Sole Free - Sneakers & Culture - Award Nominations

The 2024 Sole Free Awards are here, and this year’s nominees reflect a dynamic intersection of sneakers, culture, and collaboration. From iconic footwear to groundbreaking partnerships, the awards celebrate the moments and innovators that shaped the past year. Additionally, this year we will be announcing the 4th Annual Sole Free Lifetime Achievement Award given to an individual whose contributions to the industry have forever changed the game. Congratulations to all of our nominees. 

Once again this year’s awards are sponsored by OPTYX New York. Since 1971, OPTYX has strived to offer New York with quality eye care offered by their family of supremely skilled optometrist, all the while offering luxury brands to ensure you look the best in them. Voting is now open (CLICK HERE.) Here’s a breakdown of the categories and nominees making waves this year.

SNEAKER OF THE YEAR

The most coveted sneakers of the year have ignited debates across the sneaker community. These nominees represent the pinnacle of design, storytelling, and cultural impact:

• Jordan 3 Nina Chanel: A bold reimagining of a classic with Nina Chanel’s distinctive aesthetic.

• Nigel Sylvester Bike Air: A tribute to the BMX legend, merging sport and streetwear.

• Futura Dunks: A timeless collaboration blending art and footwear.

• Wu-Tang Dunks: Iconic and instantly recognizable, a nod to the legendary rap group.

• Air Force One Linens: The return of a fan-favorite classic, steeped in nostalgia.

SOLE FREE MOMENT OF THE YEAR

From sports milestones to pop culture events, these moments defined 2024:

• Dwight Gooden Jersey Number Retirement: Celebrating the legendary Mets pitcher’s incredible career.

• Beat Street Anniversary with Nas, Melle Mel, Scorpio, Kool Moe Dee: A hip-hop tribute that honored the cultural impact of Beat Street.

• Tracy Morgan from the NYIAS (New York International Auto Show): A comedic and stylish appearance that stole the spotlight.

• Floyd Mayweather and John Gotti III from Times Square: A memorable and unexpected cultural clash in the heart of NYC.

COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR

Partnerships took creativity to the next level this year, blending sports, art, and fashion:

• New York or Nowhere x New York Knicks: A love letter to NYC basketball.

• Siegleman Stables x NY Mets: Merging equestrian luxury with Mets fandom.

• East Side Golf x Paper Planes: A sleek and modern union of golf and streetwear.

• Travis Scott x Topps Baseball: A genre-defying collaboration celebrating the crossover of music and America’s pastime

FOOD COLLAB OF THE YEAR

Culinary creativity met pop culture with these unforgettable pairings:

• Pop Up Bagel x Grillo’s Pickles: A tangy, limited-edition bagel experience.

• Lucali Pizza x Rag & Bone: Where high fashion meets New York’s iconic pizza culture.

• Kaws x General Mills “Monsters”: Artistic reimaginings of classic cereal box designs.

• Kith x Sour Patch Kids: A sweet and sour collaboration that delighted fans.

MOST STYLISH NEW YORKER

Style and individuality took center stage with these New Yorkers who embody the city’s unique fashion:

• Nigel Sylvester: BMX star and sneaker culture icon.

• Francisco Lindor: The Mets’ star shortstop, blending athleticism with sharp sartorial choices.

• Ella Emhoff: The fashion-forward model and designer redefining NYC style.

• Josh Hart: New York Knicks player and streetwear enthusiast.

The Sole Free Awards continue to celebrate the crossroads of sneakers, culture, and creativity, highlighting the individuals and collaborations that set the tone for what’s next. Stay tuned as the winners are announced, and join the conversation about the most exciting year in street culture yet.