The Sneaker of the Year Panel at ComplexCon 2024: Top 10 Sneakers and Unfiltered Moments
This year’s Sneaker of the Year panel at ComplexCon took on a deeper meaning as it was renamed “The DJ Clark Kent Sneaker of the Year Panel” in honor of the legendary DJ and sneaker icon. The panel began with an emotional video tribute to DJ Clark Kent, celebrating his contributions to sneaker culture. His son, who was in attendance, was recognized by moderator Joe La Puma, adding a heartfelt and personal touch to the event.
The panel itself featured a star-studded lineup of Lil Yachty, PJ Tucker, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty, alongside La Puma. Together, they discussed the top sneakers of 2024, touching on the cultural impact, design innovations, and stories behind the year’s most influential releases. While the rankings sparked their fair share of debates, it was the moments of humor, passion, and candid exchanges that truly made this year’s panel unforgettable.
The Top 10 Sneakers of 2024
10. Jae Tips x Saucony Omni 9 – A colorful standout showcasing individuality, this collaboration solidified Jae Tips’ influence in blending bold storytelling with functionality.
9. Nigel Sylvester Jordan 4 RM – Nigel Sylvester’s reimagined Jordan 4 brought BMX-inspired details to a classic silhouette, creating a sneaker that resonated with both athletes and collectors.
8. Futura Nike SB Dunk Low – The return of this grail-worthy design reignited the passion of SB Dunk loyalists with its striking graphics and iconic colorway.
7. Wu-Tang Nike Dunk High – A re-release that honored a 1999 legend, the Wu-Tang Dunk celebrated the enduring legacy of the brand and hip-hop's intersection with sneaker culture.
6. Action Bronson x New Balance 1906 (Rosewater) – Action Bronson brought vibrant hues and a fresh perspective to the New Balance lineup, proving the brand’s rise in streetwear dominance.
5. Marvel x Kith Asics – This superhero-themed collection seamlessly blended nostalgia and craftsmanship, appealing to both comic book fans and sneaker enthusiasts.
4. Kobe 4 Protro (Girl Dad) – A heartfelt homage to Kobe Bryant, this iteration carried emotional weight and impeccable design, paying tribute to his legacy.
3. Jordan Jumpman Jack – A playful yet performance-driven sneaker, the Jumpman Jack captured attention for its innovative construction and bold aesthetic.
2. Bred 4 Reimagined – A timeless icon with updated materials, the Bred 4 proved that even classics could feel new again.
1. Anthony Edwards AE 1 Adidas – The NBA star’s first signature shoe combined sleek lines with performance-focused technology, earning unanimous praise from the panel as a modern masterpiece.
PJ Tucker and Lil Yachty Chase the Wu-Tang Nike Dunk High
A lighthearted moment of the night occurred when Joe La Puma asked PJ Tucker if he’d managed to secure the coveted Wu-Tang Nike Dunk High, ranked seventh on the list. Tucker admitted that he had found a pair being resold for a jaw-dropping $75,000. Despite his love for rare sneakers, Tucker said he ultimately passed, joking that the price made him feel so broke but confessing he still regrets not pulling the trigger.
The conversation took an unexpected turn shortly after Lil Yachty joined the panel. After receiving a quick recap of what he’d missed, La Puma turned the same question to Yachty, asking if he had scored a pair. To everyone’s surprise, Yachty revealed that he, too, had found a pair priced at $75,000 and didn’t buy them. This revelation led to a hilarious realization that Tucker and Yachty were likely bidding for the exact same pair of Wu-Tang Dunk Highs. The moment drew laughter from the crowd and underscored the lengths some sneakerheads will go to for a grail – even if $75,000 ultimately feels like a line too far.
Lil Yachty Takes a Stand and Defends His Nike Collaboration
While the rankings brought excitement, Lil Yachty’s passionate defense of his Nike Air Force 1 collaboration became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. Yachty, a self-proclaimed sneakerhead, emphasized that his approach to the minimal design was deeply intentional. Instead of focusing on flashy patterns or over-the-top aesthetics, Yachty zeroed in on elevating the quality of the leather – a detail that he felt had been overlooked in recent years. His decision to prioritize premium materials over bold visuals was aimed at restoring the iconic Air Force 1 to its roots, appealing to purists who value craftsmanship over spectacle.
The conversation turned tense when Yachty realized that an Instagram critic (who was harsh on Yachty’s design choices), Bimma Willliams, was in the audience and standing proud behind his words. He addressed Williams directly, defending his creative choices and challenging the culture of online criticism. The exchange underscored the gap between digital discourse and in-person accountability, igniting a wave of support from the crowd. Yachty’s remarks not only showcased his passion but also sparked a broader discussion about how sneaker design is judged in today’s climate.
“Everyone has their own take on a sneaker,” Yachty said, “so if i want to make an Air Force and I want it to be white and blue – if you don’t like it, that's cool, but the way he tried to make it seem as if like ‘this n***a can’t make a shoe because he doesn’t respect the culture.’ What the fuck are you talking about n***a? I’ve been into this sneaker shit for 15 years, when I had five cents to my name. I can tell you about any kind of shoe. What are you talking about? You clearly don’t know my history on sneakers and how involved I am in this shit.”
The Best vs. The Biggest
One of the night’s most thought-provoking moments came when Yachty posed a key question — “Is this list about the biggest [releases] or the best?” His query sparked a lively discussion among the panelists about what defines a great sneaker in today’s saturated market. Is it sales numbers? Social media clout? Or the design’s ability to tell a story? The panel leaned toward the latter, but Yachty’s point underlined the complexity of ranking sneakers in a year where collaborations and concepts have flooded the scene.
This year’s Sneaker of the Year panel wasn’t just about unveiling a list, it was a snapshot of sneaker culture in 2024. From the personal connections shared through Tucker’s autograph to the candid and sometimes contentious moments driven by Yachty, the panel reflected the passion and diversity of opinions that make the sneaker community thrive.
As the crowd dispersed and fans debated their own top 10 lists, one thing was clear: sneakers are more than just shoes — they’re stories, statements, and symbols of the ever-evolving culture we share.
What are your thoughts on the panel’s Top 10?
