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The Kickz Stand x Sole Kitchen Sneaker of the Year #1

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Jae Tips x Saucony Grid Azura 2000 'Remember Who Fronted'

Jae Tips who is best known for his contributions to the fitted hat community, in 2023 the Bronx native designer, rapper and sneakerhead released his first shoe collaboration with Saucony that many consider to be the best shoe of the year. The “Remember Who Fronted” Grid Azura 2000 construction, features quality materials supplied by Wolverine Worldwide, contrasting colours and patterns inspired by flowers that shouldn’t work together. However, they really do. This is why Sole Kitchen x The Kickz Stand has chosen this the “Remember Who Fronted” as our joint first inaugural 2023 SOTY!

SolekitchenAu is a collective of seven sneaker enthusiasts that was established in 2022. SolekitchenAu is not only a podcast that discusses all things sneakers but our aim is to grow and give back to the community. As well as the podcast, Hendo(@sck1cks) and JP(@kicks_and_craze) host the SolekitchenAu on IG Tuesday night live sessions that discuss the most important sneaker topics nearly every week.

I’m a big feet sneaker enthusiast who has been collecting sneakers since the early 2000s. However, it was hard to find size 13 sneakers. My collection started with Nike AF1s and after meeting the SolekitchenAu crew my collection has naturally evolved to include many brands such as ASICS, Diadora, Jordan, New Balance and Saucony. As one of the regular hosts of the SK instagram Tuesday night, I love to talk about all things sneakers.

The Kickz Stand x Sole Kitchen Sneaker of the Year #2

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Above the Clouds x Asics GT-2160

Did someone say translucent upper?!?… To take the Y2K mesh, runner and flip it on its head. It had to be Above the Clouds store, To take the ASICS GT 2160 and make it stand out in a crowd. ATC has definitely done this with hits of green, silver and wide open mesh placed together over the translucent material. This ASICS Collab will take not only your sneaker game, but sock game too on all new level! The unique styling And head turning colourway, not to mention the reptile like scale pattern over the sneaker, will make you appreciate this this shoe every time that you see it on foot. The mint, green and ATC blue hits really finish the clean look to this classic silhouette. Another Aussie boutique that definitely deserves a place in the top 10 sneakers of 2023.

Hey guys – @Sck1cks here- I’m bringing you my choices in the TKS/Solekitchen top 10 for 2023 – if you know me, you know I love me a good pair of ASICS – so my choices will come as no surprise – The HAL MK3 1130 and the Above The Clouds Store GT-2160 . Both pairs made an impression on me this year for all the right reasons !!!!

The Kickz Stand x Sole Kitchen Sneaker of the Year 2023 #3

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Kith x Marvel XMen x Asic Gel Lyte lll '07 Remastered Pack

As I mentioned in a pod interview with the crew from @inkixwetrust, this pair just played so much on my childhood and obsession with anything X-Men. This collaboration was the perfect tribute to the animated television series, and collectable cards. I love that Ronnie’s inner child inspired the design elements of box and shoe, and added to one of the best sneaker unboxing experiences I’ve ever had. Firstly, the box, covered in X-Men graphics, sealed and once openned transforms into the display box that’s reminiscent of box that stores the packets of cards you’d buy from Granny May’s (I’m that old). Secondly, the foil packet storing the shoe requires you to carefully rip the top edge, like opening a packet of Ultra Fleer X-Men cards. Thirdly, the sneakers, and ERMAHGERD the sneakers! I love that the sneaker was given the “remastered” treatment – quality materials and OG shape. I love that you had no clue which character inspired sneaker you got, and it wouldn’t matter which one you’d get because they’re all unique in their own right – Seven different pairs, that pay homage to size iconic characters. The story telling of this pack, combined with the unboxing experience and the quality of the sneaker, is the reason why my Cyclops pair is in my Top 10 Sneakers of 2023. Honestly, I’m humming the theme song of the animated series as I type this!!!

Hey fam, my name’s Emmanuel and I go by @kickinitwithgee on Instagram. I’ve been actively collecting sneakers since 2013, however, my sneaker journey started decades before that. One thing I love about the sneaker community are the connections you make with like minded people. Those connections led me to be part of a collective known as SoleKitchenAU.

The Kickz Stand x Sole Kitchen Sneaker of the Year 2023 #4

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Jordan IV Retro SB Pine Green

A sign of the times to have two of the most hyped Nike and Jordan silhouettes in recent memory to come together. many sneakerheads and press have this as their 2023 sneaker of the year. I can understand why, with a Jordan 4 that has been wear tested by skaters and made to actually do kickflips as well as shoot hoops on the court. But the real magic is that Nike SB have made this retro Jordan much more comfortable with their re-engineering touches. No more pinkie crush for me, These slight changes are said to be included in future Jordan 4s, meaning you can teach an old Jordan new (skate) tricks. 

As an author of children’s books, I appreciate sneakers that can tell a story through their design and features. I love sneakers that are wacky, colourful and make me stand out. Find out more at my Instagram and Youtube Channel, Virtual Oliver P.

The Kickz Stand x Sole Kitchen Sneaker of the Year #5

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Kith x Clarks x Adidas Samba 8th Street

I’m an NB head first but as much as I want to put an NB pair ahead of this, I just can’t deny this pair. There have been triple or more collabs before, but in this age of lazy collabs, these really stands out. It just screams high level of quality and execution.

Like many of us, I started with Nike and Jordan brand, but old age has forced me to collect the sneakers from the “other guys”, not that I dislike Nike/Jordan brand, I just like what the other brands are doing right now. — @oldmansneaks

The Kickz Stand x Sole Kitchen Sneaker of the Year 2023 #6

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HAL Studios x Asics Gel 1130 MK lll 'Glacier'

2023 saw the Perth -based boutique HAL studios and Asics Sports Style AU Collab again on another Gel 1130. Drawing inspiration from nature. This time, bringing the glaziers to life. From the placement of the smooth, dark brown leather to the wide open mesh and the long hairy suede, all these elements are tied together perfectly with the addition of the red laces that mimic that of hikers rope. The sneaker almost gives off a slightly dirty look, which is only enhanced more once on foot. The MK3 Glacier is one of those sneakers that will go down as an “if you know you know pair.” It’s not flashy. It’s not outlandish. It’s just simply clean with it’s premium materials. It definitely has to be represented in a top 10 list for 2023.






Hey guys – @Sck1cks here- I’m bringing you my choices in the TKS/Solekitchen top 10 for 2023 – if you know me, you know I love me a good pair of ASICS – so my choices will come as no surprise – The HAL MK3 1130 and the Above The Clouds Store GT-2160 . Both pairs made an impression on me this year for all the right reasons !!!!

The Kickz Stand x Sole Kitchen Sneaker of the Year 2023 #7

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Up There x Asics Gel Lyte lll 'Kookaburra'

ASICS X UPTHERE It’s not your iconic Aussie green and gold colourway, but this is definitely “up there” with all the iconic Australian inspired sneaker collaborations. The earthy tones and textures of materials that reflect the kookaburra’s plumage, and the striking turquoise, is a perfect representation of the kingfisher. You can definitely see the inspiration for the design, this is why the ASICS X UpThere Kookaburra is in my top 10 pickups of 2023. I mean if your best mate, who has no interest in sneakers whatsoever, asks you about this pair and purchases it, that’s gotta count for something right!?

Hey fam, my name’s Emmanuel and I go by @kickinitwithgee on Instagram. I’ve been actively collecting sneakers since 2013, however, my sneaker journey started decades before that. One thing I love about the sneaker community are the connections you make with like minded people. Those connections led me to be part of a collective known as SoleKitchenAU.

The Kickz Stand x Sole Kitchen Sneaker of the Year 2023 #8

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Born x Raised x Nike SB Dunk Low 'One Block at a Time'

In mid-2023, following the tragic passing of the Born x Raised founder Spanto, Nike SB halted the release of their highly anticipated collaboration with rumours of a cancellation of the release. Now, after its release in September, the “Born x Raised” Nike SB is seen by many as not only a tribute but a grail pair. The Born X Raised represents an on-the-ground perspective and personality of LA street culture. The Born X Raised features a lenticular Swoosh and heel tabs, perforated toe box and upper eyelets, and embroidered artwork. Lastly, the Born x Raised SB comes with extra laces that say “In Loving Memory” which is a fitting tribute to Spanto.

SolekitchenAu is a collective of seven sneaker enthusiasts that was established in 2022. SolekitchenAu is not only a podcast that discusses all things sneakers but our aim is to grow and give back to the community. As well as the podcast, Hendo(@sck1cks) and JP(@kicks_and_craze) host the SolekitchenAu on IG Tuesday night live sessions that discuss the most important sneaker topics nearly every week.

I’m a big feet sneaker enthusiast who has been collecting sneakers since the early 2000s. However, it was hard to find size 13 sneakers. My collection started with Nike AF1s and after meeting the SolekitchenAu crew my collection has naturally evolved to include many brands such as ASICS, Diadora, Jordan, New Balance and Saucony. As one of the regular hosts of the SK instagram Tuesday night, I love to talk about all things sneakers.

The Kickz Stand x Sole Kitchen Sneaker of the Year 2023 #9

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JARRITOS x NIKE SB DUNK LOW

The Jarritos is 2023’s version of the Chunky Dunky. It’s not as wacky as the Ben and Jerry’s pair but the nods to the Mexican soda brand are there, from the hemp representing the sacks that are used to carry the fruit, to the Jarritos font being used on the back heel and tongue. It’s such a cool pair that represents the best of the Nike SB collabs in 2023, from skate shops like TightBooth to rap groups like Run The Jewels and even cartoons like The Powerpuff Girls

As an author of children’s books, I appreciate sneakers that can tell a story through their design and features. I love sneakers that are wacky, colourful and make me stand out. Find out more at my Instagram and Youtube Channel, Virtual Oliver P.

The Kickz Stand x Sole Kitchen Sneaker of the Year 2023 #10

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CARHARTT WIP x NEW BALANCE MADE in USA 990v6

Unmistakably Carhartt. You can remove the co-branding on this and you’ll still name them the “990v6 Carhartts”.

Like many of us, I started with Nike and Jordan brand, but old age has forced me to collect the sneakers from the “other guys”, not that I dislike Nike/Jordan brand, I just like what the other brands are doing right now. — @oldmansneaks