10 Sneakers You Need for the Holidays

Holiday sneaker shopping is a tradition unlike any other. It's the perfect time to grab forgotten shoes from the past year, equip one's closet with hot December releases and lose all of your hard-earned money in the process.

With the holidays knocking on the door every so gently, we went and constructed a mini-guide for you to lose sleep over. Below are 10 of the top shoes you need to pick-up as we say goodbye to 2016.

Air Jordan III 'Dark Grey'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Air Jordan III "Dark Grey"

Release Date: December 17

The Air Jordan III remains a defining sneaker in terms of the Jordan Brand empire. First unveiled in 1988, this shoe welcomed lead designer Tinker Hatfield into the fold and changed the complexion of Jordan's signature line.

A constant string of retros over the years has kept the Air Jordan III in the sights of consumers. On December 17, the latest installment finally reaches our shores in a wool "Dark Grey" version.

Grey wool covers the entire silhouette, giving this particular III more of a premium feel. Instead of using a throng of leather to dress it up, Jordan Brand dedicated this model to the perils of winter.

Dropping December 17 for $200, this Air Jordan III "Dark Grey" is a true, must-own holiday stomper.

Adidas Harden Vol. 1 'Pioneer'

Sneaker: Adidas Harden Vol. 1 "Pioneer"

Release Date: Available Now

Can we all agree James Harden's debut shoe with Adidas is a genuine winner? The sneaker utilizes Primeknit-like source material as its base—true Primeknit versions are set to hit shelves at a later date—contributing to overall lightweight performance.

A rubberized traction pattern keeps your foot attached to the floor, while the traditional, full-form Boost cushioning system has elevated the shoe to exponentially great heights.

Holiday shoppers who are hunting for a basketball sneaker that can double-down on the tennis courts and in the gym should be all over the Harden Vol. 1 "Pioneer." It's become a must-own sneaker thanks to strong design, a competitive price point—$140—and a complete sense of reliability.

Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski 'Baroque Brown'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski "Baroque Brown"

Release Date: December 15

Without any question, Stefan Janoski's personal line of sneakers is the most slept-on cog in Nike's ongoing sneaker machine.

Assembled as a genuine skate shoe, these sneakers have toed the line between skating and casual wear. If you remember how skate shoes used to be—bulky soles for durability, thick materials for protection—you wouldn't think the Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski would fit in.

The good news is it works. Not only does it flourish in a skating capacity, the sneaker has also helped transcend the industry.

On December 15, the latest Janoski, dubbed "Baroque Brown," arrives, giving your holiday shopping lists a late boost. This ultra-premium version rids itself of laces, instead using straps to fasten in your foot, creating a holistic sneaker experience anyone can enjoy.

Nike Kobe A.D. 'Ruthless Precision'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Nike Kobe A.D. 'Ruthless Precision'

Release Date: December 16

Kobe Bryant's NBA career is over, but his footwear endeavors live on thanks to Nike. The first post-Bryant sneaker hit retailers in the fall, dubbed the Kobe A.D.

December 16 marks another pivotal release of this model, as Nike prepares to roll out the "Ruthless Precision." A term you have to remember when discussing or wearing the Kobe A.D. is Dynamic Flywire. The material—laid out in cable form—weaves the sneaker together, enhancing its low-profile with additional core strength.

This support emerges in more of a lockdown capacity, as the Kobe A.D. keeps you honest in terms of on-court traction.

The "Ruthless Precision" edition is a clean look, featuring traditional black, white and grey color markings. It's perfect for any fan of Bryant or people who have love for strong basketball products.

Nike Air Max2 Uptempo 'Bold Statement'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Nike Air Max2 Uptempo 'Bold Statement'

Release Date: Available Now

The 1990s represented an amazing time for Nike basketball. Aside from yearly Air Jordan models, the Air Max Uptempo line announced itself in a revolutionary capacity.

Of all the Air Max iterations to emerge, the Air Max2 Uptempo was one of the first to engage Nike's air chamber system. That means the Air Max2 Uptempo used various chambers placed all over the sneaker in order to cushion the platform. 

Strategically placed air bubbles helped absorb and differ shock patterns, creating a roomy yet comfortable fit.

Taking it all the way back to '95, Nike used its retro powers and released the Air Max2 Uptempo "Bold Statement." It's a beautiful sneaker that's been dolled up thanks to black leather and a mesh trim.

Adidas Crazy Explosive

Image courtesy of Adidas

Sneaker: Adidas Crazy Explosive

Release Date: Available Now

Without any hype accompanying its arrival, the Adidas Crazy Explosive transitioned into an elite basketball sneaker over the course of 2016.

Construed as a genuine throwback, this high-top cut was installed into the Adidas basketball platform thanks to usage by Kristaps Porzingis, Andrew Wiggins and Eric Gordon.

Adidas' biggest accomplishment in terms of the basketball community was generating NBA-ready sneakers at a competitive price point. The Crazy Explosive retailed for $149, with various offers coming in lower depending on the retailer.

On the court, Primeknit modeling and a Boost sole provides a bounce you'll want to hang onto. The Adidas Crazy Explosive isn't just a holiday staple. It's also a genuine contender for the best sneaker of the year.

Nike Air Trainer V. Cruz 'Subtle Luxury'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Nike Air Trainer V. Cruz "Subtle Luxury"

Release Date: Available Now

We need to pass along an ocean's worth of credit to New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz. He shattered expectations when it came to NFL players having signature shoes.

In 2015, the Nike Air Trainer V. Cruz emerged in various colorways, creating a market for this wonderful casual shoe. This year, Cruz and Nike came back with another gem, unveiling the Nike Air Trainer V. Cruz "Subtle Luxury."

It's a shoe that takes all of the shining elements from the first edition and bolsters them. A suede lining drapes over the sneaker, and the added black colorway treats the shoe as more of a fashionable endeavor than its predecessor—something the shoe desperately needed.

The result of this mixing and matching was a beautiful, must-own pair of kicks released just in the nick of time before the holidays.

Adidas Tubular Instant Boost

Image courtesy of Adidas

Sneaker: Adidas Tubular Instant Boost

Release Date: Available Now

If you haven't been paying attention to what Adidas has been doing in 2016, the holiday shopping season would be a good time to start.

Push aside the Yeezy Boost line and James Harden's signature shoe for a second. Beyond the gates of hype and marketing is a place where great shoes are constantly being produced. We spoke about the Crazy Explosive earlier in this guide, but now we want to shift attention to the Tubular Instant Boost.

This has been a low-key hit for Adidas in terms of wearability, luxurious materials and of course, comfort. A Boost casing lines the Instant Boost and the colors chosen were inspired by the beloved city of Paris.

Adding premium leather to cloak the shoe has given the Tubular Instant Boost a space to play in—the luxury footwear department. The sneaker is readily available in select colorways for $160.

Nike Air Foamposite Pro 'Black, White and Forbidding'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Nike Air Foamposite Pro "Black, White and Forbidding"

Release Date: Available Now

Ten years after it first released, Nike is bringing back this coveted black-and-white colorway of the Air Foamposite Pro. Nicknamed "Black, White and Forbidding," this shoe remains a cult classic for consumers.

A galactic design harping on grooves, ridges and space-like alleyways turned the Foamposite into an icon of footwear. Today presents fans of the shoe a special holiday chance to land this distinct pair.

The main issue with Foamposites has always been the price. This particular version is set to retail for $230. If you can get past the coin you're going to have to dish out, there's no reason to avoid the "Black, White and Forbidding" Foams.

Li-Ning Way of Wade 5 'Grey and Lava Red'

Sneaker: Li-Ning Way of Wade 5 "Grey and Lava Red"

Release Date: Available Now

Veering outside of the Nike and Adidas world we live in can often lead to happiness. Take the Li-Ning Way of Wade 5 for example.

Dwyane Wade has created a slept-on line of performance shoes over the years. When the Way of Wade 5 dropped earlier in 2016, we expected another comfortable, productive hoops shoe.

Recently the "Grey and Lava Red" version emerged, giving consumers the chance to procure a pair. If you're shopping for someone who has a unique sense of taste, the Way of Wade 5 is the way to go. It features a vibrant performance pattern—thanks in part to lockdown support on the sole and a smart cushioning system.

The Way of Wade 5 remains a pivotal sneaker in a world dominated by Nike, Adidas and Under Armour. 

All production information and release dates via Nike News and Adidas News, unless noted otherwise.