Most Wanted Sneakers Of 2022 Shopping Guide

Before we officially say goodbye to 2022, it’s custom to rank the year’s many sneaker releases. But with “Best” and “Worst” being such subjective things, it’s impossible to put together a list that doesn’t upset at least some members of the community.

Sneaker culture is rife with discourse, with many quick to go up to bat for some of their personal favorite releases. Arguments are especially rampant towards the end of December, as debate around the “Best Sneaker of the Year” quickly spirals into a war of attrition. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, though — and while some might look to resell and hype to determine the greatest of 2022, we’re thinking about things a little differently.

To honor the end of yet another year in kicks, we’ve teamed up with eBay to curate some of our own picks for the “best” sneakers of 2022, all of which are more accessible than the likes of the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1. From much-anticipated offerings like the Air Jordan 1 “Lost & Found” to odd yet alluring collaborations such as the CPFM x Nike Flea 1, these selects take into account quite a few factors but one most of all: they’re some of the best-selling offerings on the market.

Keep scrolling for a look at what we consider to be the twelve most wanted sneakers of 2022, each available right now on eBay Sneakers — Authenticity Guaranteed.

We’d be remiss not to put the Air Jordan 1 “Lost & Found” high on our list. Despite some troubling issues with mold, the release was still one of the most-anticipated of the year. And that’s not to mention the pair’s storytelling, which used the iconic “Chicago” colorway as the center point for an homage to mom and pop shops.

The Cactus Plant Flea Market x Nike Flea 1 is quite the divisive shoe, with many claiming it to be one of the “ugliest” of the year. Despite this, pairs are continuing to sell in droves, likely to people who understand and appreciate Cynthia Lu’s unique, creative vision.

Concepts is an established legend in the world of sneakers. And whenever the boutique joins forces with Nike SB, we know we’re in for something great. The Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low “Orange Lobster” is exactly that and then some, as it builds upon a time-honored series.

Air Jordan 1 Chicago
Air Jordan 1 Chicago
Air Jordan 1 Chicago

Maybe it’s the Christmas spirit, but we can’t help but crack a smile looking at the adidas Forum Low “Grinch.” Due to design and nostalgia in equal parts, the colorway easily stands out amidst both holiday-inspired and licensed releases alike.

The latest installment in a long-standing Jumpman tradition, the Air Jordan 11 “Cherry” had some big shoes to fill, as it followed a Retro of the “Cool Grey.” And though not quite what many expected at the beginning of the year, the colorway more than delivered.

Being one of the most-streamed music artists on the planet, it’s no surprise that Bad Bunny has landed on this list. And among his many collaborative offerings with adidas, few deserve more spotlight than the Bad Bunny x adidas Forum Buckle Low “White,” as it’s reportedly the very last colorway in the model’s catalog.

adidas Forum Low Grinch
adidas Forum Low Grinch
adidas Forum Low Grinch

Much like its creator, the Tom Sach x Nike General Purpose Shoe is something of an iconoclast, as it aims to disrupt the very fabric of what sneaker culture has become today. A “perennial,” as described by Sachs himself, the model is made for everyone and anyone; and to further drive this point home, the artist even dropped the “Archive” colorway at select Kohl’s locations.

If you’re unfamiliar with Grace Wales Bonner, let me get you up to speed: The British designer, who studied at the prestigious Central Saint Martins, founded her eponymous label in 2015, subsequently earning the LVMH Young Designer prize the following year. Her work with the Three Stripes is as notable as her mainline collections, and the Wales Bonner x adidas Samba colorways released back in June certainly had a hand in re-popularizing the footwear brand’s indoor classic.

The Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 9060 is but one of many standouts to come from the Chicago-born designer’s long-standing collaboration with the brand. And as it helped introduce the model altogether, we can’t help but feel like subsequent colorways pale in comparison.

Tom Sachs x Nike GPS Studio
Tom Sachs x Nike GPS Studio
Tom Sachs x Nike GPS Studio

JJJJound has delivered a number of collaborations over the course of the past year, from BAPE STAs to MADE in USA New Balances. Few of these, though, stand out quite as much as the JJJJound x ASICS GEL-Kayano 14, as it marked the first release in what could soon turn into a long-running partnership.

Sure, the Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex Clog may not be a sneaker, but it’s certainly become a daily driver for quite a few sneakerheads. And after releasing in several new colorways, the collaborative model is on track to dress many, many more.

2022 saw the Air Jordan 4 overtake the Air Jordan 1 in terms of popularity. And among the many colorways released in 2022, the Air Jordan 4 “Red Thunder” seems to be what most are spending their money on.