The end of the year is almost here. So let’s review some of the hottest sneakers to drop in 2019. ComplexCon went down in LA two weekends ago and Joe La Puma debuted the top 10 sneakers of the year. After watching and completely disagreeing I decided to make my own list.
10. Nike React 270
I remember being super excited to see this model drop. The Nike team did an excellent job on this design. I’ve seen this model with suits and as streetwear. What I didn’t like about it was the materials used to make it. In addition, sections of the shoe have a felt feel so that dropped this silhouette to the bottom. Shop the 270 here.
Photo credit- Cappa23
9. Arizona Iced Tea collection
They created a crazy amount of hype around these. They were supposed to be released during a pop-up in NYC and sold for just 99 cents. But due to the overwhelming turn out the pop-up was canceled. I think they raffled the pairs off to people in the Tri-state area. The two pairs of Adidas Yung-1 were executed well.
photo credit: Drinkarizona Adidas Yung 1 Adidas Yung 1
8. Adidas Nite Jogger
Just a smooth shoe from Adidas. During my trip to Paris earlier this year, I saw so many people in these. They kind of give off a dad’s shoe vibe but with more appeal. The jogger is also comfortable and can often be affordable. Shop the Nite Jogger here.
7. Travis Scott Jordan 1
I have a like-hate with these. The fact that the shoe is brown kills it for me. Brown is the weirdest color on a shoe. Onto what I like about them… The swoosh is super dope and the almost hidden Cactus Jack logo is nice. I’m sure a different colorway would be more aesthetically pleasing to me. Although, this is a highly coveted drop it’s just my #7 pick for sneakers of the year.
Ig: Eweezy_3
7. Sacai x Nike LD Waffles
For this collab, Sacai used aspects from two different Nike models to create one dope shoe. The bright colors and the double swoosh really make this pair stand out. This shoe is definitely a statement piece, just ask Sue Bird.
Photo credit: Complex Sneakers IG: WNBAKicks
6. Jordan 6 collaborations
Onto #6, both Aleali May and Travis Scott took turns putting their flare on the Jordan 6. Aleali used pink as her focal color while Travis used olive green. I loved the stash pocket on the Travis pair, his best pair to date.
5. Reebok X Pyer Moss Experiment 4 Fury
This was my introduction to Pyer Moss and their brand. The shoe is gorgeous and the name caught my attention. They have a high-end appeal without losing the reebok feel making them my #5 on my list for sneakers of the year.
Photo credit: Hypebeast
4. NBY (Nike By You)
Formally known as NikeID, Nike By You had a great year. Nike did not allow several creators the opportunity to create unique pairs, they gave some of these options to the general public. Arike Ogunbowale even put her spin on a pair of the Nike Zoom Freak 1.
Asha Kay B for We are Cultivator Karabo Poppy options Heron Preston options Levi options by Roc Cactus Plant Flea Market Zoom Freak 1 by Arike Ogunbowale
3. Jordan 4 retro
In at #3 are the Jordan 4s. Jordan brand retro’d my favorite 4s and did right by both colorways. Each pair looked great in stock photos and on foot. Check out Brittney Skyes rocking the Cool Grey colorway.
Brittney Sykes in the Cool Grey IV
2. Fear of God 1
If you’ve read any of my other articles you’ve seen me mention these beauties. Let’s just admire WNBA player rocking this super dope shoe.
Ig: Jaszthomas
IG: Diamonddoesit1IG: Diamonddoesit1 IG: Chloeelynn_0
1. Cactus Plant Flea Market x Vapormax
My number one shoe this year. From the first teaser picture to the official drop, my eyes were glued on these shoes. Everything about this shoe is dope to me, the rollout, the packing, and the actual shoe. Cynthia Lu and her team went off on these.
17 Comments
I have to say the Jordan 6 releases were one of my favorite pairs to drop this year. But I must say NBY (Karabo Poppy) just hits different in how the design looks.
The KP options literally put artwork on your feet.
I can’t lie those retro 6s from Travis Scott have had my eye ever since they came on the scene
Rightfully so. Everything about the shoe is dope. They really paid attention to detail.
Addidas nite jogger all the way !
I thought I liked sneakers but you have an eye for them like a photographer has for pictures.my favorite is your #1 pick.
Makes me wanna trade in my pumps. Damn!
Hey there! This was a great top 10. Although I feel the React 270’s deserve a better placement! I know the material is a little funky but the silhouette and color ways were always a win!
Amazing article! If I could I would buy every single pair especially those NBY kicks those are dope!
Excellent Article!
I love the list. Wish your number 1 pick came in extended sizes for us Yacht Gang members.
I think I agree with number one…….honorable mention would have been the La Mezcla waaaaay underrated. I’m interested in a most underrated list
The Waffles were my faves. Pyer Moss was dope but not enough to make me pull the trigger on a pair of Reebok.
They’re a pretty shoe. They may just be a little narrow for me. By 2021 you’ll have at least two pairs of Reebok in your closet, watch!
travis scott 1s fo sho
Only Trav is getting away with brown on a Jordan.
Love the KP Nike ID options
Dope read. Bred 4s are my fav.