The SHARP List: Our 2022 Sneakerhead Gift Guide
There’s no time like the holidays. Spending time with loved ones, making the most of a bit of time off, enjoying comforting home cooking, maybe taking a little trip and, of course, running around trying to figure out which gifts will make people actually smile. With everything else happening during the holidays, it can be daunting to find the perfect gift, especially for the discerning — some might call them picky — people in your life. But don’t worry. We’ve got the sneakerhead in your life covered with this list of recommended kicks from two of Canada’s top resellers, Richard Chang and Shawn Alonto of Toronto’s own SneakersourceTO. Chang and Alonto take direct orders for these and other sneakers through their Instagram page or via email. Click here to reach out to them directly.
Air Jordan 1 Retro “Lost and Found”
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Easily the most hyped sneaker release of the year, the Jordan 1 Retro “Lost and Found” pays homage to the sneaker that started it all, the original Air Jordan created by Nike for Michael Jordan’s rookie season in 1985. Although pretty much impossible to secure on the day of release — when lineups spanned city blocks and stores sold out their entire inventories within minutes — this is one pair that is absolutely worth the resale premium. (Starting at $650)
Nike Dunk Low “Panda”
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Since its release in mid-2021, the black-and-white Panda has emerged as one of the most popular Dunk Low colourways of all time, seen on feet in virtually every city on earth year-round. Simple, stylish, and easily paired with any outfit, it’s not hard to see why this classic-looking shoe has become so ubiquitous. (Starting at $250)
Air Jordan 4 Retro “Midnight Navy”
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Although it’s the Air Jordan 1 that has for years stood tall as the most iconic (and beloved) Air Jordan model, a real sneakerhead will tell you that the Air Jordan 4 narrowly edges it out as the best of the best silhouettes. This clean, streamlined colourway shows the model off in the best way, emphasizing the sharp angles and striking features in whites, greys, and blues. (Starting at $400)
Air Jordan 3 Retro “Fire Red”
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Designed by legendary Jordan brand designer Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 3 is one of the most fashion-forward Jordan silhouettes, loaded with street style cred as well as bona fide basketball history. This throwback colourway returns the shoe to its original Chicago roots, and has earned celebrity fans including Justin Timberlake. (Starting at $350)
Nike Dunk Low “Argon”
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The low version of the classic Nike Dunk has its roots in the world of skateboarding, with Nike’s board-forward brand Nike SB leading the charge on making this silhouette hugely famous among skaters and the scene’s hangers-on. The “Argon” colourway, in a smattering of stylish blues, is one of the best new colourways for the model to be released this year. (Starting at $230)
Nike Dunk Low “Syracuse”
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Part of the reason the Dunk Low has grown in stature outside of the world of skateboarding is its use of simple, bold colourways, often featuring a single high-contrast colour against stark white. This famed version, inspired by the colours of the University of Syracuse, is among the most popular, showing off the vivid, candy-like colour blocking to spectacular effect. (Starting at $350)
Air Jordan 1 Retro “Patent Red”
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Before there was the famous Jordan 1 Chicago, there was the Jordan 1 Bred, so named for its black and red colouring. Banned from the NBA in the mid-80s, it became a legendary style, fittingly honoured by this late 2021 release that saw the iconic colourway redesigned in scintillant patent leather. (Starting at $400)
