If it seems premature to start thinking about the best sneakers of 2021, you’re probably the type of sneaker enthusiast who considers setting an alarm to wake up early—and then entering a raffle for the mere chance to score some particularly coveted shoes—a bit too much effort. (And, for that matter, likely never had your day ruined after sleeping through said alarm and missing out on the whole thing entirely. Hypothetically speaking.) Plenty of the elements that once defined the routine of normal life have slowed to a halt recently, but the sneaker release cycle isn’t one of them. Since the end of December, there’s been a steady stream of briskly-selling kicks hitting the proverbial shelves every week, and more than a few of ‘em are worth revisiting. From blockbuster collaborations courtesy of the biggest names in the business to classics-in-the-making via smaller footwear upstarts, there’s never been a better time to start building out your collection—or fill in the gaps with whatever you missed out on the first time around. Still not convinced? (Tough crowd!) Scroll on to peep the best sneakers of 2021 so far.
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