10 Sneakers to Look Out for in 2017

Now that we've tumbled into a new year, 2016's sneaker releases are nothing but figments of the past. Venturing forward to what's on the docket for 2017, we found 10 sneakers that prominently stood out.

Jordan Brand seems to be focused on giving the retro treatment to later Air Jordan models—that's a good thing. On the Adidas front, it's looking like Yeezy season combined with James Harden and a secondary NMD rush. Nike isn't backing down either, leaning on the release of signature hoop models like the LeBron 14 and Kyrie 3 to inflict damage.

All of these notes have us amped for 2017. So, follow below and find out which 10 sneakers you need to look out for as the new year starts to gain traction.

Adidas Harden Vol. 1 'Home'

James Harden's debut shoe has been a gift from the Adidas overlords. The "Pioneer" version—dressed up with a black base and white top cap—produced on every level. It was lightweight, durable and surprisingly breathable.

Saturday brings forth another perennial edition, dubbed the Harden Vol. 1 "Home." The name, obvious as it seems, is all about the Houston Rockets. A red base and white toe provide a marvelous follow-up to the "Pioneer"—another Harden sneaker worth owning.

The only complaint to be forged with this sneaker is the laces tend to come undone during maximum movements. But not to fret, it's not big enough of a problem to slow the Harden Vol. 1 down.

Air Jordan XV 'Take Flight'

Image courtesy of Nike

The Air Jordan retro movement has turned its attention to later Michael Jordan models heading into 2017—this train started to roll with the "Suit Yourself" Air Jordan XVI in December.

A familiar notion of building up this later line of Jordan sneakers will continue with the Air Jordan XV "Take Flight," landing in homes on Jan. 28. This is the first edition of the "Take Flight" series.

An all-black colorway serves as a direct nod to the original release of the sneaker in 1999. The main difference between the OG shoe and this edition comes by way of an upgraded material system. Jordan Brand's fascination with premium materials allows superior levels of construction to take the reins.

It's hard to assume this model will sell out. We don't have enough data to back that claim up. But for the sake of originality—the Air Jordan XV hasn't been oversaturated—it's one sneaker that deserves to find a new audience.

Adidas NMD 'OG'

The return of an Adidas classic is headed our way Jan. 14. Team Three-Stripe plans to unleash the original NMD—first made popular in December '15—once again to give all of the people who missed out on nabbing a pair a chance at redemption.

Does this count as a retro, or, are we calling it a restock? Either way it's great news for consumers and supporters of the Three-Stripe movement. The original NMD remains a pivotal sneaker in the company's heritage, creating a divergent market for a condensed, free-flowing runner.

Air Jordan VI 'Alternate'

Image courtesy of Nike

It certainly feels like 2017 is going to be an ambitious one for Jordan Brand. Besides introducing the "Take Flight" collection in February, the company also has plans to release an "Alternate" version of retros, focusing more specifically on the Air Jordan VI and VIII.

Both sneakers will pique the interest of consumers, but from our vantage point, the Air Jordan VI shines a little bit brighter.

Along with this "Alternate," heritage pack, Jordan Brand decided to introduce year patches on the shoe. These patches showcase when Jordan wore the kicks, giving that retro flavor a bit more of a robust scent.

Remastered qualities will also be present, turning this particular Air Jordan VI into a must-own product. Get your cash ready on March 11. That's when the Air Jordan VI "Alternate" is set to make its debut.

Nike LeBron 14 'Black Ice'

Speaking from a footwear perspective, LeBron James is back and better than ever. No disrespect to the LeBron Soldier line—a prominent fixture in James' first title run with the Cleveland Cavaliers—but the LeBron 14 is an extension of James' true signature line.

When James unveiled his LeBron 14 on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors, the sneaker community was put on notice. Drawing comparisons to the Nike KD 9—for aesthetics—the LeBron 14 uses a midfoot strap, traction pads and surreal cushioning platforms to elevate the sneaker.

Nike will release the "Black Ice" version on Jan. 28, finally handing over the keys to James' footwear kingdom.

Air Jordan XII Low 'Playoff'

Image courtesy of Nike

I've always had a love, hate relationship when it comes to the Air Jordan XII low. The sneaker looks beautiful, but with the original Air Jordan XII already crafted as a midtop, why cut it even lower?

Clearly there's a market for these kicks. Jordan Brand has pushed out various models in the past. In 2017 they are welcoming more lows into the mix.

The "Playoff" XII low warrants the biggest reward. It represents an unforgettable Jordan sneaker, using a traditional black-and-white base. Convincing yourself to fall in love with any low Air Jordan is in the eye of the beholder.

However, if you are a fan, there's little reason to skip the "Playoff" Air Jordan XII when it drops Feb. 25.

Adidas Yeezy Boost V2 'Untitled'

We're calling this unreleased colorway of the Adidas Yeezy Boost V2 "Untitled" for the time being because there hasn't been an official name given to the public.

Pushing away from all of the darker silhouettes released in November, this Yeezy Boost V2 uses a similar splatter effect to draw you in—minus the fact it's lighter. A white "SPLY-350" stripe laid over the midsole, combined with a multithread color pattern, creates an illusion of greatness.

No release date has been set, but you can guarantee one thing: Like all the other Yeezy releases, these will sell like gangbusters.

Air Jordan I 'Royal'

The Air Jordan I is a sneaker that remains coveted. Despite being released in 1985, Jordan's first Nike offering has become the Rolex of footwear—timeless, clean and expensive as sin in the resell market.

Summer appears to be the time when the legendary Air Jordan I "Royal" is finally returning, per TheShoeGame.com. Like the "Banned" I, the "Royal" is a legacy shoe. It remains a must-own pair due to its limited nature.

You simply can't talk about any Air Jordan model this year without winding up directly in front of the Air Jordan I "Royal." It's a superb effort. One that should reign king among all of the '17 releases.

Air Jordan XXXI 'Black Toe'

Image courtesy of Nike

Elite performance sneakers in hoops are popping up left and right. Jordan Brand got in on the action, building the Air Jordan XXXI into an on-foot powerhouse.

With a design focusing on the Air Jordan I, the XXXI used an evolved shell, mesh-based upper and a strong cushioning system to create a hyper-focused, modern-day cut.

Its creation is a direct change of pace from some of the more athletic-looking Air Jordans, instead focusing on the aesthetic piece of the pie.

Releasing Jan. 17, the "Black Toe" Air Jordan XXXI continues to fuse elements of the past with the future. It's another endearing take on one of 2016's best sneakers.

Air Jordan V 'Take Flight'

Image courtesy of Nike

The "Take Flight" series continues its masterful approach with the Air Jordan V, releasing on Feb. 11. Designed to reflect a stealth fighter plane, this sneaker used a complete army-green overlay to blend in.

Despite hitting retailers in February, the "Take Flight" Air Jordan V looks more shoe-ready to make its debut next fall. Its tonal colorway reminds you of changing seasons and cooler temperatures.

People who have an eye for the Jordan V should be all over this shoe. Its dark colorway is good for the anti-scuffing movement, and the decision to use a pure army-green coating is something we haven't really seen from the folks over at Jordan Brand.

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