The Best Low-Top Shoe of the Year Award goes to the best low-cut shoe this year. The model must have a mid/high cut counterpart to be eligible.

      When it comes to lows, we look for an overall drop-top open air feel. Ventilation and breathability should be much improved - after all, low-cuts are best suited for the summer seasons. Another must have for a great low-top should be a smooth flowing design that looks natural. The progression from high to low-cut should be more than a chopped off version of the mid/high version. On the performance side, overall stability and performance is expected to be diminished but not to the point where the shoes can no longer be effectively played in. It is understandable that due to a different fit, lack of support and scaled down material, lows are not serious performance machines. Instead they are highly noted for their ability to be worn comfortably and casually.

      Our winner is a shoe that has always been about thinking outside the box. Back in 1993, Nike took the design elements of the Air Jordan VIII as far as it could push it. From the criss-cross straps to the edgy colorful patterns to the carpet tongues, the VIII is funky and not afraid to show it off. Fortunately, the Retro Lows has kept that traditional styling alive while getting rid of its top. The modern tweaks to the shoe makes the VIII Low sleek and fast. The straps are kept but for your eyes only. Only 1 of the two straps is being utilized - more for show than anything else. During casual wear, the strap can be hung loosely for a more relaxing fit. The VIII had been considered by many to be overly gaudy, insanely hot and heavy. Using the strategy addition by subtraction, the VIII Retro Low was able to cut back on 3 of its biggest complaints. Essentially, the VIII Low simply removed the High version's weakest links - height, breathability and weight.

      On the courts, the VIII Low is as good as any other shoe in the nominated field. It may not stand out in any performance category, but it can certainly handle its own. The performance difference when compared to its high top counterpart is not significant. The essential pedigree from the VIII is all there in the Low version. Off the courts is where the VIII walk away from the rest of the field. The black/red colorway has a classic retro styling that is refreshingly hip.