10 Performance Sneakers We're Looking Forward To This December

December 2013 sneaker releases

1.

December 2013 sneaker releases

The year 2013 has been an epic one in terms of performance footwear releases. And while we’ve seen numerous high-profile shoes hit the market all year long, it looks like brands have saved their best for last.

With the holiday season in full effect, December has a notable shoe for virtually every type of athlete. Whether you’re a runner, skater, baller or foot-baller, this month you’ll have the option of making major upgrades in your sneaker game. And if you’re ready to trade in your sneakers for some snowboarding boots, you’re going to like what the month has in store for you as well. Here are 10 performance sneakers we’re looking forward to this December.

Gurvinder Singh Gandu is a New York City-based writer and wear-tester for Sneaker Report, and contributor to Complex Media. Follow him on Twitter @GurvinderSG for the latest in performance footwear and gear.

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2.

topo-athletic-ST-1

Topo Athletic Speed Trainer

Category: Running
Release date: December 1, 2013

Despite being less than a year old, running specialty brand Topo Athletic is quickly gaining momentum in the footwear industry. To expand on its initial lineup, Topo welcomes a new addition to its unique split-toe sneaker collection in the ultra-lightweight Speed Trainer. Featuring a detachable 3mm EVA antimicrobial footbed,  co-molded 3 mm rubber outsole and 7 mm EVA midsole, the shoe is ideal for speed training, tempo runs and racing.

$90

3.

Mizuno-Wave-Ignitus-3

Mizuno Wave Ignitus III

Category: Soccer
Release date: December 2, 2013

Before you start trolling the comments section, we're well aware that the Wave Ignitus III has been on the market for quite some time now. BUT it makes our December 2013 release list due to the fact that starting this month, Mizuno will, at long last, introduce its soccer cleats to the U.S. market. Excited? We sure are.

$210

4.

Brooks-PureCadence3

Brooks PureCadence 3

Category: Running
Release date: December 2013

The Brooks PureProject running footwear line is set to enter its third installment in 2014, and it looks like each model (whether it needed it or not) will get some upgrades both in terms of aesthetics and performance, including the PureCadence—one of the most popular of the collection.

$120

5.

Nike-SB-One-Shot-Side-Above_original-copy

Nike SB Lunar One Shot

Category: Skateboarding
Release date: December 26, 2013

Nike SB is set to release their most technically advanced shoe this month. Touted as the most “wear-tested” Nike skate shoe to hit the market, the  competition-driven Lunar One Shot is approved by team riders Sean Malto and Shane O’Neill and described as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” by the Swoosh.

6.

Newton-Running-Elite

Newton Distance Elite

Category: Running
Release date: December 2, 2013

After creating a shoe specifically for its elite running team, Newton Running is now giving us average runners a chance to lace up like the pros. The all-new Distance Elite is lightweight racing flat that boasts the brand's proprietary Action/Reaction midfoot technology, along with features like a quick-dry mesh upper and asymmetrical lacing system for shear performance on the road. Newton will also release a limited edition Ironman version of the Distance Elite this month.

$155

7.

Nike-Lunarendor-QS-2

Nike Lunarendor QS

Category: Snowboarding
Release date: December 15, 2013

The state-of-the-art Lunarendor QS snowboarding boot is an innovative masterpiece in every sense of the word. Its Swoosh branding is integrated with 30 LED’s powered by an embedded lithium ion battery, with an on/off switch located at the top to allow riders to put on a real show at some of the season’s biggest nighttime snowboarding competitions.

$500

8.

Nike Kobe What the 8

Nike Kobe What The 8

Category: Basketball
Release date: December 6, 2013

Soon, Nike will replace Kobe Bryant's current signature shoe—the Kobe 8—with a next-generation model. But before that happens, the Swoosh will drop perhaps one of the most impressive Kobe 8 colorways to ever hit the market. Featuring an abstract design, the "What The 8" silhouette is a unique compilation that celebrates nearly 30 different releases of the Kobe 8. This shoe is a must-have for any basketball fan and/or sneaker aficionado.

$140

9.

Mizuno Wave Rider 17

Mizuno Wave Rider 17

Category: Running
Release date: December 5, 2013

Since its debut in 1998, the Wave Rider has established itself as a heavyweight in the neutral running category. Now, the seventeenth installment of the legendary shoe is on its way, and in case you missed our initial preview of it earlier this summer, this one looks to be better than ever.

$115

10.

Nike LeBron 11 Akron vs Miami

Nike LeBron 11 "Akron vs Miami"

Category: Basketball
Release date: December 7, 2013

Love him or hate him, there's no question LeBron James has one of the most popular and sought-after signature shoe series on the planet. And while the latest LeBron model, the 11, hasn't quite gotten the same response on the court as some of the previous versions, Nike continues to roll out some visually appealing silhouettes of the shoe, including this "Akron vs Miami" colorway inspired by LJ's journey from his hometown to his current city.

$200

11.

Nike-Air-Max-2014_4

Nike Air Max+ 2014

Category: Running
Release date: December 5, 2013

After a short stint on Nike iD, the next generation of the popular Nike Air Max+ running shoe will finally make its global debut this month. A shoe that has been on the Sneaker Report radar since last winter, the Air Max+ 2014 features an engineered mesh upper with a lightweight foam and seamless overlay that conforms to the shape of the foot and provides additional structure and support.

$180

Gurvinder Singh Gandu is a New York City-based writer and wear-tester for Sneaker Report, and contributor to Complex Media. Follow him on Twitter @GurvinderSG for the latest in performance footwear and gear.

RELATED: 10 Performance Sneakers We’re Looking Forward to This November
RELATED: 10 Performance Sneakers We’re Looking Forward to This October