A Closer Look at Some Underrated Sneakers of 2025

Welcome to a Sleeper Report, where we’re highlighting the most underrated sneakers of 2025. While the masses spent the year chasing predictable heavy hitters (we’re looking at you, for example, Holiday AJ4 ‘Black Cat’ and AJ11 ‘Gamma’), some heat could also be found elsewhere. 2025 was a year where exciting energy emerged from surprising corners: think the WNBA’s hardwood, the “Blokecore” obsession on the terraces, premium-crafted skate classics, and boundary-pushing collaborations.

Here are the 2025 sleeper hits that defined the year for those who know where to look.

The “Other” Black Cat: New Balance 9060

The comeback of the Jordan 4 ‘Black Cat’ was undoubtedly one of the most hyped releases of 2025. In this article, you’ll find an in-depth look at that drop. However, this clean colorway with rich history also works perfectly on other trending silhouettes. The New Balance 9060 ‘Black Cat’ proved that this chunky, futuristic model has officially reached peak cultural mass. It might just be one of the most essential underrated sneakers of 2025.

A New Signature Era: WNBA Takes Over

Women’s basketball is finally getting the sneaker hardware it deserves. May 2025 marked a landmark moment with the arrival of A’ja Wilson’s Nike A’One ‘Pink A’ura.’ This wasn’t just a ‘women’s exclusive’; it was a heavyweight performance debut that captured the league’s newfound dominance. WNBA signature shoes should definitely be on your radar from here on out.

The Midas Touch: Bad Bunny x adidas

Benito simply cannot miss. However, this design isn’t as much on everyone’s radar as his previous collaborations with Adidas. The Bad Bunny x adidas Gazelle Indoor ‘Cabo Rojo’ released in July, and the Puerto Rican superstar proved his Midas touch is still very much intact. He took a heritage terrace classic and injected it with enough personality to dominate the summer. It was a masterclass in how to keep a collaborative streak alive without losing an ounce of soul.

The Niche Becomes Mainstream: “Blokecore”

If 2024 was about the Samba, 2025 was more about the technical ‘boot.’ The Blokecore trend demanded a new grail, and Nike delivered with the surprise May retro of the Nike Hypervenom Phantom 1 ‘Black Bright Citrus.’ Originally from 2013, this silhouette was immediately co-opted by fashion’s elite as a high-vis lifestyle statement. It proved once more: the boundary between performance sport and high fashion is non-existent.

Nostalgia Unlocked with Anime & Collectibles Styles like the Yu-Gi-Oh! x Nike

Tapping into the ‘90s obsession and the booming market for collectibles (two words: Labubu), the Yu-Gi-Oh! x Nike Air Max 95 ‘Joey’ was a September highlight. We saw a deep-cut tribute to the iconic footwear worn by Joey Wheeler in the anime. Complete with playable cards, the Yu-Gi-Oh x Nike design is a love letter to a generation that still values its childhood heroes.

Quiet Luxury: The “Souvenir Pack” Vans

How does a non-collaborative Vans release command a 150%+ resale premium? Through pure craftsmanship. The Vans Old Skool 36 LX ‘Souvenir Pack – Warm Brown’ was the year’s ultimate ‘if you know, you know’ hit. Inspired by the textures of a 2014 Chanel bag, this premium LX drop showcased spray-painted canvas, tweed, and custom pins. It perfectly captured the ‘trying too hard to look like you didn’t try’ vibe, prioritizing material story over loud branding.

The Real Innovation: Kids-Only Exclusives like the AJ4 ‘Pizza’

While adult retros often stick to the script, the real creative risks are being taken in the Pre-School and Toddler aisles. The Air Jordan 4 ‘Pizza’ (August 2025) was a stroke of genius. A fun, hyper-detailed design that had adult collectors genuinely jealous, it reminded us that sneaker culture is supposed to be: Well…fun!

Conclusion: What 2025 Taught Us

The lesson we can take from 2025? Sneaker culture has never been more diverse. The heat isn’t just sitting in one corner; it’s everywhere: on the soccer pitch, the WNBA court, in your old anime collection, and even in your kid’s wardrobe.

If you’re only looking at the headlines, you might be missing the heart of the story.

IMAGE CREDITS: GOAT