STYLE / FOOTWEAR
Top 10 Sneakers — 2026 So Far
The year. Our ten. An independent sneaker countdown following ComplexCon.
SIMPLE 10 / THE FEATURE
Satoshi at #1. Vans again at #2. Let’s talk.
After @complexcon weekend, here’s SIMPLE 10’s sneaker-of-the-year list — 2026 so far.
We’re weighing design, timing, story and cultural impact. Every position is our point of view.
01 — Satoshi Nakamoto × OTW by Vans Era 95 Gems 02 — Vans Old Skool 36 Pearlized, Black/Navy 03 — SOULGOODS × Nike Homescape Woven, Dark Field Brown 04 — Union LA × Fragment × Air Jordan 1 High OG 05 — Albino & Preto × atmos × ASICS GEL-KAYANO 12.1 06 — Melitta Baumeister × Nike Vomero Premium 07 — Action Bronson × New Balance 1890, Cyborg Tears 08 — ISSEY MIYAKE FOOT × ASICS HYPER TAPING 09 — Village PM 2PM, White/Lime 10 — Satoshi Nakamoto × OTW by Vans Era 95, Navy “Lucky Charms” — ComplexCon
Why Satoshi? For us, the Era 95 Gems brought the design, timing and cultural moment together. The distressed finish and gemstones made an everyday silhouette feel personal. More than a sneaker — our #1.
Swipe through the countdown. What did we get wrong? Give us your #1 and the reason it deserves the spot.
Follow SIMPLE 10 for independent sneaker and culture commentary.
Selections through October 4, 2026. Independent editorial; not affiliated with Complex or ComplexCon.
Photos: Vans; Nike/Jordan; ISSEY MIYAKE/ASICS; atmos via PR TIMES; Village PM via MAXFIELD; Bronson and navy Satoshi imagery via Sneaker News. Credits also appear on slides.
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