There are trainer wearers: people who, well, wear trainers. And then there are sneakerheads: frenzied collectors, bloggers, buyers and resellers responsible for an industry that, by 2020, is predicted to be worth $220bn; more than the GDP of New Zealand, Portugal or Qatar. And if you ask anyone in this modern-day subculture – which has its own boutiques, blogs, books, exhibitions and even pawn shops – how many pairs they own, the answer will frequently reach into the thousands. So surely whittling down the endless new releases, limited editions and collaborations these sneaker obsessives hustle, camp and queue around the block overnight to get their hands on would be an impossible task? Here are the greatest sneakers of all time.

Nike Air Max 1, 1987

Favourite sneaker of all time is, and always will be the original red, grey and white Nike Air Max 1. Launched in 1987, it was the first sneaker created by focusing on the midsole, an approach now used by every major sportswear company in the world. Thirty years on, the Air unit is still one of most copied design features and has even made its way into dress shoes.

Adidas Stan Smith, 1965

The Stan Smith was never supposed to be the Stan Smith. When Adidas first manufactured the sneaker in 1965, it was given to French tennis star Robert Haillet. It would be another eight years until Stan’s now-signature photo would grace the tongue of the shoe. What makes the Stan Smith the greatest sneaker ever isn’t who it’s named after, although Stan himself would go on to win both Wimbledon and the US Open during his tennis career. But rather that it’s a design so simple – with its white leather upper, perforated Three Stripes, and green splash on the heel – that it can’t be bettered. It’s become Adidas’ best-selling shoe ever and like Stan Smith the man, the shoe keeps on keeping on.

Air Jordan 3, 1988

It’s difficult to nail down the best of all time, but would say near the top of the list is the Air Jordan 3. The model was the brand’s saving grace in the late eighties, and helped cement Michael Jordan’s legacy within footwear. Everything from the elephant print to the tongue branding and flight script are all still synonymous with Jordan today. The now iconic ‘Jumpman’ logo also first appeared on this shoe, replacing the Wings logo on the Jordan 1 and 2. This, combined with the technical abilities of what most feel is the best off-court lifestyle sneaker, is why the Jordan 3 deserves a spot in the hall of fame.

Mita Sneakers x Reebok Classic Leather, 2013

Clean. Classic. Timeless. The Reebok Classic is the model that sparked the collecting bug for some. Leather, suede, mesh, nubuck – it doesn’t really matter. Add in a gum sole and you are set. There have been so many great releases over the years, but the 30th Anniversary pack, which contained collaborations like this one by Tokyo sneaker store Mita, as well as Michigan-based boutique Burn Rubber and the late sneaker journalist Gary Warnett, from 2013 tops the list.

Adidas Originals SL80, 1980

The Adidas SL80 in a navy/gold colourway. Released to coincide with the 1980 Moscow Olympics, the athletic shoe takes elements from its predecessor, the SL72, and runs with them.

New Balance M1300JP, 2010

As with most things New Balance does well, simplicity is the key to this all-time classic silhouette. Introduced in 1985 and hailed as the first running shoe to cost over $100, the JP still holds firm as the holy grail for many collectors of the brand. Re-released every five years, expect a scramble come 2020 as some try and catch a limited pair (or two, or three).

Nike Air Jordan 4 ‘Bred’, 1989

Whether they actually like them or not, every sneakerhead knows that few styles revolutionised the sportswear industry like the Air Jordans. Aside from having an endorsement from the greatest basketball player of all time and a campaign by legendary hypeman Spike Lee, Nike designer Tinker Hatfield completely transformed the blueprint of how athletic kicks could look.

Converse Chuck Taylor Hi-Top, 1936

The Converse Chuck Taylor high-top. The timeless style is what got many into sneaker collecting . Bought in a classic black colourway, they can be matched up with anything from a pair of jeans to shorts.

Common Project Achilles Low, 2004

Stripped-back silhouettes have been a ubiquitous trend across the sneaker market for a number of seasons now. Launched in 2004, Common Projects’ Achilles Low epitomises this new laid-back style and paved the way for simple sneakers as we know them to infiltrate every aspect of the male wardrobe, even tailoring. With their quality construction and wearable, minimalistic design, it’s easy to see why they are recognised as future classics.

Nike Air Max 1 Jewel, 2017

The Nike’s Crown Jewel of sorts, the Air Max 1 ‘Jewel’. After returning this year to duke it out with multiple OG releases, the Jewel displayed everything needed for a modern-day drop. Accents of colour on the branding pop against the monochrome palette, with the subtle Jewel swoosh showing addition by subtraction. After a series of drops this year the favourite being the ‘Carolina Blues’.