork insole and steel shank.
Price: $480
New Balance Tokyo Design Studio x Snow Peak Niobium Concept 1
New Balance’s Tokyo Design Studio collaborated with Japanese outdoor brand Snow Peak to produce a shoe that’s essentially a transformer on your feet. Taking a modular approach, the indoor slipper can be worn as is or zipped into a rugged outsole and shell to make an outdoor sandal. Waterproof booties can be swapped for the slippers, altering the style to an off-road stomper.
Price: $250
