It has been a really good year for sneakers. Not only did we expand our CNK Crew with all of you, but we engaged with each other via social media on so many dope pairs. Our CNK Crew really showed up and out when it came to flexin their fly kicks, proving that women really know their sneakHER style.

Whether it was hype or nostalgia or just a good functional pair of shoes - we took quite a bit of wins when it came to purchases. When we missed out, we all leaned on each other to vent (LOL). CNK evolved as a brand this year too. From giving insights on the Air Jordan website, to our editorials and SneakHER Expression events in Charlotte and Houston. I mean, did you catch our interview with THE Aleali May during All Star weekend?

We took a moment to reflect on this year and all the good sneakers that hit the e-shelves. Realistically, there was way too many that we loved, but we picked some of our favorite pairs to share with you all.

Channing (Founder/EIC), Ticara (Sr. Style Editor/Creative Director), Kayce (eCommerce Manager), and Cassidy (Managing Editor) weigh in below. Check them out and enjoy!

#1. AIR JORDAN 1 MID ‘MELODY EHSANI’

If you ask us, the Air Jordan 1 "Melody Ehsani" was a top 5 release this year.  Aside from a killer aesthetic and the definite curb appeal, this sneaker was the culmination of a partnership that we've been waiting for ever since jewelry designer Melody Ehsani ended her longtime collaborative relationship with Reebok. Ehsani, who is only the third woman to release a signature shoe for the brand, not only made this sneaker her own but, created something that spoke to female collectors across the globe and even made avid lovers of the Jordan High embrace a Mid.  Until her second release in 2020, we're definitely keeping these in heavy rotation.

#2. SACAI NIKE LD WAFFLE

When we spotted the first iteration of the Nike x Sacai LD Waffle on the runway, we knew that this was going to be a buzzworthy shoe.  Fast forward to the end of 2019 and the LD Waffle (and it's variety of colorways) was certainly one of the most coveted sneakers of the year.  It even made our first SneakHER Expressions event in Houston one to remember.  

#3. AIR JORDAN XI ‘BRED’

The December 2019 re-drop of the Air Jordan 11 "Bred" was probably one of our favorite releases this year simply because it's always been so elusive.  From its original release in 1996, this OG colorway of the patent leather sneakers have always held a certain allure that made missing out on them a soar subject for a few of us.  Luckily, JB made this 2019 drop a family affair with a full size range in adult, big kids, little kids, pre-school, and toddler size offerings.  Basically, we finally GOT EM. 

#4. NIKE BLAZER MID ‘77 VINTAGE

I was able to get my hands on a pair at Kith in Miami and I feel in love with them instantly. It was cool to see this silhouette come back into the forefront this year with an assist from Virgil Abloh.  They were easy to style and just had such a vintage look to them. Hopefully, in 2020 we’ll see more classic color ways of this shoe.

#5. ADIDAS EQT GAZELLE

I’m usually not a fan of chunky sneakers they never have been my thing but these made it into my rotation towards the end of the summer. The colorways was extremely fire with the “Shock Pink” upper  but they were also very, very comfortable thanks to the EVA midsole. I honestly look forward to grabbing another pair in 2020, these have so much potential.

#6. AIR JORDAN 1 ‘BLUE CHILL’

I was really influenced when it came to this shoe. I thought they were cool upon the first images that dropped but once I started to see the imagery from brands like Footlocker and Finishline I was sold. These were a shoe that all the men wish came in their sizes but were strictly made just for us ladies. These became some of my most worn shoes in 2019. The navy and light blue patent elevated these sneakers. 

#7. YEEZY 500 ‘SOFT VISION’

The 500 is my favorite Yeezy silhouette, it’s always in rotation. Surprisingly sleek on foot and more comfortable than the Boost options (always open to debate lol), these check all the boxes for me. The Soft Vision colorway was a nice break from the muted earth tones and i’m still obsessed with this purple/pink hue.

#8. NIKE x AMBUSH AIR MAX 180

One of the things I love about Ambush is the experimentation in their designs. Yoon implements that ethos in whatever she touches, so I was so excited about this AM180 collab. The upper takes cues from the Air Zoom Flight (aka “The Glove”) with a traditional 180 sole. From the fit to the versatility of the sleeved upper, these are definitely for serving looks.

#9. NEW BALANCE 990v5

The original dad shoe. The New Balance 990 is the perfect mix of timeless design and comfort. On it’s 5th iteration, this year’s 990 provided a more refined look that everyone could feel good rocking. In the grey colorway, this one is definitely an everyday-er. From the office to happy hour.

#10. AIR JORDAN 1 ‘SATIN BLACK TOE’

This was another win for the ladies thanks for Jordan Brand WMNS Division. By taking an iconic colorway and giving it a subtle makeover with the red leather being replaced by a “satin” finish - the shoe became extra versatile for us ladies. We could rock it for a casual night out or dress it up - and we love options. For those of us that missed out on the coveted original men’s black toe colorway, this sneakHER made up for it.

#11. REEBOK CLUB C 85 x JAZERAI

A classic aesthetic was amplified by the messaging and details, which made it even more special. Jazerai Allen-Lord is not new to the sneaker game, and has been using her voice to empower other women for years. Her Reebok collaboration paid homage to not only her message, but served as a tribute for others who have positively impacted her journey. Brand storytelling is important, and Jazerai nailed it. Walk a mile in her shoes - literally.

#12. AIR JORDAN VI ‘ALEALI MAY’

We have preached about the ‘shrink and pink’ syndrome for a while, but streetwear style queen Aleali May shows us how it’s done. This Millennial Pink Air Jordan 6 served up a different tone on the retro, while Aleali used her style insights to prove the sneakHER could be worn various ways. I really loved the hue and how it can be paired with apparel through all seasons. Aleali’s AJ6 was in heavy rotation this year.

What have been some of your favorite releases this year? Drop us a message on Instagram, because we would love to hear your feedback. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2020!