10 Shoes We Need to Kick off 2016

Have you managed to catch your breath yet? To say 2015 was a whirlwind in terms of sneaker consumption would be an understatement.

We saw giant leaps from Adidas—hello, Ultra Boost and Kanye West—Jordan Brand, Nike and Under Armour. These companies are competing for sales while trying to change the game we all know and love.

A fresh year provides us with more colorways, models and hyped releases to pine over. Checking out what's on the docket for these early winter months, we decided to present 10 shoes you need to kick off 2016 the right way.

Get ready to reboot those wallets after a strenuous holiday season, because sneakers never sleep.

Nike LeBron Zoom Soldier 8 'FlyEase'

Image via Nike

We're taking it all the way back to the LeBron Zoom Soldier 8 for a second. Except this updated version of a classic Nike silhouette is completely different, minus the base aesthetics.

Nike's decision to infuse "FlyEase" technology into the LeBron Zoom Soldier 8 is the initial introduction to a whole new way we can go about wearing our sneakers.

The shoe features a wraparound zipper that essentially eliminates the use of laces. Its initial purpose was to help all types of athletes perform better, and the iconic Tinker Hatfield actually designed the system, per Nike News.

This version of the LeBron Zoom Soldier 8 is only available in youth sizes, but that doesn't mean it should be overlooked. Accessible technology like "FlyEase" is an important step to keep sneakers trending in a progressive direction.

Adidas Ultra Boost 2016

Image via Adidas

If you don't own a pair of Adidas Ultra Boosts, you're not doing it right. The Ultra Boost became a key model to unlocking the Adidas empire in 2015.

Since its release last year, this particular shoe did enough to put our brains on pivot mode when it came to all things Three Stripes. And a new year means fresh cuts of the Ultra Boost are on the way.

From what we've seen so far, Adidas is cooking up more of a gradient feel to the 2016 edition of the Ultra Boost. It has also added a "Continental Rubber" feature that provides the shoe with an even thicker layer of grip. Don't worry, this new addition doesn't hinder or comprise the lightweight metrics we've all fallen in love with.

All in all, the 2016 Ultra Boost is worth the $180 price, and the sneaker should release in a variety of colors as the year marches forward.

Nike Kyrie 2

Image via Nike

Kyrie Irving's first signature sneaker—the Kyrie 1—quickly became one of our favorite drops at the end of 2014. Nike armed the shoe with diverse colorways, and as a low-top cut, the Kyrie 1 was an easy wear off the court.

Enter the Kyrie 2—Irving's second offering with the Swoosh moniker. Unlike the first version, the Kyrie 2 offers more visual elements of ankle support and a first-of-its-kind curved midsole.

Based on Nike's behavior pattern when it comes to unveiling signature sneakers, we will definitely get another slew of colorways released over the next year. Personally, the "Inferno" look—featured above—is our favorite so far.

No matter what direction you go, make sure you pick up a pair of Kyrie 2s to kick off 2016. The sneaker really is a throwback to the late '90s, thanks to a dope fastening strap and compressed upper.

Adidas Crazylight Boost 2.5: Andrew Wiggins 'Player Exclusives"

Image via Adidas

Adidas' Crazylight Boost 2.5 isn't officially Andrew Wiggins' signature sneaker, yet it's made the rounds as such considering that's all he wears on the court.

Wiggins will get a handful of "Player Exclusive" models in 2016 to rock, and that means consumers will be able to secure them as well. Per Adidas.com, three models are set to make the rounds. "Marita," "North Star" and "Home Away From Home" are all distinctly different variations utilizing the Crazylight Boost 2.5 frame.

All three designs honor Wiggins' family history in some way or another. Besides the colorways and creativity, the Crazylight Boost 2.5 really is a strong hoops-related sneaker. It carries a lightweight feel that's edged out with low-impact Boost technology.

Those who are looking for an alternative to the commanding waves of Nike should jump all over these Wiggins "Player Exclusive" versions when they hit retailers in February—the "Marita" style is already available to the general public.

Air Jordan I "BHM"

Every February, Nike and Jordan Brand assemble a "Black History Month" line of the brand's most popular kicks. The shoes usually are presented with unique, consistent colorways across the board.

In terms of Jordan Brand, images of the Jordan I "BHM" have already risen through the ranks of the Internet and made their way to sneakerheads. Strictly from a design vantage point, the 2016 "BHM" Jordan I is stunning.

A multicolored pattern has been pressed onto the tongue, Swoosh emblem and heel panel underlay. That tonal approach creates a distinct look and feel for this timeless silhouette.

An all-black upper and a white sole put the finishing touches on a scorching-hot yet super important Air Jordan I model.

Nike Kobe 11

Image via Nike

Could the Kobe 11 actually be the final signature shoe for the Los Angeles Lakers icon? If it is, Nike and Kobe 11 designer Eric Avar have left us with a one final, beautiful, haunting sneaker.

The Kobe 11 comes on the heels of the Kobe 10. Consumers who copped that last model recognize it as a great shoe but not a monster seller—as dictated by the fact you can still secure various colorways online and in stores.

With the Kobe 11, everything has changed. The attention to detail behind this shoe outclasses and outperforms its predecessor. Pearlescent fibers and polyurethane threads have been weaved together to engineer a lightweight, yet indestructible low-top sneaker.

These are now must-own casual and on-court kicks provided by Nike, whether you're a fan of Bryant or not.

Under Armour Curry Two

Image via Under Armour

In 2016, we should all expect a steady stream of new colorways when it comes to Under Armour's highly successful Curry Two.

Per Investors.com, analyst Dave Weiner grabbed numbers from SportsScanInfo (h/t Marco Henry Negrete of Complex) and reported that Under Armour's sneaker sales shot up 98.9 percent over the holiday season. With Curry being the lone piece to that sneaker puzzle, you can believe his success had a lot to do with it.

Under Armour has continued to do a great job with the marketing side of this sneaker. Besides that, it has also managed to properly dress up the Curry Two with dapper, explosive and reserved colorways. It has quickly become an on-court favorite of ours, and that's saying something.

Be on the lookout for fresh designs and make sure you nab the Curry Two at some point to kick off your 2016 properly.

Air Jordan Sky High 'OG'

Image Courtesy of Jordan Brand

Everything you'd want in a "classic" sneaker presents itself in the form of the Air Jordan Sky High. For sneaker history buffs, the Sky High is actually the prequel to all things Jumpman.

The shoe was originally constructed in the '80s to test out the now infamous logo, per Yale Schalk of JordansDaily.com.

What you get in the Sky High is a Vans or Chuck Taylor rendition of a Jordan sneaker. It brings backs memories of the 1950s with its canvas, high-top design and subtle color scheme.

Those looking for an alternate version of a Jordan sneaker should be pleased with this rebirth. The Sky High "OG" finally resurfaces from the vault on January 13.

Brandblack J. Crossover III

Image via Brandblack

Brandblack has taken on everyone with the J. Crossover III. Serving as the third signature sneaker of Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford, this particular shoe is Brandblack's most daring effort to date.

Brandblack excels by way of its capacity and wherewithal to blend a high-fashion mentality with performance-based sneakers. It's a fine line that a lot of companies tiptoe—usually unsuccessfully.

Consumers who are shopping around for an alternative to the Nike and Adidas regime would feel right at home with the J. Crossover III. The "Force Vector" plate inserted within each shoe divides the advanced cushioning platform with the overall framework. That's something athletes can appreciate.

Stylistically speaking, peep the winged plated on the heel. That gorgeous element is enough to warrant anyone's loot. 

Keep it locked to retailers for more info on what J. Crossover III colorways you can nab. For example, the "Red" version is a Finish Line exclusive.

Jordan Horizon

Image Courtesy of Jordan Brand

Lost in all of the Kanye West, Yeezy Boost madness has been the fact that Jordan Brand's innovation lab is producing excellent sneakers that don't have the "Air" prefix stamped on them.

The new Jordan Horizon is a daring example of what we're talking about. Piggybacking off the Jordan Future—a knit-woven model with an Air Jordan XI sole—the Horizon serves as an updated take on the Air Jordan XIII.

If it looks familiar, that's because this model has already been seen floating around thanks to a collaborative effort with New York fashion label Public School NYC.

Using woven mesh as the basis for the shoe, the Horizon takes a classic Jordan model and bolsters it for 2016. Considering the fact that the Yeezy Boost and other "lighter" lifestyle sneakers are all the rage these days, the Horizon's arrival couldn't come at a better time for the brand.

Check what retailers have to offer in terms of the Horizon on February 1.

All Nike/Jordan product information via News.Nike.com unless noted otherwise. All Adidas information via News.Adidas.com unless noted otherwise.