15 Sneakers You Can Cop Under Retail

In 1995, Scottie Pippen put this sneaker on the map. The full-length Max Air unit found across the bottom and extended at the heel was ahead of its time for comfort due to its use of suede and buttery leather. Now deemed as a lifestyle shoe, the Air Max Uptempo 95 is an excellent nostalgia remedy of the legendary Chicago Bulls title run.

The Air Max 270 is one of the latest innovations from Nike that focuses on extending its iconic Air technology. With more Air than ever before, the silhouette is great for both workout and leisure. The enlarged bubble gets dipped in black while the rest of the shoe features the classic white and red color scheme that Tinker Hatfield used on the father of all Nike Air models—the Nike Air Max 1 “White/University Red.”

The Nike React Element 87 is one of Nike’s newest silhouettes that features its cloud-like React technology that springs every step, making any movement fun. Also, the translucent upper makes the shoe stand out from anything else on the market. The dark hues make this a great fall or winter shoe that you can snag under retail on StockX.

The partnership between Pharrell Williams and adidas has been extremely fruitful thanks to Pharrell’s taste in fashion and vision for creativity. Pharrell has taken the reins on the NMD Hu, which features an extended Boost sole and an outsole engineered for heavy wear. The simple hues found across the shoe make it fully functional. Make the shoe yours while it’s still under retail.

adidas is pushing the envelope of technology and sneakers with its newly unveiled 4D technology. 4D printing technology creates a fully supportive and multifunctional sole. The shoe also features adidas’s signature Primeknit upper that hugs your foot. It’s originally a $300 shoe at retailers, but you can get this futuristic technology for yourself at a much cheaper price.

The Air Jordan 3 is adored by many for its simple design and aesthetic. To many people’s surprise, Tinker Hatfield originally designed Michael Jordan’s third signature shoe with a Swoosh. The AJ3 Tinker is an ode to Hatfield’s original creation along with the classic Air Max 1 “White/Red” colorway—a design imbued with Tinker Hatfield’s legacy.

LeBron James debuted the Nike Air Zoom Generation, often called the LeBron 1, during his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Nike only released five official colorways of LeBron's first signature sneaker, sticking mostly to a palette of red, black and white. The AZG featured a full-length Zoom Air, mesh and leather that helped the rookie make a smooth transition from dominating high school basketball to making a name for himself in the NBA.

In 1987, Tinker Hatfield and Nike debuted the Nike Air Max 1 that set the world of sneakers ablaze. Previously unseen, Hatfield pushed the boundaries of sneakers by exposing the Air unit found in the midsole. The “Schematic” colorway pays homage to Hatfield’s original creation, and the sketches used to make the shoe what we know and love today.

The Air Jordan 13 is recognized best by its staple colorways: “He Got Game” and “Bred.” While Jordan never wore that Lakers purple and gold, this colorway is perfect for any fan of Los Angeles’ most decorated team. The AJ 13 features premium suede accents and a tumbled leather upper.

The New Balance wave is back. The 990 is a staple with mesh, suede and subtle hints of leather. Crafted expertly together, this is the perfect everyday shoe. If you’re in the market for an accessible dad shoe, the New Balance 990v5 is it.

The Air Jordan 18 is often forgotten in the Jordan Brand line. The shoe was Michael Jordan’s last performance pair he wore while playing with the Washington Wizards. The silhouette features a premium suede upper and a tumbled leather throat. You can grab this sneaker now for way below its original retail price of $225. 

Human Made, one of NIGO’s many brands, collides with the adidas Solar Hu Glide for a captivating yet straightforward sneaker. Featuring a Boost sole and Continental outsole just like an Ultra Boost, the silhouette is more lifestyle-oriented. Also, the Japanese brand’s signature Human Made heart is prominently on the toe box.

John Elliot is known for his minimalistic designs with luxurious craftsmanship. His latest creation is no different, due in part to the translucent toe box, an embroidered Swoosh and a premium leather liner designed to keep you comfortable. All of this sits on top of a full-length Air Max unit, thanks to the LeBron 8-inspired look. 

The Air Jordan 10 is one of Jordan Brand’s best creations for transitioning on and off the court. Whether on the streets or during a pickup game, the AJ10 is excellent for any occasion. If you’re big on nostalgia, this colorway is an homage to the Seattle SuperSonics with its green and yellow color scheme.

adidas restocked some of their most prized adidas Ultra Boost, which led prices to drop way below retail. The Ultra Boost 1.0 started the Boost wave that dominated the market for some time. The pop of multicolor on the toe box allows you to wear the shoe with any outfit effortlessly.