Hey, sis! Let’s talk. I want us to spend some time away from the daily sneaker news, what’s on the hotlists, and what new collaborations are coming out just for a moment. Most of you are probably long-time readers and supporters of us at CNK Daily already, and for that, we appreciate you for always coming back. However, we know we have some new girls in the room who want the latest news and are trying to build up their sneaker collection and community. So, if you’re one of the newbies, this one's for you and you’re not alone. 

I joined CNK for some of the same reasons—I wanted to stay in the know of the sneaker community and find out what new drops were coming out. But I also wanted the information to come from a woman’s perspective to help me along my journey of becoming a true SneakHER head. I love sneakers, but my collection is small. Growing my collection felt very overwhelming at times because let’s be honest, it’s a lot to keep up with. I also didn’t know of any influencers or social media pages to follow at first that were catered to women’s sneakers. So I gave up and stuck with what I knew and just wore the few pairs I owned. But for the past few years, I started to see more women grow their own pages, websites, and youtube channels and build this community just for us. The growth definitely inspired me to come back in.

I wanted to bring back our “CNK Guides'' with an updated version on how we can truly become a sneakerhead, but stay true to ourselves and continue building the community at the same time. Our guides are designed to educate, empower, and help complement your already dope SneakHER Style, so this is the perfect opportunity to grab some inspiration as you start—or restart—your sneaker journey. Here are a few steps to keep in mind and guide you along the way.

Let’s go ahead and get this one out of the way—you do not have to buy all of the hypebeast sneakers just because everyone is talking about them. Building your sneaker collection is an investment and you want to be smart about spending your money. You can begin by making a list of your favorite sneaker and streetwear brands, favorite silhouettes, and understanding your own style. For instance, my all-time favorite sneaker is the Nike Air Max 90s. I love how clean and sleek they look with anything, whether I’m in sweats or in a full fit. I describe my personal style as “casual cute”—I stay lowkey, don’t do too much, but I’m always going to be put together. The Air Max 90s were the first pair I fell in love with because they fit who I am in every way. When you’re building your collection, make sure you see yourself in those sneakers and they align with who you are and compliment your style.

The next step is finding your community and who inspires you. Searching through the sneaker hashtags on social media is the fastest way to build your network with other like-minded women in the sneaker community. Follow their pages, engage with their posts, and save pictures of what you envision you would like your collection to ultimately become. This will also help you learn who all is in your area and finding what sneaker/streetwear events are happening around you that will give you the opportunity to meet new people. Sneakers have a special way of connecting and collaborating with different people. Making sure to network and keep up with people in the community around you could open doors for you that you didn’t even know existed.

Now that we know our style, we have our list of top sneakers we love, and we have followed and met a few people, it’s time to start shopping. First things first, you need to download your release calendars. Websites like Sneaker News and Nice Kicks are known for listing what is being released every day from the top sneaker brands. Adding these dates to your calendar will help you remember when and where your favorite drops are happening. Next, make sure you download the SNKRS app and fill out all of your billing and shipping information ahead of time so you’re not losing your spot when something is being dropped. Be prepared to take a few (or multiple) Ls when using this app because it does get difficult to win a draw for a shoe, especially if it’s popular. You can also stay up-to-date with communities like us at CNK Daily and sign up for newsletters to know what else is happening with women in sneakers outside of just shoe releases. Stay patient, stay ready, and have backup places just in case the odds were not in your favor the first time.

Once you start getting your first few pairs of sneakers in, the buying and collecting process becomes second nature. We know it’s going to be tempting to try to fill up the closet or sneaker room like some of our favorite SneakHER heads on Instagram, but you don’t have to rush the process. This is supposed to be a fun hobby! Enjoy finding those vintage gems and learning more about brands and collections that you weren’t too familiar with before. Spend time talking about sneakers with your friends and your new community on what they just bought. Your sneaker collection is a part of you. Have fun and enjoy the process. 

Extra Points: Storage and Accessories 

For some brownie points and extra things in your collection, it’s imperative that you keep your sneakers clean and well-kept so they will last as long as possible. Storing them in clear containers shields them from collecting dust, and keeping your shoe cleaning supplies on deck will eliminate wear and tear. 

You are now ready to fully be a SneakHER head and we’re so happy to have you here! Remember to stay true to yourself, treat your new sneaks with love, and always celebrate with the women in your sneaker community. 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, CHECK OUT “SNEAKHER GIRLS' GUIDE TO: YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS.”