We’ve still got a little while to go, but strap in, because 2019 delivered a lot on the footwear front, from modernist shoes to the inevitable reworks (and re-reworks of classic styles. There’s still time for a few more entries to make the list, but for now, these are the best sneakers of 2019 so far.
Cactus Plant Flea Market took inspiration from Nike’s trademark “Just Do It” slogan for the distinct style, which is defined by its deconstructed aesthetic. The textured translucent uppers are detailed with stitched-on green Swooshes and “Just Do It” lettering across its lateral sides. Other details include CPFM’s usage of the smiley face emoji on each heel, while semi-tinted VaporMax soles complete the design.
A surprise hit, a summer anthem, a true banger. The ASICS Tiger Gel-Kayano 5 360 x Awake has shaken the sneaker world as one of the most-wanted releases of the first 6 months in 2019, with a clear design and top-notch fabrics, AWAKE NY’s own Angelo Baque took inspiration from visits to Flushing Meadows Park in Corona Queens as a yungin’, which resulted in a silver and green design, above the iconic GEL-QUANTUM™360 mid-sole.
After a long time waiting, and many many teasers later, the new Nike and sacai collaboration approaches rapidly. While the other two colorways of the current release keep it rather simple, the third version makes no big deal out of it, it’s in your face, and we like it. While summer is almost over, you still have a few weeks to rock these without any problems.
This year has definitely Jerry Lorenzo’s. The LA-based fashion designer and all-around fashion icon has found the secret recipe with his Nike collaboration and especially with the Nike Air Fear of God 1. The high-top streetwear and lifestyle sneaker is a premium sneaker that is built with a full leather upper, rope-like lacing and visible Air cushioning. The first drop was already a huge success and this Nike Air Fear of God 1 in Sail will establish itself in exactly the same way.
After the announcement of the latest triple-black adidas Yeezy 350 V2 coming really soon, the three stripes have given the all-black silhouette a funky update. Minor red stitching on the heel look brings minor color to the overall stealthy silhouette with BOOST technology shining through the riffled midsole.
The track spike adorned silhouette by eccentric Virgil Abloh is the latest Off-White x Nike collaborative endeavor, pushing athletic visuals atop an aggressive model dubbed the Zoom Terra Kiger 5. Making way in a few colorways, this is arguably the most neutral, painrg black uppers with cotton candy like tones along its vicious outsole molds.
Bi-coastal boutique Bodega put forth one of the year’s biggest surprise hits when they dropped their collaborative New Balance 997S “No Days Off” back in April, and now they’re revisiting the sporty silhouette once again, as they’ve readied a “No Bad Days” makeup.
Taking the overlooked running silhouette into a more eclectic realm of design, the nuanced creative Samuel Ross pushes the concept of time and its relationship with the overall appeal of a sneaker. Donning the model with a technical Japanese Nylon, the collaborative capsule maintains a high-quality appeal while the removal of PU coatings accelerates the overall aging process.
A sneaker like non-other. The Nike Mars Yard Overshoe designed by contemporary artist Tom Sachs. The out-of-this-world sneaker boasts a nylon and polyester shell that could easily be your next moon expedition accomplice. Two straps with magnetic buckles and a drawstring ensure they fit properly. And yes, we have seen the cut-down versions, which reveals a slightly re-imagined Nike Mars Yard sneaker like the one from 2017 and the first release, but we feel the vibe of the Overshoe, it is so out there that we think you should rock it accordingly.
After Travis’ first two encounters with the Jumpman, the latest Air Jordan 1 is knocking on the most-hypes-releases-of-the-year door with a sledgehammer. But let’s talk details, the iconic basketball sneaker features the obvious but genius backward Nike Swoosh, a hidden collar pocket and Cactus Jack branding on the medial panel. The colorway stems from Travis’ childhood memories, a glimpse of what he remembers how his Jordan’s back then looked like. Further, we see embossed heel branding, the classic tongue Nike Air logo and hand-sketched logos on the inner part.