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2025 was a wild year for footwear. 3D-printed Air Max experiments, tweed golf shoes for The Open, BMX storytelling Jordans, loafers with performance sockliners…and a lot of debate in our group chats about what actually deserves a spot in our rotations.

This list isn’t meant to be the definitive ranking for everyone. It’s a love letter to the 25 pairs we kept coming back to at The Kingsland Shoe Project this year – the ones with real craft, personality, and staying power. The stuff you want to protect, break in slowly, and keep looking fresh for years.

You’ll see everything from dress oxfords and heritage boots to techy runners and collabs that broke the internet. Different vibes, same core standards: materials, build, comfort, story, and that magic “I need these” feeling.

25 Pairs We Loved in 2025

This week, we’re excited to spotlight the incredible talent of @brucehatoo – Bruce Ha – as our featured creator. Bruce is a gifted photographer whose work seamlessly blends culture, lifestyle, and subject matter to produce visually striking and engaging content. In 2024, Bruce brought his unique perspective and creativity to The Kingsland Shoe Project, capturing a series of dynamic and creative images for our website relaunch.

Bruce’s thoughtful approach and deep appreciation for shoe design beautifully showcase how footwear resonates within culture. His ability to make photos and content leap off the screen has made him a sought-after collaborator for some of the world’s most renowned brands. We’re beyond grateful for his contribution to The Kingsland Shoe Project in 2024 and can’t wait to see what he creates next!

Amir Lavasani @loveskicks on Instagram is a sneakerhead blending authentic style with versatility. He loves clean kicks, hoops, family, his dog Kobe, and pizza.